JP2004120280A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the relation between an original image and a derivative image comprehensible when the original image is copied or the derivative image is generated from the original image by applying image conversion to the original image. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor is for preparing and recording the derivative image derived from the original image by copying the master image (the original image) or by applying image conversion to the original image. When the image 1 derived from the master image is recorded, unique ID information proper to the image 1 is recorded in a region 16 of a header of an image format, and at the same time, ID information of the master image is stored in a region 17. Similarly, when an image 2 derived from the image 1 is recorded, ID information of the image 2 is recorded in the region 16, and at the same time, the ID information recorded in the image 1 (in this case, the ID information of the image 1 and the ID information of the master image) is recorded in the region 17. When an image 3 derived from the image 2 is recorded, ID information of the image 3 is recorded in the region 16, and at the same time, the ID information recorded in the image 2 is recorded in the region 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００２９】
前記表１によれば、電子カメラ１０から画像をパソコン８０に複写する際には、画像の画素数等のサイズを変更するリサイズ処理は不要である。ところが、電子カメラ１０からＰＤＡ３０や携帯電話４０等の電子機器に画像を複写する際には、複写先の電子機器で扱える画素数に対してそれぞれ制限があるので、複写元の電子カメラ１０又は受信側のＰＤＡ３０若しくは携帯電話４０にて扱うことが可能な画素数に変換するリサイズ処理を行う必要がある。
【００３０】
例えば電子カメラ１０で撮像した１２８０×９６０（縦横比＝３：４）の画素数を備えた画像をＰＤＡ３０に複写する際には、１２８０×９６０の画素数をＰＤＡ３０にて扱える６４０×４８０の画素数に自動で画像変換するリサイズ処理を行ってから送信する。また、電子カメラ１０で撮像した画像を携帯電話４０に複写する際には、１２８０×９６０の画素数を携帯電話４０にて扱える１２０×１２０の画素数に自動でリサイズ処理するとともに、画像の左右の部分を削除する処理を行ってから送信する。
【００３１】
また、ＰＤＡ３０から電子カメラ１０及びパソコン８０に複写を送信する際には、送信する画像をリサイズする必要はないが、携帯電話４０に対して画像を複写する際には、ＰＤＡ３０で扱っている６４０×４８０の画素数を携帯電話４０にて扱える１２０×１２０の画素数に自動で画像変換するリサイズ処理を実施するとともに、画像の左右の部分を削除する処理を行ってから送信する。
【００３２】
また、携帯電話４０から電子カメラ１０、パソコン８０、及びＰＤＡ３０に画像を複写する際には、複写する画像を画像変換する必要はなく、携帯電話４０にて扱っている１２０×１２０の画素数の画像をそのまま送信すればよい。
【００３３】
したがって、例えば電子カメラ１０、ＰＤＡ３０、及び携帯電話４０から同一の元画像（同一のシーンの画像）に対してリサイズ等の画像処理を行った画像がパソコン８０に送信されて、そのパソコン８０内に蓄積されるという可能性が考えられる。従来の技術では、パソコン８０内に上記の３種類の画像ファイルがそれぞれ蓄積されてしまい、利用者にとって画像の取り扱いが煩雑になってしまう原因となる。本来パソコン８０内に上記の３種類の画像がそれぞれ記録されている必要は全くなく、電子カメラ１０から取得した１２８０×９６０の画素数の画像が１つ存在すればこと足りる。
【００３４】
本発明によれば、複写又は変換後の画像に対して付与した新たな画像固有の識別情報と、複写又は画像変換前の画像とを関連付けて記録するようにしたので、画像に対して変換処理や複製を行った場合であっても、元の画像と編集、画像変換又は複写後の画像とを関連付けることが可能となり、不要な画像を消去する判断を行うことが可能となる。
【００３５】
また本発明によれば、複写又は変換後の画像に対して付与した新たな画像固有の識別情報と、複写又は画像変換前の画像固有の識別情報とを新たな画像と関連付けて記録するようにしたので、画像に対して変換処理や複製を行った場合であっても、元の画像と編集、画像変換又は複写後の画像とを関連付けることが可能となり、不要な画像を消去する際の判断を行うことが可能となる。
【００３６】
図２に電子カメラの信号処理系ブロック図を示す。
【００３７】
撮像手段を備えた画像処理装置の一形態である電子カメラ１０の画像処理部には、被写体の像を受光面に結像させて光電変換し、画像信号として出力する撮像手段１５０と、画像サイズの変更、シャープネス補正、輪郭処理、コントラスト補正等の画像変換処理を行う画像処理手段１５３と、アナログの画像信号をデジタルの画像データに変換するＡ／Ｄ変換器１５４とが設けられている。
【００３８】
また、画像データ等の情報を通信によって他の通信器機と送受信する電子カメラ１０の通信手段は、画像データ等の情報を電波等の搬送波に乗せて送信又は受信する近距離用の送受信手段１５７（受信手段の機能を含む）と、搬送波及び画像データ等を送受信するアンテナ１５６と、画像データ等の情報を通信ケーブルを介して他の通信器機と送受信する通信コネクタ１６２と、電子カメラ１０を装着するクレードルを介して他の通信器機と情報の送受信を行うクレードルコネクタ１６３とから構成されている。
【００３９】
また、電子カメラ１０には、画像データ等の情報をＪＰＥＧやモーションＪＰＥＧに代表される手法で圧縮処理又は間引き処理を施したり圧縮した画像データ等を伸張展開処理する圧縮伸張手段１６７と、表示手段１６８に表示する各種の文字やメッセージのデータ等を画像とともにオンスクリーンディスプレイするＯＳＤ１６９と、撮像して得た画像データに対してホワイトバランス処理を実施したり、ガンマ変換、ＹＣ変換処理、画素数の変換処理、電子ズーム処理、トリミング処理等を実施する信号処理手段１７０と、表示用の画像データを一時的に記憶しておくフレームメモリ１７１と、デジタルの画像データを表示用のコンポジット信号等に変換するＤ／Ａ変換器１７２とが設けられている。
【００４０】
また、電子カメラ１０には、電源スイッチやレリーズボタン、通信ボタン、送信ボタン、ファンクションスイッチ、十字ボタン、確定スイッチ、モード切り換えスイッチ等が設けられている入力手段１７４と、入力手段１７４による入力情報及びＬＥＤ等の表示手段用の情報を入出力するインターフェースであるＩ／Ｏ１７５と、記録媒体１７７を着脱可能に装着する記録媒体装着部１７８と、記録媒体１７７に対して画像データ等の情報を記録したり読み出したりする記録媒体インターフェース１７９とが設けられている。なお、記録媒体１７７は、メモリーカード等の半導体や、ＭＯ等に代表される磁気記録式、光記録式等に代表される着脱可能な記録媒体である。
【００４１】
また電子カメラ１０には、電子カメラ１０全体の制御を行うとともに画像データのサンプリングタイミング制御、画像データの記録制御、画像データの図形認識、電子カメラ１０の機種情報又は機器固有の識別情報の読み込み処理、通信制御、画像及び音声の記録に関する制御、表示制御等の制御を行う情報処理手段１８０（識別情報付与手段、元画像記録手段、画像記録手段の機能を含む）と、情報の書き換えが可能であるとともに記憶した調整用の各種定数等の情報を電源遮断後も記憶し続けることが可能な不揮発性メモリ１８２と、電子カメラ１０の製造者名、機種名、製造番号等の固有の識別情報、動作プログラム、各定数、表示に関する情報等が記憶されているＲＯＭ１８３と、プログラム実行時の作業領域となる高速読み書き可能な記憶手段であるＲＡＭ１８４とが設けられている。
