JP2003076638A - Device, method, and program for converting image data, and method of collecting image data conversion charge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data converting device allowing delivery of appropriate image data corresponding to fine difference in display characteristic of every apparatus. SOLUTION: A display characteristic of each apparatus is previously stored in database 110, a display characteristic corresponding to a specified type code is read out of the database 110, and inputted image data 101 is converted based on the display characteristic read out of the database 110. For example, the image size, number of colors, color depth, gamma characteristic, data format, and the like are converted based on the display characteristic of the type read out of the database.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data conversion device, an image data conversion method, an image data conversion program for converting image data according to display characteristics of a device, and an image for collecting a fee for using the image data conversion method. Data conversion fee collection method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When image data is distributed to various devices such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, and a car navigation system through a communication network such as the Internet, the display capabilities and display methods of the other device are not uniform, so the server side Therefore, a plurality of types of image data are prepared in advance, and image data suitable for the accessed device is selected and transmitted from among them.

[0003]

The display capabilities of devices that access a server tend to diversify. This is because the price occupies a large part of the market value of the device, and measures are taken to simplify certain elements in the part related to the display for cost reduction. For example, as elements related to display, (1) grade of liquid crystal and various FPD devices alone (display area, coloring characteristics, dot aspect ratio, etc.), (2) grade of video circuit (color) for outputting an image on the liquid crystal display panel. Depth, color development characteristics, refresh rate, etc., (3) amount of memory installed in the device (image size that can be stored, display speed, etc.), (4) performance of graphic processing LSI installed in the device (graphic Control system, functions such as sprite, movie, 3D), (5)
There are browsers, firmware (file formats, etc.) installed in the device, and various models with different display characteristics are put on the market due to the difference in design concept of which element is simplified.

However, in the conventional method in which a plurality of types of image data are prepared in advance on the server side and the image data suitable for the accessed device is selected and transmitted, the man-hours for creating the image data and Due to the large storage capacity, it has not been possible to deliver image data that accommodates small differences in display characteristics between devices.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques, and image data conversion that enables distribution of appropriate image data corresponding to small differences in display characteristics of each device. An object of the present invention is to provide a device, an image data conversion method, an image data conversion program, and an image data conversion fee collecting method for collecting a usage fee of the image data converting method.

[0006]

The gist of the present invention for achieving the above object resides in the inventions of the following items. [1] In an image data conversion device for converting image data according to display characteristics of a device, a database (110) in which display characteristics of each model are stored in advance, and a display characteristic corresponding to an input model name is stored in the database ( An image data conversion device comprising: a reading unit (130) for reading from the image processing unit 110); and an image conversion unit (140) for converting input image data based on the display characteristics read from the database (110). .

[2] In the image data conversion method for converting the image data according to the display characteristics of the device, the display corresponding to the input model name is input from the database (110) in which the display characteristics of each model are stored in advance. An image characterized by including a step of reading the characteristics by the reading means (130) and a step of converting the input image data by the image conversion means (140) based on the display characteristics read from the database (110). Data conversion method.

[3] An image data conversion program for causing a computer to execute the image data conversion method described in [2].

[4] The number of times image data has been converted by the image data conversion device described in [1] or [3]
The counting means counts the number of times the image data has been converted by executing the image data conversion program described above, the notification means notifies the charge collection means of the count value of the counting means, and And a fee collection means collecting a usage fee according to the count value of the counting means notified by the notification means from a predetermined contract partner.

[5] The updating means updates the contents of the database (110) used in the image data converting apparatus described in [1] or the image data converting method described in [3], and the updating means The database (11
0) The method of collecting the image data conversion fee from the predetermined contracting party every time the content of 0) is updated.

The present invention operates as follows. The display characteristics for each model are stored in advance in the database (110), the display characteristics corresponding to the designated model are read from the previous database (110), and the input image data is read from the previous database (110). Convert based on the display characteristics. For example, the image size, the number of colors, the color depth, the gamma characteristic, the data format, etc. are stored as the display characteristics, and the image size adjustment, the color adjustment, and the data are adjusted based on the display characteristics of the corresponding model read from the database (110). Converts formats etc.

