Imaging device, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to feel secure in posting images in social media.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes: condition setting means for setting at least one posting condition; display control means for controlling to display information as to whether each of the at least one posting condition is satisfied; and transmission means for sending a taken image or video to social media when all of the at least one posting condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, a control method for the imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the diversification of social network services (hereinafter referred to as SNS), the use case of posting short clip videos of about several tens of seconds to SNS has been increasing (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] There is a possibility that an image that is not intended to be posted is accidentally automatically posted, or that an image that conflicts with the privacy of oneself or others cannot be immediately determined, and it is accidentally automatically posted. However, since there is also a demand from users who are not familiar with SNS to post safe content to SNS without sacrificing real-time performance, ideas for ensuring the laboriousness, real-time performance, and safety of posting are required.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for supporting the selection of an image to be posted to SNS from among the images taken so far.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, considering the current demand where the number of use cases for timely posting of captured images to SNS is increasing, simply selecting images for SNS posting from past images cannot meet the demand. For users who want to safely and timely convey and express their current selves, it makes sense to provide support at the shooting stage to enable worry-free automatic SNS posting. Therefore, it does not solve this problem.

[0007] For users who post frequently, it would be convenient to have a simple function that saves them the trouble of uploading images to SNS immediately after taking them. However, if the images the user does not want to post or subjects that are inconvenient or unpleasant for viewers are included, there is a possibility of trouble occurring.

[0008] The objective of the present disclosure is to enable users to post images to SNS with confidence and ease.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The imaging device includes condition setting means for setting one or more posting conditions, display control means for controlling to display information on whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied, and transmission means for posting by transmitting a captured still image or moving image to SNS when all of the posting conditions are satisfied.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, users can post images to SNS with confidence and ease.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an imaging device 100 according to this embodiment. However, the configurations described here are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0013] The imaging device 100 is an electronic device having a camera function, such as a camera such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, or a mobile phone having a camera function or a computer with a camera, etc.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the imaging device 100 includes an MPU 101, a timing signal generation circuit 102, an imaging element 103, an A / D converter 104, a memory controller 105, a buffer memory 106, a recording medium I / F 107, and a recording medium 108. Further, the imaging device 100 includes a condition setting unit 109, a determination unit 110, a condition display unit 111, an information processing unit 112, and a transmission unit 113.

[0015] The MPU 101 is a microcontroller for controlling the system of the imaging device 100, such as a shooting sequence. The MPU 101 performs controls such as setting conditions related to whether automatic posting is possible, determining whether conditions are met, and automatically posting to an SNS.

[0016] The timing signal generation circuit 102 generates timing signals necessary for operating the imaging element 103, the A / D converter 104, and the memory controller 105.

[0017] The imaging element 103 is an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS that converts reflected light from a subject into an electrical signal.

[0018] The A / D converter 104 converts the analog image data read from the imaging device 103 into digital image data.

[0019] The memory controller 105 temporarily stores the tag information to be displayed on the condition display unit 111, and controls the reading and writing of the memory, the refresh operation of the buffer memory 106, and the like.

[0020] The buffer memory 106 stores image data.

[0021] The recording medium I / F 107 is an interface for controlling the reading and writing of data to and from the recording medium 108.

[0022] The recording medium 108 is a memory card, a hard disk, or the like, and stores programs and the like.

[0023] The condition setting unit 109 performs control to pre-set the conditions for automatically posting the captured video or still image to the SNS. As a result, the photographer can determine whether automatic posting to the SNS is possible before shooting. That is, the photographer no longer needs to determine whether SNS automatic posting is possible immediately after shooting, so that an accident of automatically posting to the SNS due to an incorrect determination can be avoided.

[0024] It is important to prepare a plurality of the above conditions, so that all situations in which the photographer is placed can be dealt with, and a function that conforms to the photographer's intention can be exhibited. The details of the conditions will be described later.

[0025] The determination unit 110 has a function of determining whether the subject, shooting conditions, etc. satisfy the above conditions predetermined by the photographer.

[0026] The condition display unit 111 has a function of clearly displaying the condition information predetermined by the photographer. The condition information may be character information or an easy-to-understand icon display. As described above, in order to cope with various situations in which the photographer is placed, it is desirable to prepare a plurality of the above conditions.