【００４２】
また、電子カメラ１０には、時を刻むカレンダ時計１９０と、電子カメラ１０を駆動するための各種電力を供給する電源１９１と、外部の電源から電力の供給を受ける電源コネクタ１９２と、撮像時に被写体に光を発光して光量不足を補う発光手段１９３と、該発光手段１９３の発光タイミングや発光する光量の調節を行う発光制御手段１９４とが設けられている。
【００４３】
電子カメラ１０の情報処理手段１８０とその周辺の各回路はバス１９９で接続されており、互いに情報の伝達を高速で行うことが可能であるとともに、情報処理手段１８０が実行する処理プログラムに基づいて、周辺の各回路を制御することが可能となっている。
【００４４】
上記のとおり構成された電子カメラ１０の撮像処理について説明する。
【００４５】
撮像する像は電子カメラ１０に設けられている撮像レンズによって撮像手段１５０の受光面に結像され、結像した被写体像は光電変換されて画像処理手段１５３に出力される。画像処理手段１５３では、この画像信号に対して相関二重サンプリングや増幅、ノイズの低減処理等の画像処理を実施し、Ａ／Ｄ変換器１５４にてデジタルデータに変換する。
【００４６】
該デジタルデータに変換した画像データは情報処理手段１８０の指令により信号処理手段１７０に転送され、画像のホワイトバランスやガンマ補正、ＹＣ変換、ズーム処理、画素数変換処理等の画像処理が施された後に、一時期ＶＲＡＭ等のフレームメモリ１７１に記憶される。
【００４７】
情報処理手段１８０は、フレームメモリ１７１に記憶されている画像データを逐次Ｄ／Ａ変換器１７２に伝達する指示を行い、ＯＳＤ１６９から発生されるキャラクタ等の情報とともに表示手段１６８に表示している。
【００４８】
利用者が、入力手段１７４に設けられている撮像指示のためのレリーズボタンを押すと、情報処理手段１８０は被写体を撮像するモードに入る。すると情報処理手段１８０はＡ／Ｄ変換器１５４にてデジタルデータに変換された例えばＲＧＢ各原色に対して１２ビットの階調を備えた画像データをＲＡＭ１８４に記録する。
【００４９】
画像を記録媒体１７７に記録する場合には、前記ＲＡＭ１８４に記憶されている画像を逐次読み出して信号処理手段１７０に転送して、画像のホワイトバランスやガンマ補正、ＹＣ変換、ズーム処理、画素数変換処理等の画像処理を施して各色の階調変換、画像サイズの変換処理等を実施した後に、圧縮伸張手段１６７に転送される。
【００５０】
圧縮伸張手段１６７にて所定の条件で圧縮処理が実施された画像データは、情報処理手段１８０の指示に基づいて再び一時期ＲＡＭ１８４のＦＩＬＥ用ワーク領域に一時記憶され、その後に記録用の画像データに変換した後に記録媒体インターフェース１７９に対して画像データを出力し、順次記録媒体１７７に記録する処理を行う。
【００５１】
またこの時情報処理手段１８０は、所定のアルゴリズムに基づいて撮像した画像に固有の識別情報を生成して、画像とともに記録媒体１７７等の記録手段に記録する処理を行う。また、撮像手段１５０から出力された画像信号をＡ／Ｄ変換した後の生データ（ＣＣＤ　ＲＡＷ　ＤＡＴＡ）を、固有の識別情報とともに記録手段に記録するようにしてもよい。
【００５２】
なお、上記の説明では画像処理装置を撮像手段を備えた電子カメラとした実施の形態で説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、画像を複写したり画像変換を実施することが可能な装置であれば、ＰＤＡ３０や携帯電話４０、パソコン８０等の画像処理装置であっても本発明の目的を達成することが可能である。
【００５３】
前記情報処理手段１８０は、複写又は変換後の画像に対して新たな画像固有の識別情報を付与することが可能となっている。
【００５４】
また、前記送受信手段１５７は、複写又は変換後の画像に対して付与した新たな画像固有の識別情報をパソコン８０、ＰＤＡ３０、携帯電話４０等の他の通信機器から受信することが可能となっている。
【００５５】
また、前記情報処理手段１８０は、前記付与した新たな画像固有の識別情報と複写又は画像変換前の画像とを関連付けて記録することが可能となっている。
【００５６】
また、前記情報処理手段１８０は、前記付与した新たな画像固有の識別情報と、複写前又は変換前の画像固有の識別情報とを、新たな画像と関連付けて記録することが可能となっている。
【００５７】
図３に、ＰＤＡの信号処理系ブロック図を示す。
【００５８】
同図によれば、ＰＤＡ３０の情報送受信部には、近距離用無線通信手段又は遠距離用無線ネットワーク通信手段として用いるアンテナ３５６と、情報を無線又は有線により送受信するために所定の形式にデータを変換する送受信手段３５７と、公衆回線３６０又は通信ネットワーク等の通信網を介して他の通信器機（携帯電話４０、パソコン８０、電子カメラ１０等）と情報の送受信を行うための有線の送受信手段３６５とが設けられている。
【００５９】
また、ＰＤＡ３０には、画像や文字等の情報を例えば６４０×４８０の解像度で表示する表示手段３６８と、情報処理手段３８０の指令に基づいて表示手段３６８に対して表示用の画像信号を出力する表示制御手段３６９と、利用者が入力手段３７４を介して入力した各種情報を読み取って後述する情報処理手段３８０に伝達したり、情報処理手段３８０からの指示に基づいてＬＥＤ等の通知手段に表示指令を出力するＩ／Ｏ３７５とが設けられている。
【００６０】
また、ＰＤＡ３０には、記録媒体３７７を着脱可能に装着する記録媒体装着部３７８と、記録媒体３７７に対して画像データ等の情報を記録したり読み出したりする記録媒体インターフェース３７９とが設けられている。なお、記録媒体３７７は、前記記録媒体１７７と同様の着脱可能な記録媒体である。
【００６１】
また、ＰＤＡ３０には、ＰＤＡ３０の全体の制御を行う情報処理手段（ＣＰＵ）３８０と、情報処理手段３８０を動作させるプログラムやＰＤＡ３０の製造社名、型式、シリアル番号等の各種定数が記録されているＲＯＭや情報処理手段３８０が処理を実行する際の作業領域となる記録手段であるＲＡＭとから構成されるメモリ３８１と、ＰＤＡ３０の処理に関する各種定数やネットワーク上の通信器機に通信接続する際のダイヤルアップ電話番号、属性情報、ＵＲＬ（Ｕｎｉｆｏｒｍ　Ｒｅｓｏｕｒｃｅ　Ｌｏｃａｔｏｒｓ　）、アドレス、サイトアドレス、ゲートウェイ情報ＤＮＳ（Ｄｏｍａｉｎ　Ｎａｍｅ　Ｓｙｓｔｅｍ）等の接続情報等の情報を記録する読み書き可能な半導体又はハードディスク等の記録手段３８６と、時刻を刻むカレンダ時計３９０とが設けられている。
【００６２】
ＰＤＡ３０内の情報処理手段３８０と、表示制御手段３６９、Ｉ／Ｏ３７５、メモリ３８１、記録手段３８６、カレンダ時計３９０等を含む各周辺回路はバス３９９で接続されており、情報処理手段３８０が実行する処理プログラムに基づいて各々の周辺回路を制御することが可能となっている。
【００６３】
近距離用の無線通信手段は、電波、超音波、赤外線等の光を搬送波に用いた通信手段である。電波を用いる場合には、無線ＬＡＮ（ローカルエリアネットワーク）等の無線通信の仕様に基づいてもよい。
【００６４】
なお、上記の説明では通信器機をＰＤＡ３０とした例で説明したが、記録手段、通信手段等を備えた通信器機であれば、携帯電話や電子手帳等の画像処理装置であってもよい。
【００６５】
図４は、携帯電話４０の信号処理系ブロック図である。
【００６６】
同図によれば、携帯電話４０の情報送受信部には、公衆回線と無線通信するためのアンテナ４５２、公衆回線用の送受信手段４５３及びリアルタイムにて送受信する情報を一時的に記憶する送受信バッファ４５４と、近距離用無線通信手段として用いるアンテナ４５６、送受信手段４５７及び送受信バッファ４５８とが設けられている。
【００６７】
また、携帯電話４０には、画像や文字等の情報を表示する表示手段４６８と、情報処理手段４８０の指令に基づいて例えば１２０×１２０の表示解像度を備えた表示手段４６８に対して表示用の画像信号を出力する表示制御手段４６９と、利用者が入力手段４７４を介して入力した各種情報を読み取って後述する情報処理手段４８０に伝達したり、情報処理手段４８０からの指示に基づいてＬＥＤ等の通知手段に表示指令を出力するＩ／Ｏ４７５とが設けられている。
【００６８】
また、携帯電話４０には、記録媒体４７７を着脱可能に装着する記録媒体装着部４７８と、記録媒体４７７に対して画像データ等の情報を記録したり読み出したりする記録媒体インターフェース４７９とが設けられている。
【００６９】
また、携帯電話４０には、携帯電話４０の全体の制御を行う情報処理手段（ＣＰＵ）４８０と、携帯電話４０の処理に関する各種定数やネットワーク上の通信器機に通信接続する際のダイヤルアップ電話番号、属性情報、ＵＲＬ、ＩＰアドレス、ゲートウェイ情報ＤＮＳ等の接続情報を記録する書き換え可能な不揮発性メモリ４８２と、情報処理手段４８０を動作させるプログラムや、携帯電話４０の製造者名、型式、シリアル番号等の各種定数が記録されているＲＯＭや情報処理手段４８０が処理を実行する際の作業領域となる記憶手段であるＲＡＭとから構成されるメモリ４８４と、時刻を刻むカレンダ時計４９０と、情報処理手段４８０を含む各回路に電源を供給する電源４９１とが設けられている。
【００７０】
また、携帯電話４０には、利用者が電話器として利用する際の受話器となるとともに音声を出力するスピーカ４９５と、情報処理手段４８０等が出力する音声データをアナログの音声信号に変換するとともに増幅してスピーカ４９５に出力するＤ／Ａ変換器４９６と、音声を入力して音声信号に変換するマイク４９７と、マイク４９７から入力した音声信号を増幅するとともに情報処理手段４８０等に送出する音声データに変換するＡ／Ｄ変換器４９８とが設けられている。
