|
Digital Camera Patent Abstract
In a camera location landmark search system, when an image is captured
by a digital camera, a GPS calculator calculates position data indicating
a camera position. The position data and image data of the captured
image are memorized in association with each other. Map data is
divided at regular intervals of latitude and longitude into a lot
of areas. Based on the position data, a divisional area including
the camera position is selected with reference to a divisional area
index table of the map data, and landmark data prepared for the
determined divisional area are retrieved from a landmark data table
of the map data. Based on the landmark data, a landmark corresponding
to the camera position is determined, and the landmark name is memorized
in association with the image data. The image data as sorted according
to the landmark names may be displayed with the landmark names.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A landmark search system comprising: a digital camera comprising
a position data obtaining device for obtaining position data of
a camera position at which an image is captured, and a data storage
device for storing said position data in association with image
data of the captured image; a map data storage device storing map
data, said map data comprising area data of divisional areas which
are provided by dividing a map area at regular intervals of latitude
and longitude, and place data prepared for each of said divisional
areas, said place data including data of landmarks located in each
of said divisional areas; and a search device that searches said
map data based on said position data, to select one divisional area
that includes the camera position, and thereafter retrieve said
place data for the selected divisional area, to determine a landmark
that corresponds to the camera position.
2. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
place data comprises landmark name data and landmark area data.
3. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
landmark area data comprises data of latitudes and longitudes of
vertexes of polygonal areas that outline actual areas of the respective
landmarks.
4. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
landmark area data further comprises data of an extended area that
is extended in all directions by a predetermined width from each
of said polygonal areas.
5. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
place data further comprises data of inclusive relation between
those landmarks, of which one is included in the area of another.
6. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a data storage device for storing data of the determined landmark
in association with image data of the captured image.
7. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a display device for displaying results of the search by said search
device.
8. A landmark search system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
position data obtaining device comprises a GPS terminal.
9. A search method for retrieving data of a landmark that corresponds
to a camera position at which an image is captured by a digital
camera, comprising steps of: preparing map data that comprises area
data of divisional areas which are provided by dividing a map area
at regular intervals of latitude and longitude, and place data prepared
for each of said divisional areas, said place data including data
of landmarks located in each of said divisional areas; obtaining
position data of the camera position; searching said map data based
on said position data, to select one divisional area that includes
the camera position; and thereafter retrieving said place data for
the selected divisional area, to determine the landmark that corresponds
to the camera position.
10. A search method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said place data
comprises landmark name data and landmark area data.
11. A search method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said landmark
area data comprises data of latitudes and longitudes of vertexes
of polygonal areas that outline actual areas of the respective landmarks.
12. A search method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said landmark
area data further comprises data of an extended area that is extended
in all directions by a predetermined width from each of said polygonal
areas.
13. A search method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said place data
further comprises data of inclusive relation between those landmarks,
of which one is included in the area of another.
14. A search method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said position
data is obtained through a global positioning system.
15. Map data for use in retrieving data of a landmark that corresponds
to a camera position at which an image is captured, said map data
comprising area data of divisional areas which are provided by dividing
a map area at regular intervals of latitude and longitude, and place
data prepared for each of said divisional areas, said place data
including data of landmarks located in each of said divisional areas.
16. Map data as claimed in claim 15, wherein said place data comprises
landmark name data and landmark area data.
17. Map data as claimed in claim 16, wherein said landmark area
data comprises data of latitudes and longitudes of vertexes of polygonal
areas that outline actual areas of the respective landmarks.
18. Map data as claimed in claim 17, wherein said landmark area
data further comprises data of an extended area that is extended
in all directions by a predetermined width from each of said polygonal
areas.
19. Map data as claimed in claim 15, wherein said place data further
comprises data of inclusive relation between those landmarks, of
which one is included in the area of another.
20. An image sorting apparatus comprising: an image data storage
device storing data of an image with position data that indicates
a camera position at which said image is captured; a search device
for searching map data based on said position data, to retrieve
place data of a landmark that corresponds to the camera position,
said place data including landmark name data and landmark area data;
an image data sorting device for sorting said image data according
to said place data; a display device for displaying results of sorting
by said image data sorting device; and a revising device for revising
said place data after said place data is memorized in association
with said image data, in order to sort said image data differently.
21. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein
said revising device comprises an operating device, and said display
device displays a list of landmark names under which respective
image data are sorted, and when a landmark name is selected from
the list through said operating device, said display device displays
a list of those image data which are sorted under the selected landmark
name.
22. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein
when one of the displayed image data is selected through said operating
device, an enlarged image of the selected image data, the landmark
name under which the selected image data is sorted, and a list of
neighboring landmarks to the camera position of the selected image
data are displayed, and wherein when one of the neighboring landmarks
is selected through said operating device, said place data of the
selected image data is revised to sort the selected image data under
the name of the selected neighboring landmark.
23. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein
when a landmark name is entered through said operating device, said
display device displays a list of those image data which are sorted
under the entered landmark name.
24. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein
when one of the displayed image data is selected through said operating
device, an enlarged image of the selected image data, the landmark
name under which the selected image data is sorted, and a list of
neighboring landmarks to the camera position of the selected image
data are displayed, and wherein when one of the neighboring landmarks
is selected through said operating device, said place data of the
selected image data is revised to sort the selected image data under
the name of the selected neighboring landmark.
25. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein
said display device displays the list of landmark names in a tree
structure that shows relation of inclusion between those landmarks,
of which one is located in the area of another.
26. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further
comprising a map data storage device storing said map data.
27. An image sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further
comprising a communication device that can communicate with an external
data server storing said map data.
28. An image sorting method comprising steps of: obtaining position
data that indicates a camera position at which data of an image
is captured; searching map data based on said position data, to
retrieve place data of a landmark that corresponds to the camera
position, said place data including the name of the landmark; associating
said place data with said image data; sorting said image data according
to said place data; and revising said place data after said place
data is associated with said image data, to sort said image data
differently.
29. An image sorting method as claimed in claim 28, wherein said
revising step comprises steps of: displaying a list of landmark
names as folder names of the sorted image data; selecting one landmark
name from the list; displaying a list of those image data which
are sorted into a folder having the selected landmark name; selecting
one of the displayed image data; displaying an enlarged image of
the selected image data, the landmark name as the folder of the
selected image data, and a list of neighboring landmarks to the
camera position of the selected image data; and revising, when one
of the neighboring landmarks is selected, the place data of the
selected image data to that of the selected neighboring landmark,
to sort the selected image data into a folder for the selected neighboring
landmark.
30. A digital camera having an image sorting apparatus, said image
sorting apparatus comprising: an image data storage device storing
data of an image with position data that indicates a camera position
at which said image is captured; a search device for searching map
data based on said position data, to retrieve place data of a landmark
that corresponds to the camera position, said place data including
landmark name data and landmark area data; an image data sorting
device for sorting said image data according to said place data;
a display device for displaying results of sorting by said image
data sorting device; and a revising device for revising said place
data after said place data is memorized in association with said
image data, in order to sort said image data differently.
