JP2007179368A - Image editing support system, apparatus, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image editing support system, apparatus, method and program capable of easily searching for a piece of image information in which a desired subject is imaged from a plurality of pieces of image information. <P>SOLUTION: An associated information storage means is prepared for storing, in association with position information, a keyword that is associated with a place specified from the position information. Also, image information generated by imaging a subject using an imaging device 3 and the position information generated by measuring the current position at the time of the imaging are stored in association. Next, a keyword for searching for the image information in which the desired subject is imaged is accepted. Depending on acceptance of the keyword, the associated information storage means is referred to and the position information matching the keyword is specified. Based on the position information specified, the image information stored in association with the position information is referred to and the image information stored in association with position information approximating the position information is searched for and extracted. The image information extracted is output and reproduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention searches an image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of pieces of image information photographed as memories of, for example, a travel state or a landscape, and supports an image editing support system for reproducing and editing the image information. And its apparatus, method, and program.

In recent years, the dilution of human relationships in society has extended to parent-child and family relationships. Therefore, if neither the parent side nor the child side knows how to interact with or communicate with the other party or skills, there is a possibility that the dialogue will not be established, leading to the disconnection between the parent and the child.
One way to establish a dialogue is to provide a topic that is common to all. If everyone can participate in the topic, parent-child and family contacts and communication opportunities will expand, and bonds will deepen. For example, folk travel is a great opportunity to create a topic. In particular, if the travel state and scenery that will be memorable are stored in video and audio (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”), it can be a topical material forever.

  However, since the image data is generally managed by a method of assigning a file name with a serial number or the like, it is difficult to know what image is recorded from the file name when image reproduction is performed at a later date. Therefore, even if you save the travel situation and scenery that triggers communication as image data, if it is very troublesome to find the desired file, you may miss the chance of communication. Absent.

  In view of this, it is assumed that image data management is simple and easy for the user to handle intuitively, and a database means for specifying a place name or a facility name from the positioning information generated by the positioning means is provided. When image data generated by shooting is stored in the memory means as an image data file, a place name or facility name specified by the database means is added to the image data file as a file name and stored in the memory means. A means has been proposed that allows a user to easily search for a desired image data file based on the file name when managing and browsing a photographed image (see Patent Document 1).

However, in the case of the above means, since the place name or facility name specified by the database means for specifying the place name or facility name from the positioning information representing the imaging position generated by the positioning means is used as the file name, the same place or facility The image data captured in the file has the same file name. Moreover, when shooting in many areas and facilities such as travel, the name of the place and the name of the facility cannot be accurately grasped even if an impressive scene is remembered.
Further, even when the shooting target name is used as a shooting place name instead of the place name or facility name as the file name, the image data will have the same file name as long as it is the same place. That is, for example, even if the name of the subject to be photographed is added as a file name instead of the facility name “A baseball field” as a file name, An image of the entire stadium scene, an image of the faces of the players entering the A baseball field, an image of the support scene at the A baseball field stand, and the situation of the game on the ground of the A baseball field Any images taken at the same place as the A baseball field, such as images, will have the same file name as “A baseball field” or “The Nth National High School Baseball Championship”.
Therefore, there is a possibility that a desired image data file cannot be easily searched using the file name as the only clue.
JP 2005-86265 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and retrieves image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and is photographed at the same place. Even if there is an image editing support system that can easily find out desired image data and support the reproduction / editing of the image information, regardless of the name of the place, the name of the facility, or the name of the subject, And to provide a program.

An image editing support system according to claim 1 of the present invention is a system for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and supporting the reproduction / editing of the image information. Imaging means for photographing a subject to generate image information, positioning means for measuring a current position and generating position information, and position information generated by the positioning means to image information generated by the imaging means. Image information storage means for storing in association with each other, related information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in advance in association with the position information, and image information on a desired subject. Search keyword receiving means for receiving input of keyword information for searching, and referring to the related information storage means in response to reception of the keyword information, the keyword Position information specifying means for specifying position information according to the information, and referring to the image information storage means based on the specified position information, and storing the image information stored in association with the position information approximate to the position information. It is characterized by comprising at least image information search means for searching and extracting and image information output / playback means for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information.
At this time, the keyword information related to the place specified from the position information is not limited to the name of the place and facility where the image was taken in any of the above image editing support systems, This refers to information related to the shooting location, such as the name of a nearby city, tourist attraction, road name, specialty, and special product, even if it is not directly related to the subject indicating the shooting content. The related information storage means is an information search table that stores positional information corresponding to the latitude / longitude of a predetermined point (place) and the keyword information related to the predetermined point (place) in association with each other. .

  An image editing support system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image editing support system according to the first aspect, wherein the imaging means is installed in a vehicle, and a passenger including at least a traveling direction and a driver of the vehicle gets on the vehicle. It is characterized in that both directions can be photographed alternately or simultaneously.

  The image editing support system according to claim 3 of the present invention, further comprising sensing means for sensing that a predetermined condition set in advance is satisfied, wherein the imaging means includes: The imaging is automatically started and / or ended in response to detection of a predetermined condition.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing support system according to any one of the first to third aspects, comprising: an editing instruction receiving unit that receives a request to instruct editing of the reproduced image information; and the editing instruction unit. And editing image information storage means for storing image information instructed in response to the reception of the editing instruction request.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image editing support system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects includes: a browsing request request receiving unit that receives a request for browsing the image information; and the browsing request request receiving unit. Image information disclosing means for disclosing image information corresponding to the received browsing request.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, image information with position information from an image pickup apparatus that stores image information generated by photographing a subject and position information generated by measuring a current position in association with each other. Image information in which a desired subject is photographed from the image information, and a device that supports the reproduction / editing of the image information, and accepts the image information with the position information. Means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in advance in association with the position information, and keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed. The search keyword receiving means for receiving the input, and the related information storage means with reference to the reception of the keyword information, the position information corresponding to the keyword information is specified. Image information stored in association with position information that approximates the position information by referring to image information with position information received by the image information receiving means based on the specified position information. Image information retrieval means for retrieving and extracting the image information, and image information output reproduction means for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information.

