JP2005327445A - Metadata updating device and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to know how image data recorded in a recording medium have been utilized. <P>SOLUTION: When image data read out of the recording medium are recorded into a DVD-R, metadata describing various information items for the image data are recorded together with the image data. When user image data are utilized, the access frequency, display time and the like are added to the metadata to update the metadata. When the image data are read out of the DVD-R into which the image data have been recorded and recorded into a new DVD-R, whether the capacity of the image data is changed, whether the image data are included in images in a slide show form and the like are judged by referring to the metadata. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a metadata update apparatus and method for updating metadata describing image data information, and a program for causing a computer to execute the metadata update method.

  Prints using conventional silver halide photographic film can be used in various ways, such as looking at the image, showing it to a friend for communication, printing it to an acquaintance, decorating it by enlarging it, and pasting it on an album. Has been. However, a large number of prints using a silver halide photographic film accumulate if neglected, and it is difficult to utilize such as searching for a desired print from among them or increasing the number of prints. In particular, when the prints are stored, the prints are often arranged in a random manner without considering the shooting order, so that it is more difficult to arrange the prints.

  In addition, it is easy to use it if it is organized frequently, but it takes a lot of time to classify the collected prints according to the order of shooting dates and themes. In addition, even if you organize and paste it into an album, the album is usually only a part, so it is difficult for many people to view photos or to have remote people view photos .

  Also, neglecting to organize prints will result in the accumulation of negative films as well as prints. In many cases, the negative film is left as it is or stored in a box or bag even if it is arranged. Furthermore, if the user who is a photographer gets older, children and grandchildren, and the family grows, the number of prints and negative films will increase, and if you do not organize, a huge amount of prints and negative films will be left unattended Become. If a print or a negative film is thrown away, it cannot be printed again, so it is rarely thrown away, and in many homes, there is a problem with how to organize and place it.

  On the other hand, image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a negative film or a print by a reading device such as a scanner is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-R and viewed using a reproducing device such as a personal computer. In addition, a photo service system that prints out an image at the request of a user has been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, the image data is stored in the image storage server that stores the image data via a network such as the Internet, the image data is stored, and the image data can be viewed or printed using a terminal device remote from the image storage server. There has also been proposed a network photo service system including an image storage system capable of performing various processes relating to images such as orders (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, in the image storage system, it is assumed that the image recorded on the negative film is read during the process of developing and printing the negative film, and the image data is stored in units of film rolls. The work of associating the film roll with the user who requested storage of the image data is complicated. In addition, since the image is simply read and stored from the negative film, if the image is read from a huge number of negative films or prints left at home as described above, it is not arranged at all. A large amount of image data will be stored. In this case, it is necessary for the user who accesses the image storage server to organize a large amount of image data. However, the work is very complicated like the arrangement of negative films and prints, and the usability of the system is very high. It is bad.

  Therefore, image data is acquired from a recording medium such as a print or film on which an image is recorded, the acquired image data is associated with recording medium information representing the recording medium from which the image data was acquired, and image data associated with the recording medium information A system for providing a so-called photomining service in which a user is stored on a user basis based on user information has been proposed (see Patent Document 4). According to this system, even if a large number of negative films and prints buried in the home are not organized, the user only requests the photo shop to read the image, and the image data obtained by the reading is recorded as record information. It can be referred to in an organized state based on

  Incidentally, in the system described in Patent Document 4 described above, it is conceivable that image data obtained by reading is recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD-R and provided to the user. At this time, it is also possible to generate image data in a slide show format from the image data and record it on a recording medium together with the image data. As a result, the user can view the slide show with his / her own DVD player or view the image data on a terminal device such as a personal computer.

  Further, by generating metadata describing the record information in association with the image data, the record information of the corresponding image data can be known by referring to the metadata.

On the other hand, there are cases where it is desired to pass image data recorded on a recording medium to another person. For example, when a child is married, there is a case in which image data representing an image related to a child among image data recorded on a recording medium is desired to be given to the child. In such a case, the user passes the recording medium to the photo store, and reads the image data in which the name of the child of the user is given as a comment with reference to the comment etc. given to the image data in the photo store from the recording medium. Further, it is only necessary to generate slide show format image data from the read image data and record the read image data and slide show format image data on a new recording medium.
JP-A-10-150538 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-150541 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154218 JP 2003-234985 A

  By giving a recording medium to the user, the user or his / her family can view image data recorded on the recording medium or correct a comment on the image. At this time, when the user knows how to use the image data, the image data capacity is reduced when the image data is read from the recording medium as described above and the read image data is recorded on a new recording medium. This is useful when making decisions or creating slideshow images.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to understand how image data recorded on a recording medium is used.

