Image file creation method, image file, image file creation device, and program

Abstract

An image file creation method according to the present invention comprises: an acquisition step for acquiring record information that includes supplementary information which may be recorded in a first recording region of an image file or derivative information which is derived from the supplementary information; and a recording step for recording the record information in a second recording region of the image file.

Description

Image file creation method, image file, image file creation device, and program

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an image file creation method, an image file, an image file creation device, and a program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-041192 discloses an information processing device. In the information processing device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-041192, Exif information of latitude, longitude, and orientation is stored in an APP1 area of ​​image data. The information processing device has a calculation unit. The calculation unit acquires object information related to the Exif information stored in the APP1 area and generates metadata written in JSON based on the object information. The calculation unit also stores the generated metadata in an APP11 area of ​​the image data.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-225229 discloses an image file creation method, which includes a process of generating first shooting information and second shooting information that is more detailed than the first shooting information based on shooting conditions, a process of converting the second shooting information into encrypted third shooting information, and a process of generating an image file in which the first shooting information and the third shooting information are added to image data obtained by shooting.

[0004] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides an image file creation method, an image file, an image file creation device, and a program that can improve the convenience of image files.

[0005] A first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an image file creation method including an acquisition step of acquiring recording information including collateral information that can be recorded in a first recording area of ​​the image file, or derived information derived from the collateral information, and a recording step of recording the recording information in a second recording area of ​​the image file.

[0006] A second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an image file that includes a first recording area in which incidental information can be recorded, and a second recording area, and in which recording information including the incidental information or derived information derived from the incidental information is recorded in the second recording area.

[0007] A third aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an image file creation device that includes a processor, which acquires recording information including collateral information that can be recorded in a first recording area of ​​an image file, or derived information that is derived from the collateral information, and records the recording information in a second recording area of ​​the image file.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute processing, the processing including an acquisition step of acquiring recording information including ancillary information that can be recorded in a first recording area of ​​an image file, or derived information derived from the ancillary information, and a recording step of recording the recording information in a second recording area of ​​the image file.

[0009] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which an imaging device is used. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and main functions of the electrical system of the imaging device. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between an image sensor and an acquisition unit. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between the acquisition unit and a recording unit. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between an NVM, an image file, and an encryption unit. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between the encryption unit and a recording unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image file creation process according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which recording time information is recorded in a second recording area of ​​an image file. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which history information is recorded in a second recording area of ​​an image file. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which subject distance information or subject position information is recorded in a second recording area of ​​an image file. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which imaging condition information and subject distance information are recorded in association with each other in a second recording area of ​​an image file, and subject distance information, orientation information, and imaging device position information are recorded in association with each other in a state in which incidental information is recorded in a first recording area of ​​an image file in accordance with a recording instruction given to the imaging device. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which, even if information included in the collateral information is not permitted to be recorded in the first recording area of ​​the image file, it is recorded in the first recording area in accordance with an instruction given to the imaging device. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which a hash value used for encryption in the encryption unit is recorded in the second recording area of ​​the image file. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which re-encrypted information obtained by encrypting encrypted information (e.g., a hash value) with a private key, a URL capable of identifying a location where a public key is stored, and a hash function used to generate the encrypted information are recorded in the second recording area of ​​the image file. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which specified information among the plurality of pieces of information in the first collateral information recorded in the first recording area of ​​the image file is divided and recorded in the second recording area of ​​the image file. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which an image file creation process is performed by an external device in response to a request from the imaging device, and the processing result is received by the imaging device. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of an image file in JPEG format.

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of an image file creation method, an image file, an image file creation device, and a program according to the techniques of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] As an example, as shown in Fig. 1 , an imaging device 10 captures an image of an imaging target area 12 designated as a subject. The imaging target area 12 is determined by an angle of view designated by a user of the imaging device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "user"). In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the imaging target area 12 includes a plurality of people, a road, etc. The imaging device 10 is an example of an "image file creation device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0012] The imaging device 10 generates an image file 16 by capturing an image of an imaging target area 12 in accordance with instructions given by a photographer 14. The file format of the image file 16 may be, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). However, this is merely an example, and any file format for still images, such as TIFF (Tag Image File Format), may be used.

[0013] The image file 16 includes image data 18 indicating an image of the imaging target area 12, and metadata 20 about the image data 18. The metadata 20 is data related to the image data 18, and includes data in the Exif (Exchangeable image file format) format. The image file 16 is an example of an "image file" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0014] The imaging device 10 is a consumer digital camera. Examples of consumer digital cameras include interchangeable-lens digital cameras and fixed-lens digital cameras. The consumer digital camera is merely an example, and the imaging device 10 may also be an industrial digital camera. The technology of the present disclosure also applies when the imaging device 10 is an imaging device installed in various electronic devices such as a drive recorder, a smart device, a wearable device, a cell observation device, an ophthalmic observation device, or a surgical microscope. The technology of the present disclosure also applies when the imaging device 10 is an imaging device installed in various modalities such as an endoscope device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, an X-ray imaging device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device. The imaging device 10 may also be a virtual camera that acquires image data 18 in a virtual reality (VR) space.

[0015] The image file 16 may be exchanged between multiple people (e.g., multiple people authorized to use the image file 16) including the photographer 14. Examples of methods for exchanging the image file 16 include an exchange method via a network such as a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN), or an exchange method via a portable storage medium such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory.