  A second device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention provides image information with position information from an image pickup apparatus that stores image information generated by photographing a subject and position information generated by measuring a current position in association with each other. And receiving keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed, so that keyword information related to a location specified from the position information is stored in association with the position information in advance. It has related information storage means, and exchanges information by communication with a third device that specifies position information according to the keyword information, and searches the image information for the desired subject in the image information And a second apparatus that supports the reproduction / editing of the image information, the image information receiving means for receiving the image information with the position information, and a desired subject is photographed. Search keyword receiving means for receiving input of keyword information for searching existing image information, and search keyword transmitting means for transmitting the received keyword information to the third device for specifying position information corresponding to the keyword information In response to the transmission of the keyword information, the position information receiving means for receiving the position information specified according to the keyword information from the third device, and the image information receiving means based on the received position information. Image information retrieval means for retrieving and extracting image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information with reference to the received image information with position information, and outputting and reproducing the extracted image information Image information output / reproducing means.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing support method for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of pieces of image information, and supporting reproduction / editing of the image information. Preliminarily having related information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from the position information in association with the position information, the image pickup means shooting a subject to generate image information, and positioning. Means for measuring the current position and generating position information; and image information storage means for storing the position information generated by the positioning means in association with the image information generated by the imaging means; A search keyword receiving unit receiving an input of keyword information for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed; and a position information specifying unit including the search keyword A step of referring to the related information storage unit in response to the reception of the keyword information by the mode receiving unit and specifying the position information corresponding to the keyword information, and an image information searching unit is specified by the position information specifying unit Searching for and extracting image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information, referring to image information with position information received by the image information receiving means based on position information; and outputting image information The reproduction means includes at least a step of outputting and reproducing the image information extracted by the image information search means.

  The computer program according to claim 9 of the present invention has related information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in advance in association with the position information, and is generated by photographing a subject. The image information with the position information is received from the imaging device that stores the image information and the position information generated by measuring the current position in association with each other, and the image information in which the desired subject is photographed is searched from the image information A computer program for causing a computer to function as a device that supports reproduction / editing of the image information, wherein the computer receives the image information with the position information, and a desired subject is photographed. Processing for accepting input of keyword information for searching existing image information, and in response to acceptance of the keyword information Referring to the related information storage means, the process of specifying the position information according to the keyword information, and referring to the received image information with the position information based on the specified position information, approximate to the position information A process of searching and extracting image information stored in association with position information and a process of outputting and reproducing the extracted image information are executed.

  A computer program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention receives image information with position information from an imaging device that stores image information generated by photographing a subject and position information generated by measuring a current position in association with each other. In addition, by receiving keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed, related information for storing keyword information related to a location specified from the position information in association with the position information in advance. Having a storage means, exchanging information by communication with a third device for specifying position information according to the keyword information, searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from the image information, A computer program for causing a computer to function as a second device for supporting reproduction / editing of the image information. A process for receiving image information with position information, a process for receiving input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed, and the received keyword information. A process of transmitting position information according to keyword information to the third apparatus, and a position information specified based on the keyword information in response to transmission of the keyword information. And a process of referring to the received image information with the position information based on the received position information and searching and extracting the image information stored in association with the position information approximate to the position information. And a process for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information.

According to the present invention, it is provided with related information storage means that stores in advance at least one or more keyword information related to a location specified from position information in association with the position information, and the related information storage means is used during image editing. Because it is used, even if you forget the exact file name of the image data where the desired subject is photographed, the name of a wide area related to the shooting location, nearby tourist attractions, road names, specialties, special products By using the keyword as a clue, the position information corresponding to the keyword is specified from the related information storage means, and the image information is searched based on the position information, thereby searching for desired image data. It will be possible. Moreover, the keyword for search is not limited to the name of the place where the image was taken or the facility, but may be related to the area including the place where the image was taken, even if it is not directly related to the subject indicating the contents of the image, so it is extremely ambiguous It is possible to easily search for desired image data even with keywords based on.
Therefore, it is possible to easily search image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and to help establish communication effectively by reproducing and editing the image information.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image editing support system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the image editing support system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1, the management system used in the present embodiment captures a subject P and acquires image information. The management system receives image information from the imaging device 3, and uses a plurality of search keywords based on a search keyword. The image editing support apparatus 1A is a first apparatus that searches for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from the image information and supports the reproduction / editing of the image information.
As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 3 includes, for example, an imaging unit 31, a positioning unit 32, an image information storage unit 33, a timing unit 34, a voice recognition unit 35, and a voice information storage unit 36. If necessary, a photographing start information recognition unit 37 is further included.

The imaging unit 31 performs a process of capturing a subject and generating image information. The imaging unit 31 is, for example, a CCD (Charge) via a lens.
A camera that generates and outputs image information obtained by an imaging device such as a coupled device. Further, the imaging unit 31 automatically starts and / or ends shooting of a subject in response to reception of shooting start information from a shooting start information recognition unit 37 described later.

  The positioning unit 32 performs a process of measuring the current position at the time of shooting and generating position information. The positioning unit 32 includes, for example, a GPS receiver and has a function of receiving a positioning signal from a GPS satellite and a function of detecting a current position based on a highly accurate positioning signal received by the GPS receiver at the time of shooting. Refers to a navigation system. The principle of GPS positioning is based on the fact that a GPS receiver receives a positioning signal including a highly accurate time signal from a plurality of GPS satellites and calculates the pseudo distance from each satellite obtained from the positioning signal and the three-dimensional position coordinates of each satellite. The ground position coordinates of the device are obtained by back-calculating with dimensional surveying. This GPS receiver includes a GPS receiving antenna, an RF receiving circuit, a positioning calculation circuit, and the like.

The image information storage unit 33 stores the position information generated by the positioning unit 32 in association with the image information generated by the imaging unit 31. The image information storage unit 33 stores the time information measured by the time measuring unit 34 described later in association with the image information generated by the imaging unit 31.
Therefore, the information stored in the image information storage unit 33 includes, for example, position information defined for the image file using the image file name as an index, shooting time information generated by the time measuring unit 34 described later, and the like. A database with one record is configured. The image information is stored after being compressed by a predetermined compression method.