【００７１】
携帯電話４０内の情報処理手段４８０と、送受信バッファ４５４、送受信バッファ４５８、表示制御手段４６９、Ｉ／Ｏ４７５、記録媒体インターフェース４７９、不揮発性メモリ４８２、メモリ４８４、カレンダ時計４９０、Ｄ／Ａ変換器４９６、Ａ／Ｄ変換器４９８等を含む各周辺回路は、バス４９９で接続されており、情報処理手段４８０が実行する処理プログラムに基づいて各々の周辺回路を制御するとともに高速な情報の送受信を行うことが可能となっている。
【００７２】
近距離用の無線通信手段は、電波、超音波、赤外線等の光を搬送波に用いた通信手段である。電波を用いる場合には、無線ＬＡＮ等の無線通信の仕様に基づいてもよい。
【００７３】
なお、上記の説明では携帯電話を用いた例で説明したが、画像の複写や画像変換を実施することが可能な装置であれば、パソコン、電子手帳等の画像処理装置であってもよい。
【００７４】
図５は、パソコンの信号処理系のブロック図である。
【００７５】
同図によれば、パソコン８０の情報送受信部には、近距離用無線通信手段又は遠距離用無線ネットワーク通信手段として用いるアンテナ８５６と、情報を無線又は有線により送受信するために所定の形式にデータを変換する送受信手段８５７と、有線の通信手段を介して他の通信器機と情報の送受信を行うための送受信手段８６５とが設けられている。
【００７６】
また、パソコン８０には、画像や文字等の情報を１２８０×９６０以上の解像度で表示することが可能な表示手段８６８と、情報処理手段８８０の指令に基づいて表示手段８６８に対して表示用の画像信号を出力する表示制御手段８６９と、利用者が入力手段８７４を介して入力した各種情報を読み取って後述する情報処理手段８８０に伝達したり、情報処理手段８８０からの指示に基づいてＬＥＤ等の通知手段に表示指令を出力するＩ／Ｏ８７５とが設けられている。
【００７７】
また、パソコン８０には、記録媒体８７７を着脱可能に装着する記録媒体装着部８７８と、記録媒体８７７に対して画像データ等の情報を記録したり読み出したりする記録媒体インターフェース８７９とが設けられている。なお記録媒体８７７は、前記記録媒体１７７と同様の着脱可能な記録媒体である。
【００７８】
また、パソコン８０には、パソコン８０の全体の制御を行う情報処理手段（ＣＰＵ）８８０と、情報処理手段８８０を動作させるプログラムやパソコン８０の製造者名、型式、シリアル番号等の各種定数が記録されているＲＯＭや情報処理手段８８０が処理を実行する際の作業領域となる記録手段であるＲＡＭとから構成されるメモリ８８１と、パソコン８０の処理に関する各種定数やネットワーク上の通信器機に通信接続する際のダイヤルアップ電話番号、属性情報、ＵＲＬ、アドレス、サイトアドレス、ゲートウェイ情報ＤＮＳ等の接続情報等の情報を記録するハードディスク等の記録手段８８６と、時刻を刻むカレンダ時計８９０とが設けられている。
【００７９】
パソコン８０内の情報処理手段８８０と、表示制御手段８６９、Ｉ／Ｏ８７５、メモリ８８１、記録手段８８６、カレンダ時計８９０等を含む各周辺回路はバス８９９で接続されており、情報処理手段８８０が実行する処理プログラムに基づいて各々の周辺回路を制御することが可能となっている。
【００８０】
近距離用の無線通信手段は、電波、超音波、赤外線等の光を搬送波に用いた通信手段である。電波を用いる場合には、無線ＬＡＮ等の無線通信の仕様に基づいてもよい。
【００８１】
なお、上記の説明では通信器機をパソコン８０とした例で説明したが、画像の複写や画像変換を実施することが可能な装置であれば、パソコン、電子手帳等の画像処理装置であってもよい。また、電子カメラ１０がパソコン８０の機能を備えていてもよい。
【００８２】
図６に、電子カメラ１０で撮像した画像のファイル構造を示す。
【００８３】
同図に示すように、画像ファイル１２には、当該画像の付属情報１３が記載されているヘッダ部分と、当該画像の１２８０×９６０の画素数を備えた主画像１４が記載されている部分と、インデックス表示等に用いる主画像１４の縮小画像１５（サムネイル画像）の部分とが設けられている。
【００８４】
付属情報１３が記載されているヘッダ部分には、更に画像特定情報として、撮像、複写、又は画像変換を実施して付与された当該画像固有の識別情報を記載する、識別情報記録領域１６と、他の通信機器にて付与された複写又は画像変換を実施する前の親画像固有の識別情報を受信して記載する参照識別情報記録領域１７と、複写又は画像変換を実施して他の通信機器にて新たに子画像に対して付与された子画像識別情報記録領域１８とが設けられている。
【００８５】
これらの領域に記録されている識別情報は、例えば１２８ビットのデータから構成される画像固有の識別情報である。また、上記の各識別情報は、例えば専用の発番アルゴリズムにより算出する固有の識別情報であってもよいし、発番する装置の製造者名を示すＩＤ、装置の型式を示すＩＤ、装置のシリアル番号、画像の撮像又は生成時刻（最小単位は画像の最短撮像間隔又は最短生成間隔以下とする）から構成するようにしてもよい。
【００８６】
付属情報１３が記載されている部分には、更に画像プロパティ情報として、主画像１４の画素数情報１９と、一画素（ｐｅｌ　）あたりの平均情報量（ｂｉｔ　）等の圧縮率情報２０とが記載されている。なお、上記の各画像プロパティ情報の他にも、圧縮済の画像である旨若しくは非圧縮の画像である旨に関する情報、ＲＧＢ若しくはＹＣＣ等の画像のサンプリング後の情報量に関する情報、又は、画像データ量情報（画像ファイルのサイズ）等の情報が記載されていてもよい。
【００８７】
付属情報１３が記載されている部分には、更に撮影情報として、元画像を撮像又は生成した際の付帯情報を記載してもよい。図６に示す例では、主画像１４を撮像した日時を示す撮影年月日情報２１と、撮像時に電子カメラ１０の撮像モードを「ＮＯＭＡＬ」モードに設定して撮像した画像であることを示す撮影モード情報２２と、利用者が指定した主画像１４のタイトルが貼付されているタイトル情報２３との各種情報が記載されている。
【００８８】
また付属情報１３が記載されている部分には、撮像時に電子カメラ１０にて設定したホワイトバランスを調節するモードが記載されているホワイトバランス情報２４と、撮像時に電子カメラ１０にて設定されていた「ＡＵＴＯ」又は「ＭＡＮＵＡＬ」等の合焦モードに関する情報が記載されているフォーカス情報２５と、電子カメラ１０にて被写体像を撮像した位置を記載する撮影位置情報２６と、電子カメラ１０にて撮像する際に設定した補助光の発光モードを記載するストロボ情報２７とが記載されている。
【００８９】
図７に、複写又は画像変換後の画像に対して付与される識別情報記録領域１６と、親画像の取得元の機器にて付与された親画像固有の識別情報を記載する参照識別情報記録領域１７との詳細を示す。
【００９０】
なお図８は、画像の複写又は画像変換の流れを示す図である。
【００９１】
図７に示すように、親画像、画像１、画像２、画像３の各識別情報記録領域１６には、撮像、複写、又は画像変換を実施して付与された新たな画像固有の識別情報「Ｉｍａｇｅ　Ｕｎｉｑｕｅ　ＩＤ　」が記載されている。当該新たな画像固有の識別情報は、識別情報付与手段（情報処理手段１８０、３８０、４８０、８８０等）が付与する。
【００９２】
また、参照識別情報記録領域１７（図７には「Ｒｅｆ　ＩＤ」と記載してある）には、親画像、画像１、画像２等の複写又は変換前の元画像を記録していた機器にて付与された元画像固有の識別情報が記載されている。当該元画像固有の識別情報は、画像を記録する通信機器の情報処理手段１８０、３８０、４８０、８８０等が、送受信手段１５７、３５７、３６５、４５７、４５３、８５７、８６５等を介して受信し、新たな画像と関連付けて情報処理手段１８０等の画像記録手段が（例えば画像の付属情報として）記録手段に記録する。
【００９３】
このように、複写又は変換後の画像に対して新たな画像固有の識別情報を付与し、該新たな画像固有の識別情報と複写又は画像変換前の画像固有の識別情報とを新たな画像と関連付けて記録するようにしたので、画像に対して変換処理や複製を行った場合であっても、元の画像と、編集、画像変換又は複写後の画像とを関連付けることが可能となる。また、親画像から複写、又は画像変換を実施して子画像を生成する処理を、同一の画像処理装置内で実施することによって、撮像手段１５０（ＣＣＤ等）から出力された直後の可視化不可能な画像データ及び可視化変換した画像に対して固有の識別情報を付与して管理することが可能となり、可視化不可能な画像データを可視化可能な画像データに変換した場合であっても、可視化変換前の元の画像と可視化変換後の新たな画像とを関連付けることが可能となる。
【００９４】
図９に、複写又は画像変換後の画像に対して付与される識別情報記録領域１６と、子画像を生成した機器にて付与された子画像固有の識別情報を記載する子画像識別情報記録領域１８との詳細を示す。
【００９５】
なお図１０は、画像の複写又は画像変換の流れを示す図である。
【００９６】
図９に示すように、親画像、子画像１、子画像２、子画像３の各識別情報記録領域１６には、撮像、複写、又は画像変換を実施して付与された新たな画像固有の識別情報「Ｉｍａｇｅ　Ｕｎｉｑｕｅ　ＩＤ　」が記載されている。当該新たな画像固有の識別情報は、識別情報付与手段（情報処理手段１８０、３８０、４８０、８８０等）が付与する。
