Patent Publication Number: US-2023136003-A1

Title: Information processing device and method for controlling image data thereof

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an information processing device and a method for controlling image data thereof. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A monitoring camera of the related art is installed fixedly in a shop or the like to store captured videos or still images in order to prevent and solve a crime. When a crime occurs, information for specifying a criminal can be obtained from the stored image. However, it is difficult to cope with a case where an individual is attacked by a burglar or the like in a place where no security camera is installed during commutation or going to school. In this regard, a portable security camera installed in a body of an individual to monitor the surroundings of the body at all times has been proposed. 
     As a background art of this technical field, JP 2006-86582 A (Patent Document 1) has been proposed. The apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a signal input unit that receives an image signal, a signal temporary storage that temporarily stores the received image signal, an emergency detection means that detects occurrence of an abnormality in or around a human body, and a signal accumulator that receives and stores the image signal from the signal temporary storage on the basis of the abnormality signal detected by the emergency detection means. In the technique of Patent Document 1, the image signal can be stored in the signal temporary storage or the signal accumulator by the abnormality signal such as a huge vibration detected by the emergency detection means without being removed. In addition, information is transmitted to a fixed station such as a security office and is provided for monitoring or storing purposes. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Document 
     Patent Document 1: JP 2006-86582 A 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     In the technique of Patent Document 1, even when a criminal takes away or completely destroys the portable security camera, the image signal can be stored in the fixed station, so that it is possible to prevent evidence photographs from being removed. For example, assuming that images are stored in an image data server via a network, if a user starts a camera photographing operation when going out from home, and forgets stopping the shooting when returning home, the images are stored in the home and are also transmitted to the image data server. This makes the image data unnecessarily transmitted and stored and disadvantageously increases data communication traffics or a storage capacity of the memory area of the image server. In addition, if a user forgets to start the camera photographing operation when going out, no image is stored in the image data server. That is, when a user forgets to start or terminate the photographing operation, image data are not stored, or unnecessary image data are stored disadvantageously. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an information processing device capable of realizing more suitable usability. 
     Solutions to Problems 
     According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an information processing device including: an image input unit that acquires image data from an optical image; a signal receiver unit that acquires a position computation signal; a communication unit that transmits the image data; a first memory unit that stores position information on a place from which no image data is transmitted; and a control unit that controls execution of transmission of the image data on the basis of position information acquired from the position computation signal and the position information stored in the first memory unit. 
     Effects of the Invention 
     According to the invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of realizing more suitable usability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an image recording device according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary software configuration of the image recording device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a communication system including the image recording device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are a diagram illustrating an exemplary exterior of the image recording device according to the first embodiment and a display example of a basic screen. 
         FIG.  4    is a flowchart describing an operation example of a camera function execution unit of the image recording device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating a display example of a camera function selection screen. 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display screen in a photographing condition setting process of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary unphotographing place registration process of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are a diagram illustrating a display example of the display screen in the unphotographing place registration process of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary reproduction process of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  are a diagram illustrating a display example of the display screen in the reproduction process of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary photographing process of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  12    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary photographing process according to a second embodiment. 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  are a diagram illustrating a display example of the display screen of the photographing process of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  are a diagram illustrating an exemplary installation state of the image recording device according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display screen of a warning screen of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  16    is a diagram illustrating an exemplary software configuration of an image recording device according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart describing an operation example of a camera function execution unit of the image recording device according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    is a diagram illustrating a display example of the camera function selection screen of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  19    is a flowchart illustrating an example of the route photographing process of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  20    is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display screen of a route list. 
         FIG.  21    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary new route registration process of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIGS.  22 A to  22 D  are a diagram illustrating a display example of a display screen in the new route registration process of  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  23    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary scheduled photographing process of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  24    illustrates an exemplary configuration in which the image input unit and the image recording device are separately provided. 
     
    
    
     MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG.  1 A  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an image recording device as an information processing device according to this embodiment. In  FIG.  1 A , the image recording device  100  has a main control unit  101 , a system bus  102 , a read-only memory (ROM)  103 , a random access memory (RAM)  104 , a storage unit  110 , an image processing unit  120 , a sound processing unit  130 , a manipulation unit  140 , a communication processing unit  150 , a sensor unit  160 , and an expanded interface unit  170 . 
       FIG.  1 B  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary software configuration of the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment and illustrates software configurations of the ROM  103 , the RAM  104 , and the storage unit  110 . Details will be described below. 
       FIG.  2    is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a communication system including an image recording device  100  according to this embodiment. In  FIG.  2   , the communication system includes an image recording device  100 , a wide-area public network  201  such as the Internet, a radio communication access point  202  of the wide-area public network, a base station  203  of a mobile telephone communication network, an image data server  211 , and a mobile telephone communication server  212 . The image recording device  100  may be a mobile phone or smart phone provided with a camera function, a digital camera, or the like. Alternatively, the image recording device  100  may include an image-recordable video camera, a portable game machine, a portable digital device, or the like. 
     In  FIG.  1 A , the main control unit  101  is a microprocessor unit that controls the image recording device  100  as a whole on the basis of a predetermined program. The system bus  102  is a data communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the main control unit  101  and each part of the image recording device  100 . 
     The ROM  103  is a memory that stores a basic operation program such as an operating system, or other application programs. The ROM  103  includes, for example, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or a rewritable ROM such as a flash ROM. A new version or a function expansion of the basic operation program or other application programs becomes available by updating the program stored in the ROM  103 . 
     The RAM  104  serves as a work area for executing the basic operation program or other application programs. Specifically, for example, the basic operation program  103   a  stored in the ROM  103  is deployed in the RAM  104 , and the main control unit  101  executes the deployed basic operation program, so that a basic operation execution unit  104   a  is implemented. In the following description, for simplicity purposes, it is assumed that a process of performing control of each part using the main control unit  101  by deploying and executing the basic operation program  103   a  stored in the ROM  103  on the RAM  104  is performed as the basic operation execution unit  104   a  performs control of each part. Note that this similarly applies to other application programs. 
     The ROM  103  and the RAM  104  may be integrated with the main control unit  101 . Alternatively, instead of the independent structure of  FIG.  1 A , a part of the storage area of the storage unit  110  may also be used as the ROM  103 . In addition, it is assumed that the RAM  104  has a temporary storage area that temporarily stores data as necessary when various application programs are executed. 
