U.S. patent application number 13/025924 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-27 for imaging apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Riichi HIGAKI.
Application Number | 20110261227 13/025924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42005105 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110261227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIGAKI; Riichi |
October 27, 2011 |
IMAGING APPARATUS
Abstract
An imaging apparatus provided with: an imaging unit including an
imaging sensor for imaging light from an object and a storage unit
for storing image data generated based on an imaging signal output
from the imaging sensor; and a GPS module for executing a process
of calculating location information based on received data from a
satellite, in which as a result of the imaging unit shifting from a
low power consumption mode or a power OFF state to a normal
image-capture mode, the GPS module shifts from the low power
consumption mode or the power OFF state to a normal operation mode
in which the process of calculating the location information is
executed, and if it is not possible to perform the process of
calculating the location information at the time of imaging the
light from an object in the GPS module at a time point at which the
light from an object is imaged after the imaging unit has been
shifted to the normal image-capture mode, then image-capture-time
location information obtained in consideration of at least one of
pre-image-capture location information already acquired at a time
point before the time of the imaging and post-image-capture
location information calculated at a time point after the time of
the imaging is added to the image data and stored in the storage
unit, and calculation technique information indicating by which
technique the image-capture-time location information has been
obtained is also added to the image data and stored in the storage
unit.
Inventors: |
HIGAKI; Riichi;
(Matsudo-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
TOKYO
JP
|
Family ID: |
42005105 |
Appl. No.: |
13/025924 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/JP2009/064728 |
Aug 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
13025924 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/231.5 ;
348/231.3; 348/E5.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/3253 20130101;
H04N 1/00323 20130101; H04N 9/8042 20130101; G03B 2217/007
20130101; H04N 5/232 20130101; H04N 5/232411 20180801; G01S 19/34
20130101; H04N 1/32101 20130101; H04N 5/63 20130101; H04N 5/23241
20130101; H04N 5/772 20130101; H04N 9/8205 20130101; H04N 5/907
20130101; H04N 2101/00 20130101; H04N 2201/0084 20130101; G03B
17/24 20130101; H04N 5/232939 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/231.5 ;
348/231.3; 348/E05.024 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/76 20060101
H04N005/76 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 12, 2008 |
JP |
2008-234233 |
Claims
1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging unit including an
imaging sensor for imaging light from an object and a storage unit
for storing image data generated based on an imaging signal output
from the imaging sensor; and a GPS module for executing a process
of calculating location information based on received data from a
satellite, wherein as a result of the imaging unit shifting from a
low power consumption mode or a power OFF state to a normal
image-capture mode, the GPS module shifts from the low power
consumption mode or the power OFF state to a normal operation mode
in which the process of calculating the location information is
executed, and if it is not possible to perform the process of
calculating the location information at the time of imaging the
light from an object in the GPS module at a time point at which the
light from an object is imaged after the imaging unit has been
shifted to the normal image-capture mode, then imaging-time
location information obtained in consideration of at least one of
pre-image-capture location information already acquired at a time
point before the time of the imaging and post-image-capture
location information calculated at a time point after the time of
the imaging is added to the image data and stored in the storage
unit, and calculation technique information indicating by which
technique the image-capture-time location information has been
obtained is also added to the image data and stored in the storage
unit.
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
imaging-time location information is obtained in consideration of
both the pre-imaging location information and the post-imaging
location information.
3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
post-imaging location information is initially calculated location
information in the GPS module after imaging the light from an
object.
4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
pre-imaging location information is location information already
calculated in the GPS module within a predetermined period before
imaging the light from an object.
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
imaging-time location information is location information selected
based on time information obtained when each of the location
information is calculated from first location information
calculated in the GPS module within a predetermined period before
imaging the light from an object and second location information
calculated initially in the GPS module after imaging the light from
an object; and time information at the time of imaging the light
from an object.
6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the location
information is selected from the first and second location
information as the imaging-time location information, such location
information having a date and time (time information) obtained when
each of the location information is calculated that is closest to
the data and time of the imaging time.
7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
calculation technique information is information specifying whether
the image-capture-time location information is location information
that is acquired at the time point of imaging, or location
information that is already acquired at a time point before
imaging, or location information that is calculated at a time point
after imaging.
