JP2012094090A - Information processor, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An image is retrieved at a higher speed.
An imaging apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of images associated with imaging date and time information and imaging position information, and a second table, and a search range B related to the imaging position of the image. Accepting operation unit 302, grouping unit 208c for grouping images stored in the storage unit 204 based on imaging date and time information, and imaging position range of images included in each group grouped based on imaging position information An imaging position range specifying unit 208d for specifying A, a search range overlap determination unit 208e for determining whether or not each set of the imaging position range A and the search range B overlaps, and an imaging position among all the divided groups An image extraction unit 208f that extracts an image captured in the search range from another set excluding the set determined that the range A and the search range B do not overlap.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  In recent years, an opportunity to handle a large amount of image data has increased, and an image management method for classifying images in advance using a plurality of keywords in order to manage such a large amount of image data is known (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP 2007-11637 A

  However, in the conventional image management method, all the images must be searched round-robin for the search conditions for images that are not classified by keywords, such as a search that specifies a range of image capturing positions. The search could not be accelerated.

  An object of the present invention is to retrieve an image at a higher speed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus, and a first storage unit that stores a plurality of images associated with information indicating an imaging date and time and information indicating an imaging position; , A grouping unit that groups the plurality of images stored in the first storage unit based on the information indicating the imaging date and time, and an image included in each of the groups grouped by the grouping unit An image pickup position range based on information indicating the image pickup position, a second storage means for storing the image pickup position range of each set of images specified by the specifying means, and the first As an image search condition stored in the storage means, it is determined whether or not the accepting means for accepting an input of a search range related to an image capturing position and the image capturing position range of each set of images and the search range overlap. A first determination means; Of all the groups grouped by the grouping unit, other groups except for the group determined by the first determination unit that the imaging position range of each group of images and the search range do not overlap. Extraction means for extracting an image corresponding to the search range based on information indicating the imaging position.

Invention of Claim 2 is the information processing apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising: The said extraction means is
Whether the information indicating the imaging position is within the search range for each of the images included in the set determined by the first determination unit that the imaging position range of the image of each set and the search range overlap. It has the 2nd determination means which determines whether or not.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the extraction unit further includes an imaging position range of the images of each set within the search range by the first determination unit. Without determining by the second determination means whether or not the information indicating the imaging position associated with each image included in the set is within the search range. All the images included in the set are extracted.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the display unit displays a map in a predetermined area and the image extracted by the extraction unit. Identification display means for identifying and displaying the shooting position on the map displayed by the display means, and the reception means uses a predetermined area of the map displayed by the display means as the search range. It is characterized by accepting.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when a predetermined region of the map to be displayed by the display unit is changed, the display content is changed by the display unit. The coordinate area after the change is set as a new search range by the receiving means, and the identification display means automatically displays the identification of the shooting position of the image corresponding to the new search range.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising positioning means for acquiring a current position, and an area including the current position acquired by the positioning means is displayed by the display means. In accordance with a change in the current position acquired by the positioning means, a map display by the display means and an image photographing position identification display process by the identification display means are sequentially executed.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein each of the plurality of images is identified with a number that sequentially increases in accordance with the order of image capturing by the image capturing means. And adding means for adding to the specific information, wherein the grouping means performs image grouping using the numbers added by the adding means.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the list information in which the specific information related to each of the plurality of images stored in the first storage unit is collected is generated. A generating unit that deletes the image stored in the first storage unit, and a setting unit that sets deletion information indicating an image deleted by the deleting unit in the list information. It is characterized by that.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the information indicating the imaging position includes at least one of latitude and longitude, and is determined by the specifying unit. The imaging position range of the specified image is indicated based on the maximum value and / or the minimum value of at least one of latitude and longitude included in the information indicating the imaging position associated with the image included in each set. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 10 is an information processing method, wherein the information processing apparatus stores a plurality of images associated with information indicating an imaging date and time and information indicating an imaging position, and the first storage A process of grouping a plurality of images stored in the means based on information indicating the imaging date and time, and an imaging position range of images included in each of the groups grouped by the grouping means As processing for specifying based on information indicating the position, processing for storing the imaging position range of each set of images specified by the specifying means, and image search conditions stored in the first storage means, an image Processing for accepting an input of a search range relating to the imaging position, processing for determining whether the imaging position range of each set of images and the search range overlap, and all of the groups grouped by the grouping unit Pair The image corresponding to the search range is extracted from the other set excluding the set determined by the first determination means that the imaging position range of the image of each set and the search range do not overlap. And a process of performing extraction based on the information indicating.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a program, wherein the computer of the information processing apparatus stores a plurality of images associated with information indicating the imaging date and time and information indicating the imaging position, a plurality of stored images Means for grouping based on the information indicating the imaging date and time, means for identifying the imaging position range of the image included in each of the grouped groups based on the information indicating the imaging position, each specified Means for storing the image pickup position range of the set of images, a search range relating to the image pickup position as a search condition for the stored image input via the accepting means, and the image pickup position range of the image of each set , Means for determining whether or not, among all the divided groups, from the other groups excluding the group determined that the imaging position range of the image of each group and the search range do not overlap , The search category An image corresponding to, characterized in that to function as a unit, for extracting, based on the information indicating the image pickup position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to retrieve an image at a higher speed.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory | storage process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a search object extraction process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a deletion process. It is a figure which shows an example of 1st table T1. It is a figure which shows an example of 2nd table T2. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the imaging position range of each group, and a search range. It is a figure which shows the example of input of a search range. It is a figure which shows an example of the extraction result of JPEG image data.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
The imaging apparatus 1 groups a plurality of images based on image capturing date / time information, and identifies the grouped imaging position range A (see FIG. 7) based on the image capturing position information. In addition, the imaging apparatus 1 receives an input of the search range B (see FIG. 7) related to the image capturing position via the operation unit 302. Then, the imaging apparatus 1 determines whether or not the imaging position range A and the search range B of the images of each set overlap, and excludes the sets that are determined that the imaging position range A and the search range B do not overlap. An image captured within the search range is extracted from another set.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 1 includes a lens unit 101, an image sensor unit 102, a memory 201, an output control unit 202, an image processing unit 203, a storage unit 204, a position information acquisition unit 205, date and time. An information output unit 206, a CPU 207, an image data processing unit 208, a display unit 301, an operation unit 302, and an external storage medium interface 303 are provided.