  The timer unit 34 is a clock unit that measures time, and performs processing for measuring the current time at the time of shooting and generating shooting time information.

  The voice recognizing unit 35 recognizes the voice at the time of photographing the subject by the image pickup unit 31 and inputs a voice such as a voice of a surrounding area or a photographer to generate voice information. An example of the voice recognition unit 35 is a so-called microphone.

  The voice information storage unit 36 stores the voice information received by the voice recognition unit 35 in synchronization with the image information captured by the imaging unit 31.

  The shooting start information recognizing unit 37 performs a process of sensing that a predetermined condition set in advance is satisfied in order for the imaging unit 31 to automatically start and / or end shooting. The predetermined conditions set in advance include, for example, when the switch has been pressed to start and / or end imaging, as well as when the time and time set in the timer are reached. When the vehicle reaches the location set by the signal from the vehicle, when the vehicle engine is started or stopped, when the vehicle door is opened or closed, or when the conversation voice is recognized, the vehicle traveling speed reaches a certain value or more. When you do. Accordingly, the imaging unit 31 automatically starts and / or ends the shooting of the subject in response to the shooting start information recognition unit 37 serving as the sensing unit detecting a predetermined condition.

As the imaging device 3 having the above-described configuration, for example, a digital video camera with a built-in GPS can be cited. The imaging device 3 in this embodiment includes an operation unit, a display unit (LCD), a system in addition to the above-described components. Basic components such as a control unit and a ROM are provided. The ROM stores programs and various data for operating the navigation device. The imaging device 3 includes a communication unit for performing data communication between a removable external memory such as a flash memory card and its I / O interface and an external device such as the image editing support device 1 and the like. An I / O interface or the like is provided.
The imaging device 3 is not limited to the above example, and may be an electronic device including a terminal capable of capturing and storing a subject, for example, a mobile phone with a camera.

Furthermore, the imaging device 3 can be used by being carried in a vehicle such as an automobile or a motorcycle, and when installed in the vehicle, at least the traveling direction and the vehicle. It is desirable to be able to photograph both the directions in which the passengers including the driver are in the vehicle alternately or simultaneously. As a result, the scene inside the car that includes all of them is photographed without the photographer being removed, and the scenery outside the car is also photographed, so that the photographer cannot participate in the topic and widen the chance of communication. It will be possible.
Examples of the imaging unit 31 of the imaging apparatus 3 include a fisheye lens and a CCD. As a result, it is possible to image almost the entire interior of the vehicle with the single imaging unit 31, and it is not necessary to provide a large number of imaging units. And the power supply of the imaging device 3 in the case of installing in a vehicle may be shared with the power supply for room lamps and the power supply for accessories, for example. Note that the image (curved surface image) projected on the fisheye lens is taken into the CCD via the optical filter and the optical lens.
In addition, the imaging unit 31 of the imaging device 3 is not limited to the one using the fisheye lens, but is provided with a mechanism for controlling the imaging direction. For example, the imaging unit 31 can rotate 360 ° and control the elevation angle of 0 to 90 °. May be possible.

Next, the image editing support apparatus 1A can function as an image editing apparatus by executing an image editing support program (software). Computer.
This image editing support device 1A is a stand-alone type in the case of this embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, for example, an image information receiving unit 11, a search keyword receiving unit 12, a position information specifying unit 13, and an image information search Unit 14, image information output / playback unit 15, and related information storage unit 16, and further includes an edit instruction receiving unit 17 and an edited image information storage unit 18 as necessary.

  Although not shown, the image editing support apparatus 1A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program storage unit, an operation unit, and a display unit. The CPU controls and controls each component of the image editing support apparatus 1 according to the program stored in the program storage unit, and executes program processing. The program storage unit includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores various programs used by the image editing support apparatus 1A. The RAM may function as a buffer memory when performing processing for receiving a plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image information storage unit 33.

The operation unit specifies conditions for output information requested by a user or the like. Specifically, a keyboard, mouse or other input system device operated by a user or the like corresponds to this. The image information stored in the image editing support apparatus 1A is read according to the conditions specified by the operation unit, and the image information is displayed on the display unit.
The display unit performs processing for displaying the designated image information. Specifically, a display device corresponds to this.

  The image information receiving unit 11 performs processing for receiving a plurality of pieces of image information captured by the imaging device 3 and stored in the image information storage unit 33. As a means for receiving image information from the imaging device 3, in addition to a method using a removable external memory such as the flash memory card, a wired connection using a serial cable or a USB cable, a wireless connection using infrared rays or radio waves, and the like There is no particular limitation on the reception (connection) mode.

  The search keyword receiving unit 12 performs a process of receiving input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from among a plurality of image information received by the image information receiving unit 11. Keyword information is not limited to the name of the place where the photo was taken and the name of the facility. Information relating to the shooting location may be used regardless of the relationship. Moreover, the search keyword reception part 12 performs the process which receives the input of timing information as keyword information.

  The position information specifying unit 13 refers to a related information storage unit 16 to be described later based on the keyword information received by the search keyword receiving unit 12, and includes position information including the keyword information as a point (location) or related keyword information. Search and specify processing.

The image information search unit 14 refers to the plurality of image information received by the image information receiving unit 11 based on the position information specified by the position information specifying unit 13, and includes the position information included in the image information. Image information that is stored in association with position information that is the same as or close to the position information is searched as image information in which a desired subject is photographed and extracted.
In addition, the image information search unit 15 refers to the shooting time information included in the plurality of image information received by the image information reception unit 11 in response to the reception of the time measurement information by the search keyword reception unit 12, and the time information The image information stored in association with is retrieved and extracted as image information in which a desired subject is photographed.

  The image information output / playback unit 15 outputs the image information searched by the image information search unit 14 so that the image information can be played back, and displays it on a display unit (not shown).