[0016] Recently, with the increasing use of AI (artificial intelligence), there has been an increasing demand for writing annotation information into image files. The annotation information may be binary information or text information created based on the binary information. Conventionally known image files have a recording area, for example, an APP1 area, for recording binary information. Currently, there is a demand for the annotation information to be freely handled while retaining the binary information recorded in the APP1 area. At the same time, there is also a demand for ensuring the security and authenticity of the annotation information. However, conventionally known image files do not have a mechanism that is convenient enough to fully meet these demands. For example, the main part of the APP1 area is designed to write information in binary format, and only specific, predetermined information can be written therein. Therefore, the APP1 area is not suitable as an area for storing highly flexible information.

[0017] In view of the above circumstances, in this embodiment, the image file creation process is performed by the imaging device 10 (see FIG. 2 onwards), which will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0018] 2, the imaging device 10 includes a computer 30, an image sensor 32, and a UI (User Interface) device 34. The computer 30 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0019] The computer 30 includes a processor 42, a non-volatile memory (NVM) 44, and a random access memory (RAM) 46. The processor 42, the NVM 44, and the RAM 46 are connected to a bus 48. The processor 42 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0020] The processor 42 is a processing device including a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the DSP and GPU operate under the control of the CPU and are responsible for executing image processing. Here, a processing device including a DSP, a CPU, and a GPU is given as an example of the processor 42, but this is merely an example, and the processor 42 may be one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs, one or more CPUs and DSPs with integrated GPU functionality, one or more CPUs and DSPs without integrated GPU functionality, or may be equipped with a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit).

[0021] The NVM 44 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs, various parameters, etc. An example of the NVM 44 is a flash memory (such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)). The RAM 46 is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as a work memory by the processor 42. An example of the RAM 46 is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0022] The image sensor 32 is connected to the bus 48. An example of the image sensor 32 is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The image sensor 32 generates image data 18 by capturing an image of the imaging target area 12 (see FIG. 1 ) under the control of the processor 42.

[0023] Here, a CMOS image sensor is given as an example of the image sensor 32, but this is merely an example, and the image sensor 32 may be other types of image sensors such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0024] An image file creation program 50 is stored in the NVM 44. The image file creation program 50 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 42 reads the image file creation program 50 from the NVM 44 and executes the read image file creation program 50 on the RAM 46 to perform an image file creation process. The image file creation process is an example of a "process" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and is realized by the processor 42 operating as an acquisition unit 42A, an encryption unit 42B, and a recording unit 42C in accordance with the image file creation program 50 executed by the processor 42 on the RAM 46.

[0025] As an example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the acquisition unit 42A acquires image data 18 and incidental information 52. The acquisition unit 42A executes an imaging step and a first acquisition step. The imaging step is a step of acquiring image data 18 obtained by imaging using the image sensor 32 from the image sensor 32. The first acquisition step is a step of acquiring incidental information 52 incidental to the image data 18 as one piece of metadata 20 (see FIG. 1 ). The incidental information 52 is information in a binary format including Exif information. Here, the first acquisition step is an example of an "acquisition step" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The incidental information 52 is an example of "incidental information" and "recorded information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] The incidental information 52 includes multiple tags. Tags are data obtained by dividing the metadata 20 ( FIG. 1 ) into item units. The items include the image capture time, the location of the image capture device 10, the orientation of the image capture device 10, and the image capture conditions. Here, the image capture time refers to the time when an image was captured using the image capture device 10 to obtain the image data 18. The location of the image capture device 10 refers to the location where an image was captured by the image capture device 10 to obtain the image data 18 (e.g., the latitude and longitude of the image capture device 10 at the time the image was captured). The orientation of the image capture device 10 refers to the orientation of the optical axis of the lens attached to the image capture device 10. The image capture conditions refer to various conditions used for capturing images (e.g., subject distance, ISO sensitivity, aperture value, focus position, focal length, etc.).

[0027] The incidental information 52 includes multiple tags such as imaging time information 52A, imaging device position information 52B, orientation information 52C, and imaging condition information 52D. The imaging time information 52A is information indicating the imaging time. The imaging device position information 52B is information indicating the position of the imaging device 10. The orientation information 52C is information indicating the orientation of the imaging device 10. The imaging condition information 52D is information indicating the imaging conditions.

[0028] The imaging condition information 52D includes subject distance information 52D1, sensitivity information 52D2, aperture information 52D3, focus position information 52D4, and focal length information 52D5. The subject distance information 52D1 is information indicating the subject distance (for example, the distance from the light receiving surface of the image sensor 32 to the imaging target area 12). The sensitivity information 52D2 is information indicating the ISO sensitivity. The aperture information 52D3 is information related to the aperture (for example, information indicating the F-number). The focus position information 52D4 is information indicating the focus position of a focus lens included in the lens attached to the imaging device 10. The focal length information 52D5 is information indicating the focal length of the imaging device 10.

[0029] As an example, as shown in Figure 4, the image file 16 has an image data recording area 54 and a metadata recording area 56. The image data recording area 54 is an area in which image data 18 is recorded. The metadata recording area 56 is an area in which metadata 20 is recorded. The metadata recording area 56 has a first recording area 56A and a second recording area 56B. The first recording area 56A is an example of a "first recording area" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the second recording area 56B is an example of a "second recording area" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0030] The first recording area 56A is an area where information in binary format is recorded, and the second recording area 56B is an area where information in text format (for example, JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) Object Notation) format) is recorded.

[0031] Here, an example of the first recording area 56A is the APP1 area of ​​a JPEG file format. An example of the second recording area 56B is a recording area other than the APP1 area of ​​a JPEG file format. An example of a recording area other than the APP1 area of ​​a JPEG file format is the APP11 area. The JPEG file format having the APP1 area and the APP11 area will be described later with reference to FIG. 18.

[0032] The recording unit 42C records the image data 18 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A in the image data recording area 54. The recording unit 42C executes a first recording step. The first recording step is an example of a "recording step" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The first recording step is a step of recording the incidental information 52 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A in the first recording area 56A.