【００９７】
また、子画像識別情報記録領域１８（図９には「Ｃｈｉｌｄ　ＩＤ」と記載してある）には、子画像１、子画像２、子画像３等の複写又は変換後の子画像を記録した機器（例えば他の通信機器）にて付与された子画像固有の識別情報が記載されている。当該子画像固有の識別情報は、子画像を記録する機器の情報処理手段１８０、３８０、４８０、８８０等の識別情報付与手段が付与し、送受信手段１５７、３５７、３６５、４５７、４５３、８５７、８６５等の受信手段を介して送受信し、複写又は画像変換前の画像と関連付けて情報処理手段１８０等の元画像記録手段が（例えば画像の付属情報として）記録手段に記録する。
【００９８】
このように、複写又は変換前の親画像に対して新たな画像固有の識別情報を付与し、該新たな画像固有の識別情報と親画像とを関連付けて記録するようにしたので、画像に対して変換処理や複製を行った場合であっても、元の親画像と編集、画像変換又は複写後の子画像とを関連付けることが可能となる。また、親画像から子画像を複写、又は画像変換を実施する処理を、同一の画像処理装置内で実施することによって、撮像手段１５０（ＣＣＤ等）から出力された直後の可視化不可能な画像データ及び可視化変換した画像に対して複写又は変換後の固有の識別情報を付与して、相互の画像を関連付けて管理することが可能となる。
【００９９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明に係る画像処理装置によれば、元画像を複写し、又は元画像に対して画像変換を実施して元画像から派生画像を生成した際に、元画像と派生画像との関係が分かるように記録することができ、これにより元画像から派生した派生画像を知ることができ、或いは派生画像はどの元画像から派生したかを確認することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】画像管理システムの構成例を示す図
【図２】電子カメラの信号処理系ブロック図
【図３】ＰＤＡの信号処理系ブロック図
【図４】携帯電話の信号処理系ブロック図
【図５】パソコンの信号処理系のブロック図
【図６】電子カメラで撮像した画像のファイル構造を示す図
【図７】識別情報記録領域と参照識別情報記録領域との詳細を示す図
【図８】画像の複写又は画像変換の流れを示す図
【図９】識別情報記録領域と子画像識別情報記録領域との詳細を示す図
【図１０】画像の複写又は画像変換の流れを示す図
【符号の説明】
１０…電子カメラ、３０…ＰＤＡ、４０…携帯電話、８０…パソコン、１５０…撮像手段、１５３…画像処理手段、１５６…アンテナ、１５７…送受信手段、１６２…通信コネクタ、１６３…クレードルコネクタ、１６７…圧縮伸張手段、１６８…表示手段、１７７…記録媒体、１７８…記録媒体装着部、１７９…記録媒体インターフェース、１８０…情報処理手段、１９９…バス、３５６…アンテナ、３５７…送受信手段、３５９…通信コネクタ、３６０…公衆回線、３６５…送受信手段、３６８…表示手段、３７７…記録媒体、３７８…記録媒体装着部、３７９…記録媒体インターフェース、３８０…情報処理手段、３９９…バス、４５２…アンテナ、４５３…送受信手段、４５６…アンテナ、４５７…送受信手段、４６８…表示手段、４７７…記録媒体、４７８…記録媒体装着部、４７９…記録媒体インターフェース、４８０…情報処理手段、４９９…バス、８５６…アンテナ、８５７…送受信手段、８５９…通信コネクタ、８６０…公衆回線、８６５…送受信手段、８６８…表示手段、８７７…記録媒体、８７８…記録媒体装着部、８７９…記録媒体インターフェース、８８０…情報処理手段、８９９…バス[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that copies an image or performs image conversion on an image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the conventional image recording system, when a file of image data is transferred from the first recording medium to the second recording medium, the unique code of the file to be transferred and the file recorded on the second recording medium It is determined whether or not both files are the same by comparing with a unique code. Based on the result, when both files are the same file, the transfer of the file to be transferred is skipped. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Further, in the conventional image acquisition method, image information transmitting apparatus, and image information transmitting system, a directory for registering a plurality of images classified by parameters indicating the properties of the image on the image information transmitting side is registered for each parameter. Create and register the required file name, select the desired image file with the desired parameters based on the generated directory information on the image information receiving side, and select the desired image file from the image information transmitting side. It is possible to receive images. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
[0004]
Further, in view of the problem that in a plurality of digitally recorded images having similar contents, it is not possible to easily determine whether or not they are the same image (file copied image) just by looking at the images. According to the Exif 2.2 image recording standard, when an image creator duplicates an image using an electronic camera or image editing software, the image format “ "ID" is added, thereby making it possible to distinguish the same image.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-234615 (page 1-3, FIG. 24)
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-230999 A (page 1-3, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional image recording system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-234615, a different ID is given again when an operation such as editing is performed on an image. It may be useful in a simple transmission system such as between a digital camera and a recording medium as shown in the gazette, but between devices such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Data Assistance) that are expected to become popular in the future. When transmitting and receiving images, the following problems occur.
