JP2005080216A - Image processing apparatus, image processing method and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus, image processing method and its program in which a user can easily search a desired image without performing complicated image sorting work. <P>SOLUTION: When a recognition name is inputted as search information, image recognition registration information corresponding to the recognition name is compared with photographed images recorded on a memory card and an image that is an object to be searched, is searched. As a way of comparing the image recognition registration information with the photographed images, one photographed image is specified and partial images are extracted out of the specified photographed image. A location of an object projected in the extracted image, its local relationship are digitized to calculate numerical data. The calculated numerical data are then compared with the image recognition registration information. Such comparison is applied to all partial images and is also applied to all the photographed images recorded on the memory card. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program that can retrieve an image related to image information set arbitrarily in advance.

  In a conventional digital camera, when the user wants to see images that the user wants among past images that have been captured and recorded, the user sequentially searches while viewing a plurality of thumbnail images displayed in order of date and shooting time on the display of the digital camera. It was.

  In addition, the following patent publication discloses an invention for classifying recorded images. Specifically, by creating a classification table in advance, classifying and storing images at the time of recording, and reproducing each classification, it is possible to easily find the image desired by the user from the recorded images. is there.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-344460 (see paragraph “0039” and paragraph “0046”)

However, in a conventional digital camera, the user has to search sequentially while looking at a plurality of thumbnail images displayed in order of date and shooting time on the display of the digital camera. With the increase, there is a problem that it becomes inconvenient and takes time and labor.
In addition, according to the invention described in the patent document, since the images are classified and recorded, it is convenient in terms of image search, but the work of assigning the classification code to the photographed image is very difficult, There was a problem that it took time and effort

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program thereof that facilitate searching for an image desired by a user without performing complicated image classification work. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a registration unit that registers an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
First instruction means for instructing an arbitrary name registered by the registration means as a search condition;
First search means for searching for a matching image from images recorded in the recording means, using arbitrary image information registered in association with the arbitrary name specified by the first instruction means; ,
It is characterized by providing.
Further, as described in claim 2, when an image is searched by the first search means,
You may make it provide the related recording control means which links | relates and records the image searched by the said 1st search means, and the arbitrary names instruct | indicated by the said 1st instruction means.

An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention includes a registration unit that registers an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
An acquisition means for acquiring an image;
Determination means for determining whether or not the arbitrary image information registered by the registration means matches the image acquired by the acquisition means;
An associated recording control means for associating and recording the arbitrary name registered by the registration means in association with the arbitrary image information determined to be matched by the determination means, and the image acquired by the acquisition means;
It is characterized by providing.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus including the imaging unit that images the subject,
The determination means includes
After shooting by the imaging means is completed,
You may make it judge whether the arbitrary image information registered by the said registration means and the image acquired by the said acquisition means correspond.

Further, as described in claim 5, the determination means includes:
When the image processing apparatus is powered off,
You may make it judge whether the arbitrary image information registered by the said registration means and the image acquired by the said acquisition means correspond.
Further, as described in claim 6, the acquisition unit includes:
You may make it acquire from the image currently recorded on the recording means.
In addition, as described in claim 7, the recording control unit records the image captured by the imaging unit on the recording unit,
The acquisition means includes
You may make it acquire the image which is the image imaged by the said imaging means, and is not recorded on the said recording means by the said recording control means.

Further, for example, as described in claim 8, second instruction means for instructing an arbitrary name registered by the registration means as a search condition;
When an arbitrary name is designated as a search condition by the second instruction means,
A second search unit that compares an arbitrary name recorded in association with an image by the related recording control unit and an arbitrary name specified by the second instruction unit, and searches for a matching image;
You may make it provide.

For example, as described in claim 9, the arbitrary image information is:
The information may be information extracted from an image within a specified range of an image to be registered.
Further, as described in claim 10, the arbitrary image information is:
The information may be calculated from the extracted information.
In addition, as specified in claim 11, the specified range is:
It may be determined according to a focused position when an image to be registered is taken.

In addition, as specified in claim 12, the specified range is:
You may make it determine with the focus distance information of the image used as registration object.
Further, as described in claim 13, the specified range is
You may make it be the center part of the preset image.
In addition, as specified in claim 14, the specified range is:
The position, size, and shape may be set by the user.

A program according to the invention of claim 15 is a process of registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
A process of instructing an arbitrary name registered by this process as a search condition;
Processing for searching for a matching image from images recorded on a recording medium using arbitrary image information registered in association with an arbitrary name instructed by this processing;
And the image search is executed by a computer.
A program according to the invention of claim 16 is a registration process for registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
An acquisition process to acquire an image;
A process for determining whether or not the arbitrary image information registered by the registration process matches the image acquired by the acquisition process;
A process of associating and recording the arbitrary name registered by the registration process in association with the arbitrary image information determined to match by the process, and the image acquired by the acquisition process;
And the image processing is executed by a computer.

An image processing method according to the invention of claim 17 includes a step of registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
Instructing an arbitrary name registered in this step as a search condition;
Using the arbitrary image information registered in association with the arbitrary name instructed in this step, searching for a matching image from the images recorded on the recording medium;
It is characterized by including.
An image processing method according to an invention of claim 18 includes a registration step of registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
An acquisition step of acquiring an image;
Determining whether the arbitrary image information registered in the registration step matches the image acquired in the acquisition step;
An arbitrary name registered by the registration step in association with the arbitrary image information determined to match by this step, and a step of recording the image acquired by the acquisition step in association with each other;
And searching for an image using a computer.

According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the image information which is the point that the user wants to search and the name input by the user are registered in association with the arbitrary image information and the arbitrary name, and the arbitrary name input as the search information Since all the captured images are searched using arbitrary image information corresponding to the image, the user can easily search for the desired image without having to input the name of the captured image, keywords such as the captured location each time the image is captured. can do.
Moreover, since it is not necessary to input a keyword etc. for every still image file, a user's effort and labor can be reduced significantly.
According to the image processing apparatus of the second aspect, the searched image is recorded in association with the arbitrary name input as the search information, and the second and subsequent searches are performed again using the arbitrary image information. Since there is nothing, a desired image can be searched quickly.
Further, since the automatically searched images are classified without the user performing the classification operation for each image, labor and labor can be greatly reduced.