The lens unit 101 includes a plurality of lenses and includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like.
Although not shown, the lens unit 101 includes a zoom drive unit that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction and a focus drive unit that moves the focus lens in the optical axis direction when imaging a subject. May be.

The image sensor unit 102 includes, for example, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and converts an optical image that has passed through various lenses of the lens unit 101 into a two-dimensional image signal. To do.
Although not shown, the image sensor unit 102 includes a timing generator, a driver, and the like. The image sensor unit 102 scans and drives the image sensor with a timing generator and a driver, converts an optical image into a two-dimensional image signal with the image sensor every predetermined period, and displays one screen from the imaging region of the image sensor. Read image frames by minute. In addition, the image sensor unit 102 performs adjustment control of imaging conditions of the subject such as AF (automatic focusing process), AE (automatic exposure process), AWB (automatic white balance), and the like.
In addition, the image sensor unit 102 appropriately adjusts the gain for each RGB color component with respect to the analog value signal of the image frame transferred from the image sensor, and then performs sample holding by a sample hold circuit (not shown) to perform A / The digital data is converted into digital data by a D converter (not shown), and color processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing is performed by a color process circuit (not shown), and then a luminance signal Y and a color difference signal Cb, Cr (YUV data) is generated. The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit are DMA transferred to a memory 201 used as a buffer memory via a DMA controller (not shown).
Here, the lens unit 101 and the image sensor unit 102 function as an imaging unit through cooperation. An operation for imaging (imaging operation) is performed via the operation unit 302. The image sensor unit 102 generates a plurality of YUV data according to the number of times of performing the imaging operation.

  The memory 201 is constituted by, for example, a DRAM or the like, and temporarily stores data processed by the image sensor unit 102, the image processing unit 203, the CPU 207, the image data processing unit 208, and the like.

The output control unit 202 performs control to read the display image data temporarily stored in the memory 201 and display it on the display unit 301. The output control unit 202 also has a function of outputting a video signal to an external display device.
Specifically, the output control unit 202 includes a VRAM, a VRAM controller, a digital video encoder, an interface that enables output to an external display device, and the like (all not shown). The digital video encoder periodically reads out the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr read from the memory 201 and stored in the VRAM under the control of the CPU 207 from the VRAM via the VRAM controller, Based on these data, a video signal is generated and output to a display unit 301 or an external display device connected via an interface.
Further, the output control unit 202 performs display control for causing the display unit 301 to perform display in accordance with the processing contents of the CPU 207 and the image data processing unit 208.

  The image processing unit 203 performs various image processing on the image data stored in the memory 201. Specifically, the image processing unit 203 includes a JPEG compression unit (not shown). The JPEG compression unit reads out YUV data output from the image sensor unit 102 and temporarily stored in the memory 201, encodes it, generates JPEG image data, and outputs the JPEG image data to the CPU 207 or the image data processing unit 208.

  The storage unit 204 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory (flash memory) or the like, and stores image data for recording a captured image encoded by a JPEG compression unit (not shown) of the image processing unit 203. The storage unit 204 stores a first table T1 (see FIG. 5) and a second table T2 (see FIG. 6).

The position information acquisition unit 205 acquires current position information of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the position information acquisition unit 205 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, receives a signal from a GPS satellite, measures the current position, and outputs it as position information. In the present embodiment, the position information is output as numerical information of latitude and longitude.
Here, the position information acquisition unit 205 functions as a positioning unit that acquires the current position.

  The date / time information output unit 206 outputs date / time information. Specifically, the date and time information output unit 206 includes a dedicated integrated circuit that measures the current date and time, a battery that drives the integrated circuit, and the like, and the integrated circuit measures and outputs the current date and time as date and time information.

  The CPU 207 controls each unit of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the CPU 207 performs various control operations in accordance with various processing programs (not shown) for the imaging apparatus 1.

The image data processing unit 208 performs various processes related to handling of JPEG image data.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the image data processing unit 208 includes an image file information generation unit 208a, an index number addition unit 208b, a grouping unit 208c, an imaging position range specifying unit 208d, and a search range duplication determination unit 208e. An image extracting unit 208f, an image deleting unit 208h, and a deletion flag setting unit 208i.
When the JPEG image data is generated and stored in the storage unit 204, the image file information generation unit 208a adds the generation date and time of the JPEG image data to the JPEG image data as the imaging date and time information indicating the imaging date and time. The JPEG image data is associated with the imaging date / time. Specifically, when generating JPEG image data, the image file information generation unit 208a acquires the current date and time from the date and time information output unit 206 and adds it to the JPEG image data.

  Also, the image file information generation unit 208a gives a file name to each JPEG data as the specific information of the JPEG image data when the JPEG image data is generated and stored in the storage unit 204. The image file information generation unit 208a generates a file name based on a predetermined rule set in advance.

Then, the image file information generation unit 208a generates list information in which the file name of the JPEG image data stored in the storage unit 204 is associated with the imaging position of the JPEG image data as table data (first table T1). And stored in the storage unit 204.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first table T1.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first table T1 includes a plurality of image file information F. The image file information F is information that associates the file name of each JPEG image data, the latitude of the imaging position, and the longitude of the imaging position.
For example, one image file information F1 illustrated in FIG. 5 associates the file name “000A.JPG”, the latitude of the imaging position “35.65870”, and the longitude of the imaging device “139.74540”. In the example shown in FIG. 5, one image file information F1 is further associated with an index number of “1” and a deletion flag for which no value is set. The index number and deletion flag will be described later.

  The image file information generation unit 208a acquires current position information from the position information acquisition unit 205 when generating JPEG image data. The image file information generation unit 208a records the acquired position information in the first table T1 in association with the file name of the JPEG image data as imaging position information indicating the imaging position of the JPEG image data.