[0008]
In general, devices such as mobile phones and PDAs often have different image sizes (number of pixels and color gradation) due to functional limitations of the display screen of each device. For example, even if the number of pixels of an image captured by an electronic camera is 1280 × 960 and the gradation of each pixel is 24 bits, it can be applied to a mobile phone having 160 × 120 displayable pixels and an gradation of 8 bits. When transferring an image, it is necessary to perform an image conversion process in which a resizing process for reducing the number of pixels and gradation is performed to transmit an image suitable for the display capability of the mobile phone.
[0009]
Further, for example, when an electronic camera transmits an image to a PDA having 320 × 240 displayable pixels and a gradation of 16 bits, a resize process for reducing the number of pixels and gradation is performed to improve the display capability of the PDA. It is necessary to send a matching image. As described above, when images resized to an image size that can be easily handled by each device are stored in the user's image processing device (such as a personal computer) via various devices, the scene is the same ( In spite of the fact that the original image is the same), there are many duplicate images having different image properties (number of pixels and gradation of the image, image compression rate, image format, etc.). As described above, when a large number of original images and their duplicate images are accumulated in the image processing apparatus of the user, it is bothersome and inconvenient when the user searches for images.
[0010]
Therefore, when using the conventional image recording system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-234615, a unique ID is assigned to each original image and its duplicate image. When various images are acquired from various devices such as PDAs and stored in an image processing device such as a personal computer, a plurality of images are stored redundantly for the same scene, resulting in a very redundant recording state. End up. When a user browses by displaying a list of stored images, etc., similar duplicate images appear one after another, which makes it difficult to manage images and troublesome image organization. Yes.
[0011]
In other words, there are multiple image distribution routes, and there is no change in the scene in the process (an image that can be recognized as the same image when viewed from the user), but it is handled when some image processing is being performed. Can not do it.
[0012]
Moreover, even if it used the invention described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2001-230999, the said malfunction could not be eliminated, but the malfunction had arisen.
[0013]
In addition, the copy source image is specified even if a method of assigning “an ID unique to the entire world to the image” is used, as is conventionally done in the Exif 2.2 standard. In addition, there is a problem that it is impossible to clearly determine which image the image is derived from.
[0014]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when an original image is copied or an image conversion is performed on the original image to generate a derived image from the original image, the original image and the derived image It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which can clearly record which image is an original image and which original image is derived from which original image.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image processing apparatus that creates a derivative image derived from an original image by copying the original image or performing image conversion on the original image. Means for creating new identification information unique to the derived image; first recording means for recording the created identification information in association with the derived image; and adding the identification information of the derived image to the original image And a second recording means.
[0016]
According to the present invention, new image-specific identification information is assigned to a derivative image derived by copying or image conversion of the original image, and the new image-specific identification information is added to the original image. Therefore, the relationship between the original image and the derived image derived from the original image can be understood. Therefore, when image data that cannot be visualized by itself, such as raw data that has not undergone image processing, is subjected to appropriate image processing to convert image data that cannot be visualized into image data that can be visualized Even so, the relationship between the original image before the visualization conversion and the derived image after the visualization conversion can also be understood.
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that creates a derivative image derived from an original image by copying the original image or performing image conversion on the original image. A means for creating identification information unique to an image; and a first recording means for recording the created identification information and the identification information recorded in the original image in association with the derivative image. Yes.
[0018]
That is, in the case of a derivative image created from the original image, the identification information recorded in the original image is recorded in addition to the identification information unique to the derivative image, so the relationship between the derivative image and the original image. Can know.
[0019]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for creating a derivative image derived from an original image by copying the original image or performing image conversion on the original image. Means for creating identification information unique to an image; first recording means for recording the created identification information and the identification information recorded in the original image in association with the derivative image; and identification information for the derivative image. And a second recording means for appending to the original image.
[0020]
According to the invention of claim 3, the relationship between the derived image and the original image can be known, the original image can be known from the derived image, and the derived image can be known from the original image.
[0021]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first recording means is recorded in the original area and the first area for recording the identification information of the derivative image in the header portion of the image format in which the derivative image is recorded. A second area for recording the identification information, recording the identification information of the derived image in the first area, and one or more identification information recorded in the original image in the second area It is characterized by recording.
[0022]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the second recording means includes a second area different from the first area in which the identification information of the original image provided in the header portion of the image format in which the original image is recorded is recorded. This is characterized in that identification information of a derived image is additionally written in the area.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image processing system.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system includes an electronic camera 10 that captures a subject image and gives unique identification information to the captured image, and an electronic device such as the electronic camera 10, personal computer 80, and mobile phone 40. PDA 30 capable of transmitting and receiving images, mobile phone 40 capable of transmitting and receiving images to and from electronic devices such as electronic camera 10, PDA 30, and personal computer 80, and the user finally stores the images A personal computer 80 is shown.
[0026]
These electronic devices such as the electronic camera 10, the PDA 30, the mobile phone 40, and the personal computer 80 all acquire images via wireless or wired communication means or recording media and display them on the display means, or record the acquired images as recording means. It is possible to handle images such as recording in
[0027]
The number of image pixels that can be handled by each electronic device and image compression processing will be described using an example set as shown in Table 1 below.
[0028]
[Table 1]

[0029]
According to Table 1, when an image is copied from the electronic camera 10 to the personal computer 80, a resizing process for changing the size such as the number of pixels of the image is not necessary. However, when copying an image from the electronic camera 10 to an electronic device such as the PDA 30 or the mobile phone 40, the number of pixels that can be handled by the electronic device that is the copy destination is limited. It is necessary to perform a resizing process for conversion to the number of pixels that can be handled by the PDA 30 or the mobile phone 40 on the side.
[0030]
For example, when an image with 1280 × 960 (aspect ratio = 3: 4) imaged by the electronic camera 10 is copied to the PDA 30, 640 × 480 pixels that can be handled by the PDA 30 The image is sent after being resized to automatically convert it to a number. Further, when copying an image captured by the electronic camera 10 to the mobile phone 40, the 1280 × 960 pixel number is automatically resized to a 120 × 120 pixel number that can be handled by the mobile phone 40, and the left and right sides of the image are Sends after deleting the part of.
[0031]
Further, when a copy is transmitted from the PDA 30 to the electronic camera 10 and the personal computer 80, it is not necessary to resize the image to be transmitted. However, when the image is copied to the mobile phone 40, the 640 handled by the PDA 30 is used. A resizing process for automatically converting the image size of × 480 pixels to a pixel number of 120 × 120 that can be handled by the mobile phone 40 is performed, and transmission is performed after processing for deleting the left and right portions of the image.