According to the image processing apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, even if the user does not perform the classification operation for each image, the image is searched using the image recognition information, and the searched image is automatically classified. The user's labor and labor can be greatly reduced.
According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the images are automatically classified after the photographing is completed, so that it is possible to greatly reduce the labor and labor of the user.
According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, since the images are automatically classified when the power of the image processing apparatus is turned off, the labor and labor of the user can be greatly reduced.

According to the image processing apparatus of the sixth aspect of the invention, since the images recorded in the recording means are automatically classified, it is possible to greatly reduce the labor and labor of the user.
According to the image processing apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the image that has been picked up by the image pickup means and is not recorded in the recording means is automatically classified for each shooting, so that the user has no trouble. And labor can be greatly reduced.
According to the image processing apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the image associated with the recognition name that matches the arbitrary name specified as the search condition is searched without searching for the image using the arbitrary image information. A desired image can be searched quickly.

According to the image processing apparatus of the ninth aspect, since the arbitrary image information is information extracted from the image within the specified range of the photographed image, only the image information that is the point that the user wants to search can be set. .
According to the image processing apparatus of the tenth aspect, since the arbitrary image information is information further calculated from the extracted information, the image processing is facilitated, the processing speed is increased, and the memory capacity is reduced. .
According to the image processing apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the invention, since the designated range is the focused position or a range around the focused position, the focused position, that is, the main image that the user wants to photograph most. Only information and a subject can be used as an image in a specified range.
Further, since the designated range is automatically determined depending on the focused position, it is possible to save the user's labor and labor.
According to the image processing apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the designated range is determined by the focus distance information, or the focus distance information and the focused position, so that the main image information and the subject are within the designated range. I can stop you.
Further, since the designated range is automatically determined, it is possible to save the user's labor and labor.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, since the central portion of the predetermined screen is the designated range, only the main image information and the subject can be used without using the focus position and focus distance information. Can be an image in a specified range.
In addition, any photographed image can be uniquely determined, the processing speed for determining the designated range can be increased, and the user's labor and labor can be saved.
According to the image processing apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, since the user can adjust the position, size, and shape of the designated range, only the image of the portion that the user really wants to register as arbitrary image information is set. be able to.

According to the program of the invention described in claim 15 or 16, the image search of the present invention can be performed by using an existing digital camera, personal computer or the like.
According to the image processing method of the invention described in claim 17 or claim 18, the image search of the present invention can be performed by using an existing digital camera, personal computer or the like.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as an example applied to a digital camera.

[Embodiment]
A. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 1. 1 includes a lens 2, a CCD 3, a unit circuit 4, a TG (timing generator) 5, a CPU 6, a DRAM 7, a ROM 8, a RAM 9, an image display unit 10, a key input unit 11, a card I / F 12, and a motor drive block. 14 is connected to a memory card 13 that is detachably attached to a card slot of a camera body (not shown).

  The lens 2 includes a focus lens and a zoom lens (not shown). The motor drive block 14 includes a focus motor and a zoom motor that drive the focus lens and the zoom lens in the optical axis direction, and a motor driver that drives the focus motor and the zoom motor, respectively, according to a control signal sent from the CPU 6. (Not shown).

The CCD 3 photoelectrically converts the subject projected through the lens 2 and outputs it to the unit circuit 4 as an imaging signal.
The CCD 3 is driven by a timing signal having a predetermined frequency generated by the TG 5. A unit circuit 4 is connected to TG5. The unit circuit 4 is a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that holds the imaging signal output from the CCD 3 by correlated double sampling, a gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) that amplifies the imaging signal, and the amplified imaging signal as a digital signal. An output signal from the CCD 3 is sent to the CPU 6 as a digital signal through the unit circuit 4.

  The image display unit 10 includes a color LCD and its driving circuit, displays the subject image captured by the CCD 3 as a through image when in a shooting standby state, and is read out from the storage memory card 13 during playback of the recorded image. The expanded recorded image (still image or moving image) is displayed. The key input unit 11 has a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter button (full press, half press), an execution key, a cancel key, a power key, a MENU key, “↑”, “↓”, “→”, “←” buttons, and the like. A key input signal corresponding to the key operation by the user is output to the CPU 6.

The DRAM 7 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing digitized image data of the subject after being imaged by the CCD 3 and also as a working memory for the CPU 6.
The ROM 8 and RAM 9 store control programs and necessary data necessary for the control of each unit by the CPU 6.

In the AF process, when the user operates the shutter button of the key input unit 11, a key input signal corresponding to the operation is output to the CPU 6. When the CPU 6 receives the signal, it sends a control signal to the motor drive block 14, and the motor drive block 14 moves the focus lens from the lens end to the lens end within the movable range in accordance with the control signal.
The CCD 3 photoelectrically converts the subject projected through the lens 2 and outputs it as an imaging signal to the unit circuit 4. The unit circuit 4 sends a digital signal to the CPU 6. Then, the CPU 6 extracts a high frequency component contained in the digital signal sent from the unit circuit 4, interprets the high frequency component, and sends a control signal to the motor drive block 14. Then, the motor drive block 14 moves the focus lens according to the control signal.

Hereinafter, the functions of the respective configurations that are the characteristics of the digital camera 1 in the present embodiment will be described.
B. Still Image Shooting Still image shooting is recording an image that the user wants to shoot on the memory card 13. The captured image is recorded on the memory card 13 as a still image file.
The CPU 6 generates a still image file based on the image data picked up through the lens 2 (focus lens, zoom lens) and stored in the DRAM 10 and records it on the memory card 13 as well as information on the focus position and focus distance. The shooting time and the like are also recorded as accompanying data. This function corresponds to the recording control means of the present invention.