Further, the image file information generation unit 208a records imaging position information and imaging date / time information associated with the JPEG image data as Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) information of the JPEG image data.
Here, the storage unit 204 is a first storage unit that stores a plurality of images (JPEG image data) associated with information (imaging date / time information) indicating imaging date / time and information (imaging position information) indicating imaging position. Function.
Also, the image file information generation unit 208a generates list information (first table) in which specific information (file names) related to each of a plurality of images (JPEG image data) stored in the storage unit 204 is collected. Functions as a means.

The index number adding unit 208b sets an index number to the file name of the JPEG image data in each of the image file information F of the first table T1 (see FIG. 5). The index number is a number that sequentially increases in accordance with the image capturing order.
Here, the index number adding unit 208b is an adding unit that adds a number (index number) that sequentially increases in accordance with the image capturing order to specific information (file name in the image file information F) that specifies each of the plurality of images. Function.
Note that the index number adding unit 208b may record the index number assigned to each JPEG image data in the Exif information of the JPEG image data.

  Note that the first table T1 illustrated in FIG. 5 does not include the imaging date / time information of each JPEG image data, but the imaging date / time information may be included in the first table T1.

The grouping unit 208c groups the images stored in the storage unit 204 based on the imaging date / time information added to the JPEG image data. Specifically, the grouping unit 208c identifies the shooting date of each JPEG data based on the shooting date and time of each JPEG image data, and groups the JPEG data in units of days. The grouping standard is not limited to daily units, and can be arbitrarily determined.
Here, the grouping unit 208c performs grouping using the number added to the specific information. Specifically, the grouping unit 208c assigns the image included in each set to the smallest number (first index number) and the largest of the index numbers added to the file names of the JPEG image data included in the set. Manage by number (final index number). The grouping unit 208c acquires the index number of the JPEG image data included in each group from the first table T1, and specifies the first index number and the last index number of each group.
As described above, the grouping unit 208c functions as a grouping unit that groups a plurality of images (JPEG image data) stored in the storage unit 204 based on information (shooting date / time information) indicating the shooting date / time.

The imaging position range specifying unit 208d specifies each grouped imaging position range (for example, the imaging position range A shown in FIG. 7). The imaging position range of each group refers to a position range including the imaging positions where all the images included in each group are captured.
The imaging position range specifying unit 208d has a maximum latitude (north latitude), a minimum latitude (south latitude), and a maximum longitude among imaging position information associated with each piece of JPEG image data included in each set. (East longitude) and minimum longitude (west longitude). The imaging position range specifying unit 208d acquires the imaging position information of the JPEG image data included in each group from the first table T1, and specifies the imaging position range A of each group.
Here, the imaging position range specifying unit 208d indicates the imaging position range (imaging position range A) of the image (JPEG image data) included in each group grouped by the grouping unit 208c. It functions as a specifying means for specifying based on (imaging position information).

In addition, the imaging position range specifying unit 208d generates list information indicating the grouped imaging position ranges A as table data (second table T2) and stores it in the storage unit 204.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second table T2.
As shown in FIG. 6, the second table T2 includes a plurality of set information C. The set information C is information that associates the date of each set, that is, the imaging date of the JPEG image data included in each set, the latitude at the north end, the latitude at the south end, the longitude at the east end, the longitude at the west end, the first index number, and the last index number. It is.
For example, one set information C1 includes an imaging date “20101001”, a latitude at the north end of “36.12114”, a latitude at the south end of “35.44115”, a longitude at the east end of “139.96642”, The longitude of the west end of “138.44549” is associated with the first index number of “1” and the final index number of “5”. Note that the imaging date of “20101001” indicates October 1, 2010.
Here, the storage unit 204 functions as a second storage unit that stores the imaging position range (imaging position range A) of each set of images (JPEG image data) specified by the imaging position range specifying unit 208d.

The search range overlap determination unit 208e determines whether or not the search range (for example, search range B shown in FIG. 7) and the imaging position range A of each set of images overlap. The search range is a search condition for an image input via the operation unit 302 to be described later, and an imaging position for determining whether or not to be a search target based on imaging position information associated with the image. It is a range.
Upon receiving an input of the search range B via the operation unit 302, the search range overlap determination unit 208e reads the second table T2, and determines whether or not the imaging position range A and the search range B of each set overlap. Are determined for all pairs.
Here, the search range overlap determination unit 208e functions as a first determination unit that determines whether or not the imaging position range (imaging position range A) and the search range (search range B) of each set of images overlap. .

  The image extraction unit 208f picks up images within the search range from the other sets except for the set determined that the imaging position range A and the search range B of the images of each set do not overlap among all the divided sets. The extracted image is extracted based on the imaging position information associated with the image.

The determination and extraction processing (search target extraction processing) performed by the image data processing unit 208 with respect to the input of the search range B will be described with reference to an example illustrated in FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 7, the north end latitude, the south end latitude, the east end longitude, and the west end longitude determined based on the imaging position associated with the JPEG image data included in each set An imaging position range A (imaging position ranges A1, A2, A3) is shown. Points P1 to P13 show examples of the imaging positions of JPEG image data whose imaging position information is in any one of the imaging position ranges A1, A2, and A3. In the example shown in FIG. 7, such imaging position ranges A1, A2, and A3 do not overlap at all with the imaging position range A1, partially overlap with the imaging position range A2, and the imaging position range A3 The case where the search range B to include is input is shown.

  The image extraction unit 208f determines a set of the imaging position range A1 that does not overlap the search range B at all as a result of determination as to whether the imaging position range A and the search range B of each set of images overlap. Exclude from That is, for the JPEG image data corresponding to the points P1 to P5, the image extraction unit 208f omits comparison and collation between the imaging position associated with each JPEG image data and the search range B, and the JPEG corresponding to the search condition. Do not extract as image data.

