U.S. patent application number 12/591496 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-22 for digital camera.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Akira Ohmura.
Application Number | 20100097489 12/591496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27347938 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100097489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohmura; Akira |
April 22, 2010 |
Digital camera
Abstract
A digital camera includes a communicator that communicates with
other digital camera, a receiver that receives a camera information
of another digital camera and an imaging device that forms a
digital image of an object. The digital camera further includes a
processor that creates a digital image data from the digital image
based upon the camera information.
Inventors: |
Ohmura; Akira;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
TOKYO
JP
|
Family ID: |
27347938 |
Appl. No.: |
12/591496 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10316118 |
Dec 11, 2002 |
|
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12591496 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/222.1 ;
348/E5.031 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00347 20130101;
H04N 2201/3252 20130101; H04N 1/21 20130101; H04N 5/23206 20130101;
H04N 1/00244 20130101; H04N 1/2112 20130101; H04N 1/2137 20130101;
H04N 5/232939 20180801; H04N 2201/0084 20130101; H04N 2201/3205
20130101; H04N 1/0097 20130101; H04N 1/00251 20130101; H04N 1/00127
20130101; H04N 5/232933 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/222.1 ;
348/E05.031 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/228 20060101
H04N005/228 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2001 |
JP |
2001-378430 |
Dec 12, 2001 |
JP |
2001-378431 |
Dec 12, 2001 |
JP |
2001-378433 |
Claims
1. A digital camera comprising: a communicator that communicates
with another digital camera and receives digital image data from
the another digital camera; and a processor that creates a digital
image file from the digital image data based upon image format
information from the digital camera that receives the digital image
data.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the
communicator receives a raw image data corresponding to an output
produced from an imaging sensor.
3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image
format information includes at least one of image size information,
image resolution information or image compression ration
information.
4. A digital camera comprising: a communicator that communicates
with another digital camera and receives digital image data from
the another digital camera in a non-degraded form; and a processor
that processes the non-degraded digital image data received from
the another digital camera as if the digital image data had been
taken by the digital camera that receives the digital image
data.
5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the processor
creases a digital image file from the digital image data based upon
image format information.
6. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the
communicator receives raw image data from the another digital
camera that has not been degraded.
7. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the
communicator receives raw image data corresponding to an output
produced from an imaging sensor.
Description
[0001] This is a Division of application Ser. No. 10/316,118 filed
Dec. 11, 2002. The disclosure of the prior application is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of the following priority applications are
herein incorporated by reference:
[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-378430 filed on Dec.
12, 2001;
[0004] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-378431 filed on Dec.
12, 2001; and
[0005] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-378433 filed on Dec.
12, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Field of the Invention
[0007] The present invention relates to a digital camera which
creates an image data.
[0008] 2. Description of Related Art
[0009] In this field of the art, there is a digital camera having a
function to transmit/receive an image data to and from another
digital camera connected hereto with a cable or a wireless. And a
digital camera with a function to transmit/receive can receive an
image data and record it. But, a received image data is made up of
an image size and a resolution that were created by a
picture-taking digital camera and its size and resolution are
different from those of an image data taken by a digital camera
receiving an image. Therefore, in a case where a digital camera
manages an image data taken by another digital camera as an image
taken by its self, it will cause troublesome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In order to overcome the problems and disadvantages, the
invention provides a digital camera including a communicator that
communicates with other digital camera, a receiver that receives a
camera information of another digital camera and an imaging device
that forms a digital image of an object. The digital camera further
includes a processor that creates a digital image data from the
digital image based upon the camera information.
[0011] According to another feature of this invention, a digital
camera includes a communicator that communicates with another
digital camera and a receiver that receives a digital image data
from another digital camera. The digital camera further includes a
processor that creates a digital image file from the digital image
data based upon an image format information.
[0012] According to still another feature of the invention, a
digital camera includes a communicator that communicates with
another digital camera a receiver that receives a digital image
data from another digital camera. The digital camera further
includes a processor that processes the digital image data received
form another camera like a digital image data taken by the own
digital camera.
[0013] According to a further feature of the invention, a digital
camera includes a recording memory selector that selects a
plurality of memory, a image format selector that selects an image
format information each the memory and an imaging device that forms
a digital image of an object. The digital camera further includes a
processor that creates a plurality of digital image data from the
digital image based upon the image format information.