8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
imaging-time location information is location information obtained
by estimation based on time information at the time of imaging the
light from an object, at least two location information items
calculated in the GPS module before imaging the light from an
object and time information obtained when each of the location
information is calculated.
9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
calculation technique information is information for specifying
whether or not the image-capture-time location information is the
location information acquired by the estimation.
10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
imaging-time location information is location information estimated
based on time information obtained at the time of imaging the light
from an object, location information calculated before imaging the
light from an object in the GPS module, location information
calculated after imaging the light from an object, and time
information obtained when each of the location information is
calculated.
11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
calculation technique information is information for specifying
whether or not the image-capture-time location information is the
location information acquired by the estimation.
12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein estimation
of the imaging-time location information is performed by use of
displacement speed information of a user.
13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising
a display unit capable of displaying the image-capture-time
location information, wherein the calculation technique
information, together with the image-capture-time location
information, is displayed on the display unit.
14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein an image
acquired at the time of image capture, together with the
calculation technique information, is displayed on the display
unit.
15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein whether or
not the image-capture-time location information may be selected
from the first location information and the second location
information is determined in accordance with the displacement speed
information of a user.
16. The imaging apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when it is
not desired to select the image-capture-time location information
from the first and second location information, the first and
second location information are used to estimate the
image-capture-time location information.
17. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the GPS
module is configured to be detachable to the imaging unit.
18. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the GPS
module performs a process of calculating the location information
at each predetermined timing during the normal operation mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
International Application No. PCT/JP2009/064728 filed on Aug. 24,
2009.
[0002] The disclosure of the following priority application is
herein incorporated by reference:
[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-234233 filed on Sep.
12, 2008.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for
adding location information to an image.
BACKGROUND ART
[0005] In recent years, there is disclosed a camera which is
equipped with a GPS receiver for receiving radio waves from a GPS
(Global Positioning System) satellite, in which location
information (longitude, latitude, altitude, time and the like)
calculated based on the radio waves received by the GPS receiver
from the GPS satellite is added to the image data of the captured
image, and the resultant image data is stored (for example, see
Patent Literature 1). The GPS receiver equipped in the camera
receives the radio waves from the GPS satellite at each
predetermined time.
(Citation List)
(Patent Literature)
[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2000-56386
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] In a camera using a battery as the source of power supply, a
large amount of power is required when the GPS receiver is
continuously operated using the camera battery as the source of
power supply in order to receive radio waves from the GPS satellite
at each predetermined time, and therefore, the battery life is
shortened.
[0008] Furthermore, there is a problem that when the power supply
to the GPS receiver is stopped at times other than image capture
and power supply to the GPS receiver is started during image
capture in order to suppress the consumption of power, some time is
required for the GPS receiver to capture the radio waves from the
GPS satellite, and therefore, if image capture is prioritized, the
location information is not added to the image data, and if the
capturing of radio waves is prioritized, the image-capture timing
is missed. It is noted that the time required by the GPS receiver
to capture radio waves from the GPS satellite is generally 30
seconds or more when the past history is not retained in the camera
(startup from power OFF: Cold start), and approximately five
seconds when the past history is retained in the camera (startup
from the low power consumption mode, which is the minimum required
power consumption: Hot start).
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging
apparatus capable of precisely adding location information to image
data without missing an image-capture timing.
Solution to Problem
[0010] An imaging apparatus of the present invention is an imaging
apparatus provided with: an imaging unit including an imaging
sensor for imaging light from an object and a storage unit for
storing image data generated based on an imaging signal output from
the imaging sensor; and a GPS module for executing a process of
calculating location information based on received data from a
satellite, in which as a result of the imaging unit shifting from a
low power consumption mode or a power OFF state to a normal
image-capture mode, the GPS module shifts from the low power
consumption mode or the power OFF state to a normal operation mode
in which the process of calculating the location information is
executed, and if it is not possible to perform the process of
calculating the location information at the time of imaging the
light from an object in the GPS module at a time point at which the
light from an object is imaged after the imaging unit has been
shifted to the normal image-capture mode, then imaging-time
location information obtained in consideration of at least one of
pre-image-capture location information already acquired at a time
point before the time of imaging and post-image-capture location
information calculated at a time point after the time of imaging is
added to the image data and stored in the storage unit, and
calculation technique information indicating in which technique the
image-capture-time location information has been obtained is also
added to the image data and stored in the storage unit.