  Further, the image extraction unit 208f determines whether the imaging position information of the image associated with the image included in the set is within the search range for the set of the imaging position range A3 included in the search range B. All images included in the set are extracted without determination. In other words, the image extraction unit 208f omits the comparison of the imaging position associated with each JPEG image data and the search range B for the JPEG image data corresponding to the points P10 to P13, and the JPEG corresponding to the search condition. Extract as image data.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image extraction unit 208f includes an imaging position determination unit 208g.
The imaging position determination unit 208g determines whether the imaging position information associated with the JPEG image data is within the search range for each of the JPEG image data included in the set of the imaging position range A2 that partially overlaps the search range B. Determine whether or not. Then, the imaging position determination unit 208g extracts JPEG image data whose imaging position information is within the search range. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the image extraction unit 208f extracts only JPEG image data corresponding to the point P8, and does not extract JPEG image data corresponding to the points P6, P7, and P9.
Here, the imaging position determination unit 208g is included in the set determined by the search range overlap determination unit 208e that the imaging position range (imaging position range A) and the search range (search range B) of each set of images overlap. For each of the images, it functions as a second determination unit that determines whether information indicating the imaging position (imaging position information) is within the search range.
In addition, the image extraction unit 208f includes the image capturing position range (imaging position range A) and the search range (search range) of each set of images by the search range overlap determination unit 208e among all the groups that are grouped by the grouping unit 208c. As an extraction means for extracting an image (JPEG image data) corresponding to the search range based on information indicating the imaging position (imaging position information) from other groups excluding the group determined not to overlap with B). Function.

The image deletion unit 208 h deletes one or a plurality of JPEG image data instructed to be deleted by an input via the operation unit 302 among the plurality of JPEG image data stored in the storage unit 204.
Here, the image deletion unit 208h functions as a deletion unit that deletes an image (JPEG image data) stored in the storage unit 204.

The deletion flag setting unit 208i includes image file information F including the file name of the deleted JPEG image data among the image file information F included in the first table T1 in accordance with the deletion of the JPEG image data by the image deletion unit 208h. Set the delete flag to.
As shown in FIG. 5, each image file information F in the first table T1 associates a file name of JPEG image data with a deletion flag. The deletion flag is an item indicating whether or not there is a flag for managing whether or not the JPEG image data of the file name has been deleted. When the image file information generation unit 208a generates the first table, the image file information generation unit 208a sets a deletion flag with no initial value (clear) in each image file information. Then, the deletion flag setting unit 208i sets a deletion flag of the image file information F corresponding to the deleted JPEG image data.
In the present embodiment, the deletion flag setting unit 208i adds a flag indicating an image deleted by setting the deletion flag of the image file information F to 1, but the flag information indicating whether or not the image has been deleted. If there is, the concrete contents do not ask.
Here, the deletion flag setting unit 208i functions as a setting unit that sets deletion information (deletion flag) indicating the image (JPEG image data) deleted by the image deletion unit 208h in the list information (first table). .

The image data processing unit 208 determines whether all JPEG image data has been deleted from the storage unit 204 when deleting the JPEG image data. When all the JPEG image data is deleted, the image data processing unit 208 deletes the first table T1 and the second table T2.
Further, when deleting JPEG image data, all the image data stored in the storage unit 204 can be deleted at once.

  Note that the deleted JPEG image data is not subject to determination as to whether or not the imaging position information within the search range by the imaging position determination unit 208g and extraction of JPEG image data by the image extraction unit 208f.

  The display unit 301 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, depending on display of an image captured by the image sensor unit 102 based on a video signal from the output control unit 202 and processing contents of the CPU 207, the image data processing unit 208, and the like. Display.

  The operation unit 302 receives an input operation on the imaging device 1. Specifically, the operation unit 302 is displayed on the display unit 301, a shutter button related to a shooting instruction, a mode button related to an instruction to select an imaging mode or a function on the menu screen, a zoom button related to a zoom amount adjustment instruction. In addition, an arrow button used for input of the contents and the input of the search range B, a confirmation button for confirming the input contents, and the like are provided, and a predetermined operation signal is output to the image data processing unit 208 in accordance with an input operation for these buttons.

The input of the search range B will be described using the example shown in FIG.
In inputting the search range B, the image data processing unit 208 causes the display unit 301 to display map information corresponding to a predetermined area. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the main part of the Japanese archipelago is displayed, but the area displayed in response to the input of the search range B can be arbitrarily set. In addition, map information data corresponding to a predetermined area is stored in the storage unit 204 in advance.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the image data processing unit 208 displays a movable index (cursor D) with respect to the map information. The cursor D can be moved by an arrow button or the like of the operation unit 302, and the user moves the cursor D to designate and input the search range B.
As a method for specifying the search range B using the cursor D, for example, it may be within a predetermined range (for example, a circle) centered on the position of the cursor D at the time of input confirmation. As another example, two different points may be designated by the cursor D, and a search area B may be set in a rectangular area having the two points as opposite vertices, or another designation method may be used.
Here, the operation unit 302 functions as a reception unit that receives an input of a search range (search range B) related to an image capturing position as a search condition for images (JPEG image data) stored in the storage unit 204.
In FIG. 8, the display example of the land of Japan and the surrounding area is limited, but a detailed map of the area designated by the cursor D may be displayed step by step.