In this way, the display characteristics of each model are stored in the database (110) in advance, the display characteristics of the accessed model are read from the database (110), and the image data is converted based on this. It is possible to distribute image data that is compatible with small differences in display characteristics of each device.

Further, the above-mentioned image data conversion device or image data conversion program is provided, and the counting means counts the number of times the image data is converted by using the image data conversion device and the notification means. Notifies the collection means, and the collection means collects the usage fee according to the notified count value from a predetermined contract partner. Further, every time the updating means updates the contents of the database (110) according to the release of a new model, the collecting means collects the data update fee from a predetermined contract partner. By adopting such an image data conversion fee collecting method, it is possible to realize a business form in which profit can be continuously obtained.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration and a processing flow of an image data conversion apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which targets a still image. As shown in FIG. 1, the image data conversion apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment
Reference numeral 00 denotes a database 110 in which display characteristics (display characteristic data) for each model are stored as a profile, a model code input unit 120 that receives an input of a model code, and a profile that reads a profile corresponding to the input model code from the database 110. A selection unit 130,
An image conversion unit 140 that converts the input image data into image data suitable for the display characteristics indicated by the profile read from the database 110.

In the profile for each model stored in the database 110, information such as image size, number of colors, gamma characteristic, data format (file format such as PNG, BMP, GIF) of the model is registered. For example, the device display method is [1] monochrome (binary), [2]
Gray scale (4 to 256 gradations), [3] fixed color (8 colors, 16 colors), [4] index color (2
Bit (4 colors) to 8 bits (256 colors)), color depth (4: 4: 4, 5: 6: 5, etc.), alpha index (4: 4: 4: 4, etc.), fixed color mixed type (BS [5] Extended index color (16 bits), [6] High color (32000 colors, 6)
4000 colors), [7] full color (16 million colors),
[8] MPEG4 + sprite mixed type, [9] MPEG
4 + polygon + sprite mixed type, [10] MPEG
2, etc., and information regarding these is also registered in the profile as display characteristic data.

In the case of targeting a still image, the image conversion unit 140, as shown in FIG. 1, the image size adjustment unit 141.
A color adjusting unit 142 and a color space converting unit 143.
And a file conversion unit 144. The input file 101 includes an image size adjustment unit 141, a color adjustment unit 142, a color space conversion unit 143, and a file conversion unit 14.
The output file 10 after the sequential conversion processing by 4
It is output as 2.

The image size adjusting section 141 is a section for performing processing such as enlargement, reduction or trimming on the image data of the input file 101 so that the image size indicated by the profile is obtained. The color adjustment unit 142 is a unit that performs color adjustment such as color balance and contrast on the image data output by the image size adjustment unit 141 according to the display characteristic data indicated by the profile. The color space conversion unit 143 is a unit that converts the image data output by the color adjustment unit 142 into image data corresponding to the display format of the device indicated by the profile. For example, a process of converting a full color image into an index color or a high color is performed. File converter 14
Reference numeral 4 denotes a portion for converting the image data output from the color space conversion unit 143 into a data format (file format) indicated by the profile, and for example, is adapted to perform processing such as converting the BMP format into GIF. .

FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the image data conversion apparatus 100 and a flow of processing when a moving image is targeted. The image conversion unit 140 in the case of a moving image includes a decoding unit 145, an image size adjustment unit 141, a color adjustment unit 142, and an encoding unit 146. The input file 105 is moving image data in a format such as MPEG. The input file 105 includes the decoding unit 14
5, the image size adjusting unit 141, the color adjusting unit 142, and the encoding unit 146 sequentially perform conversion processing and the like, and then output as the output file 106.