[0011] It is noted that the low power consumption mode is a state
where a normal image-capture mode or a normal operation mode is
shifted to a state where the minimum required power consumption is
achieved when a state in which an operation such as image capture
is not performed in the imaging apparatus or a state in which no
signal is input from an external device such as a cable release
continues for a predetermined time or longer set beforehand.
Furthermore, the normal image-capture mode is a state where an
operation such as image capture can be performed promptly in the
imaging apparatus, and the normal operation mode is a state where
the satellite is captured by the GPS module and a process of
calculating the location information is performed based on the data
received from the satellite. The returning from the low power
consumption mode to the normal image-capture mode and normal
operation mode is executed when a release button is pressed, for
example.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0012] According to an imaging apparatus of the present invention,
as a result of the imaging unit shifting from a low power
consumption mode or a power OFF state to a normal image-capture
mode, the GPS module shifts, in conjunction with the imaging unit,
from the low power consumption mode or the power OFF state to a
normal operation mode in which a process of calculating location
information is executed. In other words, because a power supply
unit of the GPS module operates in conjunction with a power supply
unit of the imaging unit, the GPS module also is switched to a low
power consumption mode when the imaging unit is switched to the low
power consumption mode. Thus, the power consumption of the imaging
apparatus can be suppressed,
[0013] Furthermore, when the imaging unit images the light from an
object, even if the process of calculating location information at
the time of imaging the light from an object cannot be performed in
the GPS module, image data to which imaging-time location
information that is based on at least one of location information
already calculated before imaging light from an object and location
information to be calculated after imaging the light from an object
is added is stored in the storage unit. That is, the location
information calculated by the GPS module on a date and time closest
to a date and time of the imaging time is added. Furthermore, if
the location information calculated by the GPS module within a
predetermined time from the imaging time is not available, then
location information that is estimated based on time information
obtained at the imaging time, at least two location information
items calculated either before or after imaging the light from an
object in the GPS module, and time information obtained when each
of the location information is calculated, is added. Therefore, the
location information obtained at the time of imaging can be added
precisely to the image data without missing the image-capture
timing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic
configuration of an electronic camera according to a first
embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining a process for adding
imaging-time location information that is based on location
information acquired from a GPS module in the electronic camera
according to the first embodiment, to image data;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of a process of
calculating location information in the GPS module after the
imaging and a state of a power supply;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of the process of
calculating location information in the GPS module before and after
the imaging and a state of a power supply;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of the process of
calculating location information in the GPS module before and after
the imaging and a state of a power supply;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating locations before, during, and
after the imaging, where an X axis is a latitude, a Y axis is a
longitude, and a Z axis is an elevation;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of the process of
calculating location information in the GPS module before the image
capture and a state of a power supply; and
[0021] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating locations before and during
the imaging, where an X axis is a latitude, a Y axis is a
longitude, and a Z axis is an elevation.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Hereinafter, an electronic camera (imaging apparatus)
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
explained with reference to drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram
illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic camera 2
according to the first embodiment. The camera is a single-lens
reflex electronic camera. However, the present invention is
applicable not only to single-lens reflex electronic cameras, but
also to compact digital cameras and other electronic cameras.
Furthermore, the present invention is not restricted only to
devices generally referred to as cameras, but is also applicable to
electronic devices equipped with an imaging (image-capture)
function.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 2 is
equipped with a control device 4 configured by a microprocessor and
the like. By reading and executing a control program from a memory
(not illustrated), the control device 4 performs an integrated
control of each unit of the electronic camera 2, and at the same
time, adds location information transmitted from a GPS module 22,
described later, to image data.
[0024] An imaging sensor 6 is constituted by a CCD, CMOS, and the
like, and outputs an imaging signal (analog signal as an
accumulated charge), which is obtained by imaging light from an
object passing through a photographic lens (not illustrated), to an
A/D converter circuit 8. The imaging signal output from the imaging
sensor 6 is converted to a digital signal from the analog signal
after the execution of a gain adjustment process and the like in
the A/D converter circuit 8, and is transmitted to the image
processing circuit 10.