The focus position is an arbitrary position in focus within the image. The position designated by the user manually before shooting as a position to be focused during still image shooting, or a predetermined condition (frontmost) This is a position automatically determined as a position to be focused based on the subject. The focus distance is determined by the position of the focus lens at the time of shooting.
In the case of the phase difference method, the focus distance is obtained from the output of the distance measuring sensor. In the case of the active method, the distance obtained thereby is directly adopted as the focus distance. The active method means that the distance to the subject is measured based on the time taken to emit a sound wave or infrared light and receive the reflection.

C. Regarding registration of image recognition information In registration of image recognition information, an image as a point for searching for an image is extracted, the object of the extracted image is recognized, and the position and positional relationship of each object. Etc. are digitized and the numerical data is registered as image recognition information.
The user specifies a captured image including an image to be registered as image recognition information from among images recorded on the memory card 13 by operating the key input unit 11.
Then, the CPU 6 identifies the captured image of the still image file recorded on the memory card 13 according to the input signal output from the key input unit 11 and causes the image display unit 10 to display it. At this time, the CPU 6 displays a recognition designation range frame based on the focus position information and the focus distance information recorded in the data accompanying the specified still image file.
When there is an input signal from the key input unit 11, the CPU 6 adjusts the frame of the recognition designation range according to the input signal.

Then, the CPU 6 extracts an image within the recognition designation range frame, recognizes each object displayed in the image, digitizes the position and positional relationship of each object, and calculates numerical data.
Then, the calculated numerical data is registered as image recognition information. At this time, the user operates the key input unit 11 to input a name (name, classification name, title name). The CPU 6 registers the input name as a recognition name in the RAM 9 in association with the image recognition information. This function corresponds to the registration means of the present invention.

D. Image Search Image search is a search for an image that a user wants to search from a still image file (or a moving image file) recorded on the memory card 13 based on the above-described image recognition registration information. .
When search information is input by the user's operation of the key input unit 11, the CPU 6 determines whether or not the input search information is the same as the registered recognition name, and recognizes that it is determined to be the same. Recognizing that the name has been input as search information, the program of the next operation is read from the RAM 8 and ROM 9. This function corresponds to the first instruction means.
When the CPU 6 recognizes that the recognition name has been input as search information, the CPU 6 stores the image recognition registration information recorded on the RAM 9 in association with the recognition name in accordance with the programs recorded on the ROM 8 and RAM 9. The included image is searched from the still image files recorded on the memory card 13. This function corresponds to the first search means.
At this time, as a search method of the CPU 6, one still image file recorded on the memory card 13 is specified, a captured image of the specified still image file is partially extracted, and the extracted image is extracted. Recognize and digitize the positional relationship of each object displayed in the image to calculate numerical data. Then, the numerical data of the image recognition registration information is compared with the calculated numerical data to determine whether or not the image is a search target image. This operation is performed on all still image files recorded on the memory card 13.

E. Other When searching for an image, the CPU 6 records the searched image in association with a name that is the same as or related to the recognition name registered in association with the image recognition registration information that searched for this image. Specifically, a name that is the same as or related to the recognized name is recorded in the data accompanying the still image file of the searched image. This function corresponds to the related recording control means of the present invention.

The operation of the digital camera 1 having the above configuration will be described.
F. Still Image Shooting Mode FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the still image shooting mode.
When the user operates the key input unit 11 and the still image shooting mode is set, shooting by the CCD 3 is started and a through image of the subject is displayed on the image display unit 10 in step S1.
Next, the process proceeds to step S2, where it is determined whether or not the shutter button has been pressed halfway. If the shutter button has been pressed halfway, the process proceeds to step S3 and AF processing is performed. On the other hand, if the shutter button is not half-pressed, the process stays at step S2 and continues to display the through image.

In the AF process in step S3, a contrast detection method may be performed, or an active method and a phase difference method may be performed. Here, the contrast detection method means that the focus lens is moved from end to end, the contrast of the CCD at that time is converted into an electrical signal, the waveform is interpreted, that is, the lens is positioned at the lens position where the high-frequency component is the largest. The active method is to measure the distance to the subject according to the time it takes to emit the sound wave or infrared light and receive the reflection, and the phase difference formula is This means that the distance to the subject is measured by triangulation from the lateral shift of the luminance signal. The AF process may be performed manually.
The digital camera 1 in this embodiment employs a contrast detection method.
Further, the CPU 6 stores in the DRAM 7 position information indicating which position of the image is focused and distance information when the focus is performed. This distance information is calculated from the position of the focus lens.

Next, the process proceeds to step S4, and an image picked up by the CCD 3 is displayed as a through image through a focus lens with autofocus.
Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where it is determined whether or not the shutter button has been fully pressed. If the shutter button has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S6 to perform still image shooting processing. Here, even-numbered pixel signals and odd-numbered pixel signals in one screen are sequentially output to the CCD 3 at a relatively long output imaging timing, and the data for the entire area is captured and captured in the buffer memory (DRAM 7). The process of compressing image data is started. If it is determined in step S7 that the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S8, where a still image file as shown in FIG. 3 is generated based on the compressed image data and accompanying data, and recorded in the memory card 13.

Here, the accompanying data is focus position information, focus distance information, shooting time (date, time), etc. in which auto-focusing is performed, and all records when the shutter is fully pressed, A thumbnail image is also recorded.
Note that when a still image file is recorded on the memory card 13, the location taken by the user's operation of the key input unit 11, the subject to be taken, the group name, the event name, etc., for example, “Izu”, “Shonan” When a title name such as “flower”, “animal”, “tennis circle”, “barbecue” is input, the input title name may be recorded together as accompanying data.
If it is determined in step S7 that the still image shooting process has not been completed, the process remains in step S7 until completion.
On the other hand, if the shutter is not fully pressed in step S5, the process stays in step S5 and continues to display the through image.
In this way, still image shooting is performed by the digital camera 1 in the present embodiment.