The image data processing unit 208 determines that the imaging position information associated with the JPEG image data is within the search range, and causes the display unit 301 to display information related to the extraction result of the extracted JPEG image data. In the example shown in FIG. 9, with map information as a background, search range B (inside arc B) with respect to the map, reduced images J1 and J2 of JPEG image data whose imaging position information is within the search range, and their imaging positions (coordinates) Identification information K1 and K2 are displayed, but the display of the extraction result is not limited to such a display example. For example, the file information may be displayed as a list in a table format, or the extracted images may be displayed as thumbnails or a slide show.
As shown in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the display unit 301 functions as a display unit that displays a map in a predetermined area. Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 9, the display unit 301 functions as an identification display unit that identifies and displays the shooting position of the image extracted by the image extraction unit 208f on the displayed map.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the imaging apparatus 1 separately designates the search range of the image data on the map and the display range of the image data on the map. You may make it designate simultaneously, without distinguishing a range.
That is, when the user moves the cursor D and designates a position on the map, the imaging device 1 automatically displays a map of a predetermined scale centered on the designated position, The image data is automatically searched using the area of the image as a search range, and the identification information indicating the photographing position of the searched image data, the reduced image, or both are identified and displayed on the map. Then, every time the user scrolls the display range on the map or changes the scale, the imaging apparatus 1 re-searches the image data in the search range corresponding to the changed display range, and the searched image data The update display may be performed.
In this case, the display range and the search range are determined as follows.
When a position or scale on the map is designated by the user by input or the like made via the operation unit 302, the image data processing unit 208 first specifies the coordinates of the designated position as the center position coordinates. . Next, the image data processing unit 208, based on the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display area of the screen of the display unit 301 and the scale of the map, uses the specified center position coordinates as the center of the display area and the map at the scale of the map. Is displayed on the display unit 301, and the vertical and horizontal distances on the map corresponding to the map area (map display area) are specified.
Then, the image data processing unit 208 specifies the latitude at the north end, the latitude at the south end, the longitude at the east end, and the longitude at the west end of the area on the map having the range of the vertical and horizontal distances around the center position coordinates. The image data processing unit 208 determines an area surrounded by the identified north end latitude, south end latitude, east end longitude, and west end longitude as a display range and a search range.

Thus, when the display range and the search range are the same, the normal display range is a rectangle, so the imaging position range of the second table T2 is a rectangle (north latitude, southern latitude, Expressing with the longitude of the east end and the longitude of the west end corresponds to the display range and the search range, and is effective in image search (determination of overlap between the search range and the imaging position range and image extraction).
In addition, by using the positioning function of the current position by the position information acquisition unit 205, the map display is automatically and sequentially updated in real time so that the current position always becomes the center position coordinates of the map, and in accordance with the updated map display. You may make it perform an image search and the display display of an imaging position in real time.

  The external storage medium interface 303 is an interface for connecting an external storage medium such as a memory card M to the imaging apparatus 1. The external storage medium interface 303 has a slot corresponding to the external storage medium that can be used in the imaging apparatus 1, and can read data from, write data to, and delete data from the external storage medium inserted in the slot. And The CPU 207 and the image data processing unit 208 can handle the external storage medium connected to the external storage medium interface 303 in the same manner as the storage unit 204.

Next, processing (storage processing) relating to storage of JPEG image data and generation of the first and second tables T2 from image capturing by the image capturing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the storage process.

  First, imaging is performed by the user (step S1). Specifically, when the shutter button of the operation unit 302 is operated by the user, the image sensor unit 102 generates YUV data and inputs it to the memory 201. Then, the JPEG compression unit of the image processing unit 203 encodes the YUV data.

  Next, the image file information generation unit 208a acquires the current position information from the position information acquisition unit 205 (step S2). The image file information generation unit 208a acquires the current date / time information from the date / time information output unit 206 (step S3). Further, the image file information generation unit 208a determines a file name (step S4).

  Further, the index number adding unit 208b determines an index number (step S5). When determining the index number, the image file information generation unit 208a reads the first table T1, identifies the largest index number in the first table T1, and determines a value obtained by adding 1 to the largest index number. Index number. When no JPEG data is stored in the storage unit 204 and the first table T1 does not exist, the image file information generation unit 208a sets the index number to a predetermined initial value (for example, 1).

Then, the image file information generation unit 208a gives the file name obtained in step S4 to the JPEG image data encoded by the image processing unit 203 and stores it in the storage unit 204, and also obtains it in step S2. The current position information is set as imaging position information, and the current date and time information obtained in step S3 is recorded as imaging date information as Exif information of the JPEG image file (step S6).
Further, the image file information generation unit 208a records the JPEG image data file name, imaging position information, and index number in association with each other in the first table T1 (step S7). If the first table T1 does not exist, the image file information generation unit 208a generates and records the first table T1.

Next, the grouping unit 208c determines whether or not group information corresponding to the imaging date of JPEG image data exists in the second table T2 (step S8).
In step S8, when the group information corresponding to the imaging date of the JPEG image data does not exist in the second table T2 (step S8; NO), the grouping unit 208c uses the position information acquired in step S2 as the imaging date. It records on the 2nd table T2 as the imaging position range A of the group information C (step S9). Specifically, the grouping unit 208c sets the latitude value as the northernmost latitude and the southernmost latitude of the imaging date among the position information obtained in step S2, and among the position information obtained in step S2, The longitude value is set as the longitude of the east end and the longitude of the west end of the imaging date.
In addition, the grouping unit 208c records the index number determined in step S5 as the first index number and the last index number of the group information C on the imaging date in the second table T2 (step S10), and ends the storage process. To do.

On the other hand, when the record corresponding to the imaging date of the JPEG image data exists in the second table T2 in step S8 (step S8; YES), the grouping unit 208c determines the first based on the position information acquired in step S2. The imaging position range A of the set information C on the imaging date in the table T2 of 2 is updated (step S11). Specifically, the grouping unit 208c compares the latitude value of the position information obtained in step S2 with the latitude at the northern end of the imaging date, and the latitude acquired in step S2 is greater than the latitude at the northern end. The latitude acquired at step S2 is rewritten as the north end latitude, and when the latitude acquired at step S2 is smaller than the north end latitude, the north end latitude is not rewritten. In addition, the grouping unit 208c compares the latitude value of the position information obtained in step S2 with the latitude at the southern end of the imaging date, and acquired when the latitude acquired in step S2 is smaller than the latitude at the southern end. The latitude is rewritten as the south end latitude, and when the latitude acquired in step S2 is larger than the south end latitude, the south end latitude is left unchanged. In addition, the grouping unit 208c compares the longitude value of the position information obtained in step S2 with the longitude of the east end of the imaging date, and acquired when the longitude acquired in step S2 is greater than the longitude of the east end. The longitude is rewritten as the east end longitude, and if the longitude acquired in step S2 is smaller than the east end longitude, the east end longitude is left unchanged. In addition, the grouping unit 208c compares the longitude value of the position information obtained in step S2 with the longitude of the western end of the imaging date, and acquired when the longitude acquired in step S2 is smaller than the longitude of the western end. The longitude is rewritten as the west end longitude, and when the longitude acquired in step S2 is larger than the west end longitude, the west end longitude is left unchanged.
Further, the grouping unit 208c updates the final index number of the group information C on the imaging date in the second table T2 with the index number determined in step S5 (step S12), and ends the storage process.