31. A digital camera as claimed in claim 30, wherein said map data
is stored in a storage medium that is detachably attachable to a
camera body.
32. A digital camera as claimed in claim 30, further comprising
a communication device that can communicate with an external data
server storing said map data.
33. A digital camera as claimed in claim 30, further comprising
a GPS terminal for obtaining said position data.
Digital Camera Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a landmark search system
for searching for a landmark that is contained an image captured
by a digital camera, and map data for the landmark search system.
The present invention relates also to a digital camera, and a method
and apparatus for sorting image data captured by the digital camera.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the field of digital cameras, it is getting popular to
get position data, data of latitude and longitude, of a camera location
from the GPS (Global Positioning System), and memorize the position
data in association with captured image data. An exemplar of such
a digital camera is a camera phone with a GPS receiver. Also, a
device for deducing the name of an imaged place or landmark from
the attached position data has been suggested.
[0003] For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-209886
discloses a mobile terminal, a position information providing system
and an imaging system, wherein a data base is provided for storing
position information such as, latitudes and longitudes of places
and landmarks, place-names and landmark names, data types, polygonal
areas of named places and landmarks outlined by polylines, and letters
for displaying the place-names and the landmark names. Based on
the latitude and longitude of a location of a digital camera, position
information of the camera location is retrieved from the data base,
and a landmark name of the camera location is determined based on
the retrieved information.
[0004] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2001-157098 discloses
a camera device and a method for displaying camera position information,
wherein a map is divided along longitudinal and latitudinal lines
into a lot of areas, and a mesh number is allocated to each of the
areas, so that landmarks located in the respective areas are stored
in a memory in correspondence with the individual mesh numbers.
Based on the latitude and longitude of a location of the camera
device, the area in which the camera location exits is determined.
Then, based on the mesh number of the determined area, a landmark
name of the camera location is retrieved from the memory.
[0005] In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent
Application No. 2003-209886, however, it takes time for retrieval
of the position information. This is because the retrieval of the
position information from the data base is done based on the latitude
and longitude of the camera location, while scanning even those
landmarks as the object of searching, which are far distant from
the camera location, e.g. those located in Hokkaido while the camera
location is in Tokyo. According to the prior art disclosed in Japanese
Laid-open Patent Application No. 2001-157098, all areas are scanned
as the object of searching for the area where the camera location
exits. Therefore, it takes certainly long time for the data retrieval.
[0006] Meanwhile, most of digital cameras stores captured image
data in a storage medium, e.g. a memory card, so that captured images
may be displayed on an LCD or the like based on the stored image
data. Thus, the user of the digital camera can observe the captured
image without the need for printing the image. Indeed image data
is superior to photo-prints in view of preservation properties,
but, with regard to efficiency of sorting and searching the images,
the image data is inferior to the photo-prints, because the photo-prints
may be put in order by filing them into albums or the like.
[0007] To improve the efficiency of sorting the image data, Japanese
Laid-open Patent Application No.2005-107867 suggests an apparatus
for and a method of making an album, wherein position data obtained
from a GPS satellite is attached to image data, and geometrical
ranges of respective camera locations of the stored image data are
derived from the respective image data, so that the image data of
many images are sorted according to the ranges of the camera locations.
[0008] According to an image sorting method disclosed in Japanese
Laid-open Patent Application No.2003-271617, GPS data, i.e. position
data obtained from a GPS satellite, are attached to each image file,
and different folders are prepared for different GPS data, so that
the image files are sorted according to the attached GPS data and
stored in the corresponding folders.
[0009] However, if position data obtained from the GPS satellite
is inaccurate because of a low GPS function, and thus a wrong place-name
or landmark is selected, the image data will be sorted wrongly.
In the prior arts, it is impossible to change the results of sorting
afterward.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing, a primary object of the present
invention is to provide a place search system that can quickly search
out a landmark located in a camera location.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
search method and map data for the landmark search system.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a method and apparatus for sorting image data captured by a digital
camera, as well as a digital camera having an image sorting function,
whereby the result of sorting may be changed afterward.
[0013] To achieve the above object, a landmark search system of
the present invention comprises a digital camera comprising a position
data obtaining device for obtaining position data of a camera position
at which an image is captured, and a data storage device for storing
the position data in association with image data of the captured
image; a map data storage device storing map data, the map data
comprising area data of divisional areas which are provided by dividing
a map area at regular intervals of latitude and longitude, and place
data prepared for each of the divisional areas, the place data including
data of landmarks located in each of the divisional areas; and a
search device that searches the map data based on the position data,
to select one divisional area that includes the camera position,
and thereafter retrieve the place data for the selected divisional
area, to determine a landmark that corresponds to the camera position.
[0014] According to the present invention, a search method for
retrieving data of a landmark that corresponds to a camera position
at which an image is captured by a digital camera, comprises steps
of preparing map data that comprises area data of divisional areas
which are provided by dividing a map area at regular intervals of
latitude and longitude, and place data prepared for each of the
divisional areas, the place data including data of landmarks located
in each of the divisional areas; obtaining position data of the
camera position; searching the map data based on the position data,
to select one divisional area that includes the camera position;
and thereafter retrieving the place data for the selected divisional
area, to determine the landmark that corresponds to the camera position.
[0015] Preferably, the place data comprises landmark name data
and landmark area data, and the landmark area data comprises data
of latitudes and longitudes of vertexes of polygonal areas that
outline actual areas of the respective landmarks.
[0016] Preferably, the landmark area data further comprises data
of an extended area that is extended in all directions by a predetermined
width from each of the polygonal areas.
[0017] Preferably, the place data further comprises data of inclusive
relation between those landmarks, of which one is included in the
area of another.
[0018] An image sorting apparatus of the present invention comprises
an image data storage device storing data of an image with position
data that indicates a camera position at which the image is captured;
a search device for searching map data based on the position data,
to retrieve place data of a landmark that corresponds to the camera
position, the place data including landmark name data and landmark
area data; an image data sorting device for sorting the image data
according to the place data; a display device for displaying results
of sorting by the image data sorting device; and a revising device
for revising the place data after the place data is memorized in
association with the image data, in order to sort the image data
differently.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the revising device
comprises an operating device, and the display device displays a
list of landmark names under which respective image data are sorted,
and when a landmark name is selected from the list through the operating
device, the display device displays a list of those image data which
are sorted under the selected landmark name. When one of the displayed
image data is selected through the operating device, an enlarged
image of the selected image data, the landmark name under which
the selected image data is sorted, and a list of neighboring landmarks
to the camera position of the selected image data are displayed,
and wherein when one of the neighboring landmarks is selected through
the operating device, the place data of the selected image data
is revised to sort the selected image data under the name of the
selected neighboring landmark.
