Abstract:
An image capturing system includes an image capturing terminal and an external terminal communicating with the image capturing terminal. Either the image capturing terminal or the external terminal includes a terminal information acquisition unit having a sensor and acquiring the position of the local terminal and the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal from the sensor; and a calculation unit calculating a relative positional relationship between a subject and the local terminal. The image capturing system includes an instruction unit instructing a correction of the position of the local terminal or the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal based on calculation result information indicating a calculation result of the relative positional relationship calculated by the calculation unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an image capturing terminal, an external terminal, an image capturing system, and an image capturing method, which provide information for performing support for the composition determination of a camera. 
         [0003]    Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-066494, filed Mar. 23, 2010, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Techniques for taking photographs with a good composition are disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-010114 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2007-027945. 
         [0006]    Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-010114 discloses a technique of retrieving composition data which is recommended at a point on a local terminal from a recommended composition recording means within the terminal based on information about the position of the terminal as determined by a GPS (Global Positioning System), and displaying the composition data by superimposing it on the a real-time image of a camera. Using this technology, in the case of photographing at a point where composition data exists, it becomes possible to perform photography with good composition regardless of a user&#39;s skill. 
         [0007]    Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2007-027945 discloses a technique of acquiring and displaying a sample image from a dedicated database, based on photographing condition information such as the position information of a local terminal that is determined by a GPS and current date and time information. Using this technique, the sample image for determining the composition may be acquired as needed regardless of time or place and may be referred to for composition determination. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing system, which includes an image capturing terminal; and an external terminal communicating with the image capturing terminal. Either the image capturing terminal or the external terminal includes: a terminal information acquisition unit having a sensor detecting a position of a local terminal and an image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal and acquiring the position of the local terminal and the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal from the sensor; and a calculation unit calculating a relative positional relationship between a subject and the local terminal based on a position of the subject selected based on the position of the local terminal, the position of the local terminal and the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal. The image capturing terminal includes an instruction unit instructing a correction of the position of the local terminal or the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal based on a calculation result information indicating a calculation result of the relative positional relationship calculated by the calculation unit. 
         [0009]    Preferably, either the image capturing terminal or the external terminal further includes a storage unit storing a subject information including a position of respective subjects; and a selection unit selecting the subject based on the position of the local terminal and the position of the subject included in the subject information. The calculation unit calculates a relative positional relationship between the local terminal and the subject selected in the selection unit based on the position of the subject selected in the selection unit, the position of the local terminal and the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal. 
         [0010]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing terminal included in the image capturing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, which comprises at least the instruction unit. 
         [0011]    Preferably; the image capturing terminal further includes the calculation unit. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the image capturing terminal further includes the selection unit. 
         [0013]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external terminal included in the image capturing system according to the first aspect of the present invention. The external terminal includes at least the terminal information acquisition unit. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the external terminal further includes the calculation unit. 
         [0015]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image capturing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, preferably the instruction unit instructs correction of the position and the image capturing direction of the local terminal or the image capturing terminal according to any one of changes of display, audio, vibration, and weight. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the image capturing terminal further includes a correction unit having a driving mechanism that corrects the position or the image capturing direction of the local terminal or the image capturing terminal based on the instruction from the instruction unit. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the position of the subject and the position of the local terminal are three-dimensional positions, and the image capturing direction of the image capturing terminal is a direction within a three-dimensional space. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the calculation unit calculates the relative positional relationship between the subject and the local terminal at a predetermined time based on the position of the subject that is selected based on the position of the local terminal, the time when the subject exists in the position, and the position and the image capturing direction of the local terminal and the image capturing terminal. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the image capturing system further includes a setting unit setting a predetermined time. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the terminal information acquisition unit further detects an angle of view from a state of the image capturing unit. The calculation unit further determines whether the subject is outside or inside the angle of view based on the calculation result information. The instruction unit instructs a connection of the position of the image capturing direction of the local terminal only in the case where the subject is outside the angle of view. 
         [0021]    According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing method, which includes the steps of acquiring, by a terminal information acquisition unit having a sensor detecting a position and an image capturing direction of a local terminal, the position and the image capturing direction of the local terminal from the sensor; selecting, by a selection unit, a subject from subject information including positions of respective subjects based on the position of the local terminal and the positions of the subjects included in the subject information; calculating, by a calculation unit, a relative positional relationship between the subject and the local terminal based on a position of the selected subject and the position and the image capturing direction of the local terminal; and instructing, by a correction unit, correction of the position or the image capturing direction of the local terminal based on a result of the calculation calculated by the calculation unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating the working of an image capturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a process of notifying image capturing state change information according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a reference diagram illustrating a subject list according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6A  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6B  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6C  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6D  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6E  is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a photographing support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating the working of an image capturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating the working of a photographing support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is a reference diagram illustrating a subject list according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring subject information according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a process of calculating subject position prediction information according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a photographing support device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a photographing support device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 20  is a reference diagram illustrating a state of an automatic control according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 21  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0049]    A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are diagrams illustrating states of image capturing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. An image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is an example of a system that performs support for displaying a subject, which does not exist in a range of real-time image, in the range of real-time image. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the term “real-time image” is defined as an image that is captured by an image capturing unit, and an image (moving image) sequentially displayed on a display unit. 
         [0050]    In examples as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a user  100  acquires a real-time image  102  using an image capturing device  101 . The image capturing device  101  determines whether or not a subject  103  exists in the range of the real-time image  102 . If the subject does not exist in the range of the real-time image  102 , the image capturing device  101  notifies the user of the direction in which the subject  103  exists in superimposition with the real-time image  102 . 
         [0051]    It is sufficient if the subject  103 , which is a mountain in the first embodiment of the present invention, is a subject of which the position is calculable, but it is not limited to the mountain. In an example illustrated in  FIG. 1A , in the case where the subject does not exist within the range of the real-time image  102  that is acquired by the image capturing device  101 , the user  100  is notified of the real-time image  102  in superimposition with an arrow  104  that indicates the direction in which the subject  103  exists. 