A metadata update device according to the present invention includes a plurality of image data and a plurality of the plurality of image data from a recording medium on which metadata corresponding to each of the plurality of image data describing various information about each of the plurality of image data is recorded. Read means for reading image data and the metadata;
And updating means for updating the metadata by adding usage information indicating the usage status of each of the plurality of image data to the metadata.

  “Usage information” includes at least one piece of information such as the number of times image data is used according to the user or their family, the display time of the image data, the number of subjects included in the image represented by the image data, the subject size, and the image quality. Comments modified by the user can be used.

The metadata update method according to the present invention includes a plurality of image data, and a plurality of the plurality of image data from a recording medium on which metadata corresponding to each of the plurality of image data describing various information about each of the plurality of image data is recorded. Read image data and metadata,
The metadata is updated by adding usage information indicating the usage status of each of the plurality of image data to the metadata.

  In addition, you may provide as a program for making a computer perform the metadata update method by this invention.

  According to the present invention, metadata is updated by adding usage information indicating the usage status of each of a plurality of image data to the metadata. Therefore, by referring to the updated metadata, it is possible to know the usage status of the image data corresponding to the metadata. Therefore, when the image data is read from the recording medium and recorded on a new recording medium, the metadata can be used for changing the capacity of the image data or determining whether to include the image data in the slide show format. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photomining system to which a metadata updating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a photo mining system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of users 2 and a photo mining server (hereinafter referred to as a PM server) that accepts orders for a photo mining service by a plurality of users 2 via the Internet. 3 and various information, negative films, prints, and the like are exchanged between the digital center 4 that processes an order of the photomining service performed by the user 2.

  In this embodiment, the photomining service acquires the image data S0 from the media M such as the negative film NF, the print P and the CD-R, and the memory card owned by the user 2, and from the acquired image data and image data. The created slide show format DVD-Video file is recorded on a medium such as a DVD-R (in this embodiment, DVD-R), and is delivered to the user.

  The user 2 owns a large amount of negative film NF and prints P without organizing them, and records a large amount of image data on the medium M without organizing them. An order for a photo mining service for print P is made. That is, the user 2 has a user terminal 20 such as a personal computer connected to the Internet 7, accesses the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, and orders a photo mining service.

  Note that the photo mining system 1 according to the present embodiment has a membership system. The user 2 registers in advance with the PM server 3 and issues a user ID and a password, which are identification symbols for identifying the user 2. It is what you have received. At the time of member registration, the user 2 registers information such as the user's name, address, age, telephone number, e-mail address, and family structure as user information at the same time. The registered user information is registered in the user information database of the PM server 3 and the digital center 4 as described later.

  The PM server 3 operates a website that accepts orders for photo mining services, and accepts orders for photo mining services by the user 2. At this time, the user 2 accesses the website of the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, inputs a user ID and a password, and orders a photo mining service. When the PM server 3 accepts an order from the user 2, the PM server 3 issues an order number, and transmits an e-mail for notifying the user 2 of the order number and the delivery date for confirmation of order acceptance. Further, the PM server 3 notifies the digital center 4 that the order from the user 2 has been accepted. The notification includes user information, order number, delivery date and order reception date.