[0020] It is preferably to display the list of landmark names in
a tree structure that shows relation of inclusion between those
landmarks, of which one is located in the area of another.
[0021] The map data may be stored in a storage device or a removable
storage medium. It is also possible to retrieve the map data from
an external data server storing the map data.
[0022] An image sorting method of the present invention comprises
steps of obtaining position data that indicates a camera position
at which data of an image is captured; searching map data based
on the position data, to retrieve place data of a landmark that
corresponds to the camera position, the place data including the
name of the landmark; associating the place data with the image
data; sorting the image data according to the place data; and revising
the place data after the place data is associated with the image
data, to sort the image data differently.
[0023] It is possible to incorporate the image sorting apparatus
of the present invention into a digital camera.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments when read in connection with the accompanied
drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding
parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a camera location
landmark search system, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of map data;
[0027] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a map division data
table;
[0028] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a divisional area index
table;
[0029] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a landmark data table;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating 2-D area data of a theme
park;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating 2-D area data of a Ferris
wheel;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating 2-D area data of a roller
coaster;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of operation
of the camera location landmark search system;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a digital camera
and an image sorting apparatus for sorting image data captured by
the digital camera, according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image
search screen of the image sorting apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image
display screen of the image sorting apparatus;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of searching
a landmark of the camera location based on the position data written
in the image data;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of displaying
the image data in a condition sorted according to the landmarks;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of displaying
those image data which are sorted into a group relating to a landmark
entered by an operator;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of changing
landmark data written in the image data, to change the group into
which the image data is sorted;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a digital camera
that functions as an image sorting apparatus, according to a further
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0042] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a digital camera
and an image sorting apparatus that is connectable to a map data
server through the Internet, according to still another embodiment
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] As shown in FIG.1, a camera location landmark search system
2, an embodiment of the search system of the present invention,
is comprised of a digital camera 3 and a personal computer 4.
[0044] The digital camera 3 is provided with an imaging unit 5
that comprises a shutter button and a taking lens in a conventional
manner, a GPS terminal 6 for locating a present camera position
and getting position data of the present camera position, and a
controller 7. A memory card 8 for storing captured image data is
detachably attached to the digital camera 3. The GPS terminal 6
has an antenna 9 and a GPS calculator 10. The antenna 9 is for receiving
electric waves from a GPS satellite that is going around the earth.
The received electric wave is sent to the GPS calculator 10, which
stores a calculation program for calculating based on the electric
wave position data of the present camera position, i.e. latitude
and longitude of the present camera position.
[0045] When an image is captured by operating the imaging unit
5, the controller 7 outputs a program activation signal to the GPS
calculator 10, so the GPS calculator 10 activates the calculation
program to calculate position data i.e. latitude and longitude of
the present camera position on the basis of the electric wave. Then
the GPS calculator 10 sends the position data to the controller
7, so the controller 7 associates image data of the captured image
with the position data from the GPS calculator 10, and writes them
on the memory card 8. It is alternatively possible to provide the
image data with a position data storage segment, and write the position
data in the position data storage segment of the image data.
[0046] The personal computer 4 is provided with a CPU 11 that functions
as a place searching device, a ROM 12 as a map data storage device,
a RAM 13 as a storage device for storing image data and position
data in association with each other, and an LCD 14 as a display
device. In the present embodiment, the ROM 12 stores data of a schematic
2-D map of Japan. As shown in FIG.2, the map expressed by the map
data stored in the ROM 12 covers a map area having a start point
at latitude 30.degree. N and longitude 128.degree. E, and an end
point at latitude 46.degree. N and longitude 147.degree. E. The
map data is divided at 1.degree. interval of longitude and 40'(2/3.degree.
interval of latitude. In other words, the map area is divided into
456 (=19.times.24) divisional areas in the present embodiment.
[0047] The map data is constituted of map division data table shown
in FIG.3 and divisional area index table shown in FIG.4. The map
division data table stores longitudinal and latitudinal angles of
one divisional area, the number of divisional areas along lines
of latitude, i.e. on the same latitudinal position, and the number
of divisional areas along meridians (lines of longitude), i.e. on
the same longitudinal position. The map division data table also
stores latitude and longitude of the start point of the map. In
the present embodiment, the longitudinal and latitudinal angles
of one divisional area are 1.degree. and 2/3.degree., respectively.
The number of divisional areas along lines of latitude is 19, and
the number of divisional areas along meridians is 24. The latitude
and longitude of the start point of the map are 30.degree. and 128.degree.,
respectively.
[0048] The divisional area index table shown in FIG.4 includes
data of latitudes and longitudes of respective start points of all
divisional areas. In FIG.4, a couple of parenthetic numbers designate
the place of each individual area relative to a start area A(0,0)
that is located at the start point of the map, the area hatched
in FIG.2. That is, the left parenthetic number of each area designates
the number of order counted from the start area along latitude lines,
whereas the right parenthetic number designates the number of order
counted from the start area along meridians. For example, A(18,23)
designates the area including the end point of the map area, and
A(10,15) designates the area placed tenth from the start area in
the direction of latitude lines and fifteenth from the start area
in the direction of meridians.
[0049] Although the present embodiment describes the map data as
divided at 1.degree. interval of longitude and at 40'(2/3.degree.)
interval of latitude into 456 divisional areas, for convenience
sake, the map data is to be divided more finely. In practice, the
divisional areas of the map preferably have a length of 10 km or
so along latitude lines and along longitude lines as well. Correspondingly
to the smaller size of the divisional areas, the number of divisional
areas along lines of latitudes and along meridians will increase.
[0050] As shown in FIG.5, the map data further include a landmark
data table which stores place data, such as names of main landmarks,
e.g. a theme park, a station and a school, which are located in
the respective divisional areas, identification (ID) numbers assigned
to the respective landmarks, area coordinates of the respective
landmarks (LM area coordinates), extension widths, rectangular area
coordinates, and parent data or affiliate data of the respective
landmarks. Namely, the landmark data table stores data of place-names
of the landmarks (LM name data) in LM name sections, and data of
place areas and data of latitudes and longitudes of the respective
places as landmark area coordinate data in LM area coordinate sections.
In the present embodiment, an area A(11,8) will be described as
an example where there is a theme park .alpha., and there are a
Ferris wheel .beta. and a roller coaster .gamma. in the theme park
.alpha..
[0051] The theme park .alpha. has an ID number #100, whereas the
Ferris wheel .beta. and the roller coaster .gamma. have ID numbers
#101 and #102 respectively. Since the Ferris wheel .beta. and the
roller coaster .gamma. are located in the theme park .alpha., they
can be regarded as affiliates or subsidiaries of the theme park
.alpha. in the relation of inclusion among the landmarks. Accordingly,
the ID numbers #101 and #102 of the Ferris wheel .beta. and the
roller coaster .gamma. are memorized in the affiliated data section
of the theme park .alpha., while the ID number #100 of the theme
park .alpha. is memorized in the parent data sections of the Ferris
wheel .beta. and the roller coaster .gamma..