[0014] According to still further feature of the invention, a
digital camera includes an imaging device that forms a digital
image of an object, a communicator that communicates with other
digital camera and a receiver that receivers an information refer
of another digital camera. The digital camera further includes a
comparator that compares a performance of this digital camera with
a performance of another digital camera.
[0015] Other feature and advantages according to the invention will
be readily understood from the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of
an image data management system.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an interior configuration
of digital camera 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exterior appearance of
digital camera 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a transmission operation to be
executed in digital camera 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an image data record operation to
be executed in digital camera 1.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
digital camera 1.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a drawing to show a screen sample of a setting
screen to set for recording an image data after shot in a plurality
of recording media.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a record operation to be executed
in digital camera 1.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a drawing to show a display sample of a guide
information.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
digital camera 1.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
server computer 2.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a drawing to show a display sample of an album
page.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a drawing to show a display sample of an album
page.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
server computer 2.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
digital camera 1.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a flow chart to explain processing to create a
filename and title to be performed in server computer 2.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
digital camera 1.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed in
server computer 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] An embodiment of an image data management system in
accordance with this invention is explained as below.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration
of an image data management system. The system of this invention
comprises digital cameras 1 and 3 and server computers 2 and 4.
Digital camera 1 and server computer 2 are electrically connected
to each other through a network such as the Internet or so.
Similarly, digital camera 3 and server computer 4 are electrically
connected to each other through a network such as the Internet or
so. In order that digital cameras 1 and 3 can communicate with
server computers 2 and 4 via the Internet, an internet provider is
necessary, but as it has nothing to do with this invention, an
explanation of an internet provider is omitted here. Though FIG. 1
shows a system using Internet, this system may be realized by means
of a network like LAN (stands for Local Area Network) or extranet
or so. Digital cameras 1 and 3 can be electrically connected to
each other via a wireless communication such like LAN, a blue truth
or an Infrared communication. Digital camera 1 creates an image
data made up of a digital data by photographing a subject. And
digital camera 1 is connected to the Internet with a wireless or a
cable, communicates with server computer 2 and transmits a created
image data to server computer 2. Details of digital camera 1 are
explained later by referring to FIG. 2. As digital camera 3 is the
same as digital camera 1, an explanation of digital camera 3 is
also omitted here.
[0036] Server computer 2 is a server including an image storage
unit capable of storing an image data transmitted from digital
camera 1. Server computer 2 has a database of information about
interesting spots of sightseeing, theme parks and a map information
and provides a web site to distribute information as a guide
information. As server computer 4 is the same as server computer 2,
server computer 4's explanation is omitted.
[0037] An inside configuration of digital camera 1 is explained as
below. FIG. 2 is a function block diagram showing an inside
configuration of digital camera 1. Digital camera 1 is provided
with CPU 101, communication circuit 102, monitor 103, switching
circuit 104, built-in memory 105, memory card slot 106, image
processing circuit 107 and GPS circuit 108. But, it is a matter of
course that in addition to the above, various circuits such as an
imaging sensor and so forth are used. But, since they have nothing
to do with this invention, the explanations of them are
omitted.
[0038] CPU 101 manages circuits built in digital camera 1 and all
operations of digital camera 1. Communication circuit 102 is
connected to a network such as the Internet or so with a cable or a
wireless and the one that transmits/receives a signal via a network
such as the Internet. Digital camera 1 communicates with server
computer 2 and other digital cameras via communication circuit 102.
Monitor 103 is made up of LCD panel or so and displays a
photographed image, a menu, a warning and so on. Switching circuit
104 is electrically connected to various buttons and switches
provided in digital camera 1 and the one that detects the
operations of various buttons and switches.
[0039] Built-in memory 105 is the one to hold a program data such
as a firmware or so to control digital camera 1. Besides a program
data, built-in memory 105 holds various kinds of data such as a
site information or so. Memory card slot 106 writes in a
photographed image data on a memory card in use. Image processing
circuit 107 executes an image processing on an image data generated
from an imaging sensor and also on an image data transmitted from
other digital cameras. GPS circuit 108 is the one to detect a
position information.
[0040] Next, Operating units/buttons and the like provided in
digital camera 1 are explained. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an
exterior appearance of digital camera 1. Digital camera 1 is
provided with monitor 103, shutter release button 111,
communication button 110 and dial 112. Explanations of other units
are omitted although they are also provided.