[0033] As an example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the encryption unit 42B acquires encrypted information 58. The encryption unit 42B executes a second acquisition step. The second acquisition step is an example of an "acquisition step" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The second acquisition step is a step of acquiring the collateral information 52 from the first recording area 56A of the image file 16 and encrypting the acquired collateral information 52 to acquire encrypted information 58 as information derived from the collateral information 52. The encrypted information 58 is an example of "derived information" and "encrypted information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0034] An example of encryption of the collateral information 52 is hashing using a hash function 60. In this embodiment, the hash function 60 is stored in the NVM 44. Examples of the hash function 60 include SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512. The encryption unit 42B obtains the hash function 60 from the NVM 44 and encrypts (i.e., hashes) the collateral information 52 using the obtained hash function 60 to obtain encrypted information 58 (i.e., a hash value). Here, the encrypted information 58 is an example of a "hash value" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that the encrypted information 58 may be re-encrypted information 76 obtained by further encrypting the hash value, as shown in FIG. 15 .

[0035] The encryption of the incidental information 52 is preferably performed automatically after the acquisition unit 42A acquires the incidental information 52. To achieve this, for example, the encryption unit 42B synchronizes the end of the first acquisition step with the start of the second acquisition step (e.g., starts the second acquisition step when the first acquisition step ends), thereby performing the first and second acquisition steps consecutively. The reason for doing so is to prevent a third party (e.g., a person not authorized to use the image file 16) from modifying the incidental information 52, deleting a portion of the incidental information 52, or encrypting the modified or partially deleted incidental information 52.

[0036] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6 , encrypted information 58 is recorded in the second recording area 56B. The recording unit 42C executes a second recording step. The second recording step is a step of recording the encrypted information 58 generated by the encryption unit 42B in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16 as one piece of metadata 20. Here, the second recording step is an example of a "recording step" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the encrypted information 58 recorded in the second recording area 56B is an example of "recorded information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] Next, the operation of the portion of the imaging device 10 related to the technique of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] 7 shows an example of the flow of an image file creation process performed by the processor 42 of the imaging device 10. The flow of the image file creation process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is an example of an "image file creation method" according to the technique of the present disclosure.

[0039] 7, first, in step ST10, the acquisition unit 42A determines whether or not one frame of image data has been captured by the image sensor 32. If, in step ST10, the image sensor 32 has not captured one frame of image data (e.g., for a still image), the determination is negative, and the image file creation process proceeds to step ST26. If, in step ST10, the image sensor 32 has captured one frame of image data, the determination is positive, and the image file creation process proceeds to step ST12.

[0040] In step ST12, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the image data 18 from the image sensor 32. After the process of step ST12 is executed, the image file creation process proceeds to step ST14.

[0041] In step ST14, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the additional information 52 that accompanies the image data 18 acquired in step ST12. After the process of step ST14 is executed, the image file creation process proceeds to step ST16.

[0042] In step ST16, the recording unit 42C records the image data 18 acquired in step ST12 in the image data recording area 54 of the image file 16. After the process of step ST16 is executed, the image file creation process proceeds to step ST18.

[0043] In step ST18, the recording unit 42C records the additional information 52 acquired in step ST14 in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16. After the process of step ST18 is executed, the image file creation process proceeds to step ST20.

[0044] In step ST20, the encryption unit 42B acquires the additional information 52 from the first recording area 56A of the image file 16, and encrypts the acquired additional information 52 using a hash function 60 to acquire encrypted information 58. After the processing of step ST20 is executed, the image file creation processing proceeds to step ST22.

[0045] In step ST22, the recording unit 42C records the encryption information 58 obtained in step ST20 in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16. After the process of step ST22 is executed, the image file creation process proceeds to step ST24.

[0046] In step ST24, the recording unit 42C outputs the image file 16 to a default output destination, such as an external device (e.g., a smart device, a personal computer, or a server) connected to the imaging device 10 so as to be able to communicate with the imaging device 10, the NVM 44, or a printer.

[0047] In step ST26, the recording unit 42C determines whether the conditions for terminating the image file creation process are satisfied. One example of a condition for terminating the image file creation process is that an instruction to terminate the image file creation process is accepted by the UI device 34. If the conditions for terminating the image file creation process are not satisfied in step ST26, the determination is negative, and the image file creation process proceeds to step ST10. If the conditions for terminating the image file creation process are satisfied in step ST26, the determination is positive, and the image file creation process is terminated.

[0048] As described above, the imaging device 10 acquires the incidental information 52 and also acquires the encrypted information 58 derived from the incidental information 52. The incidental information 52 is then recorded in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16, and the encrypted information 58 is recorded in the second recording area 56B.

[0049] For example, a user (e.g., the photographer 14 or an editor who has been granted permission to use the image file 16) obtains the encrypted information 58 from the second recording area 56B of the image file 16 configured in this manner, and obtains the collateral information 52 by decrypting the encrypted information 58. The collateral information 52 obtained by the user is used by the user as information that contributes to the management, editing, etc. of the image file 16 (e.g., information for AI annotation). In this way, the encrypted information 58 is recorded in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16, and is used by the user for the management, editing, etc. of the image file 16, thereby improving the convenience of the image file 16 for the user.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the encrypted information 58 recorded in the second recording area 56B is information in which the additional information 52 has been encrypted, and therefore higher security can be achieved than if the additional information 52 were recorded directly in the second recording area 56B.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the encrypted information 58 is obtained by the user for the purpose of managing or editing the image file 16, the incidental information 52 remains recorded in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16. Therefore, the user can refer to and use not only the encrypted information 58 recorded in the first recording area 56B but also the incidental information 52 recorded in the first recording area 56A for the purpose of managing or editing the image file 16. As a result, the convenience of the incidental information 52 is improved.