  When the operator of the digital center 4 is notified that the order has been received from the PM server 3, the user 2 refers to the user information included in the notification and the user information database stored in the digital center 4 as will be described later. Is sent to the address of the user 2 who made the order. The delivery box B for sending the negative film NF, the print P, and the medium M (hereinafter referred to as the recording medium 10) owned by the Note that an order slip in which information such as the order number of the user is recorded together with the shipping box B is also sent to the user 2. Further, the order slip is also attached to the sending box B. A bar code associated with the order number is printed on the order slip. Further, the sending box B may be sent from an external supplier different from the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the user 2 packs the recording body 10 owned by the user 2 in the sending box B and sends it to the digital center 4. At this time, the type, number, and comments of the recording medium 10 are described in the order slip and returned to the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the digital center 4 uses the image forming apparatus 40 to perform processing for the photomining service.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 40 acquires image data from the recording body 10 and creates a DVD-R on which the acquired image data is recorded. The image forming apparatus 40 reads an image recorded on the negative film NF. Three film scanners 41A to 41C for acquiring the image data S0, a print scanner 42 for reading the image from the print P and acquiring the image data S0, and a media drive 43 for reading the image data S0 from the medium M and acquiring the image data S0 Various information for acquiring the shooting date information D from the image data S0 read from the medium M, and for adding to the image data S0 information relating to the shooting date (hereinafter referred to as shooting date information D) from the negative film NF and the print P. An information acquisition unit 44 for acquiring information, and image processing, red-eye correction, etc. for the image data S0 The image processing unit 45 to obtain an image data S1 processed by performing the repair process, and a storage unit 46 storing various kinds of information including the image data S1.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 40 determines which of the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 (hereinafter referred to as the image acquisition unit 12) acquires the image data S0 from the recording medium 10 sent by the user 2. Sorting unit 47 for sorting, job management unit 48 that manages the type of image acquisition unit 12 that performs acquisition processing of image data S0 from each recording medium 10 in units of acquisition processing (hereinafter referred to as job), job unit or image By providing a comment input unit 49 that accepts input of comments regarding images in units, an image confirmation unit 50 that performs confirmation and correction of an image represented by the processed image data S1, and various information such as comments to the image data S1. An image converter 51 for converting the image data 1 into the image data S2 in the Exif format; A DVD-Video file V0 in a slide show format from the DVD-R, and a DVD creation unit 52 for creating a DVD-R in which the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 are recorded, and a communication unit 53 for communicating with the PM server 3 .

  Note that the components of the image forming apparatus 40 are connected by a bus 55.

  The film scanners 41A to 41C sequentially read a plurality of images recorded on the negative film NF, and obtain a plurality of image data S0 representing the images recorded on the negative film NF.

  The print scanner 42 reads the image of the print P and acquires image data S0 representing the image of the print P.

  The media drive 43 acquires the image data S0 by reading the image data S0 recorded on the medium M. Since there are a wide variety of media M, media drive 43 of a type corresponding to the media used in the market is prepared.

  The information acquisition unit 44 acquires the shooting date information D from the negative film NF and the print P. Here, in the negative film NF, a code number (hereinafter referred to as DX code) peculiar to the film is recorded, and by referring to this DX code, it is possible to estimate the age when the film was manufactured. Is. For this reason, the information acquisition unit 44 reads the DX code recorded in the negative film NF, refers to the age database stored in the storage unit 46, and the shooting date information indicating the age when the negative film NF was manufactured. D is acquired.

  When the negative film NF is a so-called APS film having a magnetic recording part capable of recording magnetic information, the shooting date can be recorded as magnetic information in the magnetic recording part. In this case, it is possible to read the magnetic information indicating the shooting date recorded in the magnetic reading unit of the negative film NF and use it as shooting date information D.

  Further, when the date is reflected in the image, the shooting date can be known by reading the date and performing character recognition. In this case, information obtained by reading the date reflected in the image can be used as the shooting date information D. Note that, depending on the image, the date being reflected may be difficult to read. In such a case, the shooting date information D of the image whose shooting date could not be read may be obtained based on the date that can be read in the images before and after the image.

  On the other hand, for the print P, when the date is reflected in the print P, the date of photographing can be known by reading the date and performing character recognition. In this case, information obtained by reading the date reflected on the print P can be used as the shooting date information D.

  In addition, when the print P is a bordered print, information indicating the print age, such as “Fujicolor 99”, may be included in the edge portion. In addition, information indicating the age of the print (for example, a brand mark of a print that differs depending on the release year) may be printed on the back surface of the print P. In such a case, information obtained by reading the edge or back of the print P and further performing character recognition may be used as the shooting date information D.

  In some cases, the user 2 describes the shooting date on the film storage sheet of the negative film NF, the storage bag of the film storage sheet, and / or the back surface of the print P. In addition, the user 2 may record the shooting date for each recording medium 10 in the order slip. In such a case, input of these dates by the operator of the digital center 4 may be received by a comment input unit 49 or the like which will be described later, and the input date may be used as the shooting date information D.

  Further, since the image date S0 read from the medium M has the shooting date information described in the tag, the shooting date information D may be acquired based on the shooting date information described in the tag.