     The storage unit  110  stores setting values of each operation of the image recording device  100 , information on users of the image recording device  100 , and the like. In addition, the storage unit  110  may store still image data or video data photographed by the image recording device  100 . 
     A part of the area of the storage unit  110  may be partly or entirely substituted with the functions of the ROM  103 . In addition, the storage unit  110  is necessary to hold the stored information even when power is not supplied to the image recording device  100 . Therefore, for example, a flash ROM, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disc drive (HDD) or the like are employed. 
     The image processing unit  120  has a display unit  121 , a video signal processing unit  122 , a first image input unit  123 , and a second image input unit  124 . For example, the display unit  121  is a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel and provides video data processed by the video signal processing unit  122  to a user of the image recording device  100 . The video signal processing unit  122  has a video RAM (not shown), and the display unit  121  is driven on the basis of the video data input to the video RAM. In addition, it is assumed that the video signal processing unit  122  performs format conversion, a superimposing process for a menu or other signals such as an on-screen display (OSD) signal, and the like as necessary. The first and second image input units  123  and  124  are camera units that convert an optical signal input from a lens to an electrical signal using an electronic device such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor to receive video data for a surrounding or an object. Note that, since the data acquired from the camera unit are videos or still images, they will be referred to as “image data” including video data. 
     The sound processing unit  130  has a sound output unit  131 , a sound signal processing unit  132 , and a sound input unit  133 . The sound output unit  131  is a loudspeaker that provides a sound signal processed by the sound signal processing unit  132  to a user of the image recording device  100 . The sound input unit  133  is a microphone to convert sound from a user or the like into sound data and inputs the sound. Note that the sound input unit  133  may be provided separately from the image recording device  100  and may be connected to the image recording device  100  via wired or wireless communication. 
     The manipulation unit  140  is an instruction input unit used to input a manipulation instruction to the image recording device  100 . According to this embodiment, it is assumed that the manipulation unit  140  includes a touch panel  140   t  arranged overlappingly with the display unit  121  and a manipulation key set  140   k  in which button switches are arranged side by side. The manipulation unit  140  may also have only one of the touch panel  140   t  and the manipulation key set  140   k.    
     The communication processing unit  150  includes a local area network (LAN) communication unit  151 , a mobile telephone network communication unit  152 , and a BlueTooth (registered trademark) communication unit  153 . The LAN communication unit  151  is connected to a radio communication access point  202  of the Internet  201  via radio communication to transmit and receive data. The mobile telephone network communication unit  152  performs radio communication with a base station  203  of the mobile telephone communication network to transmit and receive a telephone communication (call) or data. The BlueTooth communication unit  153  performs radio communication with corresponding devices. Each of the LAN communication unit  151 , the mobile telephone network communication unit  152 , and the BlueTooth communication unit  153  has an encoder, a decoder, an antenna, and the like. In addition, they may also have an infrared communication unit or the like. 
     The sensor unit  160  is a group of sensors for detecting a state of the image recording device  100 . According to this embodiment, the sensor unit  160  has a global positioning system (GPS) receiver unit  161 , an acceleration sensor  162 , a gyro sensor  163 , a geomagnetic sensor  164 , an illuminance sensor  165 , and a proximity sensor  166 . Using this group of sensors, it is possible to detect a position, movement, inclination, direction, and surrounding brightness of the image recording device  100 , a proximity situation of a surrounding object, and the like. The sensor unit  160  may additionally have other sensors. 
     The expanded interface unit  170  is an interface group for expanding the function of the image recording device  100 . According to this embodiment, it is assumed that the expanded interface unit  170  has a video/sound interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a memory interface, and the like. The video/sound interface receives a video signal and/or a sound signal from an external video/sound output device and outputs a video signal and/or a sound signal to an external video/sound input device, and the like. The USB interface provides connection of a keyboard or other USB devices. The memory interface provides connection of a memory card or other memory media to transmit or receive data. 
     In addition, although not shown in the drawings, other configurations such as a digital TV broadcast receiver function, an electronic money settlement function may also be added. 
     Operations of the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment will now be described. Here, general operations/manipulations of a camera device, such as focusing or exposure, are well known in the art, and they will not be described. Furthermore, it is assumed that, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , operations of the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment are principally controlled by a basic operation execution unit  104   a,  a camera function execution unit  104   b,  and a position information acquirement execution unit  104   c  configured by deploying a basic operation program  103   a  of the ROM  103 , a camera function program  110   a  stored in the storage unit  110 , and a position information acquirement program  110   b  on the RAM  104  and executing them using the main control unit  101 . Alternatively, the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment may further include hardware blocks capable of realizing equivalent operations of the camera function execution unit  104   b  and position information acquirement execution unit  104   c  described above with hardware components, so that each of the hardware blocks may control the operations of the image recording device  100  instead of the camera function execution unit  104   b  and the position information acquirement execution unit  104   c.    
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate an exterior example of the image recording device  100  and a display example of the basic screen  121   a  according to this embodiment. Note that, in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the exterior diagram is created by assuming that the image recording device  100  is an information terminal device such as a smart phone.  FIG.  3 A  is a front view illustrating the image recording device  100 , and  FIG.  3 B  is a rear view illustrating the image recording device  100 . The left and right side surfaces and top and bottom surfaces are not illustrated. Note that, according to this embodiment, it is assumed that the first image input unit  123  is placed on the same side (front surface) as that of the display unit  121 , and the second image input unit  124  is placed on the opposite side (rear surface) of the display unit  121  as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . In the following description, the first image input unit  123  placed on the same side as that of the display unit  121  may be referred to as “in-camera”, and the second image input unit  124  placed on the opposite side to the display unit  121  may be referred to as “out-camera” in some cases. Note that the second image input unit  124  may not be placed on the same surface as that of the display unit  121  or the rear surface. In addition, the second image input unit  124  may be provided separately from the image recording device  100  or may be connected to the image recording device  100  via wired or wireless communication. 
     In  FIG.  3 A , the basic screen  121   a  is displayed on the display unit  121  when the image recording device  100  is powered on by pressing a power key  140   k   1 , or when a home key  140   k   2  is pressed during execution of any application program. A group of icons  121   a   1  associated with each application program executable by the image recording device  100  are displayed on the basic screen  121   a,  so that a predetermined application program associated with the selected icon is executed when any icon is selected. 