[0052] In this embodiment, the incidental information 52 is recorded as binary information in the first recording area 56A (here, as an example, the APP1 area), and the encrypted information 58 is recorded as text information in the second recording area 56B (here, as an example, the APP11 area). Therefore, with the incidental information 52 secured in the first recording area 56A as binary information, the encrypted information 58 derived from the incidental information 52 can be handled as text information.

[0053] In the above embodiment, an example in which encryption information 58 is recorded in second recording area 56B has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, recording unit 42C may execute a step of recording recording time information 62 in second recording area 56B of image file 16 as one of the steps included in the second recording step.

[0054] To achieve this, for example, the recording unit 42C first determines whether the encryption information 58 has been recorded in the second recording area 56B. Then, when the recording unit 42C determines that the encryption information 58 has been recorded in the second recording area 56B, it acquires recording time information 62. The recording time information 62 is information indicating the time when the encryption information 58 was recorded in the second recording area 56B (in other words, the time when the recording unit 42C determined that the encryption information 58 had been recorded in the second recording area 56B). Here, the time when the encryption information 58 was recorded in the second recording area 56B is an example of the "timing at which the record information was recorded in the second recording area" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the recording time information 62 is an example of the "timing information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0055] The recording time information 62 is acquired by the recording unit 42C from the time information supply unit 64. The time information supply unit 64 is, for example, a real-time clock installed in the imaging device 10 or a network, and supplies current time information indicating the current time to the recording unit 42C in response to a request from the recording unit 42C. The recording unit 42C records the current time information supplied from the time information supply unit 64 as recording time information 62 in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16.

[0056] This allows the user to easily grasp the timing (here, as an example, the time) when the encryption information 58 was recorded in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16. Furthermore, the user can use the recording time information 62 recorded in the second recording area 56B for managing or editing the image file 16.

[0057] For the sake of convenience, an example has been given here in which information indicating the time at which the encrypted information 58 was recorded in the second recording area 56B is recorded as recording time information 62 in the second recording area 56B, but this is merely one example. For example, information indicating the time at which information other than the encrypted information 58 (e.g., information derived from the collateral information 52) was recorded in the second recording area 56B may be recorded in the second recording area 56B in a similar manner. Also, information related to the timing at which the second acquisition step was completed, i.e., the timing (e.g., the time) at which the collateral information 52 was encrypted, may be recorded in the second recording area 56B as one piece of information derived from the collateral information 52.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the encrypted information 58 is exemplified as information derived from the incidental information 52. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the information derived from the incidental information 52 may be history information 66 relating to the change history of the incidental information 52.

[0059] 9, history information 66 is stored in the NVM 44. Here, an example in which the history information 66 is stored in the NVM 44 is given, but this is merely one example, and the history information 66 may be stored in a storage medium other than the NVM 44. Examples of storage media other than the NVM 44 include storage media provided in devices (e.g., smart devices, personal computers, or servers) connected to the imaging device 10 so as to be able to communicate with the imaging device 10.

[0060] The history information 66 stored in the NVM 44 is updated by the processor 42 or the like each time the incidental information 52 is changed. Examples of the history information 66 include first history information, second history information, and third history information. The first history information is information in which the incidental information 52 before the change and the incidental information 52 after the change are associated with each other and changes in the information are arranged in chronological order. The second history information is information in which information indicating the differences between the incidental information 52 before the change and the incidental information 52 after the change is arranged in chronological order. The third history information is information that can identify the time when the incidental information 52 was changed and the content of the change to the incidental information 52, etc. In this way, the history information 66 may be any information that indicates the history of changes to the incidental information 52.

[0061] The recording unit 42C determines whether or not conditions for recording the history information 66 in the image file 16 (hereinafter referred to as "history information recording conditions") are satisfied. A first example of the history information recording condition is that the history information 66 has been updated. A second example of the history information recording condition is that an instruction to record the history information 66 in the image file 16 has been accepted by the UI device 34.

[0062] When it is determined that the history information recording conditions are satisfied, the recording unit 42C acquires the history information 66 from the NVM 44 and records the acquired history information 66 in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16. This allows the user to easily understand the change history of the incidental information 52. The user can also use the history information 66 recorded in the second recording area 56B to manage or edit the image file 16.

[0063] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which encrypted information 58 obtained by encrypting incidental information 52 is recorded in second recording area 56B, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 10 , subject distance information 52D1 may be recorded in second recording area 56B, or subject position information 68 may be recorded in second recording area 56B.

[0064] 10 , the acquisition unit 42A acquires imaging condition information 52D from the first recording area 56A of the image file 16 and extracts subject distance information 52D1 from the acquired imaging condition information 52D. The recording unit 42C then records the subject distance information 52D1 extracted from the imaging condition information 52D by the acquisition unit 42A in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16.

[0065] As a result, the first recording area 56A can comprehensively manage the subject distance information 52D1 together with other information included in the incidental information 52, and the second recording area 56B can manage the subject distance information 52D1 separately from the incidental information 52 in the first recording area 56A. Furthermore, the first recording area 56A manages the subject distance information 52D1 together with other information in the imaging condition information 52D as a single item, and the second recording area 56B can manage the subject distance information 52D1 separately from the imaging condition information 52D.

[0066] Note that, although an example in which subject distance information 52D1 is recorded in second recording area 56B is given here, this is merely one example, and other information included in incidental information 52 may be recorded in second recording area 56B, or other information included in imaging condition information 52D in incidental information 52 may be recorded in second recording area 56B. Furthermore, multiple pieces of information included in incidental information 52 may be divided into designated categories and then recorded in second recording area 56B.