[0025] An image processing circuit 10 performs an image process
such as white balance adjustment, sharpness adjustment, gamma
correction, and gray level adjustment on the image data of the
digital signal output from the A/D converter circuit 8.
Furthermore, the image processing circuit 10 performs a compression
process and the like, if necessary, for compressing to comply with
a predetermined compression format. The image data on which the
image process has been executed is temporarily stored in a storage
unit 11 in a predetermined format such as Exif (Exchangeable image
file format) along with an image-capture date and time (date and
time information output from a timer device built in the electronic
camera 2), exposure, shutter second time, and other information
relating to image capture.
[0026] A recording medium (storage unit) 12 possesses the
portability to be detachably mounted to a card slot (not
illustrated) provided in the electronic camera 2, and examples of
the recording medium 12 may include a CF card, an SD card, and
smart media. In the recording medium 12, the image data which is
read from the storage unit 11 by the control unit 4 and to which
the imaging-time location information is added is recorded.
[0027] A display drive circuit 14 is a circuit for driving an image
display unit 16 under the control of the control device 4. On the
image display unit 16, an image recorded in the recording medium 12
or a live view image (through image) that is a real time image from
the imaging sensor 6 can be displayed. On the image display unit
16, image-capture information and information relating to an
operation performed by an operation unit 18 described later, such
as a menu (selection item) can also be displayed. Here, the
image-capture information includes an image-capture condition (for
example, a value of shutter second time and an aperture value).
[0028] The operation unit 18 is configured by various switches,
buttons, dials, and keys provided at the top or back of a main body
of the electronic camera 2, for manually inputting an instruction
by a user. Specifically, a power supply dial for switching ON/OFF a
power supply, a release button for instructing image capture or the
like, a menu button for displaying a menu or the like on the image
display unit 16, a cross key for selecting the menu item or the
like and for moving a cursor or the like, and a deciding button (OK
button) are provided. It is noted that the imaging sensor 6, the
A/D converter circuit 8, the image processing circuit 10, the
storage unit 11, the recording medium 12, the display drive circuit
14, the image display unit 16, and the operation unit 18 configure
the imaging unit of the electronic camera 2.
[0029] The power supply circuit 20 supplies power to each unit
(each configuration that requires power, including the control
device 4) configuring the electronic camera 2 under the control of
the control device 4. Furthermore, the power supply circuit 20
selectively switches between a low power consumption mode and a
normal image-capture mode, described later, under the control of
the control device 4.
[0030] The GPS module 22 receives a radio signal from a plurality
of GPS satellites orbiting the globe, and performs a process of
calculating the location information including a latitude, a
longitude, an altitude, and a time relating to a current location
of the GPS module 22, based on a trajectory and time data (received
data) of the GPS satellite included in the received radio signal.
The GPS module 22 of this embodiment is an external device
electrically connectable to the electronic camera 2, and although
the GPS module 22 is configured to be detachable to the electronic
camera 2, the GPS module 22 of the present invention can also be
configured to be built inside the electronic camera 2. While the
GPS module 22 is connected to the electronic camera 2, the power
supply circuit 20 supplies power to the GPS module 22 under the
control of the control device 4 configuring the electronic camera
2. Furthermore, during the normal operation mode described later,
the GPS module 22 performs the process of calculating the location
information at each predetermined timing set beforehand.
[0031] The control device 4 operates in association with the power
supply circuit 20 and the operation unit 18 to shift from the
normal image-capture mode to the low power consumption mode, and
from the low power consumption mode to the normal image-capture
mode. That is, in the normal image-capture mode, which is a power
consumption state in which an operation such as image capture can
be performed promptly, the control device 4 outputs to the power
supply circuit 20 a control signal instructing transition to the
lower power consumption mode that requires less power consumption
than the normal image-capture mode, i.e., a minimum required power
consumption state, when no operation signal is received from the
operation unit 18 for a predetermined time or longer set
beforehand. The power supply circuit 20 switches from the normal
image-capture mode to the low power consumption mode in accordance
with the control signal output from the control device 4.