The related information storage unit 16 stores in advance position information corresponding to the latitude and longitude of a predetermined point (place) and at least one or more keyword information related to the predetermined point (place). Examples of the predetermined point (location) having position information included in the related information storage unit 16 include the location of each municipality office, the location of a railway station, an intersection, and a location where a utility pole is installed. Of course, the position information of an arbitrary place may be measured later and added as appropriate.
The keyword information registered in the related information storage unit 16 remains in the memory and impression such as a wide area name including a predetermined point (location), a name of a neighboring city, a tourist attraction, a road name, a specialty, and a special product. Something easy. Further, as the keyword information, for example, an item stipulated as a nearest station or landmark from a predetermined point (location) having position information from a magazine or a homepage on the Internet may be adopted.

  The editing instruction receiving unit 17 performs processing for receiving editing instruction information for instructing editing of the image information reproduced by the image information output reproducing unit 15. When the editing instruction receiving unit 17 receives the editing instruction information, the editing instruction receiving unit 17 sends the information to the edited image information storage unit 18 described later.

  The edited image information storage unit 18 stores the instructed image information in response to the editing instruction information received by the editing instruction receiving unit 17.

  Each database in the present embodiment is realized on an external storage device such as a hard disk installed in the image editing support apparatus 1.

Next, an example of a method executed by the image editing support system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when searching for desired image information in the image editing support system according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above.
In the image editing support system configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the image editing support apparatus 1A associates keyword information related to a location specified in advance from position information with the position information. Store the related information database (DB) (A). An example of the related information DB can be shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the related information DB 110 includes position information defined by points, latitude / longitude, related keyword information, and the like. The created related information DB 110 is stored in the related information storage unit 16.

Next, the image pickup apparatus 3 is mounted on a car, and it is set so that shooting by the image pickup apparatus 3 is automatically started and stopped under a predetermined condition. In the case of the present embodiment, the navigation system is mounted on the automobile, and the imaging device 3 is connected to the navigation system.
In the case of the present embodiment, as the predetermined condition for automatically starting / stopping the shooting, for example, the navigation is performed so that the shooting start information is detected when the vehicle reaches a place set by a signal from GPS. A shooting start point and a shooting end point are set in advance using the system. In the present invention, it is also possible to perform shooting manually without setting a predetermined condition for automatically starting and stopping shooting.

When the vehicle travels and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the imaging device 3 receives the shooting start information (11).
Upon receiving the shooting start information, the imaging device 3 shoots the subject to generate image information (12a), and measures the current position to generate position information (12b).
Further, the imaging device 3 stores the generated position information in association with the generated image information, and generates an image information database (DB) (13). An example of the image information DB can be shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the image information DB 100 is composed of continuous image file names, position information defined by latitude and longitude, shooting time information, and the like. The created image information DB 100 is stored in the image information storage unit 35.
When the predetermined condition is satisfied again, the imaging device 3 accepts the shooting end information and stops shooting (14).

Next, when searching for desired image information from a plurality of photographed image information, the image information with position information stored in association with the image information and position information is moved to the image editing support apparatus 1A (15). ). The image information with position information is moved to the image editing support apparatus 1A through a removable external memory such as a flash memory card, a wired connection using a serial cable or a USB cable, a wireless connection using infrared rays or radio waves, for example. Use any method such as connection.
As a result, the image editing support device 1A receives the image information with position information from the imaging device 3 (16).

Next, the image editing support device 1A accepts input of keyword information for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed (17).
When receiving the keyword information, the image editing support device 1A refers to the related information DB 110 generated in advance in (A) and specifies position information corresponding to the keyword information (18). For example, if “Aizu” is input as a keyword for search, the position information is identified by referring to the related information DB 110 and the position information “N37 degrees 29 minutes 18 seconds of Wakamatsu having“ Aizu ”as related keyword information. , E139 degrees 54 minutes 36 seconds "is retrieved.

Subsequently, the image editing support device 1A refers to the received image information with position information based on the specified position information, and searches and extracts image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information. (19). The desired image information extraction is performed by referring to the image information DB 100 based on, for example, the position information “N37 degrees 29 minutes 18 seconds, E139 degrees 54 minutes 36 seconds” specified earlier and associating with the position information approximate to the position information. This is accomplished by retrieving stored image information from image file names AA00014 to AA00026.
Then, the image editing support apparatus 1A outputs and reproduces the extracted image information (20).

If the output / reproduced image response is to be stored separately as edited image information, the image editing support apparatus 1A accepts a request for instructing editing of the regenerated image information (21).
The image editing support apparatus 1A stores the image information instructed in response to the acceptance of the collection instruction request, and generates an edited image information database (DB) (22). An example of the edited image information DB can be shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the image information DB 120 includes position information defined by latitude and longitude, related keyword information, and the like. The created edited image information DB 120 is stored in the edited image information storage unit 18.
The editing of the image information is achieved by selecting, for example, AA00014, AA00015, AA00019, and AA00025 as the desired image file names from the image file names AA00014 to AA00026 reproduced previously.

  Similarly, the image file name AA00001 is extracted from the position information specified with “Omiya” as a keyword, and editing is instructed. Also, the image file name AA00002 is extracted from the position information specified with “Utsunomiya” as a keyword, and editing is instructed. Also, the image file name AA00003 is extracted from the position information specified with “Kinugawa” as a keyword, and editing is instructed. Further, the image file name AA00005 is extracted from the position information specified with “Manko Yaki” as a keyword, and editing is instructed. Further, the image file name AA00012 is extracted from the position information specified with “Hideyo Noguchi” as a keyword, and editing is instructed.

  As described above, it is possible to retrieve image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and to easily reproduce and edit the image information. For example, as shown in FIG. An edited image information database (DB) can be generated and stored in the edited image information storage unit 18.

Next, an example of the operation of the image editing support apparatus 1A in the above-described image editing support system will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the program stored in the program storage unit of the image editing support apparatus 1A.
First, it is determined whether the image information receiving unit 11 has received image information with position information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from among a plurality of image information (S11).
As a result, when the image information receiving unit 11 receives the image information with position information (Y), the search keyword receiving unit 12 continues to search for the keyword information for searching the image information in which the desired subject is photographed. It is determined whether or not an input has been accepted (S12).
On the other hand, when the image information receiving unit 11 has not received the image information with position information (N), it is determined whether the repeated image information receiving unit 11 has received the image information with position information (S11).