[0032]
Further, when copying an image from the mobile phone 40 to the electronic camera 10, the personal computer 80, and the PDA 30, it is not necessary to convert the image to be copied, and the number of pixels of 120 × 120 handled by the mobile phone 40 is not necessary. What is necessary is just to transmit an image as it is.
[0033]
Therefore, for example, an image obtained by performing image processing such as resizing on the same original image (image of the same scene) from the electronic camera 10, the PDA 30, and the mobile phone 40 is transmitted to the personal computer 80. There is a possibility of accumulation. In the conventional technique, the above three types of image files are accumulated in the personal computer 80, which causes a complicated handling of images for the user. Originally, the above three types of images need not be recorded in the personal computer 80 at all, and it is sufficient that there is one image of 1280 × 960 pixels acquired from the electronic camera 10.
[0034]
According to the present invention, the new image-specific identification information given to the image after copying or conversion and the image before copying or image conversion are recorded in association with each other. Even when copying is performed, the original image can be associated with the image after editing, image conversion, or copying, and it is possible to make a determination to delete unnecessary images.
[0035]
Further, according to the present invention, the new image-specific identification information given to the image after copying or conversion and the image-specific identification information before copying or image conversion are recorded in association with the new image. As a result, even when conversion processing or copying is performed on an image, it is possible to associate the original image with an image after editing, image conversion, or copying, and determination when deleting unnecessary images. Can be performed.
[0036]
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.
[0037]
An image processing unit of an electronic camera 10 that is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus including an imaging unit includes an imaging unit 150 that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs the image signal, and an image size. Image processing means 153 that performs image conversion processing such as change of image quality, sharpness correction, contour processing, and contrast correction, and an A / D converter 154 that converts an analog image signal into digital image data.
[0038]
The communication means of the electronic camera 10 that transmits and receives information such as image data to and from other communication devices by communication is a short-distance transmission and reception means 157 that transmits or receives information such as image data on a carrier wave such as radio waves ( A receiving unit function), an antenna 156 for transmitting / receiving carrier waves and image data, a communication connector 162 for transmitting / receiving information such as image data to / from other communication devices via a communication cable, and an electronic camera 10 are mounted. It comprises a cradle connector 163 that transmits / receives information to / from other communication devices via the cradle.
[0039]
The electronic camera 10 includes a compression / expansion unit 167 that compresses or decompresses image data or the like obtained by compressing or thinning information such as image data using a technique represented by JPEG or motion JPEG, and a display unit. The OSD 169 that displays on-screen various characters and message data to be displayed on the image 168 and the image data obtained by imaging, white balance processing, gamma conversion, YC conversion processing, pixel count Signal processing means 170 for performing conversion processing, electronic zoom processing, trimming processing, a frame memory 171 for temporarily storing image data for display, and converting digital image data into composite signals for display, etc. A D / A converter 172 is provided.
[0040]
The electronic camera 10 includes a power switch, a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross button, a confirmation switch, a mode switch, and the like. Information such as image data is recorded on the recording medium 177, an I / O 175 that is an interface for inputting and outputting information for display means such as an LED, a recording medium mounting unit 178 in which the recording medium 177 is detachably mounted. And a recording medium interface 179 for reading and reading. The recording medium 177 is a detachable recording medium typified by a semiconductor such as a memory card, a magnetic recording type typified by MO, etc., an optical recording type, or the like.
[0041]
In addition, the electronic camera 10 controls the entire electronic camera 10 and controls sampling timing of image data, recording control of image data, graphic recognition of image data, reading processing of model information of the electronic camera 10 or device-specific identification information. Information processing means 180 (including identification information adding means, original image recording means, and image recording means functions) that performs communication control, control related to image and sound recording, display control, and the like can be rewritten. A non-volatile memory 182 capable of continuing to store information such as various adjustment constants stored therein even after the power is shut off, and unique identification information such as a manufacturer name, model name, and manufacturing number of the electronic camera 10; ROM 183, which stores operation programs, constants, display information, etc., and high-speed reading / writing that is a work area for program execution RAM184 and is provided Do a storage unit.
[0042]
The electronic camera 10 includes a calendar clock 190 that keeps time, a power source 191 that supplies various powers for driving the electronic camera 10, a power connector 192 that receives power from an external power source, and a subject at the time of imaging. A light emitting means 193 that emits light to compensate for the shortage of light quantity, and a light emission control means 194 that adjusts the light emission timing of the light emitting means 193 and the amount of light emitted are provided.
[0043]
The information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10 and its peripheral circuits are connected by a bus 199, can transmit information to each other at high speed, and based on a processing program executed by the information processing unit 180. The peripheral circuits can be controlled.
[0044]
An imaging process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0045]
An image to be picked up is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 150 by an image pickup lens provided in the electronic camera 10, and the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 153. The image processing unit 153 performs image processing such as correlated double sampling, amplification, and noise reduction processing on the image signal, and the A / D converter 154 converts it into digital data.
[0046]
The image data converted into the digital data is transferred to the signal processing unit 170 in response to an instruction from the information processing unit 180, and subjected to image processing such as image white balance, gamma correction, YC conversion, zoom processing, and pixel number conversion processing. Later, it is temporarily stored in a frame memory 171 such as a VRAM.
[0047]
The information processing means 180 gives an instruction to sequentially transmit the image data stored in the frame memory 171 to the D / A converter 172 and displays it on the display means 168 together with information such as characters generated from the OSD 169.
[0048]
When the user presses a release button for an imaging instruction provided in the input unit 174, the information processing unit 180 enters a mode for imaging a subject. Then, the information processing means 180 records image data having a gradation of 12 bits for each primary color of RGB converted into digital data by the A / D converter 154 in the RAM 184, for example.
[0049]
When recording an image on the recording medium 177, the image stored in the RAM 184 is sequentially read out and transferred to the signal processing means 170, and the image white balance, gamma correction, YC conversion, zoom processing, pixel number conversion are performed. The image is subjected to image processing such as processing, gradation conversion of each color, image size conversion processing, etc., and then transferred to the compression / expansion means 167.
[0050]
The image data compressed by the compression / expansion means 167 under a predetermined condition is temporarily stored again in the FILE work area of the RAM 184 once again based on an instruction from the information processing means 180, and then is recorded as image data for recording. After the conversion, the image data is output to the recording medium interface 179 and sequentially recorded on the recording medium 177.
[0051]
At this time, the information processing unit 180 generates identification information unique to the captured image based on a predetermined algorithm, and records the image together with the image in a recording unit such as the recording medium 177. Further, raw data (CCD RAW DATA) after A / D conversion of the image signal output from the imaging unit 150 may be recorded on the recording unit together with unique identification information.
[0052]
In the above description, the image processing apparatus is described as an electronic camera including an imaging unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image is copied or image conversion is performed. If the apparatus is capable of image processing, the object of the present invention can be achieved even with an image processing apparatus such as the PDA 30, the mobile phone 40, and the personal computer 80.
[0053]
The information processing means 180 can add new image-specific identification information to the copied or converted image.
[0054]
Further, the transmission / reception means 157 can receive new image-specific identification information added to the copied or converted image from other communication devices such as the personal computer 80, the PDA 30, and the mobile phone 40. Yes.
[0055]
Further, the information processing means 180 can record the assigned new image-specific identification information and the image before copying or image conversion in association with each other.
[0056]
Further, the information processing unit 180 can record the added new image-specific identification information and the image-specific identification information before copying or conversion in association with a new image. .
[0057]
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the signal processing system of the PDA.
[0058]
According to the figure, the information transmission / reception unit of the PDA 30 has an antenna 356 used as a short-distance wireless communication unit or a long-distance wireless network communication unit, and data in a predetermined format for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly or by wire. Transmission / reception means 357 for conversion, and wired transmission / reception means 365 for transmitting / receiving information to / from other communication devices (such as the mobile phone 40, the personal computer 80, and the electronic camera 10) via a public network 360 or a communication network such as a communication network. And are provided.