[0052] FIG.6 shows area data of the theme park .alpha. schematically
as a 2-D top plan view. The theme park .alpha. is a landmark having
a pentagonal area, so data of coordinates (.alpha.x1, .alpha.y1),
(.alpha.x2, .alpha.y2), (.alpha.x3, .alpha.y3), (.alpha.x4, .alpha.y4)
and (.alpha.x5, .alpha.y5), which indicate respective latitudes
and longitudes of the five vertexes, are memorized in the LM area
coordinate section for the theme park .alpha. of the landmark data
table. The area bounded by lines extending between these apexes
may be called the landmark area of the theme park .alpha.. The area
data further define an extended area of the theme park .alpha.,
which is extended from the landmark area of the theme park .alpha.
by a predetermined width in all directions. In the present example,
the extension width from the landmark area to the extended area
of the theme park .alpha. is 5 meters. Note that the extension width
for each individual landmark is memorized in the extension width
section of the landmark data table as shown in FIG.5. Furthermore,
the landmark data table includes data of a rectangular area of each
landmark, or called a minimum bounding rectangle of each landmark,
which circumscribes the extended area of each landmark. Specifically,
data of coordinates indicating latitudes and longitudes of four
apexes of the rectangular area of the theme park .alpha., i.e. (R.alpha.x1,
R.alpha.y1), (R.alpha.x2, R.alpha.y2), (R.alpha.x3, R.alpha.y3)
and (R.alpha.x4, R.alpha.y4) are memorized in the rectangular area
coordinate section for the theme park a of the landmark data table.
[0053] FIG.7 shows area data of the Ferris wheel .beta. schematically
as a 2-D top plan view. The Ferris wheel .beta. is a landmark having
a rectangular area, so data of coordinates (.beta.x1, .beta.y1),
(.beta.x2, .beta.y2), (.beta.x3, .beta.y3) and (.beta.x4, .beta.y4),
which indicate respective latitudes and longitudes of the four apexes,
are memorized in the LM area coordinate section for the Ferris wheel
.beta. of the landmark data table. The area bounded by lines extending
between these apexes may be called the landmark area of the Ferris
wheel .beta.. The area data further define an extended area of the
Ferris wheel .beta., which is extended by a predetermined width,
e.g. 3 meters, in all directions from the landmark area of the Ferris
wheel .beta.. To define a rectangular area of the Ferris wheel .beta.,
which circumscribes latitudinal and longitudinal apexes of the extended
area of the Ferris wheel .beta., data of coordinates indicating
latitudes and longitudes of four apexes of the rectangular area
of the Ferris wheel .beta., i.e. (R.beta.x1, R.beta.y1), (R.beta.x2,
R.beta.y2), (R.beta.x3, R.beta.y3) and (R.beta.x4, R.beta.y4) are
memorized in the rectangular area coordinate section for the Ferris
wheel .beta. of the landmark data table.
[0054] FIG. 8 shows area data of the roller coaster .gamma. schematically
as a 2-D top plan view. The roller coaster .gamma. is a landmark
having a hexagonal area, so data of coordinates (.gamma.x1, .gamma.y1),
(.gamma.x2, .gamma.y2), (.gamma.x3, .gamma.y3), (.gamma.x4, .gamma.y4),
(.gamma.x5, .gamma.y5) and (.gamma.x6, .gamma.y6) which indicate
respective latitudes and longitudes of the six apexes, are memorized
in the LM area coordinate section for the roller coaster .gamma.
of the landmark data table. The area bounded by lines extending
between the six apexes may be called the landmark area of the roller
coaster .gamma.. The area data further define an extended area of
the roller coaster .gamma., which is extended by a predetermined
width, e.g. 3 meters, in all directions from the landmark area of
the roller coaster .gamma.. To define a rectangular area of the
roller coaster .gamma., which circumscribes latitudinal and longitudinal
apexes of the extended area of the roller coaster .gamma., data
of coordinates indicating latitudes and longitudes of four apexes
of the rectangular area of the roller coaster .gamma., i.e. (R.gamma.x1,
R.gamma.y1), (R.gamma.x2, R.gamma.y2), (R.gamma.x3, R.gamma.y3)
and (R.gamma.x4, R.gamma.y4), are memorized in the rectangular area
coordinate section for the roller coaster .gamma. of the landmark
data table.
[0055] Referring back to FIG. 1, when the memory card 8 is connected
to the CPU 11 of the personal computer 4, image data and associated
position data are read out from the memory card 8 and input in the
CPU 11. For example, the input position data designates a camera
position P1 that is located at latitude 35.7.degree. and longitude
139.7.degree.. Then, the CPU 11 retrieves data from the map data
of the ROM 12, to determine one divisional area that includes the
camera position P1. Note that the memory card 8 is connected to
the CPU 11 by taking the memory card 8 out of the digital camera
3 and inserting the memory card 8 into a not-shown memory card slot
of the personal computer 4.
[0056] Specifically, in order to determine the divisional area
that includes the entry position P1, the latitude of the start point
of the map (=30.degree.) is reduced from the latitude of the camera
position P1 (=35.7.degree.), and the value obtained by the reduction
(=5.7.degree.)is divided by the latitudinal angle of one divisional
area (=2/3.degree.). Then, decimal part of the quotient (=8.55)
is rounded off. The numerical value (=8) obtained in this way indicates
the number of order of the divisional area including the camera
position P1, as counted along meridians from the start area A(0,
0), the hatched area in FIG. 2. That is, the divisional area including
the camera position P1 is determined to be one of the eighth areas
from the start area A(0,0) in the direction of meridians.
[0057] Simultaneously, the longitude of the start point of the
map (=128.degree.) is reduced from the longitude of the camera position
P1 (=139.7.degree.), and the value obtained by the reduction (=11.7.degree.)
is divided by the longitudinal angle of one divisional area (=1.degree.).
Then, decimal part of the quotient (=11.7) is rounded off. The numerical
value (=11) obtained in this way, indicates the number of order
of the target divisional area as counted along lines of latitude
from the start area A(0,0). Consequently, the target divisional
area including the camera position P1 is determined to be the area
A(11,8) that is placed eleventh in the direction of latitude lines,
and eighth in the direction of meridians from the start area A(0,0).
Thus, the target divisional area including the camera position is
determined by calculation based on the input position data, i.e.
latitude and longitude of the camera position. This method saves
time for searching the target divisional area including the camera
position, in comparison with a case where the input position data
are compared with all divisional areas of the map data on searching
the target divisional area.
[0058] After the target divisional area is determined, the CPU
11 searches for a landmark relating to the camera position P1 with
reference to the landmark data table. Since the camera position
P1 is determined to be included in the divisional area A(11,8),
the CPU 11 searches for merely those landmarks which are located
in the area A(11,8). In the present example, the camera position
P1 is assumed to be located at the Ferris wheel .beta. in the theme
park .alpha., as shown in FIG.6.