Next, the search target extraction process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the search range B is input by the user via the operation unit 302 (step S21), the search range duplication determination unit 208e captures an imaging position associated with one of the sets recorded in the second table T2. The range A (see FIG. 7) is compared with the search range B (see FIG. 7) (step S22). Specifically, the search range duplication determination unit 208e reads the second table T2, and extracts the set information C that has not been compared with the search range B yet. Then, the search range duplication determination unit 208e compares the imaging position range A (north end latitude, south end latitude, east end longitude, and west end longitude) of the extracted set information C with the search range B, and the imaging position range A And whether or not the search range B overlaps.

  As a comparison result of step S22, when the imaging position range A is outside the search range, that is, when the imaging position range A does not overlap with the search range B at all (step S23; YES), the search range overlap determination unit 208e It is determined whether or not the comparison between the imaging position range A and the search range B of all the group information C in the table T2 has been completed (step S24). If the comparison between the imaging position range A and the search range B of all the group information C has not been completed (step S24; NO), the process returns to step S22. On the other hand, when the comparison between the imaging position range A of all the set information C and the search range B is completed (step S24; YES), the image extraction unit 208f displays the extraction result on the display unit 301, and the search target extraction is performed. The process ends.

That is, all the JPEG image data corresponding to the range from the first index number to the last index number of the set information C in which the imaging position range A and the search range B do not overlap at all are compared and verified between the search range B and the imaging position range A. Is omitted and is not subject to extraction at all.
In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, all the JPEG image data included in the set having the imaging position range A1 that does not overlap with the search range B is omitted from the comparison with the search range B and the imaging position information. It will not be.

As a comparison result in step S22, when the imaging position range A is not outside the search range (step S23; NO) and the imaging position range A is included in the search range B (step S25; YES), the image extraction unit 208f. Confirms whether or not the deletion flag is set in the image file information of the first table T1 for the JPEG image data to which the imaging date corresponding to the imaging date set in the set information C is added (step S1). S26).
Specifically, the image extraction unit 208f has not yet confirmed the deletion flag within the range from the first index number to the last index number set in the set information C determined that the imaging position range A is within the search range. The image file information F having the smallest index number is read out from the image file information F having the file name of the JPEG image data that has not been set, and the presence or absence of the deletion flag is checked.

If the deletion flag is not set in step S26 (step S26; NO), the image extraction unit 208f has JPEG image data having a file name associated with the index number as JPEG image data included in the search range B. Is extracted (step S27).
In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, all the JPEG image data included in the set having the imaging position range A3 included in the search range B is deleted because the comparison and matching between the search range B and the imaging position information is omitted. All will be extracted unless otherwise.

  After the process of step S27 or when the deletion flag is set in step S26 (step S26; YES), the image extraction unit 208f is set to the set information C determined that the imaging position range A is within the search range. It is determined whether or not the confirmation of the deletion flag has been completed up to the last index number (step S28). When the confirmation of the deletion flag has not been completed up to the final index number set in the set information C determined that the imaging position range A is within the search range (step S28; NO), the process returns to step S26.

  When the confirmation of the deletion flag is completed up to the final index number set in the set information C determined that the imaging position range A is within the search range in step S28 (step S28; YES), the process proceeds to step S24. To do.

  As a comparison result of step S22, when the imaging position range A is not outside the search range (step S23; NO) and the imaging position range A is not within the search range (step S25; NO), that is, the imaging position range A When a part overlaps with the search range B, the imaging position determination unit 208g captures the imaging date and time corresponding to the imaging date set in the set information C determined that a part of the imaging position range A overlaps with the search range B. It is determined whether or not the imaging position information set in the first table T1 is within the search range for the JPEG image data to which is added (step S29). Specifically, the imaging position determination unit 208g determines the imaging position within the range from the first index number to the last index number set in the set information C determined that a part of the imaging position range A overlaps the search range B. Whether the information is within the search range has not yet been determined. Among the image file information F having the file name of JPEG image data, the image file information F having the smallest index number is read and the imaging position information is searched. It is determined whether it is within the range.

If it is determined in step S29 that the imaging position information is within the search range (step S29; YES), the image extraction unit 208f confirms whether or not a deletion flag is set in the image file information F (step S29). S30). When the deletion flag is not set (step S30; NO), the image extraction unit 208f extracts JPEG image data having a file name associated with the index number as JPEG image data included in the search range B ( Step S31).
In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, for all JPEG image data included in the set having the imaging position range A2 in which a part of the imaging position range A overlaps the search range B, the imaging position determination unit 208g Compare with the location information. Then, the image extraction unit 208f extracts JPEG image data (JPEG image data corresponding to the point P8) determined by the imaging position determination unit 208g that the imaging position information is within the search range.

  After the process of step S31, if it is determined in step S29 that the imaging position information is not within the search range (step S29; NO) or if the deletion flag is set in step S30 (step S30; YES), the image extraction unit 208f whether or not the determination of whether or not the imaging position information is within the search range up to the final index number set in the set information C determined that a part of the imaging position range A overlaps with the search range B is completed. (Step S32). When the confirmation of whether or not the imaging position information is within the search range up to the final index number set in the set information C determined that a part of the imaging position range A overlaps with the search range B (step S32; NO), the process returns to step S29.

  In step S32, when it has been confirmed whether or not the imaging position information is within the search range up to the final index number set in the set information C determined that a part of the imaging position range A overlaps with the search range B (Step S32; YES), the process proceeds to Step S24.