Next, when the image information receiving unit 11 receives input of keyword information (Y), the position information specifying unit 13 specifies position information corresponding to the keyword information (S13). The position information is specified by the position information specifying unit 13 referring to the related information DB stored in the related information storage unit 16 in advance. The related information DB stores keyword information related to a location specified from the position information in association with the position information.
When the position information corresponding to the keyword information is specified, the image information search unit 14 continues to refer to the image information with position information received by the image information receiving unit 11 and approximates the specified position information. The image information stored in association with the information is searched and extracted (S14).
When the image information is extracted, the image information output / playback unit 15 outputs and plays back the extracted image information (S15).

On the other hand, if the search keyword receiving unit 12 has not received the input of keyword information (N), the image information is not searched but output from the beginning in the stored order and reproduced (S15).
Then, the image information reproduced by the image information output reproduction unit 15 is displayed on a display unit (not shown) (S16).
Subsequently, during the output / reproduction of the image information, the editing instruction reception unit 17 determines whether a reproduction image recording request for instructing the editing of the image information has been received (S17).
As a result, when the editing instruction receiving unit 17 receives the playback image recording request (Y), the instructed playback image information is recorded in the editing image information storage unit 18 (S18).

Thereafter, the image information output reproduction unit 15 determines whether or not the reproduction end information has been received (S19).
On the other hand, when the editing instruction receiving unit 17 has not received the reproduction image recording request (N), it is determined whether or not the reproduction information is not recorded and the image information output reproduction unit 15 has received reproduction end information. (S19).
As a result, when the image information output / playback unit 15 receives the playback end information (Y), the basic series of operations in the image editing support apparatus 1A is finished (end).
On the other hand, when the image information output reproduction unit 15 has not received the reproduction end information (N), the repeated search keyword reception unit 12 inputs keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed. Is determined (S12).

  As described above, the present invention is not directly related to the subject indicating the shooting contents even if the accurate file name is forgotten, but the wide area name related to the shooting location, the nearby tourist attractions, the road name, By using related keyword information such as specialties and special products as clues, it is possible to specify position information and easily search for desired image data from the specified position information.

  Further, in the present invention, in addition to the above-described embodiment, it is stored in the audio information storage unit 36 and is included in the image information with audio information received by the image information receiving unit 11 together with the image information captured by the imaging unit 31. The voice keyword information generation unit that performs processing to differentiate the voice information and generate the voice keyword information, the voice keyword information generated by the voice keyword information generation unit, and the image information generated by the imaging unit 31 are stored. A voice keyword information storage unit that is registered in association with the related information storage unit 16 is provided, and the image information search unit 15 replaces the related information storage unit 16 or accepts the keyword information in the search keyword reception unit 12 or The voice keyword information storage unit is referred to together with the related information storage unit 16, and image information corresponding to the keyword information is specified. Treatment may be further performed to.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, an additional keyword information receiving unit that performs processing for receiving additional keyword information related to the keyword information stored in the related information storage unit 16 together with place specifying information indicating a place specified from the position information, An additional keyword registration unit for performing processing for registering the additional keyword information received by the additional keyword information receiving unit in the related information storage unit 16 based on the location specifying information can be provided, and desired keyword information can be added sequentially. You may do it.

(Second embodiment)
Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment configured as the stand-alone type image editing support device as described above, but is configured by a network type image editing support device and an image search support device connected via a communication network. It can also be Examples of communication networks include computer communication networks such as the Internet and LAN.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the image editing support system according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration thereof.
As shown in FIG. 8, the image editing support system used in the present embodiment captures image information from the imaging device 3 that captures a subject P and acquires image information, receives image information from the imaging device 3, and based on a search keyword. The image editing support device 1B as a so-called server that searches for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information and supports the reproduction / editing of the image information, and the image editing support device 1B. An image search support device 5A that receives keyword information and identifies position information for searching for image information corresponding to the search keyword information.
As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging device 3 includes, for example, an imaging unit 31, a positioning unit 32, an image information storage unit 33, a timing unit 34, a voice recognition unit 35, and a voice information storage unit 36. If necessary, a photographing start information recognition unit 37 is further included.
In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted, and the other parts are the same unless otherwise specified.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the image editing support apparatus 1 </ b> B, for example, an image information reception unit 11, a search keyword reception unit 12, an image information search unit 14, an image information output reproduction unit 15, and a search keyword transmission. The unit 19 includes a position information receiving unit 20 and an image information transmitting unit 21, and further includes an editing instruction receiving unit 17 and an edited image information storage unit 18 as necessary.

  The search keyword transmitting unit 19 performs processing for transmitting the keyword information received by the search keyword receiving unit 12 to the image search support device 5A that specifies the position information corresponding to the keyword information via the communication network 10.

  The position information receiving unit 20 specifies the position information transmitted from the image search support device 5A, which is specified by the image search support device 5A in response to the transmission of the keyword information from the search keyword transmission unit 19, and the communication network 10 The process to receive via is performed.

  The image information transmitting unit 21 registers the image information received by the image information receiving unit 11 or the edited image information recorded in the edited image information storage unit 18 in the image search support device 5A. A process of transmitting to 5A via the communication network 10 is performed.

The image search support device 5 </ b> A includes a search keyword receiving unit 51, a position information specifying unit 52, a related information storage unit 53, and a position information transmitting unit 54.
The search keyword receiving unit 51 performs a process of receiving the keyword information transmitted from the image editing support apparatus 1B via the communication network 10. The keyword information is information for the image editing support apparatus 1B to search for image information in which a desired subject is photographed.
The position information specifying unit 52 refers to the related information storage unit based on the received keyword information, similarly to the position information specifying unit 13 provided in the image editing support apparatus 1A in the first embodiment, and stores the keyword information. The position information included as point (location) or related keyword information is searched and specified.
Similarly to the related information storage unit 16 provided in the image editing support apparatus 1A in the first embodiment, the related information storage unit 53 also includes position information corresponding to the latitude and longitude of a predetermined point (location) in advance. Then, at least one or more keyword information related to the predetermined point (place) is stored in association with each other.