The decoding section 145 is a section for decoding the input moving image data to decompose and generate still image data. The image size adjustment unit 141 is a unit that performs processing such as enlargement, reduction, or trimming on the image data of the still image output by the decoding unit 145 so that the image size indicated by the profile is obtained. The color adjusting unit 142, for the image data output by the image size adjusting unit 141,
This is a part for performing color adjustment such as color balance and contrast according to the display characteristic data indicated by the profile.
The encoding unit 146 is a unit that generates an image data file of a moving image from the image data of the still image output from the color adjusting unit 142 according to the frame rate and the compression method indicated by the profile.

Next, the operation of the image data conversion apparatus 100 when a still image is targeted will be described. The image data conversion apparatus 100 is used, for example, connected to a server on the Internet, and when delivering image data from a server to an accessing user, the original image data stored in the server is sent to the user's device. Performs the function of converting to suit. The image data conversion device 100
Can also be used in the form of batch processing online.

The image data conversion apparatus 100 receives the model code of the device of the user as the distribution destination of the image data, the file of the image data to be distributed to the user, and the conversion processing execution instruction from the server or the like as follows. Start processing. First, the profile corresponding to the input model code is read from the database 110, and the image size adjusting unit 141 to the file converting unit 144 finds each of the display characteristic data required by the profile.
Hand over to.

After that, the image data of the input file 101 is processed by the image size adjusting section 141 to convert the image size into the image data adapted to the user's device. Next, the image data output from the image size adjusting unit 141 is processed by the color adjusting unit 142, and color adjustment is performed so that the contrast and gamma characteristics suitable for the user's device are obtained. Further, the image data output by the color adjustment unit 142 is processed by the color space conversion unit 143 and converted into a display format suitable for the user's device. Finally, the image data output from the color space conversion unit 143 is processed by the file conversion unit 144, converted into a file format suitable for the user's device, and the result is output as the output file 102.

Next, the case of targeting a moving image will be described. When the image data conversion device 100 receives a model code, an image data file, and a conversion process execution instruction from a server or the like, the profile corresponding to the input model code is read from the database 110, and among the display characteristic data indicated by the profile. Those required by each are delivered to the image size adjusting unit 141, the color adjusting unit 142, and the encoding unit 146. Then input file 10
The video data of No. 5 is decomposed into still images by the decoding unit 145, and the still images are sequentially screen by screen image size adjusting unit 1.
Output to 41. The image size adjustment unit 141 converts the image size of the still image input from the decoding unit 145 so as to match the image size of the user's device acquired from the profile. Next, the image data output from the image size adjustment unit 141 is processed by the color adjustment unit 142, and color adjustment is performed so that the contrast and gamma characteristics suitable for the user's device are obtained. The color space conversion unit 143 sequentially reads the image data of the still image output from the color adjustment unit 142, and generates moving image data of a frame rate and a compression method suitable for the user's device.

As described above, the display characteristics of each model are stored in the database 110 in advance, the display characteristics of the designated model are read from the database 110, and the original image data is used as the optimum image for the model based on this. Since the data is converted into data, it is possible to provide image data suitable for each model even when the model is diversified.

Further, the image data conversion device 100 described above.
Alternatively, an image data conversion program for causing a computer to function as the image data conversion device 100 may be ASP.
(Application service provider) A business form may be adopted in which the service fee is provided to a customer such as a trader and a usage fee is collected from the customer according to the number of image data conversion processes performed by the image data conversion apparatus 100 and the like. In this case, a counting means for counting the number of processing cases, a notifying means for notifying the collecting means of the count value, and a collecting means for calculating a usage fee according to the notified number of processing cases and collecting it from the destination customer are provided. It is advisable to implement the previous business form.

The counting means and the notifying means are incorporated in the image data converting apparatus 100, or the function as the counting means is incorporated in the image data conversion program for causing the computer to function as the image data converting apparatus 100. Further, the collection means is configured, for example, so that the computer of the provider of the image data conversion apparatus 100 has the function.