G. Image Recognition Registration Mode FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image recognition registration mode.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a selected photographed image and a recognition designation range frame of this image.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the size of the recognition designation range frame and the focus distance information.

First, when the user operates the key input unit 11 to set the image recognition registration mode, the photographed image with the latest photographing time is displayed on the image display unit 10 in step S11 of FIG. Then, when the user operates the key input unit 11, a photographed image with the next photographing time is displayed on the image display unit 10. In this way, every time the user operates the key input unit 11, the image displayed on the image display unit 10 is switched. That is, in step S11, the captured image is scroll-displayed on the image display unit 10.
In this way, the user searches for an image to be registered as image recognition information by operating the key input unit 11.
Note that thumbnail images of captured images may be displayed as a list on the image display unit 10 every predetermined number. Also, without displaying the photographed image, the keyword, for example, “Izu”, “Barbecue”, “Shooting time such as date and time of photographing”, etc. is entered and recorded in the input keyword and accompanying data. The photographed image corresponding to the input keyword may be displayed by comparing the entered keyword.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S12, where it is determined whether or not the photographed image has been selected by the user. If the image has been selected, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when there is no selection of an image, it stays at step S12 until selection. Here, the selection of the photographed image means that the user selects an image that the user wants to register for image recognition from among the still images photographed in the above-described still image photographing mode and recorded in the memory card 13. In this selection, the user can select a desired image by operating the key input unit 11.

Specifically, when the user operates the key input unit 11 in the display of the captured image in step S11, the images displayed on the image display unit 10 are sequentially switched to search for an image to be registered as image recognition information. To go. Then, when the image to be registered is displayed on the image display unit 10, the execution key of the key input unit 11 is pressed.
If the execution key is pressed, it is determined in step S12 that a captured image is selected.
If the thumbnail image list is displayed in step S11, the user operates the key input unit 11 to move the cursor to the thumbnail image of the image to be registered as image recognition information and press the execute key to take a captured image. Can be selected.

Next, in step S13, a recognition designated range frame is displayed on the image display unit 10 in the selected photographed image.
If a thumbnail image list is displayed in step S11 and a thumbnail image of an image to be registered as image recognition information is selected in step S12, the thumbnail image is recognized in step S13 together with the captured image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image. The specified range frame is displayed.
Since the numerical data of the image within the recognition designated range frame is registered as image recognition information and the image is searched using this numerical data, the user does not have to input a keyword after each shooting (for each still image file). However, since the amount of keyword input is reduced, it is possible to reduce the user's burden and effort. The image search will be described later.
Specifically, the selected captured image is displayed as shown in FIG. An image 20 in FIG. 5 shows a selected photographed image, and a frame 30 shows a recognition designated range frame.

Further, the position and size of the recognition designated range frame in the captured image are determined based on the accompanying data.
More specifically, the position of the recognition designation range frame is determined based on the focus position information of the accompanying data recorded on the memory card 13. That is, the position where the focus is performed at the time of shooting is the center of this recognition designation range frame.
The size of the recognition designation range frame is determined based on the focus distance information of the data accompanying the still image file recorded on the memory card 13. That is, the size of the recognition designation range frame is determined by the position of the focus lens at the time of shooting.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, the size of the recognition designation range frame decreases as the focus distance information increases, and the recognition designation range frame increases as the distance information decreases. Here, the recognition designation range frame is a quadrangle, but may be a circle, an ellipse or the like.
Although the recognition designation range frame is determined based on the focus position information and the distance information, the recognition designation range frame may be determined based only on the focus position information. That is, only the image at the focused position or the surrounding image is recognized.
Further, the recognition designation range frame may be determined only by the focus distance information. In this case, a uniquely predetermined position becomes the center of the recognition designated range frame, and the size of the recognition designated range frame is determined by the focus distance information.
Furthermore, regardless of the focus position information and the focus distance information, the recognition designation range frame may be displayed with a predetermined size at a predetermined position (for example, a central portion) in a predetermined image. In this case, the recognition designation range frame is uniquely determined.

If the user prefers the position, size, shape, etc. of the recognition designation range frame displayed together with the captured image displayed on the image display unit 10, he presses the execution key of the key input unit 11.
Next, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK key with this recognition designation range frame.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that it is not OK (if the user has not pressed the execute key), the process proceeds to step S15.
In step S15, it is determined whether or not there is an operation for adjusting the recognition designated range frame by the user. The CPU 6 determines whether or not there is an input signal from the key input unit 11 as to whether or not there is this adjustment operation. If there is an adjustment operation, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, when there is no adjustment operation, it returns to step S14 and repeats the above-mentioned operation.

In step S16, the recognition designated range frame is finely adjusted. In this fine adjustment, when the user operates the key input unit 11, the CPU 6 recognizes the operation signal and finely adjusts the position, size, and shape of the recognition designation range frame corresponding to the signal.
Next, when the fine adjustment of the recognition designated range frame is performed in step S16, the process returns to step S14, where it is determined whether or not the recognition designated range frame is OK (whether or not the execution key is pressed). Repeat the operation.
Here, if the execution key is pressed in step S14 (OK in the displayed recognition designation range frame), the process proceeds to step 17 to input the name. However, in step S12, the user selects a captured image. If there is, the process may go directly to step S17. Originally, since the user focuses on the main subject, the recognition designation range frame may be automatically determined based on the focus position information and the like, thereby reducing the user's trouble.

If “OK” is determined in step S14, the process proceeds to step S17, and the user inputs the name of the image within the recognition designation range frame by operating the key input unit 11.
Here, as a name input method, by pressing the MENU key of the key input unit 11, the mode of characters to be input, such as hiragana, English characters, and numbers, is switched. In addition, when the “↓” button is operated, for example, in Hiragana mode, “A, I, U,..., N,” and in English character mode, “A, B, Characters are switched sequentially such as “C,..., Y, Z, a, b,..., Y, z”, and conversely, when the “↑” button is pressed, what is the operation of the “↓” button? The characters are switched sequentially in the reverse order.