[0067] 10 , subject position information 68 is information indicating the position of the imaging target area 12 (here, as an example, the latitude and longitude of the imaging target area 12), and is calculated by the acquisition unit 42A. The acquisition unit 42A acquires imaging device position information 52B and orientation information 52C from the first recording area 56A of the image file 16. The acquisition unit 42A then calculates the subject position information 68 based on subject distance information 52D1 extracted from the imaging condition information 52D, the imaging device position information 52B, and the orientation information 52C. The recording unit 42C records the subject position information 68 calculated by the acquisition unit 42A in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16.

[0068] 10 , subject position information 68, which is information derived from subject distance information 52D1, imaging device position information 52B, and orientation information 52C obtained by dividing incidental information 52, is recorded in second recording area 56B of image file 16. Subject position information 68 is information that is not recorded in first recording area 56A. Therefore, subject position information 68 recorded in second recording area 56B as information that is not recorded in first recording area 56A is used by the user for managing or editing image file 16, thereby improving the convenience of image file 16 for the user.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 10 , subject distance information 52D1 is recorded in the second recording area 56B without being associated with other information, and subject position information 68 is recorded in the second recording area 56B without being associated with other information. However, this is merely an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the imaging condition information 52D used to obtain the subject distance information 52D1 may be recorded in the second recording area 56B in an associated state with the subject distance information 52D1. The second recording area 56B may have a directory structure. In this case, for example, the imaging condition information 52D may be stored in a higher-level directory, and the subject distance information 52D1 may be stored in a lower-level directory than the imaging condition information 52D. In this case, the imaging condition information 52D and the subject distance information 52D1 can be comprehensively managed while the master-slave relationship between the imaging condition information 52D and the subject distance information 52D1 can be grasped.

[0070] In a similar manner, the subject distance information 52D1, orientation information 52C, and imaging device position information 52B used to obtain the subject position information 68 may be recorded in the second recording area 56B in an associated state with the subject position information 68. In this case, for example, the subject distance information 52D1, orientation information 52C, and imaging device position information 52B may be stored in a higher-level directory, and the subject position information 68 may be stored in a lower-level directory than the subject distance information 52D1, orientation information 52C, and imaging device position information 52B. In this case, the subject distance information 52D1, orientation information 52C, imaging device position information 52B, and subject position information 68 can be comprehensively managed in a state in which the master-slave relationship between the subject distance information 52D1, orientation information 52C, imaging device position information 52B, and the subject position information 68 can be grasped.

[0071] Although a two-level directory hierarchy is illustrated here, this is merely an example, and various pieces of information may be stored in three or more levels of directories according to the hierarchy of the various pieces of information. For example, since subject position information 68 is information calculated based on subject distance information 52D1, imaging condition information 52D used to obtain subject distance information 52D1 may be stored in a first-level directory, subject distance information 52D1 may be stored in a second-level directory, and subject position information 68 may be stored in a third-level directory.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the incidental information 52 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A is unconditionally recorded in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the incidental information 52 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A may be recorded in the first recording area 56A in accordance with an instruction received by the UI device 34.

[0073] In this case, for example, a first receiving step and a third recording step are executed in the imaging device 10. The first receiving step is a step of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to record the incidental information 52 in the first recording area 56A. The third recording step is a step of recording the incidental information 52 in the first recording area 56A when an instruction to record the incidental information 52 in the first recording area 56A is received in the first receiving step. Here, the first receiving step is an example of an "receiving step" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the third recording step is an example of a "recording step" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0074] 12 , when a recording instruction 70 that is an instruction to record the incidental information 52 in the first recording area 56A is received by the UI device 34, the recording unit 42C records the incidental information 52 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A in the first recording area 56A. This allows the incidental information 52 to be recorded in the first recording area 56A at the timing intended by the user.

[0075] 12 illustrates an example in which all of the incidental information 52 is recorded in the first recording area 56A, but this is merely one example. For example, a plurality of pieces of information included in the incidental information 52 (e.g., image capture time information 52A, image capture device position information 52B, orientation information 52C, image capture condition information 52D, or subject distance information 52D1 included in the image capture condition information 52D) may be designated by the user via the UI device 34, and the designated pieces of information may be recorded in the second recording area 56B. Here, the plurality of pieces of information is an example of "plurality of recorded information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0076] The specified information does not have to be recorded in the first recording area 56A. By not recording the specified information in the first recording area 56A, the capacity of the image file 16 can be reduced. Furthermore, information desired by the user from among the incidental information 52 conventionally recorded in the first recording area 56A can be recorded in the second recording area 56B, which offers greater freedom of description. Furthermore, by recording derived information (e.g., encryption information 58, recording time information 62, history information 66, and subject position information 68) that was not conventionally recorded in the first recording area 56A in the second recording area 56B, important information is consolidated in the second recording area 56B, thereby improving the convenience of the image file 16.

[0077] Furthermore, a plurality of pieces of information grouped into units of items specified by the user from the incidental information 52 (for example, one or more sets of information divided into units of items specified by the user) may be recorded in the first recording area 56A or in the second recording area 56B. In this way, by recording the information specified by the user in the first recording area 56A or in the second recording area 56B, the convenience of the image file 16 for the user is improved.

[0078] 12 has been described with reference to an example in which all of the incidental information 52 is recorded in the first recording area 56A by the recording unit 42C when the recording instruction 70 is received by the UI-based device 34, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, even if some of the multiple pieces of information included in the incidental information 52 are specified as information not to be recorded in the first recording area 56A, they may be recorded in the second recording area 56B in accordance with the instruction received by the UI-based device 34.