[0032] On the other hand, if any operation signal is received from
the operation unit 18 (for example, when the release button is
pressed) in the low power consumption mode, the control device 4
outputs a control signal instructing transition from the low power
consumption mode to the normal image-capture mode, to the power
supply circuit 20. The power supply circuit 20 switches from the
low power consumption mode to the normal image-capture mode in
accordance with the control signal output from the control device
4.
[0033] The power is supplied to the GPS module 22 by the power
supply circuit 20 in conjunction with the power supply to each unit
of the electronic camera 2 according to the control signals from
the control device 4. That is, in conjunction with the power supply
to each unit of the electronic camera 2 being switched from the low
power consumption mode to the normal image-capture mode and from
the normal image-capture mode to the low power consumption mode,
the power supply to the GPS module 22 also switches from the low
power consumption mode to the normal operation mode and from the
normal operation mode to the low power consumption mode. The GPS
module 22 receives the radio signal from the GPS satellite only
during the normal operation mode, and does not receive the radio
signal from the GPS satellite during the low power consumption
mode, It is noted that when the power supply state is switched from
the power OFF to the power ON, the electronic camera 2 shifts to
the normal image-capture mode and the power supply circuit 20
starts supplying power to each unit of the electronic camera 2.
Also, at this time, the power supply circuit 20 starts supplying
power to the GPS module 22 in order to operate the GPS module 22 in
the normal operation mode.
[0034] Next, a process for adding the imaging-time location
information to the image data at the time of imaging in the
electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment is described
by using a flowchart shown in FIG. 2.
[0035] First of all, when the electronic camera 2 shifts from the
power OFF state to the power ON state, the electronic camera 2
shifts to the normal image-capture mode, and the control device 4
supplies power used in the normal image-capture mode to each unit
of the electronic camera 2 and to the GPS module 22, via the power
supply circuit 20. On the other hand, in the low power consumption
mode, the power is supplied to each unit of the electronic camera 2
and to the GPS module 22, and if any operation signal is received
from the operation unit 18, then the electronic camera 2 shifts to
the normal image-capture mode, and the control device 4 supplies
power used in the normal image-capture mode to each unit of the
electronic camera 2 and to the GPS module 22 via the power supply
circuit 20 (step S10). Here, due to the transition of the
electronic camera 2 to the normal image-capture mode, the GPS
module 22 shifts to the normal operation mode and starts capturing
the radio wave from the GPS satellite in order to perform the
process of calculating the location information.
[0036] Next, when the user performs image capture (step S11), the
control device 4 stores the image data that is based on the imaging
signal obtained at the time of imaging in the storage unit 11 via
the image processing circuit 10 (step S12). Following this, the
control device 4 acquires the location information (hereinafter,
referred to as "imaging-time location information") at the time of
the image capture in step S11 (at the time of imaging by the
imaging sensor 6) from the GPS module 22 (step S13).
[0037] That is, when the process of calculating the location
information obtained at the time of imaging is performed in real
time in the GPS module 22 at the time of imaging by the imaging
sensor 6, the control device 4 adds the location information at the
time of imaging, as the imaging-time location information, to the
image data stored in step S12 (step S14). Next, the control device
4 stores the image data to which the imaging-time location
information has been added in step S14, in the recording medium 12
(step S15).
[0038] Generally, when a past history (location information
calculated in the past) is not retained in the GPS module 22
(startup from power OFF: Cold start), 30 seconds or more are
required to receive the radio wave from the GPS satellite and then
calculate the location information; and when the past history
(location information calculated in the past) is retained in the
GPS module 22 (startup from the low power consumption mode which is
the minimum required power consumption: Hot start), approximately
five seconds are required. Therefore, at the time of imaging by the
imaging sensor 6, it may not be possible to calculate the location
information obtained at the time of imaging in the GPS module 22.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when image capture is
performed immediately (at time T0) after shifting to the normal
image-capture mode from the low power consumption mode or the power
OFF state, the GPS module 22 cannot calculate the location
information obtained at the time of the imaging (time T0); however,
the GPS module 22 can initially calculate the location information
after imaging at time T2 that is established after a lapse of a
fixed period t2 from the time of the imaging (time T0). In this
case, the control device 4 adds (records in a manner to accompany
the image data), as the imaging-time location information, the
first location information calculated after the imaging, i.e., the
location information calculated at time T2 (hereinafter referred to
as "second location information"), to the image data. It is noted
that information about date and time obtained when the location
information is calculated is also included in the
image-capture-time location information.