         [0052]    In an example illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the state of the real-time image  102  is indicated in the case where the subject  103  exists within the range of the real-time image  102  that is acquired by the image capturing device  101 . 
         [0053]    As a method of notifying the user of the direction in which the subject exists, the arrow is displayed as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , but the notification method is not limited thereto. For example, diverse notification methods may be used, through flickering of LED, color change of LED, voice guidance, change of the weight, vibration, display of sentences or symbols, and the like. 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device  101  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image capturing device  101  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  includes an image capturing unit  200 , a display unit  201 , a user interface unit  202 , a terminal information acquisition unit  203 , a subject information acquisition unit  204 , a calculation unit  205 , a processing unit  206 , and a recording unit  207 . 
         [0055]    The image capturing unit  200  captures an image of the subject, and acquired a real-time image. The display unit  201  displays the real-time image acquired by the image capturing unit  200 . The display unit  201  notifies the user of the direction in which the subject exists in the case where the subject does not exist within the real-time image. The user interface unit  202  receives a user input such as a start command notification for subject selection or subject-existing directions. 
         [0056]    The terminal information acquisition unit  203  acquires position information of the image capturing device  101 , direction information that indicates the direction in which the image capturing device  101  is directed, elevation/depression angle information of the image capturing device  101 , and angle of view information of the image capturing device  101 . More specifically, the terminal information acquisition unit  203  is provided with, for example, a GPS sensor, and acquires the position information of the image capturing device  101  from the GPS sensor. The terminal information acquisition unit  203  is provided with, for example, a direction sensor (geomagnetic sensor), and acquires the direction information from the direction sensor. Also, the terminal information acquisition unit  203  is provided with, for example, an acceleration sensor, and acquires the elevation/depression angle information from the acceleration sensor. Also, the terminal information, acquisition unit  203  acquires the angle of view information by detecting the lens state of the image capturing unit  200 . It is also possible to acquire the position information and the direction information of the image capturing device  101  through the GPS sensor and the direction sensor arranged outside the image capturing device  101 . 
         [0057]    The subject information acquisition unit  204  acquires the position information of the subject. The calculation unit  205  calculates information on the change of the position of the terminal and the change of the image capturing direction that becomes necessary for photographing the subject based on information from the terminal information acquisition unit  203  and the subject information acquisition unit  204 , and outputs the calculation result to the processing unit  206 . The processing unit  206  controls notification of the direction in which the subject exists based on information from the calculation unit  205 . The recording unit  207  records a subject list that lists the subject information, subject-specifying information that specifies a subject that is selected by the user, a real-time image, and the like. The display unit  201  is one that is included in the processing unit  206 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  illustrates the working of an image capturing device  101  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the working of the image capturing device  101  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on  FIG. 3 . 
         [0059]    When a subject position notification command is issued, the image capturing device  101  starts a working of subject position notification (step S 300 ). At this time, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the subject position notification command is issued by user&#39;s selection of notification start using the user interface unit  202  or power input to the image capturing device  101 . However, the issuance of the subject position notification command is not limited thereto, and may be performed by making a specified impact on the image capturing device  101  or recognizing a specified image. In addition, diverse means may be considered to issue the subject position notification command. 
         [0060]    When the subject position notification command is received, the processing unit  206  acquires the position information of the image capturing device  101  from the terminal information acquisition unit  203  (step S 301 ), and notifies the subject information acquisition unit  204  of the acquired position information of the image capturing device  101 . The subject information acquisition unit  204  acquires subject candidates, which can be photographed in a position that is indicated by the acquired position information of the image capturing device  101 , from the subject list preserved in the recording unit  207 , and notifies the processing unit  206  of the acquired subject candidates. For example, the subject information acquisition unit  204  acquires the subject candidates existing in a predetermined distance from the position of the image capturing device  101  from the subject list. The processing unit  206  displays the acquired subject candidates on the display unit  201  (step S 302 ). 
         [0061]      FIG. 5  shows a reference diagram illustrating an example of a subject list according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in the subject list, various kinds of information of the known subjects (information on thumbnail, category, title, longitude, latitude, an altitude) are related to one another. In the subject list, photographs taken by other users, tag information of the photographs, and the like, may be related to one another, and the related information is not limited to the information as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0062]    When the user interface unit  202  receives the user input and the subject is determined, the processing unit  206  records the subject-specifying information that specifies the selected subject in the recording unit  207  (step S 303 ). The subject-specifying information may be any one of information that specifies the subject, such as the position information of the subject, the title of the subject, and the like. 
         [0063]    After the recording of the subject-specifying information, the processing unit  206  issues an image capturing state calculation command to the calculation unit  205  in order to acquire the terminal image capturing state change information that indicates the change of the terminal position or the image capturing direction. When the image capturing state calculation command is received, the calculation unit  205  calculates the direction in which the subject exists, and issues the image capturing state change information to the processing unit  206 . Here, in the case where the subject exists within a display range of the real-time image, the issued image capturing state change information does not include information that indicates the direction in which the subject exists, while in the case where the subject does not exist within the display range of the real-time image, the image capturing state change information includes the information that indicates the direction in which the subject exists. The processing unit  206  acquires the image capturing state change information from the calculation unit  205 , and notifies the user of the direction in which the subject exists (step S 304 ) by displaying an arrow or the like on the display unit  201  according to the image capturing state change information. Accordingly, the user&#39;s attention to the change of the position of the image capturing device  101  and the image capturing direction can be attracted. The details of the image capturing state change information notification process as indicated in step S 304  will be described in detail later. 
         [0064]    After the notification of the image capturing state change information, the processing unit  206  determines whether the subject change command has been issued. In the case where the subject change command has been issued, the processing proceeds to step S 301 , and the processing unit  206  performs the same process from the selection of the subject. In the case where the subject change command has not been issued, the processing proceeds to step S 306  (step S 305 ). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the user&#39;s selection of the subject change using the user interface unit  202  is defined as the subject change command. 