Further, when the “→” button is operated, the space for the input character is shifted to the right, and conversely, when the “←” button is operated, the space for the input character is shifted to the left. When the shutter button is pressed, characters are converted. For example, if you enter “Mariko” and press the shutter button, it will switch to “Mariko”, “Mariko”, and “Mariko”, enter “MARIKO”, and then press the shutter button to “Mariko”, “mariko” " Then, when the user inputs the name and presses the execution key, the input of the name is completed.
Here, it is assumed that the user inputs the name “Mariko” and presses the execution key.
Note that a name may be input by a personal computer by connecting the personal computer and the digital camera 1 by communication, or a name may be input by a keyboard by connecting the digital camera 1 and the keyboard. . Thereby, it becomes possible to input a name easily.

When the input of the name is completed (when the execution key is pressed), the process proceeds to step S18, where the image within the recognition designation range frame is registered as image recognition information, and the input name is registered as a recognition name, and the memory card 13 or RAM 9 is registered. To record. Hereinafter, the registered image recognition information is referred to as image recognition registration information, and the registered name is referred to as a recognition name.
At this time, the image recognition registration information and the recognition name are registered in association with each other.
In this way, the image recognition information and the recognition name are registered. Further, the image recognition registration information and the recognition name are not limited to one, and any number of image recognition information and recognition names can be registered as long as the user wants to register.

Here, when an image in the recognition designated range frame is registered as image recognition information, data obtained by contour extraction from the image in the recognition designated range frame is recorded. This contour extraction recognizes what the registration object is. For example, in the case of a human face, by recognizing the skin color and hair color, recognizing the position of the eyes, the position of the nose, and the position of the mouth, and calculating the numerical data by digitizing the positional relationship between them. is there. Since this method already has a plurality of well-known methods, it will not be described in detail here.
The image in the designated range frame may be recorded in the form of image data without being recognized.

H. Image Search Mode FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image search mode.
The image search mode is a search for a desired image based on a keyword recorded in accompanying data and registered image recognition registration information. In the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can search for an image based on the image recognition registration information without having to record the keyword for each still image file. It is not necessary to input each still image file, and it is possible to reduce the user's labor and labor.
When the image search mode is set by the user's operation of the key input unit 11, it is determined in step S21 whether or not search information has been input by the user.
This search information is input in the same manner as when the recognition name is input. That is, the character mode is selected by operating the MENU key, and characters are input by operating the “↓” and “↑” buttons. Then, when the user finishes inputting the search information, the user presses the execution key.

Search information includes a recognition name and a keyword.
As described above, keywords are recorded in the accompanying data in the still image file, the recording time automatically recorded with the shooting, the shooting location input by the user, the group name, and the event name. For example, “February 10, 2003 13:20”, “August”, “Summer”, “Izu”, “Shonan”, “Barbecue”, etc., and the recognition name is image recognition This is a name registered in association with information registration. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs, for example, “August, Mariko” as search information. When the user determines that the input search information is acceptable, the user presses the execution key. A plurality of search information can be input.

If it is determined in step S21 that search information has been input (the execution key has been pressed), the process proceeds to step S22 to start the search.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that no search information is input, the process stays in step S21.

Next, in step S22, the input search information is compared with the accompanying data of all the still image files recorded on the memory card 13.
Specifically, for example, “August” and “Mariko” input as search information are compared with the data accompanying the still image file, and it is determined whether or not they match in step S23. At this time, as a determination of matching, if either “August” or “Mariko” is included, it is determined as matching. Here, it is assumed that “August” matches. This comparison and determination of coincidence are performed for data accompanying all still image files recorded on the memory card 13.

If it is determined in step S23 that there is accompanying data that matches the search information, the process proceeds to step S24, and the name of the still image file corresponding to the accompanying data determined to match is stored in the storage area A of the DRAM 7. Then, the process proceeds to step S25.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that there is no accompanying data that matches the search information, the process directly proceeds to step S25.
Proceeding to step S25, the input search information is compared with the recognition name. That is, “August” and “Mariko” are compared with registered recognition names.
Next, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether or not the input search information matches the recognized name. In this case as well, if any of the input search information matches, it is determined that they match. Here, “Mariko” is registered as a recognition name, and “Mariko” is entered as search information. Accordingly, in step S26, it is determined that they match, and the process proceeds to step 31 in FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S27.

If it is determined in step S26 that the input search information matches the recognized name, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 8, and the still image for specifying the still image file corresponding to the name stored in the storage area A is determined. Exclude from file scope.
In step S32, one still image file is specified from among the still image files recorded on the memory card 13 other than the excluded still image file. For example, assume that a still image file including the photographed image shown in FIG. 9 is specified.
Next, the process proceeds to step S33, the captured image of the identified still image file is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S34.
In step S34, an image is partially extracted from the acquired captured image. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the image 40 surrounded by a square is extracted.

Next, in step S35, contour extraction is performed from the extracted image as described above, and numerical data is calculated.
Proceeding to step S36, the calculated numerical data is compared with the numerical data of the image recognition registration information registered in association with the recognition name determined to match among the input search information. That is, the numerical data of the image recognition registration information registered in association with the recognition name “Mariko” is compared with the calculated numerical data.
When the image recognition registration information is recorded in the form of the image of the recognition designated range frame, the form of the image of the extracted portion of the acquired photographed image is compared with the form of the image recognition registration information.