[0079] In this case, for example, a second receiving step and a fourth recording step are executed in the imaging device 10. The second receiving step is an example of an “receiving step” according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the fourth recording step is an example of a “recording step” according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0080] The second receiving step is a step of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to record, in the first recording area 56A, information that is determined not to be recorded in the first recording area 56A, among the plurality of pieces of information included in the incidental information 52. The fourth recording step is a step of recording, in the first recording area 56A, the information that is determined not to be recorded in the first recording area 56A, among the plurality of pieces of information included in the incidental information 52, in accordance with the instruction received in the second receiving step.

[0081] 13 , a reference table 72 is stored in the NVM 44. The reference table 72 includes information that can identify, from among the plurality of pieces of information included in the collateral information 52, information that is permitted to be recorded in the first recording area 56A and information that is not permitted to be recorded in the first recording area 56A. Basically, the recording unit 42C selects the plurality of pieces of information included in the collateral information 52 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A in accordance with the reference table 72 and records the selected pieces of information in the first recording area 56A. That is, the recording unit 42C refers to the reference table 72, and does not record, from among the plurality of pieces of information included in the collateral information 52 acquired by the acquisition unit 42A, information that is not permitted to be recorded in the first recording area 56A in the first recording area 56A, and records, in the first recording area 56A, information that is permitted to be recorded in the first recording area 56A.

[0082] Here, when a recording instruction 74 that is an instruction to record information that is not permitted to be recorded in the first recording area 56A according to the reference table 72 in the first recording area 56A is received by the UI-based device 34, the recording unit 42C records in the first recording area 56A the information that is not permitted to be recorded in the first recording area 56A according to the reference table 72. In the example shown in Fig. 13 , the reference table 72 does not permit the recording of image capture time information 52A and image capture device position information 52B in the first recording area 56A, but when the recording instruction 74 is received by the UI-based device 34, the recording unit 42C records the image capture time information 52A and the image capture device position information 52B in the first recording area 56A.

[0083] As a result, even if the incidental information 52 (in the example shown in FIG. 13 ) is specified as information not to be recorded in the first recording area 56A (image capture time information 52A and image capture device location information 52B), if the user desires, this incidental information 52 can be recorded in the first recording area 56A, thereby improving the convenience of the image file 16 for the user.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the hash function 60 is not recorded in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the hash function 60 used to encrypt the auxiliary information 52 may be recorded in the second recording area 56B by the recording unit 42C.

[0085] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the encryption information 58 is recorded in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, re-encrypted information 76, which is information obtained by encrypting the encryption information 58 (i.e., the hash value), may be recorded in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16. Here, the re-encrypted information 76 is an example of "encrypted information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0086] 15 , the encryption unit 42B generates a private key 78 and generates a public key 80 corresponding to the private key 78. The public key 80 is stored in a storage device 82 by the encryption unit 42B. The storage device 82 is a device (e.g., a server or a personal computer) communicatively connected to the imaging device 10 via a network. The encryption unit 42B generates a uniform resource locator (URL) 84 that can identify the location where the public key 80 is stored (e.g., the location where the public key 80 is stored by the storage device 82). The recording unit 42C records the hash function 60, the re-encryption information 76, and the URL 84 in the second recording area 56B of the image file 16.

[0087] The re-encrypted information 76 recorded in the second recording area 56B is information obtained by further encrypting the encrypted information 58. In other words, the re-encrypted information 76 is information obtained by double-encrypting the incidental information 52. Therefore, higher security can be achieved than when the incidental information 52 is recorded as is in the second recording area 56B or when the encrypted information 58 is recorded. Furthermore, a user can obtain the public key 80 from the storage device 82 by using the URL 84 recorded in the second recording area 56B. Therefore, the public key 80 can be easily obtained by authorized users who handle the image file 16.

[0088] Here, an example in which the URL 84 is recorded in the second recording area 56B has been described, but this is merely an example, and the public key 80 may also be recorded in the second recording area 56B. In this case, the user can quickly obtain the public key 80.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the accompanying information 52 recorded in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16 was used as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied even when multiple pieces of accompanying information are recorded in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16, as shown in FIG. 16 .

[0090] 16, first incidental information 86 is recorded as incidental information in the first recording area 56A of the image file 16. The first incidental information 86 is incidental information related to the artist, and includes owner information 86A, photographer information 86B, and editor information 86C. The owner information 86 is information related to the owner of the imaging device 10. The photographer information 86B is information related to the photographer 14. The editor information 86C is information related to the editor who edits the image file 16.

[0091] The UI-based device 34 receives designation information 92. The designation information is information that specifies division of a portion of the first incidental information 86 recorded in the first recording area 56A. When the UI-based device 34 receives the designation information 92, the recording unit 42C records, in the second recording area 56B, derived information (e.g., a portion of the owner information 86A, the photographer information 86B, and the editor information 86C designated by the designation information 92) obtained by dividing a portion of the plurality of pieces of information (owner information 86A, photographer information 86B, and editor information 86C) included in the first incidental information 86. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , a portion of the first incidental information 86, i.e., the derived information derived from the first incidental information 86 (owner information 86A in the example shown in FIG. 16 ), is recorded by the recording unit 42C in the second recording area 56B as second incidental information 88. This allows, when the first ancillary information 86 recorded in the first recording area 56A contains multiple pieces of information, the information intended by the user to be separated from the first ancillary information 86 and recorded in the second recording area 56B.

[0092] 16 has been described with reference to an example in which designated information from among the plurality of pieces of information included in the first incidental information 86 is recorded in the second recording area 56B, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, derived information derived from one or more designated pieces of information from among the plurality of pieces of information included in the first incidental information 86 may be recorded in the second recording area 56B.