Next, processing related to deletion of image data (deletion processing) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the deletion process.
When JPEG image data is deleted by the image deletion unit 208h in response to a user instruction input via the operation unit 302 (step S41), the image data processing unit 208 determines whether all JPEG image data has been deleted. Determination is made (step S42).
If all the JPEG image data has not been deleted in step S32 (step S42; NO), the deletion flag setting unit 208i reads the first table T1 and includes an image file including the file name of the deleted JPEG image data. Information F is specified (step S43). Then, the deletion flag setting unit 208i sets a deletion flag for the record (step S44), and ends the deletion process.
On the other hand, when all the JPEG image data are deleted in step S42 (step S42; YES), the image data processing unit 208 deletes the first table T1 and the second table T2 (step S45) and deletes them. The process ends.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the image extracting unit 208f excludes the other groups from which all of the combinations determined that the imaging position range A and the search range B do not overlap. JPEG image data captured within the search range from the set is extracted based on imaging position information associated with the JPEG image data.
As a result, for all the JPEG image data included in the set determined that the imaging position range A and the search range B do not overlap, the comparison of the imaging position information associated with the JPEG image data and the search range B is performed. Can be omitted.
Here, the imaging date and time and the imaging position tend to have a high correlation. For example, when the user visits a predetermined area such as a resort area, the imaging positions of the captured images captured on the imaging day are concentrated in the area by performing imaging in the area several times a day. Cases. From such a tendency, by performing the grouping based on the imaging date and time, it is possible to naturally limit the imaging position range A of each group, and whether or not the imaging position range A and the search range B of each group overlap. It is possible to realize a high-speed search by omitting the pair exclusion based on whether or not, and omitting comparison and collation of all JPEG image data included in the excluded pair. For this reason, even when a large amount of JPEG image data is stored in the storage unit 204, the comparison of the imaging date and time of the JPEG image data and the search range B is performed with the imaging position range A of all the sets. The search range B can be limited to JPEG image data included in other sets except for the set determined not to overlap, and the image can be displayed at a higher speed than when performing a brute force search as in the past. You can search.

Furthermore, for the set for which the image extraction unit 208f determines that the imaging position range A is within the search range, whether the imaging position information associated with the JPEG image data included in the set is within the search range. All JPEG image data included in the set is extracted as a search result without determining whether or not.
As a result, even for the group in which the imaging position range A is determined to be within the search range, the search image is extracted by omitting the comparison of the imaging position information associated with the JPEG image data and the search range B. Can do. For this reason, even when a large amount of JPEG image data is stored in the storage unit 204, the comparison of the imaging date and time of the JPEG image data and the search range B is performed in the imaging position range A of all the sets. Since the search can be limited to JPEG image data included in a set in which a part and the search range B are determined to overlap, an image can be searched at higher speed.

Further, by linking the map area displayed on the display unit 301 with the search range, it is possible to easily search and confirm the image captured in the map area displayed on the display unit 301.
In addition, the search range is automatically changed and changed in accordance with the update of the map area displayed on the display unit 301, such as the sequential display update of the map according to the current position acquired by the position information acquisition unit 205. By automatically performing display related to the image at the imaging position according to the search range, it is possible to search and confirm the image without manual operation. it can.

Further, the grouping unit 208c performs grouping by setting the first index number and the last index number in the grouping.
As the JPEG image data is deleted by the image deletion unit 208h, the deletion flag setting unit 208i sets a deletion flag in the image file information F corresponding to the file name of the deleted JPEG image data.
In this way, the grouping is managed by the index number, and the index number is not changed with the deletion of the JPEG image file. Therefore, the result of the grouping performed once is irrespective of whether or not the JPEG image file is deleted. Can be held. For this reason, the processing load of the image data processing unit 208 can be reduced, more processing capability can be assigned to the processing associated with the input of the search range B, and images can be searched at higher speed.

  Furthermore, the imaging position of the image is indicated by latitude and longitude, and the imaging position range A includes the maximum and minimum values of the latitude and longitude included in the imaging position information added to the JPEG image data included in each set. Since the display is based on at least one, the imaging position information and the imaging position range A can be set specifically and clearly.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the image data in the above embodiment is in the JPEG format, but an image in another format may be used, or a dedicated image format may be provided.
In addition, various detailed conditions may be changed, such as inputting a search range by specifying latitude and longitude numerically.

In addition, when the imaging position range of each group that is grouped is indicated using latitude, longitude, or both, at least one of latitude and longitude included in the imaging position information associated with the image included in each group It may be indicated based on at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value.
Further, the image capturing position information and the image capturing position range may be handled by a method other than using latitude and longitude. For example, the case where an imaging position is shown using the position of east, west, south, north, and a distance with respect to a certain reference position, etc. is mentioned.

Further, not only the captured image but also an image stored in advance can be handled in the same manner as the captured image.
For example, for JPEG image data including Exif information stored in an external storage medium such as a memory card M, the grouping unit 208c performs grouping based on the imaging date and time information included in the Exif information of the JPEG image data. The imaging position range specifying unit 208d specifies each set of imaging position ranges A based on the imaging position information included in the Exif information. By specifying the grouped imaging position range A in this way, the imaging apparatus 1 can include the JPEG included in the search range based on whether or not the search range B and the imaging position range A overlap as in the above-described captured image. Image data can be determined and extracted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the imaging device functions as the information processing device of the present invention. However, an information processing device such as a computer provided separately from the imaging device may be used. The present invention may be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a computer provided in the apparatus.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first storage means, grouping means, identification means, second storage means, first determination means, extraction means, second determination means, addition means, generation means The functions of the deletion unit and the setting unit are realized by the image data processing unit 208 being driven under the control of the CPU 207. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is good also as a structure implement | achieved by performing.
That is, in a program memory (not shown) for storing a program, a first storage processing routine, a grouping processing routine, a specific processing routine, a second storage processing routine, a first determination processing routine, an extraction processing routine, a second A program including a determination processing routine, an addition processing routine, a generation processing routine, a deletion processing routine, and a setting processing routine is stored. Then, the first storage processing routine may cause the CPU 207 to function as means for storing a plurality of images associated with information indicating the imaging date and time and information indicating the imaging position in a storage device such as the storage unit 204. . Further, the CPU 207 may function as a grouping unit that groups a plurality of images stored in a storage device such as the storage unit 204 based on information indicating the imaging date and time by a grouping process routine. Further, the CPU 207 may be caused to function as a specifying unit that specifies the imaging position range of the image included in each of the divided groups based on the information indicating the imaging position by the specifying process routine. Further, the CPU 207 may be caused to function as a means for storing the specified imaging position range of each set of images in a storage device such as the storage unit 204 by the second storage processing routine. Further, the first determination processing routine may cause the CPU 207 to function as a first determination unit that determines whether the imaging position range and the search range of each set of images overlap. In addition, the CPU 207 causes the extraction processing routine to change the image capturing position range of each group image and the search range from other groups excluding the group determined to be non-overlapping to the search range. You may make it function as an extraction means which extracts a corresponding image based on the information which shows an imaging position. In addition, the CPU 207 causes the second determination processing routine to input the search range related to the image capturing position as a stored image search condition input via the receiving unit, and the image capturing position range of each set of images. , May be made to function as second determination means for determining whether or not they overlap. Further, the CPU 207 may be caused to function as an adding unit that adds a number that sequentially increases in accordance with the image capturing order to the specific information that specifies each of the plurality of images. Further, the generation processing routine may cause the CPU 207 to function as a generation unit that generates list information in which specific information related to each of a plurality of images stored in a storage device such as the storage unit 204 is collected. Further, the CPU 207 may function as a deletion unit that deletes an image stored in a storage device such as the storage unit 204 by a deletion processing routine. Further, the setting processing routine may cause the CPU 207 to function as setting means for setting deletion information indicating the deleted image in the list information.

