Image reproduction apparatus using image files related to an electronic map, image reproduction method for the same, and recording medium for recording program for executing the method

• US 20090052729A1
• Filed: 01/30/2008
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Samsung Group)
• Original Assignee: Samsung Techwin Corporation (Hanwha Corporation)
• Inventors: Bae, Sung-cheol
• Granted Patent: US 8,315,438 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/100
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0044 for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3252 Image capture parameters, e.g. resolution, illumination conditions, orientation of the image capture device H04N2201/3256 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3253 Position information, e.g. geographical position at time of capture, GPS data

Abstract

An image reproduction apparatus for displaying images of image files including an image of a target point to be observed by using image files located adjacent to the target point. A method of reproducing an image of an image file on an electronic map including the image file so that position information of the image file matches position information on the electronic map includes: (a) selecting a target point to be observed on the electronic map and obtaining position information of the target point; (b) setting a search range of image files on the electronic map; (c) searching for image files including an image of the target point within the set search range; and (d) displaying images of the found image files on the electronic map.

Claims

1. A method of reproducing an image of an image file on an electronic map including the image file so that position information of the image file matches position information on the electronic map, the method comprising the steps:

(a) selecting a target point to be observed on the electronic map and obtaining position information of the target point;

(b) setting a search range of image files on the electronic map;

(c) searching for image files including an image of the target point within the set search range; and

(d) displaying images of the found image files on the electronic map.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises:

setting the search range within a currently displayed screen on the electronic map in which the target point is included.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises setting the search range within a predetermined radius range based on the target point.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises:

detecting image files having position information included within the set search range;

assigning an order to the detected image files; and

analyzing azimuth information and view angle information of the image files in the assigned order and determining whether the image files include an image of the target point.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the analyzing of the azimuth information and the view angle information of the image files in the assigned order and determining of whether the image files may include the image of the target point is determined using the Formula below

7. The method of claim 6, wherein β

is calculated using the Formula below

8. The method of claim 6, wherein ω

is calculated from a 35 mm conversion focal length.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein ω

is calculated using the Formula below

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the image file is displayed on the electronic map in a shape of a predetermined icon indicating position information.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the image file is displayed on the electronic map in a shape of a predetermined icon indicating position information, azimuth information, and view angle information.

23. A computer readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of claim 1.

4. The method of claim 4, wherein the predetermined radius range is set in association with an altitude of an image located at the target point.

12. A method of reproducing an image of an image file on an electronic map on which a predetermined icon indicating position information, azimuth information, and view angle information of the image file is displayed, wherein position information of the image file matches position information on the electronic map, the method comprising the steps:

(a) selecting an icon oriented toward an image of a target point to be observed using the icon shape;

(b) executing the selected icon; and

(c) displaying an image of an image file linked to the icon on the electronic map.

13. An apparatus for reproducing an image of an image file on an electronic map including the image file so that position information of the image file matches position information on the electronic map, the apparatus comprising:

a target point selecting unit that selects a target point to be observed on the electronic map and obtains position information of the target point;

a search range setting unit that sets a search range of image files on the electronic map;

an image file search unit that searches for image files including an image of the target point in the set search range; and

a display unit that displays images of the found image files on the electronic map.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the image file search unit comprises:

a detecting unit that detects image files having position information included within the set search range;

an order assigning unit that assigns an order to the detected image files; and

a determining unit that analyzes azimuth information and view angle information of the image files in the assigned order and determines whether the image files include an image of the target point.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the analyzing of the azimuth information and the view angle information of the image files in the assigned order and determining of whether the image files may include the image of the target point is determined using the Formula below

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein p is calculated using the Formula below

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein ω

is calculated from a 35 mm conversion focal length.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein ω

is calculated using the Formula below

19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electronic map is real-time provided from an external server using Internet communication.

20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is a Personal Computer (PC).

21. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is a car navigator.

22. An apparatus for reproducing an image of an image file on an electronic map on which predetermined icons indicating position information, azimuth information, and view angle information of the image file are displayed, wherein position information of the image file matches position information on the electronic map, the apparatus comprising:

an icon selecting unit that selects an icon oriented toward an image of a target point to be observed using the icon shape;

an icon execution unit that executes the selected icon; and

a display unit that displays an image of an image file linked to the icon on the electronic map.