     Note that selection of the icon may be performed by tapping a predetermined region on a touch panel  140   t  corresponding to a position on the display unit  121  where a desired icon is displayed, or the like. Alternatively, the selection may also be performed by manipulating a manipulation key such as a cross cursor key and a selection key (not shown). 
     The icon  121   a   2  displayed on the basic screen  121   a  is an icon associated with a camera function program  110   a  characterizing the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment. The camera function execution unit  104   b  is activated by selecting the icon  121   a   2  by tapping or the like. Operation examples of the camera function characterizing the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowchart of  FIG.  4   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , when the icon  121   a   2  on the basic screen  121   a  of the image recording device  100  operating on the basis of the control of the basic operation execution unit  104   a  described above is selected by tapping or the like, the basic operation execution unit  104   a  activates the camera function execution unit  104   b  to transfer a control authority to the camera function execution unit  104   b.  In addition, in step S 101 , the camera function execution unit  104   b  displays the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  on the display unit  121  as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The camera function selection menu screen  121   b  includes a photographing icon  121   b   1 , a reproduction icon  121   b   2 , an unphotographing place registration icon  121   b   3 , a photographing condition setting icon  121   b   4 , and an end icon  121   b   5 . Subsequently, the camera function execution unit  104   b  receives a selection input for the icon of the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  from a user (S 102 ) and executes a branching process S 103  depending on the selected icon. 
     In S 102 , if a selection input for the end icon  121   b   5  is received, the camera function execution unit  104   b  returns the control authority to the basic operation execution unit  104   a  in the branching process S 103 . Furthermore, the basic operation execution unit  104   a  displays a basic screen  121   a  and terminates the operation of the camera function execution unit  104   b.    
     If the selection input for the photographing condition setting icon  121   b   4  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to a photographing condition setting process S 104  in the branching process S 103 . 
     In the photographing condition setting process S 104 , a photographing condition setting screen  121   c  is displayed on the display unit  121  as illustrated in  FIG.  6   . The photographing condition setting screen  121   c  includes a photographing interval setting box  121   c   1 , a checkbox  121   c   2  for setting an image storage destination to the image data storage area  110   c   3  of the main body, a checkbox  121   c   3  for setting the image storage destination to the image data server  211  connected to the wide-area public network  201 , a checkbox  121   c   4  for setting the photographing camera to in-camera, a checkbox  121   c   5  for setting the photographing camera to out-camera, and a return icon  121   c   6 , so that a user is allowed to set each photographing condition setting item. The photographing interval may change depending on position information of the terminal or the used time. The image storage destination may be set to any one of the image data storage area  110   c   3  of the main body, the image data server  211 , or both of them. In addition, the photographing camera may be set to any one of the in-camera, the out-camera, or both of them. For example, if the photographing camera is set to both the in-camera and the out-camera, it is possible to photograph front, rear, left, and right images around a user at the same time. The photographing condition set in this manner is stored in a photographing condition setting storage area  110   c   1  of the storage unit  110 . 
     If a selection input for the unphotographing place registration icon  121   b   3  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the unphotographing place registration process S 105  in the branching process S 103 . Here, the “unphotographing place” refers to a place where no image data is transmitted, or no image data is acquired or stored as described below. 
     If a selection input for the reproduction icon  121   b   2  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the reproduction process S 106  in the branching process S 103 . 
     If a selection input for the photographing icon  121   b   1  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the photographing process S 107  in the branching process S 103 . 
     The operation returns to S 101  after the photographing condition setting process S 104 , the unphotographing place registration process S 105 , the reproduction process S 106 , and the photographing process S 107 , so that the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     An exemplary unphotographing place registration process S 105  will be described with reference to the flowchart of  FIG.  7    and an example of the display screen of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , in the unphotographing place registration process S 105  of  FIG.  4   , first, the unphotographing place data is read from the unphotographing place storage area  110   c   2  of the storage unit  110  (S 201 ). Next, the unphotographing place registration screen  121   d  is displayed (S 202 ) as illustrated in  FIG.  8 A  to receive a selection input for the icons of the unphotographing place registration screen  121   d  from a user (S 203 ). 
     The unphotographing place registration screen  121   d  of  FIG.  8 A  includes a list  121   d   1  of registered unphotographing places, a new registration icon  121   d   2 , and a return icon  121   d   3 . According to this embodiment, two places  121   d   1 - 1  and  121   d   1 - 2  are displayed as a list  121   d   1  of the unphotographing places. A branching process is performed on the basis of the icon received as the selection input in S 203 . 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121   d   3  is received in S 203 , the unphotographing place registration process S 105  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 101  of the flowchart of  FIG.  4   , so that the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the new registration icon  121   d   2  is received in S 203 , the operation branches to the new registration process S 210  in S 204 , so that a new unphotographing place is registered and stored in the unphotographing place storage area  110   c   2  of the storage unit  110 . Then, returning to S 202 , the unphotographing place registration screen  121   d  is displayed. 
     In the new registration process S 205 , a new registration screen  121   f  is displayed on the display unit  121  as illustrated in  FIG.  8 B . The new registration screen  121   f  includes a registration icon  121   f   1 , a return icon  121   f   2 , a search box  121   f   3 , a search icon  121   f   4 , marks  121   f   5  and  121   f   6  representing positions of the unphotographing places registered in advance, and an icon  121   f   7  representing a position of the unphotographing place newly registered in addition to a map around the registered place. Information on the place newly registered as an unphotographing place is input to the search box  121   f   3 , and search is performed by tapping the search icon  121   f   4 , so that the icon  121   f   7  is displayed in the position corresponding to the searched place along with a map around the searched place. Alternatively, the position of the icon  121   f   7  is shifted by moving a position of the displayed map while touching a finger on the icon  121   f   7  and releasing the finger in a desired registration position. The position on the map where the icon  121   f   7  is displayed is newly registered as a position of the unphotographing place by tapping the registration icon  121   f   1 . 
     An exemplary reproduction process S 106  of  FIG.  4    will be described with reference to the flowchart of  FIG.  9    and an example of the display screen of  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , in the reproduction process S 106  of  FIG.  4   , first, a list of the photographed image data is acquired from the image data storage area  110   c   3  of the storage unit  110  or the image data server  211  connected to the wide-area public network  201  (S 301 ). Then, a photographed image list screen  121   g  is displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  10 A  (S 302 ). The photographed image list screen  121   g  includes a photographed image list  121   g   1  and a return icon  121   g   2 . Here, the photographed image list is displayed on a daily basis. 