[0059] First, the CPU 11 retrieves at least a rectangular area
that includes the camera position P1 among the rectangular areas
of the landmarks located in the determined divisional area A(11,8).
So the rectangular area of the theme park .alpha., and the rectangular
area of the Ferris wheel .beta. are retrieved in this example.
[0060] Next, the CPU 11 calculates a distance L.alpha.1 from the
camera position P1 to the LM area of the theme park .alpha., and
a distance L.beta.1 from the camera position P1 to the LM area of
the Ferris wheel .beta.. Concretely, the CPU 1 first judges whether
a camera position P is inside or outside a LM area of a landmark,
using a known method of judging whether a point is inside or outside
a polygon. If the camera position P is inside the LM area, the distance
L from the camera position P to the LM area is held to be zero.
If not, the shortest distance from the camera position P to the
LM area is decided to be the distance L. Since the camera position
P1 is located at the Ferris wheel .beta. in the theme park .alpha.,
both the distance L.alpha.1 from the camera position P1 to the LM
area of the theme park .alpha. and the distance L.beta.1 from the
camera position P1 to the LM area of the Ferris wheel .beta. are
decided to be zero.
[0061] When it is determined that there are more than one landmark,
of which the distance L from the camera position P to the LM area
is zero, the CPU 11 checks the parent data sections and the affiliate
data sections of these landmarks, i.e. the theme park a and the
Ferris wheel .beta. in this example, to determine the relation of
inclusion between these landmarks. Then, among these landmarks,
one landmark whose ID number is memorized in the parent data section
of the other landmark, i.e. the theme park a in this example, is
deleted from the candidates. Thus, the Ferris wheel .beta. is selected
as the landmark for the camera position P1 (latitude 35.7.degree.
and longitude 139.7.degree.).
[0062] Next, the CPU 11 outputs the LM name data of the finally
selected landmark to the LCD 14, to display the name of the finally
selected landmark, i.e. "Ferris wheel .beta." in this
example, as the camera location of the captured image. Simultaneously,
the CPU 11 associates the LM name data of the finally selected landmark
with the image data, with which the position data is already associated,
and writes them in the RAM 13.
[0063] If the input position data represents such a camera position
that the distance from the camera position to any LM area of any
landmark is not zero, the CPU 11 determines that the camera position
is outside any LM areas of the determined divisional area. For example,
if the input position data represent a camera position P2 that is
located outside the theme park .alpha. but in the extended area
of the theme park .alpha., as shown in FIG.6, the CPU 11 selects
the theme park .alpha. as a landmark whose rectangular area includes
the camera position P2. Next, the CPU 11 calculates a distance L.alpha.2,
that is the shortest distance from the camera position P2 to the
LM area of the theme park .alpha.. Thereafter, the CPU 11 compares
the distance L.alpha.2 with the extension width for the theme park
.alpha., which is memorized in the extension width section for the
theme park .alpha. of the landmark data table. If the distance L.alpha.2
is not more than the extension width of the theme park .alpha.,
the CPU 11 determines the theme park .alpha. to be the finally selected
landmark, and outputs the LM name data of the theme park .alpha.
to the LCD 14, to display "theme park .alpha." as the
camera location. Simultaneously, the CPU 11 associates the LM name
data of the finally selected landmark, i.e. the theme park .alpha.
in this example, with the image data, and writes them in the RAM
13.
[0064] Alternatively, in the case where the distance L.alpha.2
is more than zero but within the extension width of the nearest
landmark, i.e. the theme park .alpha. in this example, the CPU 11
may output the LM name data of those landmarks to the LCD 14, which
are located in the vicinity of the camera position P2, to display
the landmark names as the camera location, sequentially in the order
from the nearest, i.e. "theme park .alpha.", "Ferris
wheel .beta." and "roller coaster .gamma.". In that
case, the CPU 11 associates the LM name data of these landmarks
with the image data, and writes them in the RAM 13.
[0065] If the input position data represent a camera position P3
that is located outside the extended area of the theme park .alpha.
but in the rectangular area of the theme park .alpha., as shown
in FIG. 6, the CPU 11 selects the theme park .alpha. as a landmark
whose rectangular area includes the camera position P3. Next, the
CPU 11 calculates a distance L.alpha.3, that is the shortest distance
from the camera position P3 to the LM area of the theme park .alpha..
Thereafter, the CPU 11 compares the distance L.alpha.3 with the
extension width for the theme park .alpha.. Because the distance
L.alpha.3 is more than the extension width of the theme park .alpha.,
the CPU 11 does not determine the theme park .alpha. to be the finally
selected landmark. That is, the camera position P3 is judged to
be outside any landmark. In that case, the CPU 11 outputs data of
a message that the camera location of this image is outside the
main landmarks, to the LCD 14, to let the LCD 14 display this message.
Simultaneously, the CPU 11 associates the data of this message with
the image data, and writes them in the RAM 13.
[0066] If there are more than one landmarks whose rectangular areas
include the camera position P, only the distance L from the camera
position P to the nearest landmark is compared with the extension
width of the nearest landmark.
[0067] Now the operation of the camera location landmark search
system 2 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.9.
When an image is captured by the digital camera 3 (S1: step 1),
the program activation signal is fed from the controller 7 to the
GPS calculator 10, so the GPS calculator 10 activates the calculation
program to calculate position data, i.e. latitude and longitude,
of the present camera position based on the electric wave received
on the antenna 9 (S2: step 2). The calculated position data is sent
to the controller 7, so the controller 7 memorizes image data of
the captured image in association with the position data from the
CPS calculator 10 on the memory card 8.
[0068] When the memory card 8 is connected to the CPU 11, the image
data and the associated position data are read out from the memory
card 8 and fed to the CPU 11 (S3: step 3). Then, the CPU 11 retrieves
data from the map data of the ROM 12, to select one divisional area
that includes a camera position designated by the input position
data (S4: step 4) among all divisional areas of the map data stored
in the ROM 12. For example, if the input position data designates
the camera position P1, that is located at latitude 35.7.degree.
and longitude 139.7.degree., the divisional area A(11,8) is selected.
[0069] Next, the CPU 11 retrieves data of landmarks located in
the selected divisional area from landmark data table, to select
at least a rectangular area that include the camera position (S5:
step 5). As for the camera position P1, the rectangular areas of
the theme park .alpha. and the Ferris wheel .beta. are selected
as the search results.
[0070] Next, the CPU 11 calculates a distance L from the camera
position to each LM area included in the selected rectangular area
(S6: step 6). For example, the distance L.alpha.1 from the camera
position P1 to the LM area of the theme park .alpha., and the distance
L.beta.1 from the camera position P1 to the LM area of the Ferris
wheel .beta..