[0041] Shutter release button 111 is the one for use in shooting.
Communication button 110 is the one used to start communication
with another digital camera. Shutter release button functions as a
two-way switch with a halfway and a full depression. Dial 112 is
the one to select a parameter when various settings are set.
[0042] Via an operation of a button and/or a dial, various settings
become possible. Digital camera 3 is also provided with the same
functions and operating buttons/dial of digital camera 1. An
operation of a digital camera in accordance with this invention is
explained.
[0043] In a case where you want to take a picture (an image data)
of you being a subject with your friend on a trip, for example, a
third person is asked to release a shutter on behalf of you. In
this case, if a third person takes the pictures respectively with
each different digital camera which you and your friend(s) carries,
each taken image data is recorded on each memory of digital
cameras. And when a taken image data has been set to be transmitted
to server computer 2, it will be transmitted to a given folder in a
memory of server computer 2. However, when you need an image data
that a subject to be taken is all members of a group, it would take
much time to finish shooting as a picture must be taken with each
camera and it might cause a third person lots of workload.
[0044] In a case where an image data of plural people as a subject
was photographed with a single digital camera, they will be able to
obtain an image data by transmitting or downloading it via a
terminal such as a camera, a PC and so after getting home or at a
staying hotel and so on. But, bits of operation skills to transmit
or download are necessary, which might also become cumbersome.
[0045] A digital camera in accordance with the embodiment of this
invention, in these cases, automatically transmits an image data to
another digital camera of the other person when a digital camera
takes a picture. An operation to transmit an image data to another
digital camera is explained below. Specifically, an embodiment of
an operation to transmit an image data from digital camera 1 to
digital camera 3 is explained. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a
transmitting operation to be executed in digital camera 1. A flow
of FIG. 4 starts when digital camera 1 is electrically connected to
digital camera 3 of a receiving end in a state of being capable of
communicating with digital camera 3 by a wireless. According to
this embodiment, by operating a button corresponding to
communication button 110 of digital camera 1 respectively,
communication starts between each digital camera.
[0046] In step S101, digital camera 1 starts communication with
digital camera 3 of a receiving end and detects information about a
camera maker, a product model and so on. In step S102, it is
detected if digital camera 3 is the same model of digital camera 1
and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S103 and if not, a flow
proceeds to step S104.
[0047] In step S103, when digital camera 3 is the same model of
digital camera 1, a RAW data is set to be transmitted. A RAW data
is an image-recording method that an imaging data generated from an
imaging sensor is recorded as an image data almost as it is. A RAW
data has no versatility since a method of a RAW data depends on a
maker. Thus, as it is impossible to reproduce a RAW data with a
different camera maker and a different model, a processing of a
size change, compression and so can not be executed on an image
data.
[0048] The reason why a RAW data is transmitted is that an image
processing can be executed on a non-degraded image data by
transmitting a RAW data to the same digital camera. In step S104,
it is detected if digital camera 3 is a model capable of reading
out a picture-taking setting information and if yes, a flow
proceeds to step S105 and if not, a flow proceeds to step S107. A
model capable of reading out a picture-taking setting information
is a digital camera that is so designed beforehand as to enable to
read out a picture-taking setting information. In step S105, a
picture-taking setting information of digital camera 3 is retrieved
and an operation to transmit an image data according to the
retrieved picture-taking setting is set.
[0049] In step S106, an image data with a predetermined image size
and a compression ratio is set to be transmitted. In step S107, it
is detected if a picture was taken and if yes, a flow proceeds to
step S108 and if not, detection continues. In step S108, an image
data is created in accordance with an established picture-taking
setting. In step S109, an image data is transmitted to digital
camera 3. In step S110, an image data is created in accordance with
a picture-taking setting of digital camera 1 itself. In step S111,
a created image data is recorded on a memory according to a
setting.
[0050] In this way, a received image data is compressed according
to a picture-taking setting and a compressed image data is recorded
on a memory card and transmitted to server computer 2. When
connected digital camera 3 is the same model of digital camera 1,
as an image processing such as a compression and so becomes
unnecessary in digital camera 1 by transmitting a RAW data to
digital camera 3, a processing workload of digital camera 1 can be
reduced. An image data created for digital camera 1 itself can be
set to be transmitted to server computer 2, not to be recorded in
digital camera 1.