[0027] However, it is very difficult for the photographer to always keep track of what conditions he or she has set during shooting. Therefore, it is important for the imaging device 100 to have a function that allows the photographer to easily check the above-mentioned multiple conditions that he or she has set in advance, even if the photographer does not remember them during shooting.

[0028] Also, it is important that the display of the condition display unit 111 has a function of changing the display depending on whether the condition is satisfied or not. This enables the photographer to easily check whether the conditions for automatic SNS posting are satisfied during shooting.

[0029] In this way, it is important that the respective functions of the condition setting unit 109 and the condition display unit 111 synergize, and thereby, for the first time, the imaging device 100 can have a user-friendly SNS automatic posting function for the photographer.

[0030] And since the imaging device 100 of the present embodiment performs automatic posting to SNS only when all the preset conditions are satisfied, even a photographer with low digital literacy or SNS literacy can almost completely eliminate the accident of accidentally making an automatic post to SNS.

[0031] The information processing unit 112 has a function of processing the result of whether the condition is acceptable determined by the determination unit 110 and controlling the display of the condition display unit 111.

[0032] In the present embodiment, it is important that the condition display unit 111 has a function of displaying that the condition is satisfied. As an example for achieving this, the imaging device 100 of the present embodiment includes an information processing unit 112. The imaging device 100 is particularly useful when the display of the condition display unit 111 can be changed more quickly and timely by including the information processing unit 112.

[0033] When all of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied, the transmission unit 113 has a function of automatically transmitting the captured still images or moving images to SNS.

[0034] The imaging device 100 of the present embodiment may include an operation unit such as a simple posting button for posting to SNS. Even when there is an operation unit that enables simple posting to SNS, it is preferable that posting to SNS is valid when all of the above conditions are satisfied.

[0035] In addition, the imaging device 100 of the present embodiment may have a function of preliminarily determining the SNS for automatic posting. Thereby, the photographer can obtain an automatic posting function to SNS that is more timely and less laborious.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of conditions for SNS automatic posting according to the present embodiment. The conditions for SNS automatic posting may be one or plural, and can be appropriately set by the photographer selecting in advance.

[0037] For example, the content of the conditions can be flexibly adapted to the intentions and situations of the photographer by providing and combining a plurality of conditions such as date and time, location, weather, subject (person, etc.), still image / moving image, shooting conditions (type of shooting, etc.), and content related to privacy.

[0038] It is preferable that the date and time can set the shooting timing required by the photographer such as date, weekday, weekend, and time zone.

[0039] The location may be specified in advance from the name of a determined location, or may be specified based on GPS information or the like. For example, by setting in advance a location where SNS posting is prohibited as a condition and prohibiting automatic posting when shooting at that location, it is possible to avoid troubles of accidentally automatically posting to SNS.

[0040] In addition, when the weather condition can be specified, it is easy to follow the intentions of the photographer when shooting outdoors.

[0041] The subject may be a male, a female, or a person determined in addition to the number of people. In that case, it is easy to understand the method of registering the person in the imaging device 100 in advance and determining the person by face authentication at the time of shooting. Incorporating the subject as a condition is also important from the perspective of privacy. For example, by limiting the number of people to one, it is possible to avoid troubles such as automatically posting on SNS when other subjects related to privacy are captured.

[0042] Also, it may be possible to specify conditions such as the type of shooting, such as still images / videos. Especially in the case of videos, since there are limitations such as the number of seconds for videos that can be posted on SNS, it is convenient to be able to specify the upper limit. Recently, short clip videos are preferred and used when posting on SNS what one is currently doing, so it is preferable to be able to set conditions such as within a short time of one minute, preferably within 20 seconds.

[0043] Also, it is preferable to incorporate shooting conditions such as the shooting mode, F value, and Tv value, as it becomes easier to reflect the content that the photographer wants to express even in automatic SNS posting.

[0044] For the conditions of automatic SNS posting, it is preferable to be able to set the conditions for automatic posting, or the conditions for prohibiting automatic posting, or both, as it becomes easier to understand the intention of the photographer.

[0045] Also, the content of the conditions for automatic SNS posting may be set by the photographer's selection, or may be set by the imaging device 100 referring to external condition information that has already been publicly available by the imaging device manufacturer or on the Internet.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an example of a flowchart showing the procedure of the control method of the imaging device 100 in FIG. 1. The flowchart in FIG. 3 is realized by the MPU 101 executing a program stored in the MPU 101 or the like of the imaging device 100. The flowchart in FIG. 3 is executed when the imaging device 100 receives a shooting start operation such as the photographer pressing the shooting button of the imaging device 100. The flow in FIG. 3 starts when the photographer presses the shooting button.