  Here, as described above, the shooting date information D is described in the DX code, the shooting date reflected in the image, the shooting date instructed by the user, the information recorded on the edge and back of the print P, and the tag. It can be obtained based on many types of information sources, such as information. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the priority order of the information sources to be obtained and obtain the shooting date information D according to the priority order. At this time, it is preferable that the information source from which the photographing date information D is obtained can be identified so that the information source from which the photographing date information D is obtained can be recognized. Note that a plurality of shooting date information D may be acquired in association with the information source without setting the priority order in advance.

  Further, in the information acquisition unit 44, in addition to the shooting date information D, the frame number in the case of reading from the negative film NF, the type of the recording body from which the image data S0 is obtained (the negative film NF, the print P, and the media M And the like, and information data is generated together with the shooting date information D.

  The photographing date information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 may be acquired at the same time as the image data S0 is acquired by the image acquisition unit 12. In this case, the information acquisition unit 44 is added to the image acquisition unit 12, and the operator of the image acquisition unit 12 operates the information acquisition unit 44.

  The image processing unit 45 performs image processing for improving image quality such as gradation processing, color conversion processing, and sharpness processing on the image data S0 to obtain processed image data S1.

  The storage unit 46 is composed of a large-capacity hard disk, and temporarily stores the image data S0 and processed image data S1 acquired by the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42 and the media drive 43, as well as a user information database and a DX. A chronological database representing the relationship between the code and the film production age and the relationship between the print brand mark and the age is stored.

  The information acquisition unit 44 can acquire shooting date information D representing the age when the negative film NF was manufactured by reading the DX code recorded in the negative film NF and referring to the age database. Further, the information acquisition unit 44 can acquire the shooting date information D representing the age when the brand mark was used by reading the brand mark printed on the back surface of the print P and referring to the age database.

  The sorting unit 47 sorts which image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 for each of the plurality of recording bodies 10 according to an operator's instruction.

  The business management unit 48 manages the business of the photomining service performed by the digital center 4. That is, in photo mining services such as order acceptance, shipping box B, shipping box B, sorting, image data S0 acquisition, image processing, comment input, image confirmation, image conversion, DVD creation, DVD shipping and settlement All work to be performed is managed for each order number on a user basis using a business management database.

  The comment input unit 49 accepts input of comments regarding the acquired image data. Here, the event name written by the user 2 on the film storage sheet of the negative film NF, the event name written by the user 2 on the back side of the print P, and the event name written by the user 2 on the order slip are used as comments. be able to.

  The image confirmation unit 50 is for confirming and correcting the image data S1 subjected to the image processing.

  The image conversion unit 51 adds the information registered for each image in the business management database as a tag to the corresponding image data S1 with respect to the image data S1 for which the image confirmation processing has been completed. The image data is converted into image data S2. At this time, the image data S1 whose top and bottom direction is to be changed is rotated and converted into image data S2. Further, the file name of the image data S2 is changed to a file name assigned with an ID unique to the DVD-R that records the image data S2. For example, if the file name of the original image data S2 is pm0001.jpg and the unique ID of the DVD-R is U001, the file name is changed to pm0001_U001.jpg.

  In addition, the image conversion unit 51 creates metadata X0 associated with each of the image data S2. The metadata X0 is an xml format file and is given a file name corresponding to the image data S2. For example, when the file name of the image data S2 is pm0001_U001.jpg, the file name of the metadata X0 is meta0001_U001.xml.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the description content of the metadata X0. As shown in FIG. 3, the metadata X0 includes the file name, the creation date of the image data S2, the creator name (here, FUJI providing a photomining service), and the shooting date represented by the shooting date information D. In addition, the name of the user who owns the recording body 10 that obtained the image data S2, the comment, and the value of the image data S2 are described. As for the value, the DVD-R in which the image data S2 is recorded is handed over to the user 2, and the user 2 uses the image data S2 to add the value. In addition, the metadata X0 includes a BGM file name used when the DVD-Video file V0, which will be described later, is used to create the DVD-Video file V0, an effect given when the slide show is reproduced, and the like. It is added.

The metadata X0 may be recorded as a single file for a plurality of images. In this case, the metadata X0 includes one disk unique ID and the number of images such as <disk unique ID; U001>, <file name; pm0001_U001.jpg>, <file name; pm0002_U001.jpg>,. Name is described. Here, the disc unique ID is an identifier unique to the DVD-R to be created. In this case, the disk unique ID portion in the file name may be omitted, such as <disk unique ID; U001>, <file name; pm0001.jpg>, <file name; pm0002.jpg>,. The DVD creation unit 52 records all the image data S2 and metadata X0 generated by the image conversion unit 51 on the DVD-R and calculates the free space of the DVD-R when all the image data S2 is recorded. Then, a DVD-Video file V0 having a capacity suitable for the free capacity is generated and recorded on the DVD-R.