         [0065]    In the case where the subject change command has not been issued, the processing unit  206  determines whether a finish command notification has been issued from the user interface unit  202 . In the case where the finish command notification has been issued, the processing unit  206  finishes the notification of the position information of the subject, while in the case where the subject change command has not been issued, the processing unit  206  performs the process of step S 304  again (step S 306 ). 
         [0066]    In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the finish command notification is issued through the user&#39;s selection of the notification finish using the user interface unit  202  or power cutoff of the image capturing device  101 . However, the issuance of the finish command notification is not limited thereto, and may be performed by making a specified impact on the image capturing device  101  or recognizing a specified image. In addition, diverse means may be considered to issue the finish command notification. 
         [0067]      FIG. 4  illustrates the details of a process of notifying image capturing state change information indicated in step S 304 . When an image capturing state calculation command is received from the processing unit  206 , the calculation unit  205  issues a subject request command for requesting the subject information to the subject information acquisition unit  204 . When the subject request command is received, the subject information acquisition unit  204  retrieves a subject which coincides with the subject indicated by the subject-specifying information that is recorded in the recording unit  207  from the subject list that is preserved in the recording unit  207 . The subject information acquisition unit  204  acquires the position information of the retrieved subject from the subject list, and notifies the calculation unit  205  of the acquired position information (step S 400 ). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the longitude, the latitude, and the altitude, where the subject exists, are defined as the position information of the subject. 
         [0068]    After acquiring the position information of the subject, the calculation unit  205  acquires the terminal information of the image capturing device  101  from the terminal information acquisition unit  203  (step S 401 ). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the longitude, the latitude, and the altitude, where the image capturing device  101  exists and the elevation/depression angle, the direction, and the angle of view of the image capturing device  101  are defined as the terminal information of the image capturing device  101 . 
         [0069]    After acquiring the position information of the image capturing device  101 , the calculation unit  205  calculates a distance from the position of the image capturing device  101 , which is determined as the origin, to the subject and the direction in which the subject exists based on the longitudes and the latitudes of the image capturing device  101  and the subject (step S 402 ). The calculation unit  205  further calculates the elevation/depression angle of the subject, on the assumption that the position of the image capturing device  101  is determined as the origin, based on the altitudes of the image capturing device  101  and the subject and the distance from the image capturing device  101  to the subject (step S 403 ). 
         [0070]    After calculating the direction and the elevation/depression angle in which the subject exists on the assumption that the position of the image capturing device  101  is determined as the origin, the calculation unit  205  calculates a display range of the real-time image that is acquired by the image capturing device  101  from the elevation/depression angle, the direction, and the angle of view of the image capturing device  101  (step S 404 ), and then determines whether the subject exists within the display range of the real-time image (step S 405 ). 
         [0071]    In the case where the subject exists within the display range of the real-time image, the calculation unit  205  issues the image capturing state change information that does not include information that indicates the direction in which the subject exists with respect to the processing unit  206 , and finishes the image capturing state change information notification process. In the case where the subject does not exist within the display range of the real-time image, the calculation unit  205  calculates the direction in which the subject exists based on the display range of the real-time image, and the elevation/depression angle and the direction in which the subject exists on the assumption that the position of the image capturing device  101  is determined as the origin (step S 406 ). 
         [0072]    After calculating the direction in which the subject exists, the calculation unit  205  issues the image capturing state change information including information that indicates the direction in which the subject exists to the processing unit  206 . The processing unit  206  displays the direction in which the subject exists on the display unit  701  in superimposition with the real-time image that is acquired by the image capturing device  101  based on the received image capturing state change information, and finishes the image capturing state change information notification process (step S 407 ). 
         [0073]    As described above, using the image capturing device  101 , the position of a predetermined subject can be specified in any situation. Also, in the case where the subject does not exist within the display range of the real-time image, the direction in which the subject exists is notified, and thus it becomes possible for a user to easily place the subject within the range of the real-time image. 
         [0074]    Also, by outputting information on the change of the position of the image capturing device  101  and the change of the image capturing direction that is necessary for image-capturing the subject that is calculated using the terminal information including the position, the elevation/depression angle, the direction, and the angle of view of the image capturing device  101  and the subject information including the position of the subject in diverse methods such as display and the like, the subject position information can be notified. Accordingly, photography with a better composition can be supported. 
         [0075]    Also, using three-dimensional positions as the positions of the image capturing device  101  and the subject, the calculation of the elevation/depression angle of the image capturing device  101  can be performed. Because of this, the direction in which the subject exists can be three-dimensionally expressed. 
         [0076]    Also, using the angle of view of the image capturing device  101 , it can be determined whether the subject exists within the range of the real-time image. Because of this, the direction in which the subject exists can be notified only in the case where the subject does not exist within the range of the real-time image, and thus the load of the process of the image capturing device  101  can be reduced. 
         [0077]    Also, according to the image capturing device  101 , all processes from the acquisition of the terminal information that is necessary for image-capturing of the subject to the calculation in the direction in which the subject exists can be performed by the local terminal. Because of this, in comparison to the case where a part of the process is performed in other devices, time lag in data exchange between separate terminals can be eliminated. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0078]    A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIGS. 6A to 6E  illustrate states of photographing according to a second embodiment of the present invention. An image capturing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is an example of a system that supports composition determination through prediction of the position of a subject at a predetermined time such as an automatic shooting by predicting the position in which the subjects exists at the predetermined time and displaying the position of the subject by superimposing them on the real-time image. 
         [0079]    In an example as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a user  600  who carries a photographing support device  602  acquires a real-time image  603  using an image capturing device  601 , and position information that indicates the positions in which subject candidates  605   a ,  605   b , and  605   c  exist at a predetermined time  604 , which is transmitted from the photographing support device  602 , is displayed in superimposition with the real-time image. In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to designate a subject  606 , predict the time and the position in which the subject  606  exists in the range of the real-time image  603 , and display the information in superimposition with the real-time image. Also, in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to predict subjects  607   a ,  607   b , and  607   c  that will exist in the near future in the range of the real-time image  603  and display the time and the position in which the subjects exist in the range in superimposition with the real-time image  603 . 