[0047] In step S301, the condition setting unit 109 sets one or more automatic posting conditions. The MPU 101 checks the automatic posting conditions set by the condition setting unit 109. The check of the automatic posting conditions may be performed at all times. Also, the MPU 101 may save the automatic posting conditions in the MPU 101 or the condition setting unit 109 at the timing when the photographer sets the automatic posting conditions.

[0048] The automatic posting conditions are conditions regarding the still image or moving image captured by the image sensor 103 of the imaging device 100. The file of the captured still image or moving image includes shooting information. The automatic posting conditions include, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the shooting date and time, shooting location, weather, subject, shooting conditions, or content related to privacy of the captured still image or moving image.

[0049] For example, the automatic posting conditions include conditions for the shooting time of the captured moving image. Specifically, the automatic posting conditions include the condition that the captured moving image is a moving image within 20 seconds.

[0050] Also, the automatic posting conditions include conditions for the number of people in the subject of the captured still image or moving image. Specifically, the automatic posting conditions include the condition that the subject of the captured still image or moving image is one person.

[0051] In step S302, the determination unit 110 determines whether the still image or moving image captured by the imaging device 103 by the photographer satisfies the above automatic posting conditions. The timing of the determination may be immediately after shooting, or continuous determination may be performed before or during shooting. When a plurality of automatic posting conditions are set, it is desirable to determine whether the conditions are satisfied before or during shooting. By doing so, since it can be known before and during shooting whether the photographer satisfies the automatic posting conditions, it leads to support for shooting. Therefore, when the imaging device 100 has a live view screen, it is preferable that the determination unit 110 determines whether the automatic posting conditions are satisfied using the image reflected on the screen, because the real-time performance is improved and it is easy for the photographer to understand.

[0052] If the automatic posting conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S303. If the automatic posting conditions are not satisfied, the process returns to step S301.

[0053] In step S303, in order to inform the photographer that the conditions are satisfied, the MPU 101 changes the character information and icon display corresponding to each condition displayed on the condition display unit 111. For example, it is preferable that the MPU 101 changes the color, changes the size, etc., which are display changes that can be conveyed to the photographer at a glance. In this way, by informing the photographer which conditions are not satisfied before or during shooting, shooting for automatic posting can be further supported.

[0054] The MPU 101 functions as a display control unit, and controls to display on the condition display unit 111 information on whether each of the automatic posting conditions is satisfied, such as the automatic posting condition information columns 401 and 501 in FIGS. 4 and 5 described later. The information on whether each of the automatic posting conditions is satisfied is, for example, an icon or character information.

[0055] Whether each of the automatic posting conditions is satisfied is indicated by information of different colors, for example. Also, whether each of the automatic posting conditions is satisfied may be indicated by information of different sizes.

[0056] In step S304, the MPU 101 or the information processing unit 112 determines whether all of the automatic posting conditions set by the condition setting unit 109 are satisfied. This determination may be made by, for example, the MPU 101 or may be made by the information processing unit 112.

[0057] If all of the automatic posting conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S305. If some or all of the automatic posting conditions are not satisfied, the process returns to step S301.

[0058] In step S305, the MPU 101 activates the process of automatically posting to the SNS, and the transmission unit 113 automatically posts by transmitting the still image or moving image captured by the imaging element 103 of the imaging device 100 to an arbitrary SNS. Thereafter, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 3 ends.

[0059] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the display screen of the condition display unit 111 provided in the imaging device 100 according to the present embodiment. When the content of the automatic posting condition is displayed on the live view screen, it is preferable because the photographer can check the situation before and during shooting. At that time, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is advisable to perform display so that the subject is not hidden by the display of the condition content information.

[0060] In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where the automatic posting conditions are set as a moving image of a single male subject within 10 seconds at a specified location on weekdays will be described.

[0061] In the automatic posting condition information field 401 of FIG. 4, the shooting timing meets the conditions for weekdays, but since it is not the designated location, it does not meet the location conditions. Also, since there is a woman 403 in the subject in addition to the man 402, it does not meet the person conditions. Since the video is also shot for 10 seconds or more, it does not meet the video conditions. In such a case, only the icon (weekday icon) indicating the shooting timing that meets the conditions has its color changed. In such a case, normal shooting is possible, but the automatic posting to SNS after shooting is not activated.