[0039] However, if the period t2 shown in FIG. 3 exceeds a
previously defined period (predetermined period), then the second
location information lacks accuracy as the imaging-time location
information. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the GPS
module 22 has calculated the location information at time T1 that
is prior to the image capture performed at time T0, and if the
period t1 is within the previously defined period (predetermined
period), then the control device 4 may add (record in a manner to
accompany the image data) the location information already
calculated before the image capture, i.e., the location information
calculated at time T1 (hereinafter, referred to as "first location
information") to the image data, as the imaging-time location
information, together with the date and time at the time of the
calculation. It is noted that the location information calculated
at time T1 is either information stored in the memory inside the
camera or information obtained by reading (the location information
and time information each added to the image data) from the image
data recorded in the recording medium such as a memory card.
[0040] It is noted that the above-mentioned predetermined period
depends on a displacement speed of the user, and the predetermined
period is set long when the displacement speed is slow and is set
short when the displacement speed is fast. For example, the
following may be arranged: the predetermined period is set for each
transportation means such as walking, bicycle, train, car, and
airplane, and is stored in a storage device (not illustrated)
inside the control device 4, which is followed by making the stored
period readable according to types of transportation means being
input through a user operation.
[0041] Further, together with the imaging-time location
information, information indicating the method of calculating the
imaging-time location information may be added to the image data as
information of a mark visually recognizable on a display monitor
(image display unit 16). In the embodiment, together with the
imaging-time location information, if the location information for
time T0 is added as the imaging-time location information, then a
specific mark (for example, an "imaging-time GPS" mark) indicating
the same is added to the image data as tag data, for example; if
the above-mentioned first location information is added as the
imaging-time location information, then a specific mark (for
example, a "pre-imaging GPS" mark) indicating the same is added
thereto for the same purpose; and if the above-mentioned second
location information is added as the imaging-time location
information, then a specific mark (for example, a "post-imaging
GPS" mark) indicating the same is added thereto for the same
purpose.
[0042] When the image based on the image data is displayed on the
image display unit 16, if each mark is superimposed on the images
and displayed, together with the imaging-time location information,
as GPS information, on the image display unit 16, then the user can
confirm the method of calculating the imaging-time location
information, together with the imaging-time location information.
As a result of understanding the calculation method, the user may
prevent him/herself from being confused in various cases such as
when the user arranges an image based on the GPS information added
to the image data, or When the user estimates a location from the
GPS information added to the image data in order to perform image
capture from the same location.
[0043] According to the electronic camera 2 of the first
embodiment, even if, at the time of imaging, the process of
calculating the location information obtained at the time of
imaging cannot be performed in the GPS module 22, the location
information already calculated before the imaging or the location
information calculated after the imaging is added as the
imaging-time location information to the image data. Therefore, the
location information at the time of imaging can be added precisely
to the image data without missing the image-capture timing.
[0044] It is noted that in the electronic camera 2 according to the
first embodiment, if the GPS module 22 cannot capture the radio
waves during and after the imaging because the user is positioned
at a place where the radio waves of the GPS satellite cannot be
captured, for example, the first location information may be added
to the image data as the imaging-time location information.
[0045] Next, an electronic camera according to a second embodiment
of the present invention is explained with reference to drawings.
The configuration of the electronic camera 2 according to the
second embodiment is identical to that of the electronic camera 2
according to the first embodiment, and therefore such description
will not be repeated. Further, in the electronic camera according
to the second embodiment, reference numerals used in the
configuration of the electronic camera 2 according to the first
embodiment will be used for the description.
[0046] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, it is assumed that
the GPS module 22 calculates the location information (the
above-mentioned first location information) at time T1, which is
before the time of imaging (time T0) by the period t1, and can
perform calculation of the location information (the
above-mentioned second location information) at time T2 after the
lapse of the period t2 from the time of imaging (time T0). In this
state, if both the first location information and the second
location information lack accuracy as the imaging-time location
information because the periods t1 and t2 shown in FIG. 5 exceed
the above-mentioned predetermined period, then the control device 4
estimates the imaging-time location information based on the first
location information, the second location information, and the date
and time (time information) obtained when each of the location
information is calculated.