  Specifically, the image data S2 is classified into a plurality of groups according to age, the number of image data S2 corresponding to the free space is selected from each group, and images are continuously switched from the selected image data S2. A file is created, and further authoring including a title menu and BGM is performed to create a DVD-Video file V0.

  A reproduction description file indicating the reproduction order of the selected image data S2 is generated, recorded on the DVD-R in a predetermined format, and described in the reproduction description file in a player corresponding to the predetermined format. The slide show may be played back according to the playback order. As the predetermined format, there is an MPV format in which an image file name to be reproduced and a reproduction time are described in the MPV file in the order of reproduction. According to this method, it is possible to easily change the playback order, delete, add, and the like simply by editing the MPV file. When generating a reproduction description file, it is preferable to select an image to be included in the DVD-Video file V0 at the time of generation.

  In addition, it is desirable to record information (for example, file name) of representative images representing images included in the slide show in association with the reproduction description file. Also, it is preferable to describe the representative image information in the reproduction description file. In this case, the representative image information may be given a representative mark indicating that it is a representative image after the file name of the image described in the reproduction order in the reproduction description file. It is preferable to give a plurality of representative marks instead of only one.

  As a representative image selection method, for example, as described later, a method based on information on the value of an image described in metadata corresponding to the image, and a shooting period of images to be reproduced as a slide show are divided, For example, a method of selecting a representative image for each divided period.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the directory structure of the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 recorded on the DVD-R. As shown in FIG. 4, below the root directory, an image folder storing the image data S2 together with the metadata X0, a video folder storing the DVD-Video file V0, and music played as BGM during playback of the DVD-Video file V0. An audio folder is created to store the data.

  Under the image folder, folders of the age grouping the image data S2 are created. In each folder, the image data S2 with the file names pm0001_U001.jpg, pm0002_U001.jpg, and the file names meta0001_U001.xml, meta0002_U001.xml ... The metadata X0 is stored.

  The metadata X0 may be stored corresponding to each image as shown in FIG. 4, or one corresponding metadata X0 may be generated and stored for each classified folder. In this case, additional information related to images stored in the corresponding folder, such as a file name, shooting date / time, value, title, and comment, is described in one metadata X0. By storing one piece of metadata X0 for each folder in this way, it is possible to easily know what kind of image is stored in the folder only by referring to the metadata X0. Further, in this case, the metadata X0 may describe information on the entire image group stored in the folder as additional information. The information related to the entire image group includes, for example, shooting period information (from the first date and time to the last date and time), the title of the image group, and the file name of a representative image representing the image group.

  In the video folder, for example, a DVD-Video file V0 having file names pm001.mpg, pm002.mpg... is stored. Note that MPEG data captured by the digital camera or digital video camera recorded on the medium M is also stored in the video folder. Also, it is preferable to store such an MPEG-Video file and / or an Index-Video file corresponding to the DVD-Video file V0, for example, an Index-Video file Vidx having file names pmIndex001.mpg, pmIndex002.mpg,. This Index-Video file Vidx is created by selecting only a few representative frames from the original DVD-Video files pm001.mpg, pm002.mpg. This is displayed on the selection screen when, for example, a DVD-Video file V0 to be reproduced by a DVD player is selected.

  A plurality of music data is stored in the audio folder, and the user 2 can select music to be played as BGM when reproducing the DVD-Video file V0. In the audio folder, for example, music data with file names 001.mp3, 002.mp3... are stored.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a DVD-R used in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the DVD-R used in this embodiment has a two-layer structure of a first recording layer 61 and a second recording layer 62. The first recording layer 61 includes a protective layer 61A, a first SiO ₂ layer 61B, an organic dye layer 61C, and a second SiO ₂ layer 61D, and information is recorded when the organic dye layer 61C is destroyed by laser light. Is done. Second, the recording layer 62 includes a first SiO ₂ layer 62A, a phase change metal layer 62B, a second SiO ₂ layer 62C, and a polycarbonate substrate 62D. The phase change metal layer 62B is heated by laser light, Information is recorded by a phase change phenomenon in which the crystal state changes. Note that the second recording layer 62 is positioned on the DVD-R writing / reading side.