[0093] In the above embodiment, an example in which the incidental information 52 is recorded in the first recording area 56A has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the incidental information 52 may be information that can be recorded in the first recording area 56A, but may not be recorded in the first recording area 56A, but may instead be recorded in the second recording area 56B. Furthermore, the incidental information 52 may be information that can be recorded in the first recording area 56A, but may not be recorded in the first recording area 56A, and information derived from the incidental information 52 may instead be recorded in the second recording area 56B. Note that an example of the incidental information 52 that can be recorded in the first recording area 56A is information on items that have traditionally been recorded in the first recording area 56A (e.g., the APP1 area).

[0094] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which information obtained by encrypting the collateral information 52 is recorded in the second recording area 56B as derived information derived from the collateral information 52, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, reliability information may be associated with information obtained by encrypting the collateral information 52 or the collateral information 52 (hereinafter, these may also be referred to as "recorded information") and recorded in the second recording area 56B as a piece of derived information. The reliability information is an example of "derived information" and "recorded information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0095] Reliability information refers to information that indicates the reliability of recorded information. For example, recorded information that is highly susceptible to alteration or deletion can be said to have low reliability. Conversely, recorded information that is less susceptible to alteration or deletion can be said to have high reliability. The reliability of recorded information depends on the source of the recorded information. In other words, the source of the recorded information can be one indicator that allows users of the image file 16 to determine the reliability of the recorded information.

[0096] For example, if the source of the recorded information is a highly secure source (e.g., a source where it is difficult to modify or delete the recorded information), the user of image file 16 can determine that the reliability of the recorded information is also high, and if the source of the recorded information is a low-security source (e.g., a source where it is easy to modify or delete the recorded information), the user of image file 16 can determine that the reliability of the recorded information is also low.

[0097] An example of a source with high security is a network. Examples of sources with lower security than a network (i.e., sources that are more susceptible to third-party intervention than a network) include a UI device 34 or a read / write memory (e.g., NVM 44). In this case, recorded information obtained manually or from a read / write memory can be considered less reliable than recorded information obtained via a network. Therefore, an example of reliability information is information indicating whether the recorded information was obtained via a network. In this way, by recording reliability information as a piece of derived information in association with the recorded information in the second recording area 56B, the security of the recorded information can be improved, and as a result, the security of the image file 16 can be improved.

[0098] In the above embodiment, an example in which the image file creation process is executed by the computer 30 in the imaging device 10 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the image file creation process may be executed by a computer 98 in an external device 96 communicably connected to the imaging device 10 via a network 94. An example of the computer 98 is a server computer for a cloud service. The computer 98 is an example of an "image file creation device" and a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0099] 17, the computer 98 includes a processor 100, an NVM 102, and a RAM 104. The NVM 102 stores an image file creation program 50.

[0100] The imaging device 10 requests the external device 96 to execute an image file creation process via the network 94. In response to this, the processor 100 of the external device 96 reads the image file creation program 50 from the NVM 102 and executes the image file creation program 50 on the RAM 104. The processor 100 performs the image file creation process in accordance with the image file creation program 50 executed on the RAM 104. The processor 100 then provides the processing result obtained by executing the image file creation process to the imaging device 10 via the network 94.

[0101] 17 shows an example in which the external device 96 executes the image file creation process, but this is merely one example. For example, the image file creation process may be distributed between the imaging device 10 and the external device 96, or may be distributed among a plurality of devices including the imaging device 10 and the external device 96.

[0102] An example of the data structure of the image file 16 exemplified in the above embodiment is the data structure of a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) file compatible with Exif version 3.0 (Exif 3.0), as shown in Fig. 18. Although a JPEG file is exemplified here, this is merely an example, and the image file is not limited to a JPEG file.

[0103] JPEG XT Part 3, a type of JPEG, provides marker segments "APP1 area" and "APP11 area" as areas where additional information can be added. "APP1" stores tag information related to the capture date and time, capture location, capture conditions, etc., of the image data 18. "APP11" includes JUMBF (JPEG Universal Metadata box format) boxes (specifically, for example, JUMBF1 and JUMBF2 boxes), which are metadata storage areas. The JUMBF1 box contains a Content Type box where metadata is stored, and text information can be written in this area using the JSON format. The metadata description method is not limited to the JSON format and can also be XML (Extensible Markup Language). Furthermore, information different from that in the JUMBF1 box can be written in the Content Type box of the JUMBF2 box. In a JPEG file, approximately 60,000 JUMBF boxes like the one above can be created.

[0104] Furthermore, the data structure of Exif 3.0 expands the area where additional information can be added (e.g., the APP11 area) compared to the previous version, Exif 2.32. Specifically, a box area conforming to JUMBF has been added. This box area may have multiple hierarchical levels, in which case additional information can be stored (i.e., written) with varying content or abstraction depending on the hierarchical order. For example, the type of subject depicted in the image data 18 may be written in a higher level, while the subject's condition or attributes may be written in a lower level. Thus, the APP11 area, an example of the second recording area 56B, offers greater flexibility in description than the APP1 area, an example of the first recording area 56A, making it suitable for recording multiple pieces of additional information specified by the user.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the image file creation program 50 is stored in the NVM 44, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the image file creation program 50 may be stored in a portable, computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a USB memory, or a magnetic tape. The image file creation program 50 stored in the non-transitory storage medium is installed in the imaging device 10. The processor 42 executes the image file creation process in accordance with the image file creation program 50.

[0106] In addition, the image file creation program 50 may be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server device connected to the imaging device 10 via a network, and the image file creation program 50 may be downloaded and installed in the imaging device 10 in response to a request from the imaging device 10.