The position information transmitting unit 54 performs processing for transmitting the position information specified by the position information specifying unit 52 to the image editing support apparatus 1B via the communication network 10.
Accordingly, the image editing support device 1B receives the position information transmitted from the image search support device 5A via the communication network 10 by the position information receiving unit 20, and the image information search unit 14 based on the position information. A plurality of pieces of image information received by the image information receiving unit 11 are referenced, and image information stored in association with position information that is the same as or similar to the position information is stored in the position information included in the image information. Is retrieved and extracted as image information.

Next, an example of a method executed by the image editing support system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when searching for desired image information in the image editing support system according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above.
In the image editing support system configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the image editing search device 5A associates keyword information related to a location specified in advance from position information with the position information. Store the related information database (DB) (A).

Next, the image pickup apparatus 3 is mounted on a car, and it is set so that shooting by the image pickup apparatus 3 is automatically started and stopped under a predetermined condition.
When the vehicle travels and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the imaging device 3 receives the shooting start information (31).
Upon receiving the shooting start information, the imaging device 3 shoots the subject to generate image information (32a), and measures the current position to generate position information (32b).
Further, the imaging apparatus 3 stores the generated position information in association with the generated image information, and generates an image information database (DB) (33).
When the predetermined condition is satisfied again, the imaging device 3 receives the shooting end information and stops shooting (34).

Next, when searching for desired image information from a plurality of photographed image information, the image information with position information stored in association with the image information and position information is moved to the image editing support apparatus 1B (35). ). As in the first embodiment, the movement of the image information with position information to the image editing support apparatus 1B is performed by a serial cable or a USB cable, in addition to a method using a removable external memory such as a flash memory card. Use any method such as wired connection or wireless connection using infrared or radio waves.
As a result, the image editing support device 1A receives the image information with position information from the imaging device 3 (36).
Next, the image editing support apparatus 1A accepts input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed (37).
Up to this point, the process is the same as in the first embodiment.

When receiving the keyword information, the image editing support apparatus 1B transmits the received keyword information to the image search support apparatus 5A via the communication network 10 (38).
The image search support device 5A receives the keyword information transmitted from the image editing support device 1B (39).
Subsequently, the image search support device 5A refers to the related information DB generated in advance in (A) and specifies position information corresponding to the keyword information (40).
Thereafter, the image search support device 5A transmits the specified position information to the image editing support device 1B via the communication network 10 (41).

The image editing support device 1B receives the position information transmitted from the image search support device 5A (42).
Subsequently, the image editing support apparatus 1B refers to the received image information with position information based on the received position information, and searches and extracts image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information. (43).
Then, the image editing support apparatus 1B outputs and reproduces the extracted image information again as in the first embodiment (44).

When the output / reproduced image response is to be stored separately as edited image information, the image editing support apparatus 1B accepts a request to instruct editing of the regenerated image information (45).
The image editing support apparatus 1B stores the image information instructed in response to acceptance of the collection instruction request, and generates an edited image information database (DB) (46).

  Also by the above, it is possible to search image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and to easily reproduce and edit the image information. Moreover, since the related information DB is provided in the image search support device 5A connected via the communication network 10, the related information DB can be shared and the related information DB in which the latest related information is always stored. Can be managed.

Next, an example of the operation of the image editing support apparatus 1B in the above-described image editing support system will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the program stored in the program storage unit of the image editing support apparatus 1B.
First, it is determined whether the image information receiving unit 11 has received image information with position information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from among a plurality of image information (S31).
As a result, when the image information receiving unit 11 receives the image information with position information (Y), the search keyword receiving unit 12 continues to search for the keyword information for searching the image information in which the desired subject is photographed. It is determined whether an input has been accepted (S32).
On the other hand, when the image information receiving unit 11 has not received the image information with position information (N), it is determined whether the repeated image information receiving unit 11 has received the image information with position information (S31).

Next, when the image information receiving unit 11 receives an input of keyword information (Y), the search keyword transmitting unit 19 transmits the keyword information to the image search support device 5A (S33).
Next, whether or not the position information receiving unit 20 has received the position information specified by the image search support device 5A from the image search support device 5A in response to the transmission of the keyword information by the search keyword transmission unit 19 (S34).
As a result, when the position information receiving unit 20 receives the specified position information (Y), the image information search unit 14 continues to refer to the image information with position information received by the image information receiving unit 11. The image information stored in association with the position information approximate to the specified position information is searched and extracted (S35).
On the other hand, when the position information receiving unit 20 has not received the specified position information (N), the keyword information for the repeated search keyword receiving unit 12 to search for image information in which a desired subject is photographed. It is determined whether or not an input of is accepted (S32).
When the image information is extracted, the image information output / playback unit 15 outputs and plays back the extracted image information (S36).

On the other hand, if the search keyword accepting unit 12 does not accept the input of keyword information (N), the image information is not retrieved but outputted from the beginning in the stored order and reproduced (S36).
Then, the image information reproduced by the image information output reproduction unit 15 is displayed on a display unit (not shown) (S37).
Subsequently, during output / reproduction of the image information, the editing instruction receiving unit 17 determines whether or not a reproduction image recording request for instructing editing of the image information has been received (S38).
As a result, when the editing instruction receiving unit 17 receives the playback image recording request (Y), the instructed playback image information is recorded in the editing image information storage unit 18 (S39).

Thereafter, the image information output reproduction unit 15 determines whether or not the reproduction end information has been received (S40).
On the other hand, when the editing instruction receiving unit 17 has not received the reproduction image recording request (N), it is determined whether or not the reproduction information is not recorded and the image information output reproduction unit 15 has received reproduction end information. (S40).
As a result, when the image information output / playback unit 15 receives the playback end information (Y), the basic series of operations in the image editing support apparatus 1A is finished (end).
On the other hand, when the image information output reproduction unit 15 has not received the reproduction end information (N), the repeated search keyword reception unit 12 inputs keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed. Is determined (S32).