[0047] Specifically, first of all, the control device 4 acquires
displacement speed information that has been stored in a storage
device (not illustrated) inside the control device 4. Here, as
described earlier, the displacement speed information is a
displacement speed of respective transportation means such as
walking, bicycle, train, car, and airplane, and the displacement
speed of each transportation means is stored beforehand in the
storage device. In this embodiment, for example, the configuration
is such that the user can selectively input the transportation
means used during a time from time T1 to time T2 on the menu screen
displayed on the image display unit 16 of the electronic camera 2.
The control device 4 acquires the transportation means input by the
user via the operation unit 18, and then, the control device 4
acquires the displacement speed information from the acquired
transportation means.
[0048] Next, the control device 4 uses the acquired displacement
speed information to perform estimation of the imaging-time
location information based on the first location information, the
second location information, and the date and time (time
information) obtained when each of the location information is
calculated. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating locations at times T1
and T2 and a location at time T0 as estimated from the locations at
times T1. and T2, where an X axis is a latitude, a Y axis is a
longitude, and a Z axis is an elevation. As illustrated in FIG. 6,
from the location information, such as a latitude, a longitude, and
an elevation, included in the first location information and the
time T1 that is the calculated date and time, and the location
information, such as a latitude, a longitude, and an elevation,
included in the second location information and the time T2 that is
the calculated date and time, a movement distance between the time
T1 and the time T2, a movement path therebetween or the like is
estimated, and as a result of the calculation operation, location
information such as a latitude, a longitude, and an elevation at
time T0 (at the time of imaging) is estimated.
[0049] It is noted that if a high-speed train or an airplane is
used as the transportation means, for example, the estimated
location at time T0 lacks accuracy if the periods t1 and t2
illustrated in FIG. 5 exceed one to two hours. However, if walking
is used as the transportation means, then it cannot be said that
the estimated location at time T0 lacks accuracy even if the
periods t1 and t2 exceed one to two hours. Therefore, an upper
limit may be set to the periods t1 and t2 for each displacement
speed information, and if the upper limit is exceeded, then it can
be determined that the imaging-time location information obtained
by the estimation lacks accuracy, and then the calculation
operation may be stopped.
[0050] The control device 4 adds the location information obtained
by the estimation as the imaging-time location information to the
image data (records in association with the image data), and stores
the image data to which the imaging-time location information has
been added, in the recording medium 12. It is noted that if the
configuration is such that information added by the control device
4 to the image data also includes information indicating that the
imaging-time location information, which has been added to the
image data, is the location information calculated by the
estimation, then identification is facilitated in the event that
the user subsequently arranges the image data. Furthermore, similar
to the first embodiment, the information showing the method of
calculating the imaging-time location information (for example, an
"estimated GPS" mark) may be added, together with the imaging-time
location information, to the image data, as the tag data, for
example.
[0051] According to the electronic camera of the second embodiment,
even if the process of calculating the location information at the
time of imaging cannot be performed in the GPS module 22 at the
time of imaging, the location information obtained by the
estimation based on the location information already calculated
before the imaging, the location information calculated after the
imaging, and the time information obtained when each of the
location information is calculated is added to the image data as
the imaging-time location information. Therefore, the location
information at the time of imaging can be added precisely to the
image data without missing the image-capture timing.
[0052] Furthermore, according to the electronic camera of each of
the above embodiments, when the electronic camera shifts from the
low power consumption mode or the power OFF state, to the normal
image-capture mode, the GPS module operates in conjunction with the
electronic camera and shifts from the low power consumption mode or
the power OFF state to the normal operation mode in which the
process of calculating the location information is executed. That
is, since the power supply circuit of the electronic camera
controls the power of the GPS module, the GPS module also switches
to the low power consumption mode when the electronic camera
switches to the low power consumption mode. Therefore, the power
consumption of the electronic camera can be suppressed.