204 Storage Unit 205 Position Information Acquisition Unit 206 Date / Time Information Output Unit 207 CPU
208 Image data processing unit 208a Image file information generation unit 208b Index number addition unit 208c Grouping unit 208d Imaging position range specifying unit 208e Search range overlap determination unit 208f Image extraction unit 208g Imaging position determination unit 208h Image deletion unit 208i Deletion flag setting unit 301 Display unit 302 Operation unit 303 External storage medium interface

Claims (11)

First storage means for storing a plurality of images associated with information indicating an imaging date and time and information indicating an imaging position;
Grouping means for grouping a plurality of images stored in the first storage unit based on information indicating the imaging date and time;
A specifying unit that specifies an imaging position range of an image included in each of the groups grouped by the grouping unit based on information indicating the imaging position;
Second storage means for storing an imaging position range of each set of images specified by the specifying means;
Receiving means for receiving an input of a search range related to an imaging position of an image as a search condition for an image stored in the first storage means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the imaging position range of each set of images and the search range overlap;
Of all the groups grouped by the grouping unit, other groups except for the group determined by the first determination unit that the imaging position range of each group of images and the search range do not overlap. Extraction means for extracting an image corresponding to the search range based on information indicating the imaging position;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The extraction means includes
Whether the information indicating the imaging position is within the search range for each of the images included in the set determined by the first determination unit that the imaging position range of the image of each set and the search range overlap. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second determination means for determining whether or not. The extraction means further includes:
Information indicating the imaging position associated with each image included in the set for the group in which the imaging position range of each group of images is determined to be within the search range by the first determination unit is The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein all images included in the set are extracted without determining by the second determination unit whether or not the image is within a search range. Display means for displaying a map in a predetermined area;
An identification display means for identifying and displaying the shooting position of the image extracted by the extraction means on the map displayed by the display means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit receives a predetermined area of the map displayed by the display unit as the search range.   When a predetermined area of the map to be displayed by the display means is changed, the display area is changed by the display means, and the coordinate area after the change is made a new search range by the receiving means, and the identification display means 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein identification display of an imaging position of an image corresponding to a new search range is automatically performed. It further comprises positioning means for acquiring the current position,
An area including the current position acquired by the positioning unit is displayed on the display unit, and a map display by the display unit and an image capturing by the identification display unit are performed according to a change in the current position acquired by the positioning unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein position identification display processing is sequentially executed. An addition means for adding a number that sequentially increases in accordance with the order of image capturing by the image capturing means to specific information that identifies each of the plurality of images;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the grouping unit performs image grouping using the number added by the adding unit. Generating means for generating list information in which the specific information relating to each of a plurality of images stored in the first storage means is collected;
Deleting means for deleting the image stored in the first storage means;
A setting unit that sets deletion information indicating an image deleted by the deletion unit in the list information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: The information indicating the imaging position includes at least one of latitude and longitude,
The imaging position range of the image specified by the specifying means is the maximum value and / or the minimum value of at least one of latitude and longitude included in the information indicating the imaging position associated with the image included in each set. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is displayed based on the information. In the information processing device,
A process of storing a plurality of images associated with information indicating an imaging date and time and information indicating an imaging position;
A process of grouping a plurality of images stored in the first storage unit based on information indicating the imaging date and time;
A process of specifying an imaging position range of an image included in each of the groups grouped by the grouping unit based on information indicating the imaging position;
Processing for storing the imaging position range of each set of images specified by the specifying means;
A process of receiving an input of a search range related to an image capturing position as a search condition for the image stored in the first storage unit;
A process of determining whether or not the imaging position range of each set of images and the search range overlap;
Of all the groups grouped by the grouping unit, other groups except for the group determined by the first determination unit that the imaging position range of each group of images and the search range do not overlap. A process of extracting an image corresponding to the search range based on information indicating the imaging position;
An information processing method characterized in that The computer of the information processing device
Means for storing a plurality of images associated with information indicating an imaging date and time and information indicating an imaging position;
Means for grouping a plurality of stored images based on information indicating the imaging date and time;
Means for specifying an imaging position range of an image included in each of the divided groups based on information indicating the imaging position;
Means for storing the imaging position range of each set of identified images;
Means for determining whether or not the search range related to the image capturing position of the image as the stored image search condition and the image capturing position range of each set of images input via the accepting unit overlap;
Among all the groups that have been grouped, the image corresponding to the search range from the other groups excluding the group determined that the imaging position range of the image of each set and the search range do not overlap, Means for extracting based on information indicating the imaging position;
A program characterized by functioning as

Images