[0071] Thereafter, the CPU 11 judges whether there is any landmark,
to which the distance L is zero (S7: step 7). When it is determined
that there are more than one landmark, of which the distance L from
the camera position P to the LM area is zero, the CPU 11 checks
the parent data sections and the affiliate data sections of these
landmarks, i.e. the theme park .alpha. and the Ferris wheel .beta.
for the camera position P1, to determine the relation of inclusion
between these landmarks. Then, among these landmarks, one landmark
whose ID number is memorized in the parent data section of the other
landmark, i.e. the theme park .alpha. in this example, is deleted
from the candidates (S8: step 8). Thus, the Ferris wheel .beta.
is finally selected as the landmark for the camera position P1 (S9:
step 9).
[0072] Next, the CPU 11 outputs the LM name data of the finally
selected landmark to the LCD 14, to display the name of the finally
selected landmark, and memorizes the LM name data of the finally
selected landmark in association with the image data and its position
data in the RAM 13 (S10: step 10).
[0073] If, on the other hand, it is judged that the distance L
from the camera position to any LM area of any landmark is not zero
(S7), the CPU 11 selects a landmark whose rectangular area includes
the camera position, e.g. the theme park .alpha. for the camera
position P2.
[0074] Next, the CPU 11 compares the distance L with the extension
width for the selected landmark, e.g. the distance L.alpha.2 from
the camera position P2 to the LM area of the theme park .alpha.
with the extension width for the theme park .alpha. (S11: step 11).
If the distance L is not more than the extension width of the selected
landmark, the CPU 11 determines the selected landmark to be the
finally selected landmark. Thus, the theme park .alpha. is finally
selected as the landmark for the camera position P2 (S9).
[0075] Then, the CPU 11 outputs the LM name data of the theme park
.alpha. to the LCD 14, to display "theme park .alpha."
as the camera location. Simultaneously, the CPU 11 associates the
LM name data of the theme park .alpha. with the image data, of which
the position data designates the camera position P2, and writes
them in the RAM 13 (S10).
[0076] If the distance L from the camera position to the nearest
landmark area is determined to be more than the extension width
for the nearest landmark (S11), like the case of the camera position
P3, the CPU 11 judges that the camera position is not included in
any of the main landmarks (S12: step 12). In that case, the CPU
11 outputs data of a message that the camera location of this image
is outside the main landmarks, to the LCD 14, to let the LCD 14
display this message. Simultaneously, the CPU 11 associates the
data of this message with the image data, and writes them in the
RAM 13 (S10).
[0077] As described so far, the divisional area that includes the
camera position of the captured image is retrieved by calculation
based on the input position data, latitude and longitude of the
camera position, which is memorized in association with the image
data of the captured image. Therefore, it takes shorter time for
searching the divisional area that includes the camera position,
in comparison with the case where the input position data are compared
with all divisional areas of the map data.
[0078] Furthermore, the landmark data table includes data of the
LM area coordinates, the extension widths and the rectangular area
coordinates, so that a camera position may be determined to be included
in a landmark even while the camera position exists in the extension
area of that landmark. Accordingly, even while an error occurs because
of insufficient accuracy of the map data or the GPS calculation,
if the error is within the range of the extension width, the error
is absorbed, so a proper landmark is retrievable. As for an image
that is captured at a camera position outside a landmark but contains
the landmark as the background, if the camera position is within
the extension area of the landmark, the camera location landmark
search system 2 selects the landmark as the camera location of the
captured image.
[0079] Since the name of the finally selected landmark is displayed
on the LCD 14, the user can instantly see the name of the landmark
relating to the captured image. Since the image data is associated
with the position data when it is written in the memory card 8,
and is association with the LM name data of the finally selected
landmark when it is written in the RAM 13, the user can see the
camera location of the captured image just by reading out its image
data from the RAM 13. When a plurality of landmarks are selected
for one image, and data of their names are memorized in the RAM
13 in association with the image data, the user may select one among
these landmarks afterward, and rewrite the image data in association
with the LM name data of the selected one in the RAM 13.
[0080] Although the camera location landmark search system 2 of
the above embodiment consists of the digital camera 3 and the personal
computer 4, the search system of the present invention is not to
be limited to the above embodiment. For example, it is possible
to integrate all components of the system, including the CPU 11,
the ROM 12, the RAM 13 and the LCD 14, into a digital camera.
[0081] FIG.10 shows an image sorting apparatus 20 for use with
a digital camera 3 according to another embodiment of the present
invention. The digital camera 3 may have the same structure as described
with reference to FIG.1, so the following description of the digital
camera 3 will relate merely to those features essential to the present
embodiment.
[0082] The image sorting apparatus 20 is constituted of a personal
computer comprising a CPU 23 as an image data sorting device, a
ROM 24 as a map data storage device, a RAM 25 as an image data storage
device, an LCD 26 and an operating section 27 as an input device.
The operating section 27 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is
operated to input control data and command in the CPU 23.
[0083] The ROM 24 stores data of a schematic map of Japan, e.g.
the map data as described above with reference to FIGS.2 to 8. The
ROM 24 also stores image data read out from a memory card 8 of the
digital camera 3. The image data stored in the ROM 24 include LM
name data that represent the names of landmarks located in those
places where the image data are captured.
[0084] To transfer the image data from the memory card 8 to the
ROM 24, the memory card 8 is taken out of the digital camera 3,
and is inserted into a not-shown card slot of the image sorting
apparatus 20. Then the CPU 23 reads the image data from the memory
card 8 and memorizes them in the RAM 25. Thereafter, the CPU 23
searches the map data of the ROM 24 for a landmark based on position
data, latitude and longitude of a camera position, which is written
in the image data, in the same way as set forth above with respect
to the camera location landmark search system 2. Thus, the CPU 23
functions as a device for searching a place or landmark based on
the position data, like the CPU 11 of the first embodiment. The
CPU 23 writes LM name data of the found landmark in the image data,
and then memorizes the image data in the ROM 24. The LM name data
may be stored in the ROM 24 in association with the image data,
instead of writing the LM name data directly in the image data.
[0085] The ROM 24 also stores an image search program. In response
to a keyword for image-searching, e.g. "start image-searching",
is entered through the operating section 27, the CPU 23 activates
the image search program. When the image search program gets active,
the LCD 6 is driven to display an image search screen 30 as shown
in FIG.11. The CPU 23 sorts the image data according to the LM name
data, to display results of the sorting on the image search screen
30.
[0086] The image search screen 30 is provided with an image search
section 31, a sort and select section 32 and an image index section
33. The image search section 31 is provided with a keyword entry
box 31a for entering a keyword for searching, and a search start
button 31b for starting searching for those image data which relate
to the entered keyword.