Subsequently, it progresses to step S37 and it is judged whether it corresponds. If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to step S39. If it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S38.
“Mariko” is input as the recognition name, and the acquired captured image is also an image including “Mariko” (the captured image of FIG. 9), but the numerical data of the image recognition registration information is different from the calculated numerical data (FIG. 5). Therefore, it is determined that they are not coincident with each other.
Here, if the numerical data of the image recognition registration information and the calculated numerical data are human faces, it recognizes the skin color and hair color, and recognizes the eye position, nose position, and mouth position. Since the positional relationship between them is converted into a numerical value, the size of the subject displayed in the image within the recognition specified range frame and the size of the subject displayed in the image partially extracted from the photographed image are calculated. Even if they are different, if the subject is the same (the object projected on the image within the recognition designated range frame is the same as the object projected on the partially extracted image), it is determined that they match.
In other words, if the face of “Mariko” is registered as image recognition information, it is possible to search for all photographed images in which Mariko appears, regardless of the size of Mariko moving to the photographed image.

If it is determined in step S37 that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S38, and it is determined whether or not all the parts of the acquired captured image have been compared. If it is determined that the comparison has not been made with all the parts, the process returns to step S34 to extract an image of the part that has not been compared from the photographed images, and the above operation is repeated. As a result, comparison is made for all the parts of the photographed image, and as a result, the photographed image in FIG. 9 is determined to be a “Mariko” image.

Here, since the image is searched using the image recognition registration information based on the image recognition registration information, a desired image is searched even if the user does not input a keyword every time shooting is completed (every still image file). It becomes possible to do.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S38 that all the captured images have been compared, the process proceeds to step S40.

When comparing the acquired captured image with the image recognition information, the range for extracting the image is specified based on the focus position information and the focus distance information recorded in the accompanying data corresponding to the acquired captured image. Then, only the numerical data calculated from the identified image may be compared with the image recognition registration information.
Further, only the image extracted based on only the focus position information or only the focus distance information, or only the image of the predetermined central portion is extracted, and only the numerical data of the image of this portion and the image recognition registration information are extracted. You may make it compare. That is, it is not compared with the captured image of the other part. As a result, it is possible to quickly perform an image search.

  Furthermore, when all the parts of the acquired photographed image are compared with the image recognition registration information, the parts from the photographed image are selected based on the focus position information and the focus distance information (only the focus position information etc.). However, only when they do not match, they may be compared with other parts.

If it is determined in step S37 that they match, the process proceeds to step S39, and the still image file name determined to match is stored in the storage area A of the DRAM 7. Next, the process proceeds to step S40.
In step S39, it is determined whether or not there is a still image file not specified in the still image files recorded on the memory card 13 (however, the still image file excluded in step S31 is determined). If it is determined that there is a still image file that has not been specified, the above-described operation is repeated.
On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unspecified still image file, the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG. 7 to determine whether or not there is a searched image, that is, whether or not a still image file name is stored in the storage area A of the DRAM 7. In step S28, the captured image corresponding to the stored still image file name is displayed on the image display unit 10. That is, the photographed image that hits the search condition is displayed on the image display unit 10.
Here, when there are a plurality of search images, the searched image having the latest shooting time is displayed on the image display unit 10 and is displayed by the user operating the key input unit 11. The images may be scrolled so that the images are switched, or thumbnail images of images that have hit the search condition may be displayed as a list.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that there is no search image, that is, if it is determined that the still image file name is not stored in the storage area A of the DRAM 7, the process returns to step S21 and new search information is input. Determine whether or not. Here, when there is no hit image in the search information, a display such as “no image hits the search information” may be displayed on the image display unit 10.
In this case, the captured image corresponding to even one of the plurality of input search information is displayed on the image display unit 10 as a search result. However, the captured image corresponding to all of the input search information is searched. As a result, it may be displayed on the image display unit 10. As a result, it is possible to accurately search only the photographed image desired by the user.
That is, only the still image file including all the search information “August” and “Mariko” is displayed on the image display unit 10.

As described above, in the first embodiment, an image of a part of a photographed image (for example, a picture of Mariko) (a part of Mariko's face) is digitized and registered as image recognition information. All photographed images including images (Mariko's face) can be searched. In other words, if the face of Mariko is registered as image recognition registration information, all photographed images showing Mariko can be searched. In addition, since it is only necessary to register an image as a point as image recognition information, it is not necessary to input a keyword for each captured image, and it is not time-consuming.
Further, since the image recognition information is determined based on the recognition designation range frame, it is possible to set only the image that is the point that the user wants to search.

Furthermore, since the recognition designation range frame is uniformly determined by the focus position and focus distance of the captured image, it is possible to register the image recognition information without taking time and effort. In addition, since the user can adjust the recognition designation range frame, it is possible to set only the part that is truly desired to be registered as the image recognition information.
Furthermore, if it is set so that the recognition designated range frame cannot be adjusted, the image recognition information can be registered simply by selecting the photographed image to be registered.

  In addition, when a photographed image is searched for by a recognition name, the searched photographed image and the recognition name may be associated and recorded. Specifically, a name that is the same as or related to the recognized name that is the search information is recorded in the data accompanying the searched captured image. Thus, the second and subsequent searches can quickly and accurately search for a desired image without searching for an image using the image recognition registration information.

[Modification]
Next, a modified embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, in the image search mode, when a search condition is input by the user, an image search is performed using the image recognition information. In the image search mode, a desired image is quickly searched using the determination result (classification).
This modification also uses a digital camera 1 similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but the functions of the components are slightly different.
Hereinafter, functions of each component of the digital camera 1 according to the modification will be described. Note that the description of the function of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

I. After Still Image Shooting When the CPU 6 determines that the still image shooting process has ended, the registered image recognition information (recorded in the RAM 9) and the still image obtained by the still image shooting process (stored in the DRAM 7). It is determined whether or not the captured image) matches. That is, it is determined which image recognition registration information the still image obtained by the still image shooting process has. This function corresponds to determination means.
At this time, as a determination method of the CPU 6, first, one piece of image recognition registration information is specified from the registered image recognition information. Then, an image is partially extracted from a still image (captured image stored in the DRAM 7) obtained by the still image shooting process. Then, the extracted image is recognized, and the positional relationship and the like of each object displayed in the image is digitized to calculate numerical data. Then, the acquired image recognition registration information is compared with the calculated numerical data to determine whether or not they match. That is, it is determined whether or not the still image belongs to the acquired image recognition registration information. This operation is performed for all image recognition registration information.