[0051] In the above embodiment, a digital camera will create an
image data that is going to be recorded in the digital camera
taking a picture after transmitting an image data, an image data
may be transmitted after creating the image data to be recorded in
the digital camera.
[0052] And next, an operation to record an image data transmitted
from another digital camera, for example, digital camera 3 on a
memory of digital camera 1 or to automatically transmit an image
data to server computer 2 is explained. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of
an image data record-operation to be executed in digital camera 1.
A flow of FIG. 5 starts when digital camera 1 detects transmission
of an image data from digital camera 3.
[0053] In step S201, an image data is received. A received image
data is temporarily stored into built-in memory 105. In step S202,
it is detected if reception of an image data is finished and if
yes, a flow proceeds to step S203 and if not, a flow heads back to
step S201.
[0054] In step S203, an image size change and compression are
processed on a received image data in accordance with an image size
change and compression determined by a picture-taking setting of
digital camera 1. And a thumbnail image of a received image data is
created and is stored into built-in memory 105.
[0055] In step S204, a title and a filename added to a received
image data are changed according to a setting of digital camera 1.
In step S205, a received image data is displayed on monitor 103. In
step S206, it is detected if transfer of a received image data
outside is set and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S207 and if not,
a flow proceeds to step S209.
[0056] In step S207, an image data is transferred to server
computer 2. In step S208, it is detected if transfer of an image
data is finished and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S210 and if
not, a flow heads back to step S207 and a transfer processing of an
image continues.
[0057] In step S209, an image data is recorded on a memory card
inserted into memory card slot 106. In step S210, by deleting an
image displayed on monitor 103, it is noticed that a recording is
ended. Or, a record-end message may be displayed respectively with
each recording media.
[0058] Like this, by recording an image data according to a record
setting set by digital camera 1 at a time of shooting, even a
transmitted image data can be recorded with the same image size and
compression ratio as those of an image data taken by digital camera
1. And in a case where an image data is transmitted from digital
camera 3 to server computer 2, information about a connecting end
and an authentication information and so to thereby connect to
server computer 2 and thereby record an image data must be set.
But, as in the above, by controlling a transmission via digital
camera 1 itself, an image data can be transmitted to server
computer 2 with ease in accordance with information about a
connecting end and an authentication registered in digital camera
1. And, as there is no necessity to set an authentication
information or the like in digital camera 3, an authentication
information or the like registered in digital camera 1 can be
prevented from leaking.
[0059] Also, by storing a thumbnail image of an image data
transmitted to server computer 2 into built-in memory 105 in
digital camera 1, a summary of an image data transmitted to server
computer 2 can be confirmed without gaining access to server
computer 2.
[0060] As described in the above, by operating a button or the like
of another camera corresponding to communication button 110 of
digital camera 1 in a same way as operated in digital camera 1,
information about a picture-taking setting of another party's
digital camera becomes automatically set to be read out and also an
image data becomes automatically set to be transmitted to another
party's digital camera. It is not necessary to set which digital
camera is used to take a picture, transmits an image data and
receives it. An image data is controlled to be transmitted from a
digital camera taking a picture to a digital camera not taking.
[0061] In the meantime, a digital camera to transmit an image data
and a digital camera for receiving it may be set respectively. And
an image data taken by one digital camera may be set to be recorded
on both digital cameras and an image data taken by one digital
camera may be set to be recorded only on another digital
camera.
[0062] When shooting, a use of a digital camera ensuring a
high-quality image data is recommended. Because an image data taken
by a camera of quality ensuring an image data of high image quality
can be downgraded to an image data shot by a digital camera of low
quality, but can not vice versa.
[0063] When a camera is set in a transmission mode, by performing
again an operation to set a camera in a transmission mode, a
transmission mode can be set off. An operation in a transfer mode
is concretely explained below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an
operation to be executed in digital camera 1. A flow of FIG. 6
starts by operating a button for transfer provided in digital
camera 1. Suppose that digital camera 1 communicates with digital
camera 3.
[0064] In step S301, it is detected if a communication of digital
camera 1 with digital camera 3 is established and if yes, a flow
proceeds to step S302 and if not, detection continues. In step
S302, a picture-taking setting set in digital camera 3 is
retrieved. In step S303, an image data is set to be created
according to a retrieved picture-taking setting and a created image
data is set to be transferred to digital camera 3.