In the present embodiment, the counting means counts the number of image data conversion processes performed by the image data converting apparatus 100, and the notifying means transmits the count value to the collecting means through a predetermined communication line at regular intervals. To do. The collection means calculates the usage charge for the current period based on the notified count value, and transmits the billing data to a predetermined contract partner. Alternatively, if an automatic debit contract from a bank account has been made, the collection means sends billing data for deducting the usage fee to the financial institution.

The contents to be stored in the database 110 are collectively managed by the management center or the like, and each time a new model appears, the management center remotely updates the customer's database 110 via a communication line or updates the contents of the database 110. It is also possible to distribute a recording medium in which the data for recording is recorded to the user and to adopt a business form in which a fee for updating the data is collected.

In this case, the computer of the management center is provided with updating means and collecting means. The updating means stores a profile group to be registered in the database 110, receives a display characteristic data input to add a profile or updates the contents of an existing profile, and adds or updates a profile. In the event that the change or addition is reflected, the function to remotely update the contents of the registered customer database 110 through the communication line or the data for updating the contents of the registered customer database 110. Is recorded on a predetermined recording medium and output.

The collecting means is configured to have a function of collecting a data update fee for the customer who has updated the contents of the database 110 by the updating means. For collection of renewal fee, for example, the billing data is sent to a specified contract partner, or the billing data for deducting the renewal fee is sent to a financial institution if an automatic debit contract from a bank account is made. You can do it by doing.

The display characteristics shown in the embodiments described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. Also, when targeting both still images and moving images, for example,
The content of the conversion process may be automatically selected according to the file format of the input file.

[0032]

According to the image data conversion device, the image data conversion method, and the image data conversion program of the present invention, the display characteristics of each model are stored in the database in advance, and the display characteristics of the accessed model are stored in the database. Since the image data is read out and the image data is converted based on this, it is possible to distribute the image data corresponding to even the slight difference in the display characteristics of each device.

Further, according to the image data conversion charge collection method, the usage charge is collected according to the number of image data conversion processes or the update charge is collected every time the contents of the database are updated according to the release of a new model. If this is the case, it will be possible to easily take a business form in which profits can be obtained continuously.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when an image data conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention converts a still image.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the image data conversion device according to the embodiment of the present invention converts a moving image.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Image data conversion device 101 ... Input file 102 ... Output file 105 ... Input file 106 ... Output file 110 ... Database 120 ... Model code input section 130 ... Profile selection unit 140 ... Image conversion unit 141 ... Image size adjusting unit 142 ... Color adjustment unit 143 ... Color space conversion unit 144 ... File conversion unit 145 ... Decoding section 146 ... Encoding section

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Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image data conversion device for converting image data according to display characteristics of a device, wherein a database in which display characteristics for each model are stored in advance and display characteristics corresponding to an input model name are read out from the database. An image data conversion device comprising: a reading unit; and an image conversion unit that converts input image data based on display characteristics read from the database. 2. An image data conversion method for converting image data according to a display characteristic of a device, wherein a display characteristic corresponding to an input model name is read out from a database in which the display characteristic for each model is stored in advance. And a step of causing the image conversion means to convert the input image data based on the display characteristics read from the database. 3. An image data conversion program for causing a computer to execute the image data conversion method according to claim 2. 4. The number of times image data is converted by the image data conversion apparatus according to claim 1 or the number of times image data is converted by executing the image data conversion program according to claim 3. Counting step by the counting means, the notification means notifies the fee collection means of the count value of the counting means, and the usage fee according to the count value of the counting means notified by the notification means is determined by a predetermined contract. An image data conversion fee collecting method, comprising the step of collecting a fee from a partner by a fee collecting means. 5. An updating means updates the contents of the database used in the image data conversion apparatus according to claim 1 or the image data conversion method according to claim 3, and the updating means updates the contents of the database. The method of collecting the image data conversion fee, wherein the collecting means collects a data update fee from a predetermined contracting party each time the item is updated.