[0107] It is not necessary to store the entire image file creation program 50 in a storage device such as another computer or server device connected to the imaging device 10, or in the NVM 44; only a portion of the image file creation program 50 may be stored therein.

[0108] Furthermore, although the imaging device 10 shown in FIG. 2 has a built-in computer 30, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the computer 30 may be provided outside the imaging device 10.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example in which the technology of the present disclosure is realized by a software configuration is described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and devices including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may also be applied. Also, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

[0110] The hardware resources that execute the image file creation process described in the above embodiments can be various processors, as listed below. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource that executes the image file creation process by executing software, i.e., a program. Examples of processors include dedicated electronic circuits, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor executes the image file creation process by using the memory.

[0111] The hardware resource that executes the image file creation process may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes the image file creation process may be a single processor.

[0112] Examples of a system using a single processor include: a first configuration in which one processor is configured using a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes the image file creation process; a second configuration in which a processor is used to implement the functions of an entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute the image file creation process, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by SoCs (System-on-a-Chips); and in this way, the image file creation process is implemented using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0113] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, electronic circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. The image file creation process described above is merely an example. It goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the process.

[0114] Although the image file creation process performed by the imaging device 10 has been mentioned above, the same can be said for the image file creation process performed by the receiving device 24 .

[0115] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0116] In this specification, the grammatical concept of "A or B" includes not only the concept of "either one of A or B," but also a concept synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A or B" includes the meaning that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "or."

[0117] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0118] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 1) An image file creation method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring record information including collateral information that can be recorded in a first recording area of ​​an image file, or derived information derived from the collateral information; and a recording step of recording the record information in a second recording area of ​​the image file.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 2) The image file creation method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the incidental information is recorded in the first recording area, and the recorded information includes the incidental information.

[0121] (Supplementary Note 3) The image file creation method according to Supplementary Note 2, further comprising a receiving step of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to record the incidental information in the first recording area, and a recording step of recording the incidental information in the first recording area when a recording instruction is received by the receiving step.

[0122] (Supplementary Note 4) The image file creation method according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the receiving step receives a request as to whether or not to record, in the first recording area, the incidental information that is determined as information that is not to be recorded in the first recording area.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 5) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the recorded information includes derived information.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 6) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the derivative information is encrypted information obtained by encrypting the additional information.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 7) The image file creation method according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the encrypted information is a hash value or information obtained by encrypting the hash value.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 8) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the derived information is information obtained by dividing the auxiliary information.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 9) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the derivative information is history information relating to a change history of the incidental information.

[0128] (Supplementary Note 10) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the recording step records timing information relating to a timing at which the record information is recorded in the second recording area.

[0129] (Supplementary Note 11) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the recording step records a specified part of the plurality of pieces of recording information in the second recording area.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 12) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the first recording area is an area in which information in binary format is recorded, and the second recording area is an area in which information in text format is recorded.

[0131] (Supplementary Note 13) The image file creation method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the image file is a format file in JPEG format, the first recording area is an APP1 area of ​​the format file, and the second recording area is an area of ​​the format file other than the APP1 area of ​​the format file.

Claims

1. An acquisition step of acquiring recording information including additional information that can be recorded in a first recording area of an image file, or derived information derived from the additional information; A recording step of recording the recording information in a second recording area of the image file; A reception step of receiving whether to record the additional information in the first recording area, wherein the recording step records the additional information in the first recording area when a recording instruction is received by the reception step, and the reception step receives whether to record the additional information defined as information not to be recorded in the first recording area in the first recording area An image file creation method.

2. The additional information is recorded in the first recording area, and the recording information includes the additional information The image file creation method according to claim 1.

3. The recording information includes the derived information The image file creation method according to claim 1.

4. The derived information is encrypted information obtained by encrypting the additional information The image file creation method according to claim 1.

5. The encrypted information is a hash value or information obtained by encrypting the hash value The image file creation method according to claim 4.

6. The derived information is information obtained by splitting the additional information The image file creation method according to claim 1.

7. The derived information is history information regarding a change history of the additional information The image file creation method according to claim 1.

8. The recording step records timing information regarding the timing when the recording information is recorded in the second recording area The image file creation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The recording step records a part of the recording information specified from a plurality of the recording information in the second recording area The image file creation method according to claim 1.

10. The first recording area is an area where binary format information is recorded, and the second recording area is an area where text format information is recorded The image file creation method according to claim 1.

11. The image file is a format file in JPEG format, the first recording area is the APP1 area of the format file, and the second recording area is an area of the format file other than the APP1 area of the format file The method for creating an image file according to claim 1.

12. A first recording area in which additional information can be recorded, and a second recording area, and recording information including the additional information or derivative information derived from the additional information is recorded in the second recording area image file.

13. An image file creation device comprising a processor, wherein the processor acquires recording information including additional information that can be recorded in a first recording area of an image file or derivative information derived from the additional information, records the recording information in a second recording area of the image file, receives whether to record the additional information in the first recording area, records the additional information in the first recording area when a recording instruction is received, and receives whether to record the additional information defined as information not to be recorded in the first recording area in the first recording area image file creation device.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute a process, wherein the process includes an acquisition step of acquiring recording information including additional information that can be recorded in a first recording area of an image file or derivative information derived from the additional information, a recording step of recording the recording information in a second recording area of the image file, and a reception step of receiving whether to record the additional information in the first recording area, wherein the recording step records the additional information in the first recording area when a recording instruction is received by the reception step, and the reception step receives whether to record the additional information defined as information not to be recorded in the first recording area in the first recording area program.

Images