[0059]
The PDA 30 outputs display image signals to the display unit 368 based on a command from the information processing unit 380 and display unit 368 that displays information such as images and characters at a resolution of 640 × 480, for example. The display control unit 369 and various information input by the user via the input unit 374 are read and transmitted to the information processing unit 380 described later, or displayed on a notification unit such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing unit 380 An I / O 375 that outputs a command is provided.
[0060]
In addition, the PDA 30 is provided with a recording medium mounting unit 378 that detachably mounts the recording medium 377 and a recording medium interface 379 that records and reads information such as image data with respect to the recording medium 377. . The recording medium 377 is a detachable recording medium similar to the recording medium 177.
[0061]
The PDA 30 also includes an information processing means (CPU) 380 that controls the entire PDA 30, a program that operates the information processing means 380, and a ROM that stores various constants such as a manufacturer name, model, and serial number of the PDA 30. And dial-up at the time of communication connection with various constants relating to the processing of the PDA 30 and communication devices on the network, and the memory 381 constituted by the RAM which is a recording means as a work area when the information processing means 380 executes processing. Recording means 386 such as a readable / writable semiconductor or hard disk for recording information such as telephone number, attribute information, URL (Uniform Resource Locators), address, site address, gateway information DNS (Domain Name System), etc., and time Karen carving And the watch 390 is provided.
[0062]
The information processing means 380 in the PDA 30 and the peripheral circuits including the display control means 369, the I / O 375, the memory 381, the recording means 386, the calendar clock 390, and the like are connected by a bus 399 and executed by the information processing means 380. Each peripheral circuit can be controlled based on the processing program.
[0063]
The short-distance wireless communication means is communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays as a carrier wave. When radio waves are used, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).
[0064]
In the above description, the example in which the communication device is the PDA 30 has been described. However, as long as the communication device includes a recording unit, a communication unit, and the like, an image processing apparatus such as a mobile phone or an electronic notebook may be used.
[0065]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the mobile phone 40.
[0066]
According to the figure, the information transmission / reception unit of the mobile phone 40 includes an antenna 452 for wireless communication with the public line, a transmission / reception means 453 for the public line, and a transmission / reception buffer 454 for temporarily storing information to be transmitted / received in real time. And an antenna 456, a transmission / reception unit 457, and a transmission / reception buffer 458 used as a short-distance wireless communication unit.
[0067]
In addition, the mobile phone 40 has a display unit 468 for displaying information such as images and characters, and a display unit 468 having a display resolution of 120 × 120, for example, based on a command from the information processing unit 480. A display control unit 469 that outputs an image signal, and various information input by the user via the input unit 474 are read and transmitted to the information processing unit 480 described later, or an LED or the like based on an instruction from the information processing unit 480 And an I / O 475 for outputting a display command to the notification means.
[0068]
In addition, the mobile phone 40 is provided with a recording medium mounting portion 478 for detachably mounting the recording medium 477 and a recording medium interface 479 for recording and reading information such as image data with respect to the recording medium 477. ing.
[0069]
In addition, the mobile phone 40 includes information processing means (CPU) 480 that controls the entire mobile phone 40, various constants related to the processing of the mobile phone 40, and dial-up phone numbers for communication connection to communication devices on the network. , Rewritable non-volatile memory 482 for recording connection information such as attribute information, URL, IP address, gateway information DNS, etc., a program for operating the information processing means 480, the manufacturer name, model, serial number of the mobile phone 40 And the like, a memory 484 including a ROM in which various constants such as a ROM and a RAM serving as a storage unit serving as a work area when the information processing unit 480 executes processing, a calendar clock 490 that records time, and information processing A power supply 491 for supplying power to each circuit including the means 480 is provided.
[0070]
In addition, the mobile phone 40 is a receiver for use as a telephone by a user, and also converts a speaker 495 that outputs voice and voice data output from the information processing means 480 into an analog voice signal and amplifies it. The D / A converter 496 that outputs to the speaker 495, the microphone 497 that inputs sound and converts it into a sound signal, and the sound data that amplifies the sound signal input from the microphone 497 and sends it to the information processing means 480 and the like And an A / D converter 498 for converting the data into the A / D converter.
[0071]
Information processing means 480 in mobile phone 40, transmission / reception buffer 454, transmission / reception buffer 458, display control means 469, I / O 475, recording medium interface 479, nonvolatile memory 482, memory 484, calendar clock 490, D / A converter Each peripheral circuit including 496, A / D converter 498, etc. is connected by a bus 499, and controls each peripheral circuit based on a processing program executed by the information processing means 480 and transmits / receives information at high speed. It is possible to do.
[0072]
The short-distance wireless communication means is communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays as a carrier wave. When radio waves are used, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN.
[0073]
In the above description, an example using a mobile phone has been described. However, an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer or an electronic notebook may be used as long as the apparatus can perform image copying and image conversion.
[0074]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a personal computer.
[0075]
According to the figure, an information transmission / reception unit of the personal computer 80 has an antenna 856 used as a short-distance wireless communication unit or a long-distance wireless network communication unit, and data in a predetermined format for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly or by wire. And a transmission / reception means 857 for transmitting / receiving information to / from other communication devices via a wired communication means.
[0076]
Further, the personal computer 80 has a display means 868 capable of displaying information such as images and characters at a resolution of 1280 × 960 or higher, and a display means 868 based on a command from the information processing means 880. A display control unit 869 that outputs an image signal, and various types of information input by the user via the input unit 874 are read and transmitted to an information processing unit 880 described later, or an LED or the like based on an instruction from the information processing unit 880 And an I / O 875 for outputting a display command to the notification means.
[0077]
Further, the personal computer 80 is provided with a recording medium mounting portion 878 for mounting the recording medium 877 in a removable manner, and a recording medium interface 879 for recording and reading information such as image data with respect to the recording medium 877. Yes. The recording medium 877 is a detachable recording medium similar to the recording medium 177.
[0078]
The personal computer 80 records information processing means (CPU) 880 that controls the entire personal computer 80, a program that operates the information processing means 880, and various constants such as the manufacturer name, model, and serial number of the personal computer 80. Communicating with a memory 881 composed of a read-only ROM and a RAM, which is a recording means serving as a work area when the information processing means 880 executes processing, and various constants relating to processing of the personal computer 80 and communication devices on the network Recording means 886 such as a hard disk for recording information such as connection information such as dial-up telephone number, attribute information, URL, address, site address, gateway information DNS, etc., and a calendar clock 890 for recording time are provided. Yes.
[0079]
The information processing means 880 in the personal computer 80 and each peripheral circuit including the display control means 869, I / O 875, memory 881, recording means 886, calendar clock 890, etc. are connected by a bus 899, and the information processing means 880 executes Each peripheral circuit can be controlled based on the processing program to be executed.
[0080]
The short-distance wireless communication means is communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays as a carrier wave. When radio waves are used, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN.
[0081]
In the above description, the communication device is described as an example of the personal computer 80. However, an image processing device such as a personal computer or an electronic notebook may be used as long as the device can perform image copying and image conversion. Good. Further, the electronic camera 10 may have the function of the personal computer 80.
[0082]
FIG. 6 shows a file structure of an image captured by the electronic camera 10.
[0083]
As shown in the figure, the image file 12 includes a header portion in which the attached information 13 of the image is described, and a portion in which the main image 14 having the number of 1280 × 960 pixels of the image is described. , A reduced image 15 (thumbnail image) portion of the main image 14 used for index display or the like is provided.
[0084]
In the header portion in which the attached information 13 is described, an identification information recording area 16 for describing identification information unique to the image provided by performing imaging, copying, or image conversion as image specifying information; Reference identification information recording area 17 for receiving and describing identification information unique to a parent image before copying or image conversion given by another communication device, and other communication devices performing copy or image conversion And a child image identification information recording area 18 newly provided for the child image.