         [0080]    The photographing support device  602  is a communication terminal that can perform radio communication, and is carried by a user  600 . In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the photographing support device  602  is a mobile phone. However, it is sufficient if the photographing support device  602  is a communication terminal that can perform radio communication, and is not specially limited to the mobile phone. 
         [0081]    The subject candidates  605   a ,  605   b , and  605   c  are subject candidates that can predict the positions at a predetermined time  604 , and in the second embodiment of the present invention, the subject candidates are the sun, an airplane, and a train, respectively. It is sufficient if these subject candidates are subjects that can predict the positions at the predetermined time, and are not specifically limited to the above-described subjects. 
         [0082]    The subject  606  is a subject that can predict the position at the predetermined time, and in the second embodiment of the present invention, the subject is the sun. However, it is sufficient if the subject is a subject that can predict the position at the predetermined time, and is not specifically limited to the sun. 
         [0083]    The subjects  607   a ,  607   b , and  607   c  are subjects that will exist in the range of the real-time image  603  in the near future, and in the second embodiment of the present invention, the subjects are the sun, an airplane, and a train, respectively. It is sufficient if these subjects are subjects that will exist in the range of the real-time image  603  in the near future, and are not specifically limited to the above-described subjects. 
         [0084]    In an example as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the user  600  who carries the photographing support device  602  acquires the real-time image  603  using the image capturing device  601 . In an example as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the position information of the subject candidates at the predetermined time  604  is calculated, and the subject candidates  605   a ,  605   b , and  605   c  in the range of the real-time image  603  are displayed in superimposition with the real-time image  603 . 
         [0085]    In an example as illustrated in  FIG. 6C , the time and the position information in which the predetermined subject  606  exists in the range of the real-time image  603  are calculated, and are displayed in superimposition with the real-time image  603 . In an example as illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the time and the position information of the subject candidates that are predicted to exist in the range of the real-time image  603  in the near future, which exist in the range of the real-time image, are calculated and displayed in superimposition with the real-time image  603 . In an example of  FIG. 6E , the position information in which a predetermined subject  608  exists at a predetermined time  609  is calculated and if the subject  608  exists within the range of the real-time image  603  at the predetermined time  609 , the position information is displayed in superimposition with the real-time image  603 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing device  601  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the image capturing device  601  will be described based on  FIG. 7 . The image capturing device  601  as illustrated in  FIG. 7  includes an image capturing unit  700 , a display unit  701 , a user interface unit  702 , a setting unit  703 , a processing unit  704 , a recording unit  705 , a terminal information acquisition unit  706 , a communication unit  707 , and an antenna  708 . 
         [0087]    The image capturing unit  700  captures an image of the subject, and acquired a real-time image. The display unit  701  displays the real-time image acquired by the image capturing unit  700 . Also, the display unit  701  displays the positions of subject candidates existing within the range of the real-time image at a predetermined time, the position and the time in which a specified subject exists within the range of the real-time image, or subject position prediction information that indicates the position and the time of a subject that will exist within the real-time image in the near future, all of which are output from the processing unit  704 , together with the real-time image. The user interface unit  702  receives an input of start, finish, and the like, of the position prediction of the subject from the user. 
         [0088]    The setting unit  703  automatically sets a prediction time or a subject that is the subject of prediction. The processing unit  704  performs control to output subject position prediction information acquired by the photographing support device  602  and time information that is set by the setting unit  703  to the display unit  701 . The recording unit  705  records the real-time image and the like. The terminal information acquisition unit  706  acquires position information of the image capturing device  601 , direction information that indicates the direction in which the image capturing device  601  is directed, elevation/depression angle information of the image capturing device  601 , and angle of view information of the image capturing device  601 . The method of acquiring the information is in the same manner as that according to the first embodiment. The communication unit  707  performs radio communication with an external communication device that includes the photographing support device  602 . The antenna  708  performs transmission/reception of radio waves for the radio communication. 
         [0089]      FIG. 8  illustrates the configuration of the photographing support device  602  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the photographing support device  602  will be described based on the drawings. The photographing support device  602  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  includes a subject information acquisition unit  800 , a recording unit  801 , a calculation unit  802 , a communication unit  803 , and an antenna  804 . 
         [0090]    The subject information acquisition unit  800  acquires the subject information that is necessary to calculate the position information of a subject at a predetermined time from the recording unit  801 . The recording unit  801  records a subject list that includes subject information. The calculation unit  802  calculates subject position prediction information from the terminal information that specifies the position, direction, elevation/depression angle, and the angle of view of the image capturing device  601 , which are acquired from the image capturing device  601 , and the subject information. The communication unit  803  performs radio communication with an external communication device that includes the image capturing device  601 . The antenna  804  performs transmission/reception radio waves for the radio communication. 
         [0091]      FIG. 9  illustrates the working of an image capturing device  601  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The working of the image capturing device  601  will be described based on  FIG. 9 . 
         [0092]    When a subject position prediction start command that is a command for starting a photographing support calculation that predicts the position of a subject is issued, the image capturing device  601  starts a subject position prediction calculation (step S 900 ). 
         [0093]    In the second embodiment of the present invention, the subject position prediction command is issued by power input to the image capturing device  601 , but the issuance of the subject position prediction command is not limited thereto. The subject position prediction command may be issued by making a specified impact on the image capturing device  101 , recognizing a specified image, or selecting the start of the subject position prediction by a user using the user interface unit  702 . In addition, diverse means may be considered to issue the subject position prediction command. 
         [0094]    When the subject position prediction command is issued, the processing unit  704  acquires the position information of the local terminal from the terminal information acquisition unit  706  (step S 901 ), and transmits the position information to the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 902 ). The processing unit  704  transmits the position information to the photographing support device  602 , and then receives a subject candidate list listing photographable subjects which can be photographed in the position of the image capturing device  601  from the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 903 ). When the subject candidate list is acquired, the processing unit  704  displays the subject candidate list on the display unit  701 . 