(Third embodiment)
The present invention not only facilitates image editing by the stand-alone image editing support device, the network-type image editing support device, and the image search support device as described above, but also allows images from third parties. Information browsing requests can also be accepted.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image editing support apparatus when it is assumed that an image information browsing request from a third party is accepted as a third embodiment of the image editing support system according to the present invention.
The image editing support device 5B exchanges information with the image editing support device 1B via the communication network 10 in place of the image editing support device 5A in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the image editing support device 5B includes a search keyword receiving unit 51, a position information specifying unit 52, a related information storage unit 53, a position information transmitting unit 54, an image information receiving unit 55, and an image. The information registration unit 56, the image information search unit 57, the image information output unit 58, the browsing request request reception unit 59, and the image information disclosure unit 60 are configured. Also in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and other portions are the same unless otherwise specified.

The image information receiving unit 55 performs a process of receiving the image information transmitted from the image editing support apparatus 1B.
The image information registration unit 56 stores the image information received by the image information receiving unit 55 in a database.
The browsing request request receiving unit 59 receives a request for browsing the image information received from the image editing support apparatus 1B and stored in the image information registration unit 56 together with the input of keyword information for searching the image information. Processing to be accepted from the image information browsing device 7 which is a three-party communication terminal is performed.
The image information disclosing unit 60 performs a process of disclosing requested image information to the image information browsing apparatus 7 via the communication network 10 in response to an image browsing request by the browsing request receiving unit 59. Do.
At this time, for the requested image information, the position information is specified by the position information specifying unit 52, and the image information searching unit 57 is referred to the image information registering unit 56 to obtain the specified position information. The corresponding image information is searched, the image information output unit 58 outputs the searched image information, and is reproduced.

Next, an example of the image information disclosure method executed by the image editing support device 5B shown in FIG. 12 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when the user wishes to view desired image information in the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above.
In the image editing support system configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the image editing support apparatus 1B receives image information with position information received from the imaging apparatus 3 as an image editing search apparatus for registration purposes. Transmit to 5B (51).

Next, the image editing search device 5B receives the image information transmitted from the image editing support device 1B and registers it in a predetermined storage unit (52).
Next, the image information browsing device 7 inputs keyword information for searching for image information, and the image editing search device 5B together with an image browsing request for requesting browsing of image information registered in the image editing search device 5B. (53).
The image editing / retrieval device 5B accepts the image browsing request sent from the image information browsing device 7 (54).
Subsequently, the image editing / retrieval device 5B refers to the related information DB generated in advance, and specifies position information corresponding to the keyword information transmitted together with the image browsing request (55).
Further, the image search support device 5B refers to the received image information with position information based on the specified position information, and searches and extracts image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information. (56).
Then, the image editing / retrieval device 5B outputs the extracted image information to the image information browsing device 7 and discloses it (44).
Thereby, in the said image information browsing apparatus 7, the image information in which the desired to-be-photographed object is image | photographed can be browsed.

Next, an example of the operation of the image editing search device 5B in the above-described image editing support system will be described with reference to FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process which the program memorize | stored in the program memory | storage part of the image edit search device 5B performs.
First, it is determined whether the image information receiving unit 55 has received image information with position information in which a desired subject is photographed (S51).
As a result, when the image information receiving unit 55 receives image information with position information where a desired subject is photographed (Y), the received image information with position information is registered in the image information registration unit 56 ( S52).
On the other hand, when the image information receiving unit 55 has not received the image information with position information where the desired subject is photographed (N), the browsing request receiving unit 59 is stored in the image information registration unit 56. It is determined whether or not an image browsing request for requesting browsing of the image information is accepted (S53).

As a result, when the browsing request request receiving unit 59 receives an image browsing request (Y), whether or not keyword information for searching for desired image information is continuously included in the image browsing request. (S54).
On the other hand, if the browsing request request receiving unit 59 has not received an image browsing request (N), whether or not the repeated image information receiving unit 55 has received image information with position information where a desired subject is photographed. (S51).
When keyword information for searching for desired image information is received together with the image browsing request (Y), the position information specifying unit 53 specifies position information corresponding to the keyword information (S55). The position information is specified by the position information specifying unit 53 referring to the related information DB stored in the related information storage unit 53 in advance.

When the position information corresponding to the keyword information is specified, the image information search unit 57 continues to refer to the image information with position information received by the image information reception unit 55 and registered in the image information registration unit 56. The image information stored in association with the position information approximate to the specified position information is searched and extracted (S56).
When the image information is extracted, the image information output unit 58 outputs the extracted image information, and the image information disclosure unit 60 discloses the image information output to the image information browsing device 7. (S57). Thus, a basic series of operations in the image editing / retrieval apparatus 5B is finished (end).
On the other hand, when keyword information for searching for desired image information is not received together with the image browsing request (N), the processing ends as it is.

As a result, a request for browsing image information from a third party is received together with the input of keyword information for searching for image information, position information is specified from the keyword information, and desired image data is searched from the specified position information. Thus, even if the image information is not organized, the requested image information can be easily retrieved and widely disclosed.
In addition, according to the third embodiment, if an imaging device is provided with a communication function and information can be exchanged with the image editing / retrieval device 5B via a communication network, the imaging device and the image editing / searching can be directly performed. By combining with the device 5B, it is possible to search image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and to easily reproduce and edit the image information. Therefore, it is possible to share the image information in real time by registering the captured image information in the image editing / retrieval device 5B immediately and having a parent, relative, friend or acquaintance make a request for disclosure of the image information. Become.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of an image editing support system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of said 1st embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process in the case of searching desired image information in said 1st embodiment. It is an example of the image information database structure with which the image editing assistance system which concerns on this invention is provided. It is an example of the related information database structure with which the image editing assistance system which concerns on this invention is provided. It is an example of the image information database structure with which the image editing assistance system which concerns on this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the image editing assistance apparatus in the system which concerns on said 1st embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of 2nd embodiment of the image editing assistance system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of said 2nd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process in the case of searching desired image information in said 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the image editing assistance apparatus in the system which concerns on said 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image search assistance apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of the image editing assistance system which concerns on this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when browsing desired image information in said 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the image search assistance apparatus in the system which concerns on the said 3rd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A, 1B ... Image editing support device, 3 ... Imaging device, 5A, 5B ... Image search support device, 10 ... Communication network, 11 ... Image information reception part, 12 ... Search Keyword receiving unit, 13 ... Position information specifying unit, 14 ... Image information searching unit, 15 ... Image information output / reproducing unit, 16 ... Related information storage unit, 17 ... Editing instruction receiving unit, 18 ... Edited image information storage unit, 19 ... Search keyword transmission unit, 20 ... Position information reception unit, 21 ... Image information transmission unit, 31 ... Imaging unit, 32 ... Positioning unit , 33 ... Time measuring part, 34 ... Voice recognition part, 35 ... Image information storage part, 36 ... Voice information storage part, 37 ... Shooting start information recognition part, 51 ... Search keyword Receiving unit, 52 ... position information specifying unit, 53 ... related information storage unit, 54 ..Position information transmission unit, 55... Image information reception unit, 56... Image information registration unit, 57... Image information search unit, 58. Request accepting unit, 60... Image information disclosing unit.