     A selection input for the icon of the photographed image list screen  121   g  is received from a user (S 303 ), and a branching process is performed depending on the received selection input (S 304 ). 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121   g   2  is received in S 303 , the reproduction process S 106  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 101  of the flowchart of  FIG.  4   , so that the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the photographed image list  121   g   1  is received in S 303 , the image data corresponding to the selected list are read (S 305 ), and the reproduction screen  121   h  is displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  10 B  (S 306 ). The reproduction screen  121   h  includes an image display area  121   h   1  for displaying the read image data, a photographed date/time display area  121   h   2  for displaying a date/time at which the image data is acquired, a map display area  121   h   3  around a position where the image data is acquired, a photographing position mark  121   h   4  representing a position where the image data is acquired, a stop icon  121   h   5 , a reproduction icon  121   h   6 , and a return icon  121   h   7 . The image data read in S 305  at least includes a date/time at which the image data is acquired and data on the position where the image data is acquired as additional information. The photographed date/time display area  121   h   2 , the map display area  121   h   3 , and the photographing position mark  121   h   4  of the reproduction screen  121   h  are displayed on the basis of this additional information. 
     Then, a selection input for the icon of the reproduction screen  121   h  is received (S 307 ), and a branching process is performed depending on the received selection input (S 308 ). 
     If the selection input for the return icon  121   h   7  is received in S 308 , the operation returns to S 302 , so that the photographed image list screen  121   g  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the stop icon  121   h   5  is received in S 308 , a reproduction flag is set to OFF (S 309 ), and the operation advances to the branching process S 311 . 
     If a selection input for the reproduction icon  121   b   2  is received in S 308 , the reproduction flag is set to ON (S 310 ), and the operation advances to the branching process S 311 . 
     If there is no selection input in S 308 , the operation advances to the branching process S 311 . 
     In S 311 , the branching process is performed depending on the reproduction flag. If the reproduction flag is set to OFF, the operation returns to S 307 , so that a selection input for the icon of the reproduction screen  121   h  is received. If the reproduction flag is set to ON, the operation returns to S 305 , and the next image data is read. 
     Next, the photographing process S 107  of  FIG.  4    will be described with reference to an exemplary flowchart of  FIG.  11   . Referring to  FIG.  11   , a termination input for the photographing process is received (S 401 ). The termination input is received, for example, by displaying an end icon on the display unit  121  and allowing a user to tap the displayed icon, or the like. 
     Then, the branching process is performed depending on whether or not there is a termination input. If the termination input is received in S 401  (Yes), the photographing process S 107  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 101  of the flowchart of  FIG.  4   , so that the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     If the termination input is not received in S 401  (No), the position information acquirement execution unit  104   c  acquires position information on the basis of a position computation signal received by the GPS receiver unit  161  (S 403 ). 
     Then, a branching process is performed depending on whether or not a current position of the image recording device  100  acquired in S 403  is within a predetermined distance from the unphotographing place (for example, within 50 m) on the basis of the information on the unphotographing place registered in S 105  (S 404 ). If the current position is within a predetermined distance from the unphotographing place (Yes), the operation returns to S 401 . If the current position is out of a predetermined distance from the unphotographing place (No), a branching process is performed depending on whether or not a timer is activated (S 405 ). If the timer is activated (Yes), the operation advances to a branching process S 407 . If the timer is not activated (No), the timer is activated (S 406 ), and the operation returns to S 401 . 
     In S 407 , a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the timer value is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time on the basis of the photographing interval stored in the photographing condition setting storage area  110   c   1  of the storage unit  110 . If the timer value is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period of time (No), the operation returns to S 401 . If the timer value exceeds the predetermined period of time (Yes), the timer is reset and reactivated (S 408 ). 
     Then, image data is acquired from the selected camera depending on the camera selection in the photographing condition setting stored in the photographing condition setting storage area  110   c   1  of the storage unit  110  (S 409 ), and a branching process is performed depending on the image data storage destination setting set in the photographing condition (S 410 ). 
     In S 410 , a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the image data server  211  connected to the wide-area public network  201  is selected as the image data storage destination. If the image data server is not selected as the storage destination (No), the operation advances to S 414 . If the image data server is selected as the storage destination (Yes), a branching process is performed depending on a connection situation to the wide-area public network (S 411 ). If the connection to the wide-area public network is not established (No), the operation advances to S 414 . If the connection to the wide-area public network is established (Yes), the position information acquired in S 403 , the photographing time information, or the like are transmitted and uploaded to the image data server  211  by adding them to the image data acquired in S 409  (S 412 ). 
     In S 413 , a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the image data storage area  110   c   3  of the storage unit  110  is selected as the image data storage destination. If the image data storage area  110   c   3  is not selected as the storage destination (No), the operation returns to S 401 . If the image data storage area  110   c   3  is selected as the storage destination (Yes), the operation advances to S 414 . 
     In S 414 , the position information acquired in S 403 , the photographing time information, and the like are added to the image data acquired in S 409 , and are stored in the storage area  110   c   3 . Then, the operation returns to S 401 . 
     By virtue of the camera function of the image recording device  100  described above, when a user gets out of the place registered as the unphotographing place such as a home by a predetermined distance, the photographed image data and information on the photographing place can be stored in the image data server or the image data storage area  110   c   3 . In addition, since the image data and the information on the photographed place or the like are not stored when a user stays within a predetermined distance from the unphotographing place such as a home, it is possible to prevent the image data from being unnecessarily transmitted to the image data server and thus prevent an increase of the communication traffics or an increase of the capacity of the image data storage area  110   c   3  even when a user forgets to terminate the photographing. 
     Note that, when a network connection is not established in the setting for storing the image data in the image data server, the photographed image data is stored in the image data storage area  110   c   3 . Alternatively, the image stored in the image data storage area  110   c   3  may be uploaded to the image data server during the photographing process or when a network connection is established after the photographing process. 
     In the aforementioned example, storing the image in the image data server or the image data storage area stops when a user moves to a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place, for example, when a user goes back to the home from a visiting destination. Alternatively, storing the image is continuously performed for a predetermined period of time when a user moves out of a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place. As a result, even when there is an ambush or a thief in a home, it is possible to store an image of the criminal. 