         [0095]    When the subject is selected by the user using the user interface unit  702  (step S 904 ), the processing unit  704  transmits the subject-specifying information that specifies the selected subject to the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 905 ). In the second embodiment of the present invention, there is a case where the subject is not specified. In this case, the subject-specifying information that does not include information that specifies the subject is transmitted to the photographing support device  602 . 
         [0096]    When the predicted time setting information that specifies the time at which the position in which the subject exists is predicted is set by the user using the user interface unit  702  after the subject-specifying information is transmitted (step S 906 ), the processing unit  704  transmits the predicted time setting information to the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 907 ). In the second embodiment of the present invention, there is a case where the predicted time is not set. In this case, the processing unit  704  transmits the predicted time setting information that does not include the information that specifies the predicted time to the photographing support device  602 . Although in the second embodiment of the present invention, the predicted time is set by the user using the user interface unit  702 , the setting of the predicted time may be automatically performed by the setting unit  703  according to the subject, and may not be limited to the setting by the user. 
         [0097]    When a terminal information transmission command is received from the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 908 ), the processing unit  704  acquires the terminal information from the terminal information acquisition unit  706  (step S 909 ), and transmits the terminal information to the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 910 ). In the second embodiment of the present invention, the position, elevation/depression angle, direction, and angle of view information of the image capturing device  601  may be considered as the terminal information. 
         [0098]    At the predicted time that is specified by the predicted time setting information after the terminal information is transmitted to the photographing support device  602 , the processing unit  704  receives the subject position prediction information that indicates the position in which the subject that is specified by the subject-specifying information exists from the photographing support device  602  via the communication unit  707  and the antenna  708  (step S 911 ). After receiving the subject position prediction information, the processing unit  704  displays the subject position prediction information on the display unit  701  in superimposition of the real-time image that is acquired by the image capturing device  601  (step S 912 ). The subject position prediction information includes position information of the subject within the real-time image at a predetermined time. In the case where the subject exists in the real-time image, the subjects (subject candidates  605   a ,  605   b , and  605   c  in  FIG. 6B , the subject  606  in  FIG. 6C , and the subjects  607   a ,  607   b , and  607   c  in  FIG. 6D ) are displayed in the positions within the image that is indicated by the position information. 
         [0099]    After displaying the subject position prediction information, the processing unit  704  determines whether a predicted time change command that is a command for changing the time to be predicted has been issued. If the predicted time change command has been issued, the processing unit  704  proceeds to the processing in step S 906 , and performs the process again from the setting of the predicted time (step S 913 ). 
         [0100]    If the predicted time change command has not been issued, the processing unit  704  determines whether a subject change command for changing the subject that is the subject of position prediction has been issued. If the subject change command has been issued, the processing unit  704  proceeds to the processing in step S 901 , and performs the process again from the acquisition of the position information of the image capturing device  601  (step S 914 ). 
         [0101]    If the subject change command has not been issued, the processing unit  704  determines whether the subject position prediction finish command that is a command for finishing the photographing support that predicts the position of the subject has been issued. If the subject position prediction finish command has not been issued, the processing unit  704  proceeds to the processing in step S 909 , and performs the process again from the acquisition of the terminal information. If the subject change command has been issued, the processing unit  704  finishes the subject position prediction calculation (step S 915 ). 
         [0102]    In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the subject position prediction finish command is issued through the power cutoff of the image capturing device  601 . However, the issuance of the subject position prediction finish command is not limited thereto, and may be performed by making a specified impact on the image capturing device  101 , recognizing a specified image, or selecting the finish of the subject position prediction by the user using the user interface unit  702 . In addition, diverse means may be considered to issue the subject position prediction finish command. 
         [0103]      FIG. 10  illustrates the working of the photographing support device  602  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The working of the photographing support device  602  will be described based on  FIG. 10 . 
         [0104]    When a photographing support start command that is a command for starting the working of providing subject position prediction information as indicated in step S 911  to the image capturing device  601  is received, the photographing support device  602  starts the providing of the subject position prediction information (step S 1000 ). In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the photographing support start command is issued through the power input to the photographing support device  602 . However, the issuance of the photographing support start command is not limited thereto, and may be performed by making a specified impact on the photographing support device  602 , or issuing the photographing support state command through the reception of the specified information from the image capturing device  601 . In addition, diverse means may be considered to issue the photographing support start command. 
         [0105]    When the photographing support device  602  that has received the photographing support start command starts the working, the calculation unit  802  receives the position information of the image capturing device  601  that is transmitted from the image capturing device  601  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804  (step S 1001 ). The calculation unit  802  retrieves the subject candidates existing in the neighborhood of the image capturing device  601  from the subject list that is recorded in the recording unit  801  based on the position information of the image capturing device  601  (step S 1002 ). By this retrieval, for example, the subject candidates existing within a predetermined distance from the position of the image capturing device  601  are extracted from the subject list. The calculation unit  802  transmits the subject candidate list that is a list of the subject candidates extracted by the retrieval to the image capturing device  601  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804  (step S 1003 ). 
         [0106]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a subject list according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the subject list is first classified by categories, and then is classified again by inherent subjects. It is exemplified that in the subject list, subject information (information on a moving path, an orbit, time at an intermediate point, and the like) for predicting the position of the subject at the predetermined time is related to the respective subjects, but the present invention is not limited thereto. 
         [0107]    After transmitting the subject candidate list to the image capturing device  601 , the calculation unit  802  receives the subject-specifying information that specifies the selected subject from the image capturing device  601  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804  (step S 1004 ). After acquiring the subject-specifying information, the calculation unit  802  receives the predicted time setting information set by the image capturing device  601  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804  (step S 1005 ). 
         [0108]    After acquiring the predicted time setting information, the calculation unit  802  acquires the subject information in accordance with the subject-specifying information, the predicted time setting information, and information on the subject candidate list (step S 1006 ). The processing in step S 1006  will be described later. 
         [0109]    After acquiring the subject information, the calculation unit  802  transmits the terminal information transmission command that is a command for acquiring the terminal information from the image capturing device  601  to the image capturing device  601  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804  (step S 1007 ). Thereafter, the calculation unit  802  receives the terminal information transmitted from the image capturing device  601  (step S 1008 ). 