[0065] In step S304, which camera is superior in quality, digital
camera 3 or 1 is judged and when digital camera 1 is judged to be
superior, a flow ends and when digital camera 3 is judged to be
superior, a flow proceeds to step S305. For example, a criterion to
judge superiority herein is a number of a pixel of an imaging
sensor. In step S305, it is set to display a message on LCD panel
103 in a picture-taking mode saying that a use of a digital camera
of the communicating partner can ensure an image data of higher
image quality.
[0066] As controlled in the above, a taken image data can be so set
as to be automatically transferred to digital camera 3. In a
digital camera of the above embodiment, with a simple operation
only, an image data is automatically transferred to other digital
camera. A digital camera of the embodiment, which is explained
next, can set to record an image data obtained by one shot on two
different memories and over. Further, it can set an image size and
a resolution of an image data for each memory on which an image
data will be recorded.
[0067] Now, a record-setting operation of digital camera 1 is
explained. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen sample of setting
for recording an image data on plural media. A setting screen shown
in FIG. 7 is displayed on monitor 103 of digital camera 1.
[0068] In a "Recording medium" of FIG. 7, a memory card inserted
into a digital camera, other digital camera, a server computer and
the like on which a photographed image data is recorded are
enumerated, wherein a recordable medium is listed. In a "Recorded",
a medium on which an image data will be recorded can be set by Yes
and No. An image data will be recorded on a medium with Yes while
it won't be recorded on an No-marked medium.
[0069] In a "Method" of FIG. 7, that is, a file method of an image
data can be set respectively on each recordable medium. A recording
file method to record an image data, such as a JPEG method,
non-compression, a RAW data and so on is selected and a selected
method is set. With regard to a "Size" of FIG. 7, an image size of
an image data to be recorded can be set respectively on each
recordable medium. A compression ratio which will perform a
processing of compression on an image data can be also set
respectively on each recordable medium.
[0070] These settings get done via an operation of a button and a
dial of digital camera 1. Digital camera 1 creates an image data in
compliance with contents of a setting determined at each recording
medium and manages a transmission of a created image data so as to
be recorded on a plurality of recording medium.
[0071] To have an image data recorded on a plurality of recording
medium, an operation to be executed in digital camera 1 is
explained. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a record operation to be
executed in digital camera 1. A flow of FIG. 8 starts by detecting
a full depression of shutter release button 111.
[0072] In step S401, a taken image data is stored into built-in
memory 105. In step S402, a record-setting information of a
recording medium is retrieved. In step S403, it is detected if an
external memory is selected as a recording medium and if yes, a
flow proceeds to step S408.
[0073] In step S404, it is detected if an external memory is
recordable and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S405 and if not, a
flow proceeds to step S407. In step S405, an image data is created
in accordance with a record-setting of an external receiving end.
In step S406, a created image data is transmitted and monitor 103
displays that an image data is being transmitted. In step S407, a
receiving end to which an image data can not be transmitted and a
message saying that an image data can not be transmitted are
displayed on monitor 103.
[0074] In step S408, it is detected if a memory card is selected as
a recording medium and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S409 and if
not, a flow ends. In step S409, an image data is created in
compliance with a record-setting of a memory card. In step S410, a
created image data is recorded on a memory card. Also, a
description saying that a created image data is recorded on a
memory card is displayed on monitor 103.
[0075] In the above operation, an external receiving end to which
an image data is transmitted is asked if a recording medium is
recordable after photographing, but it may be asked before
photographing. In this way, by making it possible to set each
record-setting against a plurality of the receiving ends, an image
size and a compression ratio of an image data necessary at a
receiving end can be set and then an image data can be recorded
accordingly on each recording medium in accordance with each
established record-setting. This operation can prevent an image
data from wastefully degrading as a once-compressed image data is
extended and the extended image data is not compressed again after
change of an image size.
[0076] A guide information view function of digital camera 1 is
explained. Digital camera 1 is provided with a view function to
show a guide information on monitor 103. A guide information
provides information about interesting spots in a theme park and a
sightseeing, maps and so on and is stored into server computer 2
and is sent to digital camera 1 via the Internet. Or, not via the
Internet, for example, a guide information has been recorded
beforehand on a memory card to be inserted into memory card slot
106 and a recorded memory card may become available. A memory card
recorded with a guide information may be marketed for sale or given
away free to a participant by a tourist firm. Or by not providing a
memory card recorded with a guide information, a guide information
may be downloaded for pay. According to this online service, a
guide information may be used even in a digital camera with no
function to thereby gain access to the Internet.