     In the aforementioned description, the position information acquirement execution unit  104   c  acquires the position information on the basis of the position computation signal received by the GPS receiver unit  161 . Alternatively, without limiting thereto, the position information may be acquired by using information on a service set identifier (SSID) of the radio communication access point  202  provided in a home or school acquired by the LAN communication unit  151  as the position computation signal. In addition, whether or not a user is placed in a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place may be determined depending on whether or not the SSID of the radio communication access point  202  installed in a home or a school can be detected. 
     The photographing is terminated in response to the termination input of S 401 . Alternatively, the photographing may be terminated when a user moves to a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place. 
     Any one, any combination, or all of the photographing, storing the image data in the main body, transmission of the image data, and storing the image data in the image data server may be controlled depending on the unphotographing place. 
     As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device includes an image input unit that acquires image data from an optical image, a signal receiver unit that acquires a position computation signal, a communication unit that transmits the image data, a first memory unit that stores position information regarding a place where no image data is transmitted, and a control unit that controls execution of transmission of the image data on the basis of the position information acquired from the position computation signal and the position information stored in the first memory unit. 
     In addition, a method for controlling image data of an information processing device that acquires image data and transmits the acquired image data using a communication unit includes acquiring position information of the information processing device, and controlling execution of transmission of the image data on the basis of the acquired position information and position information stored in advance regarding a place where no image data is transmitted. 
     As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of realizing more suitable usability. 
     Second Embodiment 
     This embodiment is to prevent a monitoring image around a user&#39;s body from being not photographed depending on setting of a camera used in the photographing process S 107  of  FIG.  4   , an installation state of the image recording device  100 , or the like. 
     A photographing process S 107  according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of  FIG.  12   . Referring to  FIG.  12   , in the photographing process S 107  of  FIG.  4   , first, image data are acquired from the selected camera depending on the camera selection in the photographing condition setting stored in the photographing condition setting storage area  110   c   1  of the storage unit  110  (S 501 ). In addition, the position information acquirement execution unit  104   c  acquires position information on the basis of the signal received by the GPS receiver unit  161  (S 502 ). Then, the photographing screen  121   i  is displayed on the basis of the acquired image data and the position information as illustrated in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  (S 503 ). The photographing screen  121   i  has an image display area  121   i   1  for displaying the image data acquired from the selected camera, a map display area  121   i   2  for displaying a position of the image recording device  100  on the basis of the position information acquired by the position information acquirement execution unit  104   c,  a photographing position mark  121   i   3 , a return icon  121   i   4 , a stop icon  121   i   5 , and a record icon  121   i   6 . Here, if any one of the in-camera and the out-camera is selected in the camera selection of the photographing condition setting, the image acquired from any one of the cameras set as illustrated in  FIG.  13 A  is displayed on the image display area  121   i   1 . In addition, if both the in-camera and the out-camera are selected, the images acquired from both the cameras as illustrated in  FIG.  13 B  are displayed on the image display areas  121   i   1 - 1  and  121   i   1 - 2 . 
     Then, a maximum luminance level of the acquired image data is checked, and a branching process is performed (S 504 ). For example, if a user puts the image recording device  100  into his pocket while setting the out-camera as illustrated in  FIG.  14 A , the out-camera is hidden, so that the luminance level of the acquired image becomes very low. In this regard, if the maximum luminance level of the acquired image is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (Yes), a warning sound is generated, and a warning screen  121   j  is displayed in order to prompt a user to check the setting of the camera used in the photographing, the installation state of the image recording device  100 , and the like (S 522 ).  FIG.  15    illustrates an exemplary configuration of the warning screen  121   j.  The warning screen  121   j  has a checkbox  121   j   1  for setting the camera used in the photographing as the in-camera, a checkbox  121   j   2  for setting the camera used in the photographing as the out-camera, an end icon  121   j   3 , and a check icon  121   j   4 . 
     For example, if the warning screen  121   j  is displayed while the out-camera is hidden as illustrated in  FIG.  14 A , the checkbox  121   j   1  for setting the camera used in the photographing as the in-camera is selected. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG.  14 B , an installation state by which the out-camera can be used in the photographing is set. 
     Then, a selection input for an icon included in the warning screen  121   j  is received (S 523 ), and the branching process is performed depending on the received selection input (S 524 ). 
     If the check icon  121   j   4  is selected and received in the process of receiving the selection input S 523 , the operation returns to S 501 , and the image data is acquired from the selected camera. 
     If the end icon  121   j   3  is selected and received in the process S 523  of receiving the selection input, the photographing process S 107  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 101  as illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG.  4   , so that the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     If the maximum luminance level of the image acquired in S 501  is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (No) in the branching process of S 504 , a selection input for an icon included in the photographing screen  121   i  is received (S 505 ), and a branching process is performed depending on the received selection input (S 506 ). 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121   i   4  is received in S 505 , the photographing process S 107  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 101  illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG.  4   , so that the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the record icon  121   i   6  is received in S 505 , the record flag is set to “ON”, and the operation advances to the branching process S 510 . 
     If a selection input for the stop icon  121   i   5  is received in S 505 , the record flag is set to “OFF”, and the timer is reset (S 509 ). Then, the operation advances to the branching process S 510 . 
     If there is no selection input in S 505 , the operation advances to the branching process S 510 . 
     In S 510 , a branching process is performed depending on the recording flag. If the recording flag is set to “OFF”, the operation returns to S 501 , so that the image data is acquired from the selected camera. If the recording flag is set to “ON”, a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the timer is activated (S 511 ). If the timer is activated (Yes), the operation advances to the branching process S 513 . If the timer is not activated (No), the timer is activated (S 512 ), and the operation returns to S 501 . 
     In S 513 , a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the timer value is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time on the basis of the photographing interval setting stored in the photographing condition setting storage area  110   c   1  of the storage unit  110 . If the timer value is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period of time (No), the operation returns to S 501 . If the timer value exceeds the predetermined period of time (Yes), the timer is reset and reactivated (S 514 ). 
     Then, a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the current position of the image recording device  100  acquired in S 502  is within a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place on the basis of the information on the registered unphotographing place (S 515 ). If the current position is within a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place (Yes), the operation returns to S 501 . If the current position is out of the predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place (No), a branching process is performed depending on the setting of the storage destination of the image data set as the photographing condition (S 516 ). 