[0062] Next, in the automatic posting condition information field 501 of FIG. 5, the subject and the location have changed, and it meets all the preset automatic posting conditions of being on a weekday, at the designated location, with a single male subject 502, and a video within 10 seconds. Therefore, the colors of all icon displays change, and it is made clear at a glance to the shooter that the automatic posting to SNS will be activated after shooting. When shooting is performed in this state, the processing flow shown in FIG. 3 is performed, and the SNS automatic posting function is activated.

[0063] In this way, by having the conditions for SNS automatic posting displayed on the condition display unit 111 and having a display content that shows whether each condition is met, the effect of supporting the shooting of the shooter is manifested. Also, since the shooter can recognize in real time whether the SNS automatic posting is activated, they can use the SNS automatic posting function with confidence and easily.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, the imaging device 100 allows the user to post an image to SNS with confidence and easily. Also, even users with low SNS literacy and Internet literacy can use the SNS automatic posting function of the imaging device 100 with confidence and easily.

[0065] (Other Embodiments) The present disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0066] Note that each of the above-described embodiments is merely a specific example for implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limitedly interpreted by these. That is, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical idea or its main features.

[0067] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) Condition setting means for setting one or more posting conditions, Display control means for controlling to display information as to whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied, Transmission means for posting by transmitting a captured still image or moving image to an SNS when all of the posting conditions are satisfied An imaging device characterized by including the above. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to Configuration 1, wherein the posting conditions are conditions regarding the captured still image or moving image. (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the transmission means posts by transmitting a still image or moving image captured by the imaging device to an SNS when all of the posting conditions are satisfied. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the information as to whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied is an icon. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the information as to whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied is character information. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that whether each of the submission conditions is satisfied is indicated by information of different colors. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that whether each of the submission conditions is satisfied is indicated by information of different sizes. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the submission conditions include the shooting date and time, shooting location, weather, subject, shooting conditions, or content related to privacy of the captured still image or moving image. (Configuration 9) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the submission conditions include the conditions of the shooting time of the captured moving image. (Configuration 10) The imaging device according to Configuration 9, characterized in that the submission conditions include the condition that the captured moving image is a moving image within 20 seconds. (Configuration 11) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the submission conditions include the condition of the number of people in the subject of the captured still image or moving image. (Configuration 12) The imaging device according to Configuration 11, characterized in that the submission conditions include the condition that the subject of the captured still image or moving image is one person. (Method 1) A condition setting step of setting one or more submission conditions, A display control step of controlling to display information on whether each of the submission conditions is satisfied, A transmission step of submitting by transmitting the captured still image or moving image to the SNS when all of the submission conditions are satisfied A control method of an imaging device, characterized by comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as the imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12.

Description of Symbols

[0068] 101 MPU, 109 Condition Setting Unit, 110 Judgment Unit, 111 Condition Display Unit, 112 Information Processing Unit, 113 Transmission Unit

Claims

1. Condition setting means for setting one or more posting conditions, Display control means for controlling to display information on whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied, Transmission means for posting by transmitting a captured still image or moving image to an SNS when all of the posting conditions are satisfied An imaging device, characterized by comprising:

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the posting conditions are conditions related to the captured still image or moving image.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means posts by transmitting a still image or moving image captured by the imaging device to an SNS when all of the posting conditions are satisfied.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the information on whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied is an icon.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the information on whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied is character information.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied is indicated by information of different colors.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein whether each of the posting conditions is satisfied is indicated by information of different sizes.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the posting conditions include the shooting date and time, shooting location, weather, subject, shooting conditions, or content related to privacy of the captured still image or moving image.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the posting conditions include conditions for the shooting time of the captured moving image.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the submission conditions include a condition that the captured video is a video within 20 seconds.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the submission conditions include a condition regarding the number of people in the subject of the captured still image or video.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the submission conditions include a condition that the person in the subject of the captured still image or video is one person.

13. A condition setting step for setting one or more submission conditions; A display control step for controlling to display information as to whether each of the submission conditions is satisfied; A transmission step of submitting by transmitting the captured still image or video to the SNS when all of the submission conditions are satisfied A control method for an imaging device, characterized by comprising the above steps.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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