[0077] Digital camera 1 is provided with a picture-taking mode to
take a picture, a reproduction mode to reproduce a taken image data
and a guide mode to view a guide information. Digital camera 1
shows a guide information on monitor 103 when set in a guide mode.
A guide information is the one that is written in HTML method, and
browsing software to view a guide information is stored in digital
camera 1. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a guide information. In
text column 901 of FIG. 9, information about interesting spots and
so forth appears by a text and in image column 902, an image
information about a photo, an illustration and the like
appears.
[0078] And by depressing halfway shutter release button 111 when
digital camera 1 is set in a guide mode, a guide mode of digital
camera 1 is automatically changed over to a picture-taking mode.
Thus, we don't miss a point of a shutter release. Also, a
sightseeing guide information usable during a trip is stored into
server computer 2, which provides a guide information and an image
data storage service for enabling a user to store a taken image
data.
[0079] Via a digital camera, a guide information can be viewed by
retrieving it from server computer 2, and a traveler can go
sightseeing by referring to a guide information. Server computer 2
receives a GPS information output by GPS built in digital camera
and automatically sends a guide information according to the
received GPS information to digital camera 1. Also, by not
automatic distribution, it may be possible to specify a necessary
guide information and have the specified information send.
[0080] Digital camera 1 can store a taken image data by relating it
to a guide information. By this relation, details of an image data
such as a picture-taken place, date/time etc can be available by
referring to a related guide information without taking a time to
create a filename and a title of an image data each time.
[0081] An operation of digital camera 1 is explained. Taking an
example, when a guide information about the Tokyo Eiffel Tower is
viewed and shutter release button 111 is depressed halfway, a
screen on monitor 103 is changed over to an image data generated by
an imaging sensor from a guide information. When a picture is
taken, a page data looking as if an image data is pasted into a
guide information on view shortly before a shot was taken is
created. Or, a filename of an image data relating to a title of a
guide information is created.
[0082] For example, in a guide information written by HTML method,
a HTML-method image data pasted in a guide information is replaced
with a taken image data. And then, a created HTML-method image data
is recorded into a folder of digital camera 1.
[0083] And, a tourist attendant amends an itinerary if it is
changed. An amendment is made at a unit of a minute. Thus, after
shot, a photo album can be edited by referring to an itinerary and
a date/time information of a taken picture. An operation about a
guide information is concretely explained.
[0084] An operation to be executed in digital camera 1 is
explained. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an operation to be
executed in digital camera 1. A flow of FIG. 10 starts when a
camera is set in a guide mode. In step S501, it is detected if a
position information detected by a GPS remains unchanged and if a
change is detected, a flow proceeds to step S502 and if not,
detection continues.
[0085] In step S502, a GPS information is sent to server computer
2. In step S503, a guide information is received from server
computer 2. In step S504, the received guide information is
displayed on monitor 103. And in step S505, it is detected if
shutter release button 111 is depressed halfway and if yes, a flow
proceeds to step S506 and if not, a flow heads back to step
S501.
[0086] In step S506, a guide information displayed on monitor 103
is changed to an image data output by an imaging sensor. In step
S507, it is detected if shutter release button 111 is fully
depressed and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S509 and if not, a
flow proceeds to step S508. In step S508, it is detected if a
half-depression of shutter release button 111 is cancelled and if
yes, a flow proceeds to step S501 and if not, a flow gets back to
step S507.
[0087] In step S509, an image processing is executed in accordance
with a picture-taking setting. In step S510, an image data created
by an image processing is transferred to server computer 2. An
operation to be executed in server computer 2 is explained. FIG. 11
is a flow chart showing an operation to be executed in server
computer 2. A flow of FIG. 11 starts by detecting a transmission of
a GPS information from digital camera 1.
[0088] In step S601, a GPS information is received. In step S602, a
guide information corresponding to a GPS information is retrieved.