     In S 516 , a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the image data server  211  connected to the wide-area public network  201  is selected as the storage destination of the image data. If the image data server is not selected as the storage destination (No), the operation advances to S 519 . If the image data server is selected as the storage destination (Yes), a branching process is performed depending on a connection situation to the wide-area public network (S 517 ). If the connection to the wide-area public network is not established (No), the operation advances to S 520 . If the connection to the wide-area public network is established (Yes), the position information acquired in S 502 , the information on the photographing timing, and the like are added to the image data acquired in S 501  and are uploaded to the image data server  211  (S 518 ). 
     In S 519 , a branching process is performed depending on whether or not the image data storage area  110   c   3  of the storage unit  110  is selected as the image data storage destination. If the image data storage area  110   c   3  is not selected as the storage destination (No), the operation returns to S 501 . If the image data storage area  110   c   3  is selected as the storage destination (Yes), the operation advances to S 520 . 
     In S 520 , the position information acquired in S 502 , the information the photographing timing, or the like are added to the image data acquired in S 501 , and are stored in the image data storage area  110   c   3 . Then, the operation returns to S 501 . 
     In this embodiment, if the maximum luminance level of the acquired image is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, in S 521 , a warning sound is generated, and warning screen  121   j  is displayed in order to prompt a user to check the setting of the camera used in the photographing, the installation state of the image recording device  100 , and the like. Alternatively, selection of the camera may also be automatically switched. 
     If the second image input unit  124  is provided separately from the image recording device  100 , and a camera connected to the image recording device  100  via wired or wireless communication is employed, the connection of the camera may be checked when the photographed image is acquired in S 501 . Then, if the camera is not connected, the warning sound may be generated, and the warning screen may be displayed. 
     Third Embodiment 
     This embodiment is to cope with a case where a user performs photographing, for example, for a route from a home to a school. In this case, a section where the user uses a train or the like in the middle of the route is set as the unphotographing place. 
       FIG.  16    is a software configuration diagram illustrating the image recording device  100  according this embodiment. Like reference numerals denote like elements as in  FIG.  1 B , and they will not be described repeatedly. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16   , a route search program  110   d  and a schedule management program  110   e  stored in the storage unit  110  are deployed on the RAM  104  and are executed by the main control unit  101 , so as to provide a route search execution unit  104   d  and a schedule management execution unit  104   e.  In addition, a route information storage area  110   c   4  for storing the route information is provided in the storage unit  110 . The schedule management execution unit  104   e  generates an interrupt depending on a schedule interrupt setting described below, or a condition such as a setting time and a day of week. 
     In the following description, operations of the camera function characterizing the image recording device  100  according to this embodiment will be described with reference a flowchart of  FIG.  17    and a screen display example of  FIG.  18   . In  FIGS.  17  and  18   , like reference numerals denote like elements as in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , and they will not be described repeatedly. 
     Referring to  FIG.  17   , as an icon  121   a   2  on the basic screen  121   a  of the image recording device  100  that operates in response to a control of the basic operation execution unit  104   a  described above is selected by tapping or the like, the basic operation execution unit  104   a  activates the camera function execution unit  104   b,  and transfers a control authority to the camera function execution unit  104   b.  In addition, in step S 109 , the camera function execution unit  104   b  performs a branching process by checking whether or not an interrupt occurs by the schedule management execution unit  104   e.  If a schedule interrupt occurs (Yes), the scheduled photographing process is executed (S 110 ). If no schedule interrupt occurs (No), the camera function selection screen  12   b  is displayed on the display unit  121  as illustrated in  FIG.  18    (S 101 ). The camera function selection screen  121   b  includes a photographing icon  121   b   1 , a route photographing icon  121   b   6 , a reproduction icon  121   b   2 , an unphotographing place registration icon  121   b   3 , a photographing condition setting icon  121   b   4 , and an end icon  121   b   5 . 
     The camera function execution unit  104   b  receives a selection input for an icon included in the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  from a user (S 102 ) and executes the branching process S 103  depending on the selected icon. 
     If a selection input for the end icon  121   b   5  is received in S 102 , the camera function execution unit  104   b  transfers a control authority to the basic operation execution unit  104   a  in the branching process S 103 . In addition, the basic operation execution unit  104   a  displays the basic screen  121   a  and terminates the operation of the camera function execution unit  104   b.    
     If a selection input for the photographing condition setting icon  121   b   4  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the photographing condition setting process S 104  in the branching process S 103 . 
     If a selection input for the unphotographing place registration icon  121   b   3  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the unphotographing place registration process S 105  in the branching process S 103 . 
     If a selection input for the reproduction icon  121   b   2  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the reproduction process S 106  in the branching process S 103 . 
     If a selection input for the photographing icon  121   b   1  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the photographing process S 107  in the branching process S 103 . 
     If a selection input for the route photographing icon  121   b   6  is received in S 102 , the operation branches to the route photographing process S 108  in the branching process S 103 . 
     The operation returns to S 109  after executing the photographing condition setting process S 104 , the unphotographing place registration process S 105 , the reproduction process S 106 , the photographing process S 107 , the route photographing process S 108 , and the scheduled photographing process S 110 . 
     The route photographing process S 108  will be described with reference to an exemplary flowchart of  FIG.  19   . Referring to  FIG.  19   , first, the route information is read from the route information storage area  110   c   4  of the storage unit  110  (S 601 ). Then, a route list screen  121   k  is displayed on the display unit  121  as illustrated in  FIG.  20    (S 602 ). The route list screen  121   k  includes a registered route list  121   k   1 , a delete icon  121   k   2 , a new route icon  121   k   3 , a return icon  121   k   4 , and a start icon  121   k   5 . 
     Then, the camera function execution unit  104   b  receives a selection input for an icon included in the route list screen  121   k  from a user (S 603 ), and executes the branching process S 604  depending on the selected icon. 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121   k   4  is received in S 603 , the route photographing process S 108  is terminated as a result of the branching process S 604 . Then, the operation returns to S 101  of  FIG.  17   , and the camera function selection menu screen  121   b  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the delete icon  121   k   2  is received in S 603 , a registration of the route selected from the route list  121   k   1  is deleted from the route information storage area  110   c   4  (S 605 ). Then, the operation returns to S 602 , and the route list screen  121   k  is displayed. 