  Here, in the first recording layer 61 and the second recording layer 62, the first recording layer 61 on the deep layer side of the DVD-R is less likely to be destroyed than the second recording layer 62. Therefore, safety is high. In the organic dye layer 61C and the phase change metal layer 62B, the former has higher durability.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, data that cannot be recovered when destroyed, such as image data S <b> 2 acquired from the recording medium 10 of the user 2, is recorded in the first recording layer 61. The data X0, the DVD-Video file V0, and music data, such as data that can be generated again even if destroyed, are recorded in the second recording layer 62. The second recording layer 62 may be a rewritable recording layer.

  Note that when the metadata X0 describes the reproduction format such as the reproduction order, reproduction time, and effect to be given at the time of reproduction of the slide show, the metadata X0 is stored in the first recording layer 61 as shown in FIG. It is preferable to record on both the second recording layer 62 and the second recording layer 62. As a result, even when the second recording layer 62 deteriorates and data cannot be read out, the second recording is performed from the image data and the metadata X0 recorded on the first recording layer 61 having high durability. The DVD-Video file V0 recorded in the layer 62 can be restored. Further, by recording the metadata X0 also on the second recording layer 62, it is possible to easily make corrections such as changing the effect of the slide show.

  Further, among the image data S2 to which the metadata X0 is assigned, those having a large number of items described in the metadata X0, and those having value information described later and having a high value are particularly described. Recording on the first recording layer 61 is preferable. When the capacity of the first recording layer 61 is limited, for example, by determining the area for recording the metadata X0 based on the presence / absence of the metadata X0, the number of items, and the high value, for example. Even when the volume of image data S2 to be recorded is large, important data can be stored efficiently and safely.

  Note that the DVD-R used in this embodiment is not limited to the two-layer structure described above, and as shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral side of the disc has the phase change type metal layer 62B in the second recording layer 62. And a DVD-R having an organic dye layer 61C of the first recording layer 61 on the inner peripheral side may be used. This is because the inner peripheral side of the DVD-R has a lower rotation speed than the outer peripheral side, and there is a low possibility of data writing failure.

  In the present embodiment, when the DVD-Video file V0 is created, the vertical direction of the image represented by the image data S2 included in the DVD-Video file V0 may be unknown. In such a case, for the image data S2, the DVD-Video file V0 is created so that when the slide show is reproduced, an image that does not change the vertical direction and an image that changes the vertical direction to be vertically long are continuously reproduced. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a state in which an image in which the top / bottom direction is not changed and an image in which the top / bottom direction is changed to be vertically long are continuously reproduced. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that for the fourth image 4 to be reproduced in the slide show, an image in which the vertical direction is not changed and an image in which the vertical direction is changed to be vertically long are continuously reproduced.

  In this way, for images whose top and bottom directions are unknown, the user 2 continuously plays back images that do not change the top and bottom directions and images that change the top and bottom directions to be vertically long. You can check which direction is correct. Further, the user 2 uses the user terminal 20 or a DVD player having an editing function to skip an image having an incorrect top-and-bottom direction among consecutive images in the slide show and store information representing the skipped image. do it. As a result, when the DVD-Video file V0 is reproduced again, the stored information is referred to, so that the image skipped when first reproduced is not reproduced at the time of reproduction again. Therefore, a slide show including only images with the correct top and bottom direction can be reproduced.

  Further, the DVD-Video file V0 may be created from the image data S2 including a predetermined keyword such as an athletic meet or a child's name in a comment together with the age-specific DVD-Video file V0. For example, a DVD-Video file (referred to as V1) including “athletic day” as a keyword together with a DVD-Video file V0 classified by age is generated, and an image of the athletic meet contained in the age-specific DVD-Video file V0, -You may make it link with Video file V1.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a link between DVD-Video files. As shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the second, third, and fourth images in the DVD-Video file V0 are images including “athletic meet” in the comment. The first, second, and third images in the DVD-Video file V1 correspond to the second, third, and fourth images in the DVD-Video file V0. In this case, the second, third, and fourth images of the DVD-Video file V0 are linked to the first, second, and third images of the DVD-Video file V1, respectively.