In step S603, the retrieved guide information is transmitted to
digital camera 1. In step S604, it is detected if an image data is
received and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S605 and if not, a
flow gets back to step S601. In step S605, a received image data is
recorded. In step S606, an image data created by HTML method on the
page of a guide information is replaced with an image data received
from digital camera 1. More concretely, the contents of a text in
text column 901 on the page of a guide information illustrated by
FIG. 9 remain the same, but an image in image column 902 is
replaced with an image data gained by a picture taking. FIG. 12
shows a display example of an album page. In text column 1201 of
FIG. 12, a text in text column 901 of FIG. 9 is appeared as it is
and in image column 1202, an image data in image column 902 of FIG.
9 is replaced with a gained image data.
[0089] In a case where a plurality of pictures are taken at a spot
of a guide information appearing with a single image data, a
plurality of pictures may be so edited as to appear in a guide
information although a layout of the guide information may change.
Also, it may be set in such a way that each image data to appear in
image column 1302 are scaled down in accordance with a number of
pictures and a plurality of scaled-down image data appear therein
without changing a layout.
[0090] And server computer 2 does not determine a guide information
to be transmitted to digital camera 1 based upon a GPS information,
but can determine a guide information in compliance with a user's
itinerary of digital camera 1. As server computer 2 stores an
itinerary information, it distributes a guide information based on
an itinerary information and a time schedule information. Namely, a
guide information is set to be distributed at a time when a user on
a trip in accordance with an itinerary badly needs a guide. For
example, in a case where a user is scheduled to end a tour to the
Imperial Palace at three in the afternoon and visit the Tokyo
Eiffel Tower from 3:30 PM, a distribution of a guide information
about the Tokyo Eiffel Tower is set at 3:30 PM. And as there may be
no time to gain information about the Tokyo Eiffel Tower ahead of
3:30 PM distribution, a distribution may be set at twenty minutes
past three in the afternoon or 3:00 PM at which a tour to the
Imperial Palace will be ended. When an itinerary deviates from the
original one or changes, a tour attendant and the like can respond
to a deviation or a change by adjusting an itinerary via a
terminal.
[0091] An operation to transmit a guide information according to an
itinerary is explained. An itinerary information has been recorded
beforehand on a memory in a state of being related to a guide
information. FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an operation to be executed
in server computer 2.
[0092] In step S701, an itinerary is monitored and it is detected
if it is time to transmit a guide information and if yes, a flow
proceeds to step S702 and if not, detection continues. In step
S702, a camera information about a user's digital camera registered
in response to an itinerary is read out. A digital camera
registered in response to an itinerary is the one that a user
participating in a trip carries with him or her. At step S703, a
guide information fit for an itinerary is read out and transmitted
to digital camera 1. In step S704, it is detected if an image data
is received and if yes, a flow proceeds to step S705 and if not, a
flow gets back to step S701. In step S705, an image data of a guide
information which was transmitted shortly while ago is replaced
with a received image data.
[0093] Server computer 2 performs processing on not only a single
digital camera, but also plural cameras to respond to a plurality
of digital cameras. Also, by not transmitting a guide information
to a digital camera automatically in accordance with a GPS
information and an itinerary, an attendant and so may transmit a
guide information to each digital camera manually.
[0094] Next, an operation to create a filename and a title of an
image data automatically by referring to a guide information in
digital camera 1 is explained. In digital camera 1, for example,
when a guide information about the Tokyo Eiffel Tower had been
viewed until a picture was taken, a filename of a taken image data
is named as tokyotower001 or so and an image data is titled as a
Tokyo Eiffel Tower.
[0095] A more concrete operation for creation of a filename and a
title of a taken image data is explained as below. FIG. 15 is a
flow chart showing an operation to be executed in digital camera 1.
A flow starts when an image processing ends. In step S801, a title
part of a guide information viewed shortly before a picture was
taken is extracted. In step S802, a title of a guide information is
created as a title of a taken image data. In step S803, a filename
of the taken image data is created in such a way that a serial
number is added to a title of a guide information. The reason why a
serial number is put is to prevent from creating the same filenames
when plural shots are taken at the same place. In step S804, by
putting a filename and a title to an image data, the image data is
recorded on a memory card.
[0096] When a taken image data is recorded into server computer 2,
processing to create a filename and a title is explained.
[0097] First, an operation of server computer 2 is explained. FIG.
16 is a flow chart showing a processing to create a filename and a
title to be executed in server computer 2.
[0098] In step S901, a guide information is transmitted to digital
camera 1. Server computer 2 always transmits to digital camera 1 a
necessary guide information right now about a sightseeing spot. In
step S902, it is detected if an image data is received from digital
camera 1. If yes, a flow proceeds to step S903 and if not, a flow
gets back to step S901.