         [0110]    After acquiring the terminal information, the calculation unit  802  calculates the subject position prediction information based on the terminal information, the subject information and predicted time setting information (step S 1009 ). The subject position prediction information calculation process indicated in step S 1009  will be described later. The calculation unit  802  transmits the calculated subject position prediction information to the image capturing device  601  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804  (step S 1010 ). 
         [0111]    After transmitting the subject position prediction information to the image capturing device  601 , the calculation unit  802  determines whether a prediction time change notification that is a command for changing the time at which the position of the subject is predicted has been received from the image capturing device  601 . In the case where the calculation unit  802  has received the predicted time change notification, the calculation unit  802  performs the process again from the reception of the predicted time setting information indicated in step S 1005  (step S 1011 ). 
         [0112]    In the case where the calculation unit  802  has not received the predicted time change notification, the calculation unit  802  determines whether the subject change notification that is a command for changing the subject that is the subject of position prediction has been received. In the case where the calculation unit  802  has received the subject change notification, the calculation unit  802  performs the process again from the acquisition of the position information through the image capturing device  601  that is indicated in step S 1001  (step S 1012 ). 
         [0113]    In the case where the calculation unit  802  has not received the subject change notification, the calculation unit  802  determines whether a photographing support finish command, which is a command for finishing the operation that provides the subject position prediction information to the image capturing device  601 , has been issued. If the photographing support finish command has not been issued, the calculation unit  802  performs the process again from the acquisition of the terminal information of the image capturing device that is indicated in step S 1008 . If the photographing support finish command has been issued, the calculation unit  802  finishes the providing of the subject position prediction information (step S 1013 ). 
         [0114]    in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the photographing support finish command is issued through the power cutoff of the photographing support device  602 . However, the issuance of the photographing support finish command is not limited thereto, and may be performed by making a specified impact on the image capturing device  601  or receiving specified information from the image capturing device  601 . In addition, diverse means may be considered to issue the photographing support finish command. 
         [0115]      FIG. 12  illustrates the details of the subject information acquisition process that is indicated in step S 1006 . The calculation unit  802  determines whether information that specifies the subject is included in the subject-specifying information received from the image capturing device  601  (step S 1200 ). If the information that specifies the subject is included, the calculation unit  802  acquires the subject information of the specified subject (step S 1201 ). If the information that specifies the subject is not included, the calculation unit  802  acquires the subject information of the whole subjects in the subject candidate list (step S 1202 ). 
         [0116]      FIG. 13  illustrates the details of the subject position prediction information calculation process that is indicated in step S 1009 . The calculation unit  802  determines whether information that specifies the subject is included in the subject-specifying information received from the image capturing device  601 . If the information that specifies the subject is included, the calculation unit  802  proceeds to the processing that is indicated in step S 1301 . If the information that specifies the subject is not included, the calculation unit  802  proceeds to the processing that is indicated in step S 1304  (step S 1300 ). 
         [0117]    In step S 1300 , if it is determined that the information that specifies the subject is included in the subject-specifying information, the calculation unit  802  determines whether the information that specifies the predicted time is included in the predicted time setting information received from the image capturing device  601  (step S 1301 ). If the information that specifies the predicted time is included, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the position information in which a predetermined subject exists at a predetermined time, and records the position information of the subject that exists within the real-time image at the predetermined time in the recording unit  801  (step S 1302 ). 
         [0118]    More specifically, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the position information of the subject at a predicted time based on the subject information acquired in step S 1201 . Also, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation such as in steps S 402  to S 404  in the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position information of the subject at the predicted time. Also, the calculation unit  802  calculates the position of the subject on the real-time image based on the display range on the real-time image in the image-capturing direction of the image capturing device  601  and the elevation/depression angle and the direction in which the subject exists if it is assumed that the position of the image capturing device  601  is the origin, and generates the subject position prediction information that includes the position information within the real-time image of the subject at the predicted time. The information calculated in step S 1302  corresponds to the information indicated in.  FIG. 6E . 
         [0119]    In step S 1301 , if the information that specifies the predicted time is not included, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the time and the position information in which the predetermined subject exists within the range of the real-time image, and records the position information of the subject existing within the real-time image and the time information in the recording unit  801  (step S 1303 ). 
         [0120]    More specifically, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the position information of the subject at plural times based on the subject information acquired in step S 1201 . Also, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation such as in steps S 402  to S 404  in the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position information of the subject at the respective times. Also, the calculation unit  802  calculates the position of the subject on the real-time image at the respective times based on the display range on the real-time image in the image-capturing direction of the image capturing device  601  and the elevation/depression angle and the direction in which the subject exists at the respective times if it is assumed that the position of the image capturing device  601  is the origin, and generates the subject position prediction information that includes the position information within the real-time image of the subject at the respective times. In this case, the information calculated in step S 1303  corresponds to the information indicated in  FIG. 6C . 
         [0121]    In step S 1300 , if it is determined that the information that specifies the subject is not included in the subject-specifying information, the calculation unit  802  determines whether the information that specifies the predicted time is included in the predicted time setting information received from the image capturing device  601  (step S 1304 ). If the information that specifies the predicted time is included in the predicted time setting information, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the position information in which the subject in the subject candidate list exists at the predetermined time, and records the position information of the subject that exists within the real-time image at the predetermined time in the recording unit  801  (step S 1305 ). 
         [0122]    More specifically, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the position information of the respective subjects at the predicted time based on the subject information acquired in step S 1202 . Also, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation such as in steps S 402  to S 404  in the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position information of the respective subjects at the predicted time. Also, the calculation unit  802  calculates the positions of the respective subjects on the real-time image based on the display range on the real-time image in the image-capturing direction of the image capturing device  601  and the elevation/depression angle and the direction in which the respective subjects exist if it is assumed that the position of the image capturing device  601  is the origin, and generates the subject position prediction information that includes the position information within the real-time image of the subject at the predicted time. The information calculated in step S 1305  corresponds to the information indicated in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0123]    In step S 1304 , if the information that specifies the predicted time is not included in the predicted time setting information, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the time and the position information in which the subject in the subject candidate list exists within the range of the real-time image, and records the position information of the subject that exists within the real-time image and the time information in the recording unit  801  (step S 1306 ). 