Claims (10)

A system for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and supporting reproduction / editing of the image information,
Imaging means for photographing a subject and generating image information;
A positioning means for measuring the current position and generating position information;
Image information storage means for storing the position information generated by the positioning means in association with the image information generated by the imaging means;
In advance, related information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in association with the position information;
Search keyword receiving means for receiving input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed;
Position information specifying means for referring to the related information storage means in response to reception of the keyword information and specifying position information according to the keyword information;
Image information search means for referring to the image information storage means based on the specified position information and searching and extracting image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information;
Image information output reproduction means for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information;
An image editing support system characterized by comprising at least.   The image pickup means is installed in a vehicle, and is capable of photographing at least both a traveling direction and a direction in which a passenger including a driver of the vehicle is riding alternately or simultaneously. The image editing support system according to claim 1. Sensing means for sensing that a predetermined condition set in advance is satisfied;
3. The image editing support system according to claim 2, wherein the imaging unit automatically starts and / or ends shooting in response to the detection unit detecting a predetermined condition. Editing instruction receiving means for receiving a request to instruct editing of the reproduced image information;
Edit image information storage means for storing image information instructed in response to acceptance of an edit instruction request in the edit instruction means;
The image editing support system according to claim 1, further comprising: Browsing request request receiving means for receiving a request for browsing the image information;
Image information disclosing means for disclosing image information corresponding to the browsing request received by the browsing request request receiving means;
The image editing support system according to claim 1, further comprising: Image information with position information is received from an imaging device that stores image information generated by photographing a subject in association with position information generated by measuring the current position, and a desired subject is photographed from the image information. A device that searches for image information and supports playback / editing of the image information,
Image information receiving means for receiving the image information with the position information;
In advance, related information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in association with the position information;
Search keyword receiving means for receiving input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed;
Position information specifying means for referring to the related information storage means in response to reception of the keyword information and specifying position information according to the keyword information;
Image information for searching and extracting image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information with reference to image information with position information received by the image information receiving means based on the specified position information Search means;
Image information output reproduction means for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information;
A first device characterized by comprising at least Image information with position information is received from an imaging device that stores image information generated by photographing a subject and position information generated by measuring the current position, and image information on a desired subject is captured. Relevant information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in advance in association with the position information by receiving keyword information for searching, and a position corresponding to the keyword information A second device that exchanges information by communication with a third device that specifies information, searches the image information for the image of the desired subject, and supports reproduction / editing of the image information. A device,
Image information receiving means for receiving the image information with the position information;
Search keyword receiving means for receiving input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed;
Search keyword transmission means for transmitting the received keyword information to the third device for identifying position information corresponding to the keyword information;
Position information receiving means for receiving, from the third device, position information specified according to the keyword information in response to transmission of the keyword information;
Image information search that searches and extracts image information stored in association with position information approximate to the position information with reference to image information with position information received by the image information receiving means based on the received position information Means,
Image information output reproduction means for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information;
A second device characterized by comprising: A method of searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed from a plurality of image information, and supporting reproduction / editing of the image information,
In advance, there is related information storage means for storing keyword information related to the location specified from the position information in association with the position information,
Imaging means for photographing a subject and generating image information;
The positioning means measures the current position and generates position information;
An image information storage means for storing the position information generated by the positioning means in association with the image information generated by the imaging means;
A step of accepting input of keyword information for searching for image information in which a desired subject is photographed;
Position information specifying means, referring to the related information storage means in response to receiving keyword information in the search keyword receiving means, and specifying position information according to the keyword information;
The image information search unit refers to the image information with the position information received by the image information receiving unit based on the position information specified by the position information specifying unit, and stores the image information in association with the position information approximate to the position information. Retrieving and extracting the image information obtained,
An image information output reproduction means for outputting and reproducing the image information extracted by the image information search means;
An image editing support method comprising: Position information generated by measuring image information generated by photographing a subject and current position, and having related information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in association with the position information in advance An apparatus that receives image information with position information from an imaging device that stores information in association with the information, searches for image information in which a desired subject is photographed from the image information, and supports reproduction / editing of the image information A computer program for causing a computer to function as
Against the computer,
Processing for receiving image information with the position information;
Processing for accepting input of keyword information for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed;
A process of referring to the related information storage unit in response to reception of the keyword information and specifying position information in accordance with the keyword information;
A process of referring to the received image information with the position information based on the specified position information, and searching and extracting the image information stored in association with the position information approximate to the position information;
Processing for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information;
A computer program that executes Image information with position information is received from an imaging device that stores image information generated by photographing a subject and position information generated by measuring the current position, and image information on a desired subject is captured. Relevant information storage means for storing keyword information related to a location specified from position information in advance in association with the position information by receiving keyword information for searching, and a position corresponding to the keyword information A second device that exchanges information by communication with a third device that specifies information, searches the image information for the image of the desired subject, and supports reproduction / editing of the image information. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a device,
Against the computer,
Processing for receiving image information with the position information;
Processing for accepting input of keyword information for searching image information in which a desired subject is photographed;
A process of transmitting the received keyword information to the third device for performing a process of specifying position information according to the keyword information;
In response to the transmission of the keyword information, a process of receiving position information specified based on the keyword information from the third device;
A process of referring to the received image information with the position information based on the received position information, and searching and extracting the image information stored in association with the position information approximate to the position information;
Processing for outputting and reproducing the extracted image information;
A computer program that executes