[0099] In step S903, it is detected if reception of an image data
is finished. If yes, a flow proceeds to step S904 and if not,
detection continues. In step S904, a filename and a title of a
received image data are analyzed. In step S905, it is detected if a
filename and a title of an image data are created from a guide
information. If yes, a flow proceeds to step S906 and if not, a
flow proceeds to step S907. In step S906, without change of a
title, a serial number of a filename is so changed as no to be the
same number of other filename.
[0100] In step S907, a guide information, which has been
transmitted to digital camera 1 before shooting, is retrieved. In
step S908, a filename and a title are created based on a retrieved
information. In step S909, an image data is recorded into a given
folder registered in digital camera 1
[0101] As stated in the above, with regard to a guide information
about a sightseeing spot provided by server computer 2, any of
information responding to a request from digital camera 1 or in
accordance with an itinerary or manually transmitted by an tour
attendant and the like may be accepted. Next, an operation of
digital camera 1 is explained. FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an
operation to be executed in digital camera 1. A flow starts by
detecting a full depression of shutter release button 111 provided
in digital camera 1.
[0102] In step S1001, a picture taking is executed and an image
data is created. In step S1002, a specific information to specify a
guide information received from server computer 2 ahead of shooting
is extracted. In step S1003, an image data and a specific
information about a guide information are transmitted to server
computer 2. In step S1004, it is detected if information about a
filename, address of a recorded data and so on to thereby gain
access to a transmitted image data is received. If yes, a flow
proceeds to step S1005 and if not, detection continues. In step
S1005, an access information is recorded into built-in memory
105.
[0103] Like this, by receiving information to gain access to a
transmitted image data and storing it into digital camera 1, an
image data transmitted by digital camera 1 may be accessed with
easy. And information transmitted from server computer 2 is not
only a guide information about an interesting spot and the like,
but also an admission ticket information, a transportation ticket
information, a hotel room key information, various discount coupon
information and so forth. Admission becomes possible by carrying
digital camera 1 or a cellular phone with a distributed ticket
information and/or showing the distributed ticket information via a
monitor screen or having the distributed ticket information read.
Also, a ticket information is not transmitted from server computer
2, but a necessary ticket information has been recorded into a
memory card beforehand and the like, and a recorded memory card may
be made available for sale.
[0104] An operation to transmit a ticket information is explained.
A ticket information and a transportation ticket information are
transmitted respectively in accordance with an itinerary and a GPS
information. Therefore, even if digital camera 1 was lost,
information will not be transmitted thereto unless a user goes to
the spot and at the time specified by an itinerary or a GPS and
thus, an abuse can not be committed with ease. A measurement to
cancel a distribution at the time of a loss of digital camera 1 can
prevent someone from using information.
[0105] By respective distribution in accordance with an itinerary
and a GPS information, a memory capacity of a camera is not wasted
due to a ticket information. A distributed ticket information is
related to a ticket, that is, an already-purchased ticket and a
reserved one. In addition, A ticket information about recommending
an advance ticket purchase or a ticket necessary on the spot may be
distributed.
[0106] A concrete operation to distribute a ticket information and
the like is explained. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an operation to be
executed in server computer 2. In step S1101, a GPS information and
an itinerary information are analyzed. In step S1102, from a result
of an analysis, it is judged if a ticket information must be
distributed. If yes, a flow proceeds to step S1103 and if not, a
flow gets back to step S1101. In step S1103, a necessary ticket
information is extracted from a result of an analysis. In step
S1104, the extracted ticket information is distributed to digital
camera 1.
[0107] In the above operation, distribution of a ticket information
is explained, but both of information about a ticket and a guide
may be distributed at a time although a separate distribution is
possible. In this case, a page of a guide information in which a
ticket information is embedded may be distributed or a separate
page may be distributed simultaneously. In this case, with no
specific operation to distribute a ticket information and by
distributing a ticket information with a given guide information, a
determining of distribution time becomes enough.
[0108] In the above embodiment, a ticket information is distributed
based upon both of a GPS information and an itinerary information,
but a ticket information may be separately distributed based on
either a GPS or an itinerary information. Or a distribution time of
a ticket information may be determined based on another information
other than a GPS and an itinerary information.
* * * * *