[0085]
The identification information recorded in these areas is image-specific identification information composed of, for example, 128-bit data. Each of the above identification information may be unique identification information calculated by a dedicated numbering algorithm, for example, ID indicating the manufacturer name of the device that issues the number, ID indicating the type of device, You may make it comprise from a serial number, the imaging or generation time of an image (The minimum unit shall be below the shortest imaging interval or the shortest generation interval of an image.).
[0086]
In the portion where the attached information 13 is described, pixel number information 19 of the main image 14 and compression rate information 20 such as an average information amount (bit) per pixel (pel) are further described as image property information. Has been. In addition to the image property information described above, information on whether the image is a compressed image or an uncompressed image, information on the amount of information after sampling of an image such as RGB or YCC, or image data Information such as amount information (image file size) may be described.
[0087]
In the portion where the attached information 13 is described, additional information at the time of capturing or generating the original image may be described as photographing information. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, shooting date information 21 indicating the date and time when the main image 14 was captured, and photographing indicating that the image is captured by setting the imaging mode of the electronic camera 10 to the “NOMAL” mode at the time of imaging. Various information including mode information 22 and title information 23 to which the title of the main image 14 designated by the user is attached is described.
[0088]
Also, in the portion where the attached information 13 is described, the white balance information 24 describing a mode for adjusting the white balance set by the electronic camera 10 at the time of imaging, and the electronic camera 10 being set at the time of imaging. Focus information 25 describing information related to the focusing mode such as “AUTO” or “MANUAL”, shooting position information 26 describing the position where the electronic camera 10 captured the subject image, and imaging using the electronic camera 10 Strobe information 27 describing the light emission mode of auxiliary light set at the time.
[0089]
FIG. 7 shows a reference identification information recording area 16 in which identification information recording area 16 given to an image after copying or image conversion, and identification information unique to the parent image given by the device from which the parent image is acquired. 17 and details.
[0090]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of image copying or image conversion.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 7, each identification information recording area 16 of the parent image, the image 1, the image 2, and the image 3 has a new image-specific identification information “" given by performing imaging, copying, or image conversion. “Image Unique ID” is described. The new image-specific identification information is given by an identification information giving means (information processing means 180, 380, 480, 880, etc.).
[0092]
Further, in the reference identification information recording area 17 (described as “Ref ID” in FIG. 7), a copy of the parent image, image 1, image 2, etc. is recorded on the device that recorded the original image before conversion. The identification information unique to the original image given in the above is described. The identification information unique to the original image is received by the information processing means 180, 380, 480, 880, etc. of the communication device that records the image via the transmission / reception means 157, 357, 365, 457, 453, 857, 865, etc. In association with the new image, the image recording means such as the information processing means 180 records the information on the recording means (for example, as attached information of the image).
[0093]
In this way, new image-specific identification information is given to the image after copying or conversion, and the new image-specific identification information and image-specific identification information before copying or image conversion are used as a new image. Since recording is performed in association with each other, the original image can be associated with the image after editing, image conversion, or copying even when conversion processing or duplication is performed on the image. In addition, it is impossible to visualize immediately after being output from the imaging means 150 (CCD or the like) by executing processing for generating a child image by performing copying or image conversion from the parent image in the same image processing apparatus. It is possible to assign unique identification information to managed image data and visualized and converted images and manage them. Even when image data that cannot be visualized is converted to visualized image data, It is possible to associate the original image and the new image after visualization conversion.
[0094]
FIG. 9 shows a child image identification information recording area 16 in which identification information recording area 16 given to an image after copying or image conversion and identification information unique to the child image given by the device that generated the child image are described. 18 and details.
[0095]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of image copying or image conversion.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 9, each identification information recording area 16 of the parent image, the child image 1, the child image 2, and the child image 3 is unique to a new image given by performing imaging, copying, or image conversion. Identification information “Image Unique ID” is described. The new image-specific identification information is given by an identification information giving means (information processing means 180, 380, 480, 880, etc.).
[0097]
In the child image identification information recording area 18 (described as “Child ID” in FIG. 9), child images after copying or conversion of child image 1, child image 2, child image 3, etc. are recorded. Identification information unique to a child image given by a device (for example, another communication device) is described. The identification information unique to the child image is provided by identification information providing means such as information processing means 180, 380, 480, 880 of the device that records the child image, and transmission / reception means 157, 357, 365, 457, 453, 857, The data is transmitted / received via a receiving unit such as 865, and the original image recording unit such as the information processing unit 180 records (for example, as ancillary information of the image) on the recording unit in association with an image before copying or image conversion.
[0098]
In this way, new identification information unique to the image is given to the parent image before copying or conversion, and the new identification information unique to the image and the parent image are recorded in association with each other. Even when conversion processing or duplication is performed, the original parent image can be associated with the child image after editing, image conversion, or copying. In addition, by performing a process of copying a child image from a parent image or performing image conversion in the same image processing apparatus, image data that cannot be visualized immediately after being output from the imaging means 150 (CCD or the like). In addition, unique identification information after copying or conversion can be given to the visualized and converted image, and the images can be managed in association with each other.
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when an original image is copied or a derivative image is generated from the original image by performing image conversion on the original image, the original image and the derivative image Can be recorded so that the derived image derived from the original image can be known, or the original image from which the derived image is derived can be confirmed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image management system
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of an electronic camera.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a PDA signal processing system.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a mobile phone
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a personal computer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a file structure of an image captured by an electronic camera.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of an identification information recording area and a reference identification information recording area
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of image copying or image conversion.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of an identification information recording area and a child image identification information recording area.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of image copying or image conversion;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electronic camera, 30 ... PDA, 40 ... Mobile phone, 80 ... Personal computer, 150 ... Imaging means, 153 ... Image processing means, 156 ... Antenna, 157 ... Transmission / reception means, 162 ... Communication connector, 163 ... Cradle connector, 167 ... Compression / decompression means, 168 ... display means, 177 ... recording medium, 178 ... recording medium mounting section, 179 ... recording medium interface, 180 ... information processing means, 199 ... bus, 356 ... antenna, 357 ... transmission / reception means, 359 ... communication connector 360 ... public line, 365 ... transmission / reception means, 368 ... display means, 377 ... recording medium, 378 ... recording medium mounting unit, 379 ... recording medium interface, 380 ... information processing means, 399 ... bus, 452 ... antenna, 453 ... Transmission / reception means, 456 ... antenna, 457 ... transmission / reception means, 468 ... display means, 77 ... Recording medium, 478 ... Recording medium mounting section, 479 ... Recording medium interface, 480 ... Information processing means, 499 ... Bus, 856 ... Antenna, 857 ... Transmission / reception means, 859 ... Communication connector, 860 ... Public line, 865 ... Transmission / reception Means, 868 ... display means, 877 ... recording medium, 878 ... recording medium mounting section, 879 ... recording medium interface, 880 ... information processing means, 899 ... bus

Claims (5)

In an image processing apparatus for creating and recording a derivative image derived from an original image by copying the original image or performing image conversion on the original image,
Means for creating new image-specific identification information for the derived image;
First recording means for associating and recording the created identification information together with the derivative image;
Second recording means for appending the identification information of the derived image to the original image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing apparatus for creating and recording a derivative image derived from an original image by copying the original image or performing image conversion on the original image,
Means for creating new image-specific identification information for the derived image;
First recording means for recording the created identification information and the identification information recorded in the original image in association with the derivative image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing apparatus for creating and recording a derivative image derived from an original image by copying the original image or performing image conversion on the original image,
Means for creating new image-specific identification information for the derived image;
First recording means for recording the created identification information and the identification information recorded in the original image in association with the derivative image;
Second recording means for appending the identification information of the derived image to the original image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The first recording means records the identification information recorded in the original area and the first area for recording the identification information of the derivative image in the header portion of the image format in which the derivative image is recorded. And a second area, wherein identification information of the derived image is recorded in the first area, and one or more identification information recorded in the original image is recorded in the second area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The second recording means identifies the derived image in a second area different from the first area where the identification information of the original image provided in the header portion of the image format in which the original image is recorded. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is additionally recorded.

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