[0087] The sort and select section 32 displays all the landmark
names, which are written as the LM name data in the image data,
as folder names in a tree structure. The image index section 33
displays thumbnails of those image data which are retrieved by operating
the image search section 31, or those image data which are sorted
and memorized in a folder as selected at the sort and select section
32. The present embodiment will be described on the assumption that
the ROM 24 stores image data that are sorted and memorized in folders
for those landmarks which are retrieved from the map data, e.g.
city .alpha., station .alpha., theme park .alpha., Ferris wheel
.beta., roller coaster .gamma. and city .theta., and a folder for
indefinite places. Thus, the LCD 26 functions as a device for displaying
a list of folder names (landmark names) as folders of the sorted
image data, and also as a device for displaying a list of images
which are sorted in a selected folder.
[0088] The sort and select section 32 displays the tree structure
of the folders for the respective landmarks: city .alpha., station
.alpha., theme park .alpha., Ferris wheel .beta., roller coaster
.gamma. and city .theta., and the folder for unidentified places.
The station .alpha. and the theme park .alpha. are landmarks which
are located in the city .alpha., so the folders for the station
.alpha. and the theme park .alpha. are contained in the folder for
the city .alpha.. The Ferris wheel .beta. and the roller coaster
.gamma. are landmarks which are located in the theme park .alpha.,
so the folders for the Ferris wheel .beta. and the roller coaster
.gamma. are contained in the folder for the theme park .alpha..
Accordingly, the folder named city .alpha., the folder named city
.theta. and the folder named unidentified places are in the grade
of the folder tree, and the folder named theme park .alpha. is a
subfolder to the folder named city .alpha., and the folder named
Ferris wheel .beta. and the folder named roller coaster .gamma.
are subfolders to the folder named theme park. In the following
description, those landmarks which assigned to the folders of the
same branch, e.g. the city .alpha., the station .alpha., the theme
park .alpha., the Ferris wheel .beta. and the roller coaster .gamma.,
will be referred to as neighboring landmarks.
[0089] When the operating section 27 is operated to open the folder
named city .alpha., the folders named station .alpha., theme park
.alpha., Ferris wheel .beta. and roller coaster .gamma. are displayed
on the sort and select section 32, and simultaneously a list of
all image data sorted into these folders, i.e. the folders named
city .alpha., station .alpha., theme park .alpha., Ferris wheel
.beta. and roller coaster .gamma. are displayed as thumbnails on
the image index section 33. When one of these folders, for example,
the folder named Ferris wheel .beta. is selected by operating the
operating section 27, a list of those image data sorted into the
folder named Ferris wheel .beta. are displayed as thumbnails on
the image index section 33.
[0090] Into the folder for indefinite places are sorted those image
data, to which any related landmarks can not be found and thus it
is impossible to sort them into any folders for definite landmarks.
[0091] The image search section 31 is for searching the ROM 24
for those image data which relate to at least a keyword that is
entered in the keyword entry box 21a. For example, when "Ferris
wheel .beta." is entered in the keyword entry box 21a, and
the search start button 21b is operated, the CPU 23 searches the
ROM 24 for those image data which relate to the Ferris wheel .beta.,
and lets a list of all the retrieved image data displayed as thumbnails
on the image index section 33.
[0092] When one of the thumbnails is chosen on the image index
section 33 by operating the operating section 27, the LCD 6 switches
to an image display screen 35 as shown, for example, in FIG.12.
The image display screen 35 is provided with an image display section
36 and a landmark name revising section 37. The image display section
36 displays an enlarged image of the chosen thumbnail. It is possible
to provide a size changing button on the image display section 36,
for changing the size of the image displayed on the image display
section 36.
[0093] The landmark name revising section 37 is provided with a
landmark name display box 37a, a name choice section 37b and a landmark
name revise button 37c. The landmark name display box 37a displays
a landmark name that is designated by landmark name data memorized
in the image data of the image presently displayed on the image
display section 36. In the illustrated example, "Ferris wheel
.beta." is displayed in the landmark name display box 37a.
The name choice section 37b displays a list of the names of the
neighboring landmarks sequentially from the nearest to the landmark
whose name is displayed in the landmark name display box 37a. For
example, as shown in FIG.12, when "Ferris wheel .beta."
is displayed in the landmark name display box 37a, "roller
coaster .gamma.", "theme park .alpha.", "station
.alpha." and "city .alpha." are displayed in this
order from the top on the name choice section 37b.
[0094] As described so far, the CPU 23 also functions as a device
for sorting image data according to the associated LM name data
and a device for searching image data relating to the keyword. Also
the LCD 26 functions as a device for displaying an enlarged image
of selected image data, a device for displaying the name of the
folder or landmark the enlarged image is sorted into, and a device
for displaying a list of the names of neighboring landmarks of the
landmark the enlarged image is sorted into.
[0095] When an image is captured by the digital camera 3, a controller
7 outputs a program activation signal to a GPS calculator 10, so
the GPS calculator 10 activates a calculation program to calculate
position data indicating the present camera position based on an
electric wave received on an antenna 9. The calculated position
data is fed to the controller 7. Since the calculation based on
the electric wave from a GPS satellite is not accurate enough, the
position data calculated by the GPS calculator 10 can sometimes
indicate a position that deviates from the correct camera location.
Furthermore, if, for example, an image of the roller coaster .gamma.
is captured by a photographer sitting in the Ferris wheel .beta.,
the calculated position data indicate a position inside the area
of the Ferris wheel .beta., while the captured image contains the
roller coaster .gamma.. In that case, the LM name data written in
the image data of the capture image represents the Ferris wheel
.beta.. When this image is chosen to be displayed on the image display
section 36, "Ferris wheel .beta." is displayed in the
landmark name display box 37a, while the enlarged image displayed
on the image display section 36 contains the roller coaster .gamma..
If the landmark name displayed in the landmark name display box
37a does not coincide with the image displayed on the image display
section 36, it is necessary to correct the landmark name.
[0096] In order to correct the landmark name, the operating section
27 is operated to choose a proper one from the landmark names displayed
in the name choice section 37b. For example, when "roller coaster
.gamma." is chosen in the name choice section 37b, "roller
coaster .gamma." is displayed in the landmark name display
box 37a. By operating the landmark name revise button 37c in this
condition, the CPU 23 rewrites the LM name data of the roller coaster
.gamma. in place of the LM name data of the Ferris wheel .beta.
that has been written in the image data of the image displayed on
the image display section 36. Thereafter, the CPU 23 rewrites the
image data on the ROM 24. In this way, the LM name data is corrected
to coincide with the image. Therefore, the CPU 23 further functions
as a device for changing the LM name data, i.e. camera location
data, of the image data, and thus changing the folder of the image
data, that is sorted according to the camera location.
[0097] Now the operation of the image sorting apparatus 20 will
be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 13
to 16.