Then, the CPU 6 acquires a recognition name recorded in association with the image recognition registration information determined to belong to the still image (stored in the DRAM 7) obtained by the still image shooting process, and captures the still image. The still image obtained by the processing and the acquired recognition name are recorded in association with each other. This function corresponds to the related recording control means of the present invention.
Then, the CPU 6 generates a still image file based on the still image data obtained by the still image shooting process and the accompanying data, and records it in the memory card 13. In the accompanying data, a name that is the same as or related to the acquired recognition name is recorded.

J. et al. Regarding Image Search When the user enters the image search mode by operating the key input unit 11 and the user inputs a recognition name as search information, the CPU 6 recognizes that the search information has been input, and performs the next operation from the ROM 8 and RAM 9. Read the program. This function corresponds to the second instruction means of the present invention.
Then, the data associated with the still image file recorded in the memory card 13 is compared with the input search information, and the still image file having the accompanying data in which the name identical to or similar to the search information is recorded Search for. This function corresponds to the second search means.

An operation in the digital camera 1 including the function of the above configuration will be described.
K. Operation of Digital Camera 1 after Shooting Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 1 after shooting will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Since the still image shooting mode and the image recognition registration mode are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here (see FIGS. 2 and 4).
First, when the still image shooting is completed, the process proceeds to step 51 in FIG. The end of the still image shooting may be after the still image file is generated and recorded on the memory card 13, but here, before the still image file is recorded on the memory card 13, that is, in step S7 of FIG. When completed, the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG.
In step S51, one piece of image recognition registration information is specified from the registered image recognition information.

Next, the process proceeds to step S52, and an image is partially extracted from the image that has been shot (the image stored in the DRAM 7).
Next, the process proceeds to step S53, and numerical data is calculated based on the extracted portion image by the contour extraction method.
Next, the process proceeds to step S54, and the calculated numerical data (numerical data of a part of the photographed image) is compared with the numerical data of the specified image recognition registration information.

  Next, in step S55, it is determined whether or not they match. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S56, where the numerical data and image recognition registration of the images of all parts of the photographed image (image stored in the DRAM 7) are obtained. It is determined whether or not the numerical data of the information has been compared. If it is determined in step S56 that comparison has not been made with the numerical value data of all the parts of the photographed image, the process returns to step S52 to extract the part of the photographed image that has not been extracted, and the above operation is repeated. If it is determined in step S56 that comparison has been made with the numerical data of the images of all parts of the captured image, the process proceeds to step S58.

In the case where the acquired image recognition registration information is compared with the captured image, a range in which the image is extracted is specified based on the focus position information and the focus distance information of the captured image, and numerical values calculated from the specified image Only the data and the specified image recognition registration information may be compared.
Further, a range for extracting an image may be specified based only on the focus position information. Furthermore, only the focus distance information or only an image of a predetermined central portion may be extracted. That is, it is not compared with the image of the other part. Thereby, it is possible to quickly perform comparison and determination of coincidence.
Further, when comparing all the parts of the photographed image with the specified image recognition registration information, a part of the photographed image is selected based on the focus position information and the focus distance information (only the focus position information etc.). However, only when they do not match, they may be compared with other parts.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S55 that they match, the process proceeds to step S57, and the recognition name recorded in association with the specified image recognition registration information is stored in the storage area B of the DRAM 7.
Next, in step S58, it is determined whether there is unrecognized image recognition registration information. If it is determined that there is unidentified image recognition registration information, the process returns to step S51, the unidentified image recognition registration information is newly specified, and the above-described operation is repeated.
On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unspecified image recognition registration information, the process proceeds to step S59.

In step 59, a still image file as shown in FIG. 3 is generated based on the image data of the photographed image and the accompanying data.
In the accompanying data, focus position information, focus distance information, shooting time, and a name that is the same as or related to the recognition name stored in the storage area B of the DRAM 7 are recorded. Further, when a shooting location, “event name”, or the like is input by the user's operation of the key input unit 11, it is recorded in the accompanying data.
Here, a plurality of recognized names may be stored in the storage area B. For example, if Mariko's face image is registered as the recognition name “Mariko” as the image recognition registration information, and Mama's face image is registered as the recognition name “Mama” as the image recognition registration information, both Mariko and Mom are shown. Two recognized names of “Mariko” and “Mama” are stored in the recording area B of the image and the like.

Although the image recognition registration information is determined by using the photographed image after the photographing is finished, the digital camera 1 is turned off or the user instructs the start of the above operation by a key operation. Sometimes, the above-described operation may be performed on all still image files recorded on the memory card 13 (still image files that have already been subjected to the above-described operation may be excluded). In this case, of course, when it is determined that a specific still image file recorded on the memory card 13 belongs to specific image recognition registration information, the still image file is recorded in association with the image recognition registration information. The recognized name is recorded in association with each other. That is, a name that is the same as or related to the recognition name is recorded in the data accompanying the still image file.
As a result, even after shooting is completed, the next shooting can be performed immediately. In this case, a still image file is created immediately and recorded on the memory card 13 at the end of shooting.

L. Next, the image search mode will be briefly described.
In the image search mode, it is not necessary to search for an image using the image recognition registration information by effectively utilizing the result of comparison with the image recognition registration information performed after the end of shooting.
When the user wants to search for a desired image, for example, when searching for an image of “Mariko”, the image search mode is set by operating the key input unit 11.
Then, search information, for example, “Mariko” registered as a recognition name is input. Then, the input search information is compared with the accompanying data of the still image file (whether or not the accompanying data has the name “Mariko”), and the captured image of the still image file having the matching accompanying data Is displayed on the image display unit 10. That is, an image including Mariko is displayed. By utilizing the result of comparison with the image recognition registration information performed immediately after the photographing is completed, it is not necessary to perform a search using the image recognition registration information in the search mode.
As a method of displaying on the image display unit 10, as described above, there are scroll display, thumbnail image list display, and the like.