[0053] It is noted that in the second embodiment, the location
information obtained by the estimation based on the location
information items calculated before and after the imaging, and the
time information obtained when each of the location information is
calculated is added as the imaging-time location information
(hereinafter, referred to as "post-imaging estimated location
information") to the image data; however, the location information
obtained by the estimation based on the two location information
items already calculated before the imaging and the time
information obtained when each of the location information is
calculated (hereinafter, referred to as "pre-imaging estimated
location information") may be added, as the imaging-time location
information, to the image data. It is noted that upon calculation
of the pre-imaging estimated location information, the location
information items obtained at least two different time points and
the time information obtained when each of the location information
is calculated are either saved in the memory inside the camera or
used by reading (the location information and the time information
each added to the image data) from the image data recorded in the
recording medium such as a memory card.
[0054] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the GPS
module 22 calculates the location information (the first location
information) at time T1, which is before the time of imaging (time
T0) by the period t1, and also performs the process of calculating
the location information (hereinafter referred to as "third
location information") at time T3, which is before the time of
imaging (time T0) by a period (t1+t3). The control device 4
acquires the displacement speed information and uses the acquired
displacement speed information so as to perform an estimation of
the imaging-time location information based on the first location
information, the third location information, and the date and time
(time information) obtained when each of the location information
is calculated. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating locations at times T1
and T3 and a location at time T0 as estimated from the locations at
times T1 and T3, where an X axis is a latitude, a Y axis is a
longitude, and a Z axis is an elevation. As illustrated in FIG. 8,
from the location information, such as a latitude, a longitude, and
an elevation, included in the first location information and the
time T1 that is the calculated date and time, and the location
information, such as a latitude, a longitude, and an elevation,
included in the third location information and the time T3 that is
the calculated date and time, a movement distance between the time
T3 and the time T0, a movement path therebetween or the like is
estimated, and as a result of the calculation operation, location
information such as a latitude, a longitude, and an elevation at
time T0 (at the time of imaging) is estimated. It is noted that in
this case also, the configuration is such that the control device 4
adds the information indicating that the image-capture-time
location information, which has been added to the image data, is
the location information calculated by the estimation, to the image
data.
[0055] Furthermore, the post-imaging estimated location information
and the pre-imaging estimated location information may be compared
to select the more accurate location information, and the selected
information may be added, as the imaging-time location information,
to the image data.
[0056] Further, in the electronic camera according to the second
embodiment, the location information obtained by estimation based
on two location information items calculated before and after the
imaging and the time information obtained when each of the location
information is calculated is added, as the imaging-time location
information, to the image data, however, location information
obtained by estimation based on three or more location information
items calculated before and after the imaging and the time
information obtained when each of the location information is
calculated may also be added, as the imaging-time location
information, to the image data.
[0057] Further, the methods of calculating the imaging-time
location information according to the first and second embodiments
may be combined to select the most accurate location information,
and the selected information may be added, as the imaging-time
location information, to the image data.
[0058] Also, the estimation technique in the above-mentioned second
embodiment can also be applied in situations such as the following.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in the case where although
the GPS module 22 is calculating the location information (the
above-mentioned first location information) at time T1, which is
before the time of imaging (time T0) by the period t1, the
calculation at the time of image capture (time T0) is not finished
in time, and the power supply of the camera is turned OFF (that is,
the GPS module 22 is also turned OFF) at a time point before the
time T2 (between the time T0 and time T2) (that is, in the case
where the location information at the time T2 (the above-mentioned
second location information) cannot be calculated), the location at
time T0 may be estimated from the location information that is
already acquired in the past (locations at times T1 and T3 shown in
FIG. 7), as shown in the above-mentioned second embodiment. It is
noted that in such a case, the number of hours of retrospective
location information that can be used in the estimation
(retrospective permitted time) may be set beforehand, and if the
location information for the retrospective permitted time cannot be
acquired, then the estimation of the location information at time
T0 is prohibited, and at the same time, this effect (that the
location information cannot be acquired) may be added to the image
data.
[0059] Furthermore, in the electronic camera according to each of
the above embodiments, the detachable GPS module 22 is provided;
however, the configuration may be such that the GPS module is built
inside the electronic camera.
[0060] Moreover, in the electronic camera according to each of the
above embodiments, the GPS module 22 performs the process of
calculating the location information at each predetermined timing
only during the normal operation mode and does not perform the
process of calculating the location information during the low
power consumption mode; however, the GPS module 22 may be shifted
to the normal operation mode at each predetermined timing to
perform the process of calculating the location information.
* * * * *