[0098] FIG. 13 shows a sequence of searching a landmark of the
camera location based on the position data written in the image
data. When the memory card 8 is connected to the CPU 23, the CPU
23 reads the imaged data from the memory card 8, and writes the
read image data in the RAM 25 (S1). Next, the CPU 23 searches the
ROM 24 based on the position data as written in the image data,
to selects a landmark (S2). For example, when the position data
represents the camera position P1, the Ferris wheel .beta. is selected
as the landmark for the camera position P1. Then the CPU 23 writes
the LM name data of the selected landmark in the image data, and
memorizes the image data in the ROM 24 (S3).
[0099] FIG.14 shows a sequence of sorting and displaying the image
data stored in the ROM 24. In response to a keyword for image-searching
is entered through the operating section 27, the CPU 23 activates
the image search program, so the LCD 6 displays the image search
screen 30, as shown in FIG.11. The CPU 23 sorts the image data according
to the LM name data, to display results of the sorting on the image
search screen 30. For example, the sort and select section 32 displays
the tree-structured folders named city .alpha., the folder named
city .theta., and the folder for unidentified places (S1).
[0100] When the operating section 27 is operated to open the folder
named city .alpha., the folder named station .alpha., the folder
named theme park .alpha., the folder named Ferris wheel .beta.,
and the folder named roller coaster .gamma. are displayed on the
sort and select section 32, and the thumbnails of all those image
data which are sorted into these folders are displayed on the image
index section 33 (S3). If the folder named Ferris wheel is selected,
the thumbnails of all image data sorted into this folder are displayed
on the image index section 33.
[0101] FIG. 15 shows a sequence of retrieving image data by entering
a place-name. When the place-name, e.g. Ferris wheel .beta., is
entered as a keyword in the keyword entry box 31a, and then the
search start button 31b is operated (S1), the CPU 23 sorts out the
image data that are sorted into the folder for the Ferris wheel
.beta., and lets the thumbnails of the sorted image data on the
image index section 33 (S2).
[0102] FIG.16 shows a sequence of changing the LM name data written
in the image data.
[0103] When one of the thumbnails is chosen on the image index
section 33 by operating the operating section 27 (S1), the LCD 6
displays image display screen 35. The image display section 36 displays
an enlarged image of the chosen thumbnail, while the landmark name
display box 37a displays a landmark name that is designated by landmark
name data memorized in the image data of the image presently displayed
on the image display section 36 (S2), and the name choice section
37b displays a list of the names of neighboring landmarks sequentially
from the nearest to the landmark whose name is displayed in the
landmark name display box 37a (S3).
[0104] When the operating section 27 is operated to choose one
from the landmark names displayed in the name choice section 37b
(S4), the chosen landmark name is displayed in the landmark name
display box 37a. By operating the landmark name revise button 37c
in this condition, the CPU 23 writes the LM name data of the landmark
name as displayed on the landmark name display box 37a, in the image
data of the image as displayed on the image display section 36.
Thereafter, the CPU 23 rewrites the image data on the ROM 24 (S5).
In this way, it is possible to revise the LM name data as written
in the image data, and thus change the folder of the selected image
data.
[0105] As described so far, by choosing one from the landmark names
on the landmark name choice section 37b, and operating the landmark
name revise button 37c while the chosen landmark name is displayed
on the LM name display box 37a, the LM name data of the chosen landmark
is written in the image data in place of the already written LM
name data. Thus, the LM name data as written in the image data is
revised, and then the image data with the new LM name data is rewritten
on the ROM 24. Accordingly, it is possible to correct the LM name
data if the landmark name does not coincide with the image displayed
on the image display section 36.
[0106] Since the image data are sorted according to the LM name
data, and the results of sorting are displayed as the folder tree
on the image search screen 30, it is easy to confirm the landmark
names as the results of sorting.
[0107] Furthermore, the image searching section 31 allows the operator
to enter a keyword in the keyword entry box 31a and operate the
search start button 31b through the operating section 27, so that
the image data relating to the entered keyword are retrieved from
the ROM 24, and displayed as thumbnails on the image index section
33. Simultaneously, the folder, which the retrieved image data are
sorted into, and the folders relating to this folder are displayed
on the sort and select section 32. Therefore, even where there are
a lot of image folders, the image sorting apparatus 20 can quickly
retrieve an expected image folder just by entering the name of the
expected folder, i.e. the name of a particular landmark or place,
in the keyword entry box 31a.
[0108] Note that the definition of the landmarks or folders to
be displayed in the name choice section 37b is not limited to the
above embodiment, but may be modified appropriately.
[0109] FIG.17 shows a digital camera 40 according to an embodiment
of the present invention, wherein equivalent components to those
of the above embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals,
so the detailed description of these components will be omitted
to avoid redundancy.
[0110] The digital camera 40 is provided with a LCD 26 and an operating
section 27, and a memory card 8 stores the map data. A controller
7 has the same function as the CPU 23 of the embodiment shown in
FIG.10, so the controller 7 searches for a landmark relating to
the position data, writes the LM name data of the finally selected
landmark in the image data, and then rewrites the image data on
the memory card 8. The controller 7 reads the image data from the
memory card 8, and sorts them according to the LM name data, to
display the results of sorting on an image search screen 30 of the
LCD 26. That is, the digital camera 40 has the same function as
the image sorting apparatus 20 of the above embodiment.
[0111] Since the digital camera 40 is provided with the image sorting
function, it becomes possible to sort the image data by the digital
camera 40 alone. Since the memory card 8 is rewritable, it is easy
to revise the map data.
[0112] FIG.18 shows a further embodiment of the present invention,
wherein an image sorting apparatus 20 is provided with a communicator
43 that is connectable to a map data server 42 through the Internet
41. The map data server 42 stores such map data as described in
the above embodiment, and is installed in a map data managing organization
or the like that manages the map data. The map data stored in the
map data server 42 is always revised to be the latest ones.
[0113] According to this embodiment, the CPU 23 communicates with
the map data server 42 through the communicator 43 and the Internet
41, and searches the map data of the map data server 42 based on
position data of designated image data, to retrieve LM name data
that correspond to the position data. Then the CPU 23 writes the
retrieved LM name data in the designated image data, and then writes
the image data on the ROM 24.
[0114] Since the image sorting apparatus 20 of the embodiment of
FIG.18 is connectable to the map data server 42 through the communicator
43 and the Internet 41, to retrieve the LM name data relating to
the position data of the image data from the latest map data stored
in the map data server 42, the image sorting apparatus 20 can identify
the imaged landmarks without fail, even they are newly built ones.
[0115] Also, the personal computer 4 of the landmark search system
2 or the digital camera 40 may be provided with a communicator that
is connectable to the map data server via the Internet. Then, instead
of storing the map data in the ROM 12 or the memory card 8, the
CPU 11 or the controller 7 is connected to the map data server through
the communicator and the Internet, to search the map data of the
map data server for retrieving LM name data that correspond to the
image data. The same advantage as above will be achieved in these
cases.
[0116] Although the present invention has been described with respect
to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not to be
limited to the above embodiments but, on the contrary, various modifications
will be possible without departing from the scope of claims appended
hereto.
|