     A route of the route list  121   k   1  may be selected, for example, by tapping a predetermined region on the touch panel  140   t  corresponding to a position on the display unit  121  where the route to be selected is displayed. Alternatively, the selection may be performed by manipulating a manipulation key such as a cross cursor key and a selection key (not shown). In  FIG.  20   , a “GO-TO-SCHOOL” route  121   k - 1  is selected from the route list  121   k   1  and is distinguished, for example, by changing a color of the displayed route. 
     If a selection input for the new route icon  121   k   3  is received in S 603 , the operation branches to the new route registration process S 606  described below in S 604 , so that a new route is registered and is stored in the route information storage area  110   c   4  of the storage unit  110 . Then, the operation returns to S 602 , and the route list screen  121   k  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the start icon  121   k   5  is received in S 603 , an unphotographing section is set in a route selected from the route list  121   k   1  on the basis of the route information read in S 601  and is stored in the route information storage area  110   c   4  (S 607 ). Then, the recording flag is set to “ON” (S 608 ), and the operation advances to the photographing process S 609 . Here, the photographing process S 609  is similar to the photographing process S 107  described in conjunction with the flowchart of  FIG.  12   , and it will not be described repeatedly. Here, in S 515 , the branching process is performed depending on whether or not the position acquired in S 502  is within a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing section set in S 607 , and within a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place stored in the unphotographing place storage area  110   c   2  of the storage unit  110 . 
     The new route registration process S 606  will be described with reference to an exemplary flowchart of  FIG.  21   . Referring to  FIG.  21   , in the new route registration process S 606 , first, a route search screen  121 L for inputting a departure and a destination of the route is displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  22 A  (S 701 ). The route search screen  121 L includes, for example, a departure input box  121 L 1 , a destination input box  121 L 2 , a return icon  121 L 3 , and a search icon  121 L 4 . 
     Then, inputs for the departure input box  121 L 1  and the destination input box  121 L 2  included in the route search screen  121 L and a selection input for an icon are received from a user (S 702 ). A branching process is performed depending on the received selection input (S 703 ). 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121 L 3  is received in S 702 , the new route registration process S 606  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 602  illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG.  19   , so that the route list screen  121   k  is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the search icon  121 L 4  is received in S 702 , a route search is performed by the route search execution unit  104   d  on the basis of the information on the departure input to the departure input box  121 L 1  and the information on the destination input to the destination input box  121 L 2  (S 704 ). 
     Then, the route selection screen  121 M is displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  22 B  (S 705 ). The route selection screen  121 M includes, for example, a candidate route list  121 M 1 , a return icon  121 M 2 , and a determination icon  121 M 3 . A candidate selection icon for selecting one of route candidates obtained through the search of S 704 , route travel means such as walk or train, and the like are displayed in the candidate route list  121 M 1 . In this example, as an icon for selecting one of the route candidates, icons  121 M 1 - 1  and  121 M 1 - 2  are displayed, and the icon of the selected route is displayed by changing color. The route selection on the candidate route list  121 M 1  may be performed, for example, by tapping a predetermined region on the touch panel  140   t  corresponding to a position on the display unit  121  where the candidate selection icon is displayed. 
     Then, the camera function execution unit  104   b  receives a selection input for an icon included in the route selection screen  121 M from a user (S 706 ) and performs a branching process S 707  depending on the selected icon. 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121 M 2  is received in S 706 , the operation returns to S 701 , and the route selection screen  121 L is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the determination icon  121 M 3  is received in S 706 , an unphotographing section setting screen  121 N for selecting a section whose photographing image obtained from the camera is not stored for the route corresponding to the selected candidate selection icon is displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  22 C  (S 708 ). 
     The unphotographing section setting screen  121 N includes, for example, a route list  121 N 1  for each travel means, a return icon  121 N 2 , and a determination icon  121 N 3 . Route sections for each travel means, and a checkbox for setting the unphotographing section are displayed in the route list  121 N 1 . In this example, checkboxes  121 N 1 - 1 ,  121 N 1 - 2 , and  121 N 1 - 3  are displayed as the checkbox for selecting the unphotographing section, such that a checkbox for the selected route is distinguished by changing color. Here, for example, the checkbox  121 N 1 - 2  is selected, and the train section is selected as the unphotographing section. 
     Note that it is assumed that the image photographed by the camera is stored even when a user travels out of the route obtained from the route search in the middle of a section not selected as the unphotographing section. 
     Then, the camera function execution unit  104   b  receives a selection of the checkbox on the route list  121 N 1  and a selection input for an icon included in the unphotographing section setting screen  121 N from a user (S 709 ), and executes the branching process S 710  depending on the selected icon. 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121 N 2  is received in S 709 , the operation returns to S 705 , and the route selection screen  121 M is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the determination icon  121 N 3  is received in S 709 , the route registration screen  121 O is displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  22 D  (S 711 ). The route registration screen  121 O includes, for example, a registration name input box  121 O 1 , a schedule ON/OFF setting checkbox  121 O 2 , a time setting box  121 O 3 , a day-of-week setting checkbox  121 O 4 , a return icon  121 O 5 , and a registration icon  121 O 6 . A selection input for a day of the week for executing the route photographing may be performed, for example, by tapping a predetermined region on the touch panel  140   t  corresponding to a position on the display unit  121  where the day-of-week setting checkbox  121 O 4  is displayed. Here, the checkbox of the selected day of week is displayed by changing color. 
     Then, the camera function execution unit  104   b  receives an input for the registration name on the registration name input box  121 O 1  of the route registration screen  121 O, an input for the time on the schedule ON/OFF setting checkbox  121 O 2  and the time setting box  121 O 3 , and a selection input for an icon from a user (S 712 ), and executes the branching process S 713  depending on the selected icon. 
     If a selection input for the return icon  121 O 5  is received in S 712 , the operation returns to S 708 , and the unphotographing section setting screen  121 N is displayed. 
     If a selection input for the registration icon  121 O 6  is received in S 712 , information on the route selected from the route selection screen  121 M, information on the unphotographing section selected from the unphotographing section setting screen  121 N, information on the schedule for the route photographing, and the like are registered using the registration name input to the registration name input box  121 O 1  of the route registration screen  121 O, and are stored in the route information storage area  110   c   4  of the storage unit  110  (S 714 ). 