         [0124]    More specifically, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the position information of the respective subjects at plural times based on the subject information acquired in step S 1202 . Also, the calculation unit  802  performs the calculation such as in steps S 402  to S 404  in the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position information of the respective subjects at the respective times. Also, the calculation unit  802  calculates the positions of the respective subjects on the real-time image at the respective times based on the display range on the real-time image in the image-capturing direction of the image capturing device  601  and the elevation/depression angle and the direction in which the respective subjects exist at the respective times if it is assumed that the position of the image capturing device  601  is the origin, and generates the subject position prediction information that includes the position information within the real-time image of the respective subjects at the respective times. The information calculated in step S 1306  corresponds to the information indicated in  FIG. 6D . 
         [0125]    As described above, by using the image capturing device  601  and the photographing support device  602 , the position information in which the predetermined subject exists at the predetermined time can be displayed in superimposition with the real-time image. Because of this, even in the case of performing the automatic shooting that requires preparation of a camera through prediction of the position in which the predetermined subject exists at the predetermined time, which is representative as the photographing using a timer, the composition determination can be easily performed. 
         [0126]    Also, the position in which the subject exists can be calculated for each time. Because of this, the position information of the subject having higher precision can be calculated. 
         [0127]    Also, making use of the angle of view of the image capturing device  601 , it can be determined whether the subject exists within the range of the real-time image. Because of this, in the case where the subject exists within the range of the real-time image and in the case where the subject does not exist within the range of the real-time image, the following processing method may be changed. 
         [0128]    Also, since the image capturing device  601  can perform the acquisition of the subject information using the communication, it is not necessary to install the subject information acquisition unit in the image capturing device  601 . Accordingly, the processing load can be reduced to the extent that the load becomes unnecessary when the subject information is acquired. 
         [0129]    Also, the image capturing device  601  can acquire the subject position prediction information that is calculated by the calculation unit installed on the photographing support device  602 . Because of this, the processing of the image capturing device  601  can be performed by performing the display control through the processing unit  704  and the communication control by the communication unit  707 . Accordingly, the processing load of the image capturing device  601  can be reduced. 
       [Modifications] 
       [0130]    Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described two embodiments. 
         [0131]    For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the calculation of the image capturing state change information may be performed by the external photographing support device  602  as in the second embodiment of the present invention, and the image capturing state change information may be received from the photographing support device  602 . Also, in the second embodiment of the present invention, all calculations of the subject position prediction information may be performed by the image capturing device  601 . Although the subject information is acquired by the subject information acquisition unit in both the first and second embodiments, the subject information may be received from the external providing server using the communication unit. As described above, the configurations are not limited to those in the two embodiments as described above unless they depart from the scope of the invention. 
         [0132]    Also, for example, in the case where the subject is confirmed as shown in  FIG. 6E  in the second embodiment of the present invention, the notification method according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be used. That is, in the second embodiment of the present invention, if the position information of the subject at a predetermined time does not exist within the range of the real-time image, the direction in which the subject exists may be displayed in superimposition with the real-time image, while if the position information of the subject at a predetermined time exists within the range of the real-time image, the place or the direction may be displayed in superimposition with the real-time image. As described above, the configurations are not limited to those in the two embodiments as described above unless they depart from the scope of the invention. 
         [0133]    Also, for example, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the photographing support device  602  may be configured as an external server that provides the information, and a billing system may be installed so that when the image capturing device acquires the information by accessing the external server, the user pays the price with respect to the manager of the external server. 
         [0134]    Also, for example, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the terminal information acquisition unit is a block that provides the position information, the direction information, and the elevation/depression angle information. However, if the distance between the image capturing device and the photographing support device is sufficiently short, the terminal information acquisition unit may be divided into three blocks of a position information acquisition unit, a direction information acquisition unit, and an elevation/depression angle information acquisition unit, so that the direction information acquisition unit and the elevation/depression angle information acquisition unit are installed in the image capturing device  601 , and the position information acquisition unit is installed in the accompanying photographing support device  602 . 
         [0135]    Also, in the second embodiment of the present invention, if the distance between the image capturing device and the photographing support device is sufficiently short, the image capturing device and the photographing support device may be configured as the configurations as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In the image capturing device  601   a  illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the terminal information acquisition unit  706  in the image capturing device  601  as illustrated in  FIG. 7  is not installed. In the photographing support device  602   a  illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the terminal information acquisition unit  805  is added to the configuration of the photographing support device  602  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0136]    Under the circumstances where the user carries the image capturing device  601   a  and the photographing support device  602   a , the terminal information acquisition unit  805  acquires the terminal information of the image capturing device  601   a . The calculation unit  802  performs the calculation of the above-described subject position prediction information. 
         [0137]    Also, with respect to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the followings may be performed. The communication unit  803  transmits the terminal information acquired by the terminal information acquisition unit  805  to the image capturing device  601   a . In the image capturing device  601   a , the communication unit  707  receives the terminal information. The received terminal information is recorded in the recording unit  705 . Also, in the photographing support device  602   a , the subject information acquisition unit  800  reads the subject list recorded in the recording unit  801 , and selects a subject that is near to the position of the image capturing device  601   a . The communication unit  803  transmits the subject information of the selected subject to the image capturing device  601   a . In the image capturing device  601   a , the communication unit  707  receives the subject information. The received subject information is recorded in the recording unit  705 . The processing unit  704  reads the terminal information and the subject information from the recording unit  705 , and performs the calculation of the above-described subject position prediction information. 