In this way, in this modification, the image captured after the image capture is compared with the image recognition registration information, and it is determined to which image recognition registration information the captured image belongs. The recognition name recorded in association with the image recognition registration information determined to belong to the captured image is temporarily stored, and when the still image file is generated based on the captured image data, the still image file Recorded in accompanying data.
Next, in the image search mode for images, when a recognition name is input, the input recognition name is compared with the data accompanying the still image file to search for a desired image.

As described above, in the present modification, the image captured after the image capture is compared with the image recognition registration information, the image recognition registration information to which the captured image belongs is searched, and the result is recorded. Therefore, in the image search mode, the user can quickly search for a desired image.
In addition, since the recognition name recorded in association with the image recognition registration information determined to belong and the photographed still image file are recorded in association with each other, it is not necessary to perform the classification work after the photographing is completed. Can be omitted.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a still image file. If an image of a portion that is a point of a thumbnail image of a moving image file is registered as image recognition information, a thumbnail image including the image recognition registration information is stored. It is also possible to search for a desired moving image file by searching for.
Further, the image of the portion that becomes the point of the image data of one frame of the moving image file may be registered as the image recognition registration information without being limited to the thumbnail image of the moving image file. Thereby, a moving image file including an image to be searched can be searched.

In addition, a folder having a name that is the same as or related to the recognized name is created, and all the still image files recorded in association with the recognized name are moved to a folder having the same or related name as the recognized name. Also good.
In other words, if Mariko's face data is registered as image recognition information and Mariko is registered as a recognition name, a folder called “Mariko” is created, and all still image files of images searched using Mariko's face data are stored. , Moved to a folder named “Mariko”.
As a result, if the folder “Mariko” is opened, an image including the searched Mariko can be quickly viewed.
This folder may be automatically created when a recognition name and image recognition information are registered, or when an image is searched. Alternatively, it may be created manually.
Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment. A mobile phone having a photographing function, a clock, a movie camera with a still image capturing function, a video camera, or a personal computer not having a photographing function In other words, any device may be used as long as it is a device having a function of reading a captured image or a device having a function of recording an image.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of still image shooting mode. It is a figure which shows the structure of a still image file. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of image recognition registration mode. It is a figure which shows the picked-up image and the recognition designation | designated range frame of this image. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the magnitude | size of a recognition designation | designated range frame, and focus distance information. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of an image search mode. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of an image search mode. It is a figure which shows the image | photographed image. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 after completion | finish of imaging | photography.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 2 Lens 3 CCD
4 Unit circuit 5 TG
6 CPU
7 DRAM
8 ROM
9 RAM
10 Image display section 11 Key input section 12 Card I / F
13 Memory card 14 Motor drive block

Claims (18)

Registration means for registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
First instruction means for instructing an arbitrary name registered by the registration means as a search condition;
First search means for searching for a matching image from images recorded in the recording means, using arbitrary image information registered in association with the arbitrary name specified by the first instruction means; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: When searching for an image by the first search means,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a related recording control unit that records the image searched by the first search unit in association with the arbitrary name specified by the first instruction unit. . Registration means for registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
An acquisition means for acquiring an image;
Determination means for determining whether or not the arbitrary image information registered by the registration means matches the image acquired by the acquisition means;
An associated recording control means for associating and recording the arbitrary name registered by the registration means in association with the arbitrary image information determined to be matched by the determination means, and the image acquired by the acquisition means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing apparatus including an imaging unit that images a subject,
The determination means includes
After shooting by the imaging means is completed,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the arbitrary image information registered by the registration unit matches the image acquired by the acquisition unit. The determination means includes
When the image processing apparatus is powered off,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the arbitrary image information registered by the registration unit matches the image acquired by the acquisition unit. The acquisition means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus is obtained from an image recorded in a recording unit. A recording control means for recording an image captured by the imaging means in a recording means;
The acquisition means includes
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image that is captured by the imaging unit and that is not recorded in the recording unit is acquired by the recording control unit. Second instruction means for instructing an arbitrary name registered by the registration means as a search condition;
When an arbitrary name is designated as a search condition by the second instruction means,
A second search unit that compares an arbitrary name recorded in association with an image by the related recording control unit and an arbitrary name specified by the second instruction unit, and searches for a matching image;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The arbitrary image information is
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is information extracted from an image within a specified range of an image to be registered. The arbitrary image information is
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is information calculated from the extracted information. The specified range is
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is determined by a focused position when an image to be registered is photographed. The specified range is
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is determined by focus distance information of an image to be registered. The specified range is
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is a center portion of a preset image. The specified range is
12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the position, size, and shape can be set by a user. Processing for registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
A process of instructing an arbitrary name registered by this process as a search condition;
A process of processing a matching image from images recorded on a recording medium using arbitrary image information registered in association with an arbitrary name instructed by this process;
And a computer program for searching for an image. A registration process for registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
An acquisition process to acquire an image;
A process for determining whether or not the arbitrary image information registered by the registration process matches the image acquired by the acquisition process;
A process of associating and recording the arbitrary name registered by the registration process in association with the arbitrary image information determined to match by the process, and the image acquired by the acquisition process;
And a computer program for executing image processing. Registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
Instructing an arbitrary name registered in this step as a search condition;
Using the arbitrary image information registered in association with the arbitrary name instructed in this step, searching for a matching image from the images recorded on the recording medium;
An image processing method comprising: A registration step for registering an arbitrary name and arbitrary image information in association with each other;
An acquisition step of acquiring an image;
Determining whether the arbitrary image information registered in the registration step matches the image acquired in the acquisition step;
An arbitrary name registered by the registration step in association with the arbitrary image information determined to match by this step, and a step of recording the image acquired by the acquisition step in association with each other;
An image processing method comprising: searching for an image using a computer.

Images