     Then, a branching process is performed on the basis of the schedule ON/OFF setting of the schedule ON/OFF setting checkbox  121 O 2 . If the schedule setting is set to “OFF”, the new route registration process S 606  is terminated, and the operation returns to S 602  illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG.  19   , so that the route list screen  121   k  is displayed. If the schedule setting is set to “ON”, the schedule management execution unit  104   e  is set such that an interrupt occurs at the date/time or the day of week input on the route registration screen  121 O (S 716 ), and the new route registration process S 606  is terminated. 
     The scheduled photographing process S 110  will be described with reference to an exemplary flowchart of  FIG.  23   . Referring to  FIG.  23   , in the scheduled photographing process S 110 , first, information on the routes registered in the schedule including the timing at which the schedule interrupt occurs is read from the route information storage area  110   c   4  of the storage unit  110  (S 801 ). A section registered as the unphotographing section is set as the unphotographing place on the basis of the read route information (S 802 ). Then, the recording flag is set to “ON” (S 803 ), and the operation advances to the photographing process S 804 . Here, the photographing process S 804  is similar to the photographing process S 107  described in conjunction with the flowchart of  FIG.  12   , and it will not be described repeatedly. Here, in S 515  of  FIG.  12   , the branching process is performed depending on whether or not the position acquired in S 502  is within a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing section set in S 802 , and within a predetermined distance range from the unphotographing place stored in the unphotographing place storage area  110   c   2 . 
     In the aforementioned example, a route from the departure to the destination is searched, and the unphotographing section is set for each travel means in the route, so that it is possible to easily register a section where a user uses a transportation means such as a train as the unphotographing section. In addition, the setting can be made such that the photographed image data and information on the photographed place are not stored for a relatively safe section in the middle of the route. Therefore, it is possible to save communication traffics transmitted to the image data server or a capacity of the image data storage area. 
     By setting the schedule of the photographing process, the photographing automatically starts. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user from failing to store image data by forgetting to start the photographing when going to school or the like. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, a user sets the unphotographing section in the route. Alternatively, data regarding safe sections such as public transportation means registered in advance may be stored in the storage unit as a factory setting, or may be acquired via a network to set them as the unphotographing sections. 
     A risk level may change depending on time even in the same place or the same route. In order to cope with such a problem, the unphotographing place or the route setting may change depending on time. 
     Data regarding safe places, sections, and time zones may be stored in the storage unit in advance as a factory setting or may be acquired via a network, so that a prompting function for prompting a user to start photographing in unsafe places, sections, and time zones may be provided. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, a user sets the schedule of the photographing process. Alternatively, on the basis of information regarding the day of the week and photographing timings in the list of the photographed image data stored in the image data storage area  110   c   3  of the image data server or the storage unit  110 , days of the week to be photographed and a photographing start timing may be automatically set as a schedule in a case where it is recognized that the image data starts to be acquired a predetermined number of times or more frequently at a regular basis for a predetermined period of time such as thirty minutes at nearly the same timing on nearly the same day of the week. The photographing start timing is set to, for example, the earliest timing having a predetermined time interval. 
     A case where the second image input unit  124  is provided separately from the image recording device  100  will be described with reference to  FIG.  24   .  FIG.  24    illustrates an example in which the camera  300  is provided separately from the image recording device  100 , and is connected to the image input interface of the image recording device  100  via wired communication. Naturally, they may also be connected to each other via wireless communication. In  FIG.  24   , for example, an infrared LED  301  is provided, and the camera  300  has an infrared camera function, so that image data can be acquired during the night time by performing the infrared photographing using the camera  300  by irradiating infrared rays from the infrared LED  301 . 
     As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device includes the image input unit that acquires image data from an optical image, a signal receiver unit that acquires a position computation signal, a communication unit that transmits the image data, a first memory unit that stores position information on places where the image data is not transmitted, a second memory unit that stores routes for each travel means between two points and sections in which no image data is transmitted in the routes for each travel means, and a control unit that controls transmission of the image data on the basis of the position information acquired from the position computation signal, the position information stored in the first memory unit, and the sections stored in the second memory unit. 
     The information processing device has a schedule memory unit that stores a date/time for obtaining the image data from the image input unit, and a schedule management unit that generates an interrupt at the date/time stored in the schedule memory unit. The control unit reads sections in which no image data is transmitted in the routes for each travel means stored in the second memory unit in the event of an interrupt, and controls execution of transmission of the image data on the basis of the position information acquired from the position computation signal, the position information stored in the first memory unit, and the sections stored in the second memory unit. 
     The control unit controls execution of transmission of the image data on the basis of the interrupt occurrence timing, the position information acquired from the position computation signal, and the position information stored in the first memory unit. 
     Functions of the invention described above may be realized partly or entirely as hardware by designing an integrated circuit or the like. Alternatively, functions of the invention may also be realized as software by allowing a microprocessor unit or the like to analyze and execute a program for implementing each of the functions. Alternatively, the functions of the invention may also be realized as both hardware and software. 
     The aforementioned embodiments have been described by assuming that functions of the invention are realized by executing three programs, including the camera function program  110   a,  the route search program  110   d,  and the schedule management program  110   e.  Alternatively, the functions of the invention may be realized by executing only one program having the same functions as those of each of the three programs. Each of the programs may be stored in the ROM  103  of the image recording device  100 , the storage unit  110 , or the like in advance as a factory setting. Alternatively, the programs may be acquired from the application server  211  or the like on the wide-area public network  201  via the LAN communication unit  151  or the mobile telephone network communication unit  152  after delivered from the factory. In addition, the programs may be stored in a memory card or the like and may be acquired via the expanded interface unit  170 . 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       100  image recording device 
       101  main control unit 
       102  system bus 
       103  ROM 
       104  RAM 
       104   a  basic operation execution unit 
       104   b  camera function execution unit 
       104   c  position information acquirement execution unit 
       104   d  route search execution unit 
       104   e  schedule management execution unit 
       110  storage unit 
       120  image processing unit 
       121  display unit 
       122  video signal processing unit 
       123  first image input unit 
       124  second image input unit 
       130  sound processing unit 
       131  sound output unit 
       132  sound signal processing unit 
       133  sound input unit 
       140  manipulation unit 
       150  communication processing unit 
       160  sensor unit 
       170  expanded interface unit