         [0138]    Also, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition of the subject information may be performed by the image capturing device  601 . That is, the communication unit  803  of the photographing support device  602  transmits the subject list read from the recording unit  801  to the image capturing device  601 . The communication unit  707  of the image capturing device  601  receives the subject list. The received subject list is recorded in the recording unit  705 . The processing unit  704  reads the subject list from the recording unit  705 , selects a subject that is near to the position of the image capturing device  601 , and performs the calculation of the above-described subject position prediction information based on the subject information of the subject selected by the user using the user interface unit  702  among the subjects. 
         [0139]    Also, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the image capturing device may be configured to use the photographing support device as in the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 16  illustrates an image capturing device  1101  that is a modification of the image capturing device  101  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0140]    In the image capturing device  1101  illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the subject information acquisition unit  204  in the image capturing device  101  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is not installed. The image capturing device  1101  is additionally provided with a communication unit  1208  and an antenna  1209 . 
         [0141]    In the modification illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the terminal information, such as the position information of the image capturing device  1101 , the direction information, the elevation/depression angle information, the angle of view information, and the like, which are acquired by the terminal information acquisition unit  1203  illustrated in  FIG. 16 , is transmitted by the communication unit  1208 , for example, to the photographing support device  602  illustrated in  FIG. 8  through the antenna  1209 . The photographing support device  602 , which has acquired the terminal information transmitted from the image capturing device  1101 , in the same manner as in the second embodiment, transmits the subject candidate list to the image capturing device  1101  via the communication unit  803  and the antenna  804 . The subject candidate list transmitted from the photographing support device  602  is received by the communication unit  1208  through the antenna  1209 . The subject candidate list received by the communication unit  1208  is sent to the processing unit  1206 . The processing unit  1206 , which has acquired the subject candidate list, displays the acquired subject candidates on the display unit  1201  in the same manner as the first embodiment. 
         [0142]    As described above, in the modification of the embodiments of the present invention, the image capturing device, that is, the image capturing terminal, may be configured to have a communication unit (transmission unit) that transmits the information including the position of the terminal to the photographing support device, that is, the external terminal. 
         [0143]    Also, as an example of combining and using the photographing support device according to the second embodiment with the image capturing device according to the first embodiment of the invention, the image capturing device may be configured as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The example illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18  is an example that is configured by combining the photographing support device  2102  that is a modification of the image capturing device  602   a  illustrated in  FIG. 15  with the image capturing device  2101  that is a modification of the image capturing device  101  according to the first embodiment. 
         [0144]    In the image capturing device  2101  illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the subject information acquisition unit  204  and the terminal information acquisition unit  203  of the image capturing device  101  illustrated in  FIG. 2  are not installed. The image capturing device  2101  is additionally provided with a communication unit  2208  and an antenna  2209 . The photographing support device  2102  illustrated in  FIG. 18  is additionally provided with a processing unit  2302 . 
         [0145]    The photographing support device  2102  acquires the terminal information in the same manner as the photographing support device  602   a  illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The image capturing device  2101  receives the terminal information acquired by the photographing support device  2102  by the communication unit  2208  through the antenna  2209 . Also, the image capturing device  2101  receives the subject information such as the subject list and the like read by the subject information acquisition unit  2300  by the communication unit  2208  through the antenna  2209 . The subject information received by the image capturing device  2101  may be the subject position prediction information that is read and calculated by the processing unit  2302  from the terminal information and the subject information read from the recording unit  2301 . The subject position prediction information calculated by the processing unit  2302  includes the position of the subject that is selected from the subject information that includes the position of each subject based on the position of the terminal and the position of the subject included in the subject information. 
         [0146]    As described above, in the modification of the embodiments of the present invention, the image capturing device, that is, the image capturing terminal, may be configured to have a communication unit (reception unit) that receives information including the position of the terminal and the image capturing direction from the photographing support device, that is, the external terminal. 
         [0147]    As described above, in the modification of the embodiments of the present invention, the image capturing device, that is, the image capturing terminal, may be configured to have a communication unit (reception unit) that receives the subject information including the position of each subject from the photographing support device, that is, the external terminal. 
         [0148]    Further, in the modification of the embodiments of the present invention, the image capturing device, that is, the image capturing terminal, may be configured to have a communication unit (reception unit) that receives information including the position of the subject selected from the subject information including the positions of each subject based on the position of the terminal and the position of the subjects included in the subject information from the photographing support device, that is, the external terminal. 
         [0149]    The photographing support device according to the embodiments of the present invention ay be a server that is accessible through the Internet as illustrated in  FIG. 19  under the circumstances where the image capturing device is capable of accessing the Internet. Also, in the first and second embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the terminal information of the image capturing device may be acquired from an external device that measures the position information such as a GPS logger. 
         [0150]    In  FIG. 19 , the image capturing device  601   b  receives the terminal information from an external device  1601 , and transmits the terminal information to a server  1602 . The server  1602  performs calculation of the subject position prediction information based on the terminal information, and transmits the result of the calculation to the image capturing device  601   b . As described above, the configurations are not limited to those in the two embodiments as described above, and configuration elements may be increased or decreased unless they depart from the scope of the invention. 
         [0151]    For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the position in which the subject exists is notified the user using the display unit. However, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the subject may be automatically placed within the range of the real-time image.  FIG. 20  illustrates a system in which an automatic control unit  1701  automatically places a subject  1703  within a range of a real-time image  1702  in the case where the subject  1703  does not exist within the range of the real-time image  1702  that is acquired using an image capturing device  1700 . 
         [0152]      FIG. 21  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image capturing device  1700 . The block diagram illustrated in  FIG. 21  is almost the same as the block diagram of the image capturing device  101  according to the first embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , but the processing unit is additionally provided with the automatic control unit  1701 . The automatic control unit  1701  is, for example, a platform provided with a driving mechanism that can perform automatic control. In the case where the subject does not exist within the display range of the real-time image as a result of performing the calculation through the calculation unit  205 , the automatic control unit  1701  controls the direction of the image capturing device  1700  based on the direction in which the subject exists and the elevation/depression angle and the direction of the image capturing device  101 . Other configurations are the same as those as described according to the first embodiment. 
         [0153]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.