  Thus, when the user 2 performs an operation for moving the link when the second image is displayed during the reproduction of the DVD-Video file V0, the DVD-Video file V1 is reproduced from the first image. The Therefore, when an athletic meet image is displayed during playback of a certain slide show, it is possible to reproduce a slide show consisting of only the athletic meet image.

  The representative image of the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R may be printed on the DVD-R board surface. Also, the unique ID of the DVD-R may be printed on the DVD-R board surface.

  The DVD-R created in this way is sent to the user 2 who made the order.

  The user 2 can enjoy a slide show by playing the DVD-Video file V0 recorded on the DVD-R. In addition, the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R can be displayed as a list on the user terminal 20 or can be processed by itself.

  At this time, the user 2 is provided with a medium on which information representing a slide show sequence including various demo images and BGM is recorded, and the demo image in the slide show sequence may be replaced with the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R. . Thereby, the user 2 can enjoy slideshows of various modes with respect to the image of the user 2 by replacing the demo image and the image recorded on the DVD-R.

  Here, the user 2 has installed a viewer dedicated to the photomining service on the user terminal 20, and changes the vertical and horizontal directions of the image data 2 recorded on the DVD-R using this viewer, the BGM of the DVD-Video file V0, and It is possible to change the effect during playback, change the comment, etc.

  Further, when displaying the image data S2 using this viewer, all the metadata X0 recorded on the DVD-R is copied to the user terminal 20, and every time the image data S2 is changed as described above. The contents of the change are added to the metadata X0 of the changed image data S2.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining addition to the metadata X0. In FIG. 10, the portion surrounded by a broken line is the description content of the original metadata X0. When the vertical direction of the image data S2 corresponding to the metadata X0 is incorrect and the vertical direction is changed to be vertically long, information on “<vertical direction: vertically long>” and this information are newly added. The information of “<creator: Ichiro Yamada>, <date: 2004.4.10>”, which is the creator name and creation date, is added. Further, when the BGM and the effect at the time of reproduction are changed in the DVD-Video file V0 including the image data S2, information of “<BGM: 002.mp3>, <effect: zoom + pan + blur>” is newly added. In addition, information of “<creator: Hanako Yamada>, <date: 2004.4.11>”, which is the creator name and creation date of this information, is added.

  The creator name may be the name of the user who logged in to the user terminal 20 and made the change. However, when the viewer is launched, the accessor name is selected, and the selected accessor name is changed. It may be the creator name. At this time, the accessor's face image may be displayed together with the accessor name on the accessor name selection screen.

  Further, every time the user 2 displays the image data S2, the additional value is added to the value portion of the metadata X0. Specifically, the number of times of display corresponding to the user 2 who displayed the image data S2, the total display time, the image quality, the number of subjects, and the size of the desired subject are added. Here, the number of times of display corresponding to the user 2 is counted according to the name of the user who logged in the user terminal 20 and displayed the image data S2 or the name of the accessor selected when the viewer was started up. The display time is the total time for displaying the image data S2 for all the users 2. Further, the image quality, the number of subjects, and the desired subject size are added to the metadata X0 by any user 2 inputting numerical values using the viewer software.

  By the way, there is a case where it is desired to pass the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R to another person. For example, when the child of the user 2 gets married, there is a case where the image data S2 representing an image related to the child among the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R is desired to be given to the child. Further, when the user 2 repeatedly uses the photomining service and owns a plurality of DVD-Rs, the image data S2 recorded on all the DVD-Rs can be combined into one DVD-R, Of the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R, it may be desired to pass the image data related to the child to the child.

  In such a case, the user 2 sends a DVD-R owned by the user 2 to the digital center 4 and orders to create a new DVD-R. In the digital center 4, the image forming apparatus 40 reads out the image data S2 related to the child of the user 2 from the DVD-R with reference to comments or the like given to the image data S2, and further displays the slide show format from the read out image data. The read image data and the slide show format image are recorded on a new DVD-R. If the user 2 repeatedly uses the photomining service and owns a plurality of DVD-Rs, all the DVD-Rs are sent to the digital center 4 to create a new DVD-R. Make an order.

  As described above, when a new DVD-R is created in the digital center 4, the user 2 delivers the metadata X 0 additionally recorded in the viewer to the digital center 4 together with the DVD-R. Specifically, it is transmitted from the user terminal 20 via the Internet 7, recorded in a recording medium such as a memory card owned by the user 2 or provided to the user 2 in a photomining service, or sent. When the DVD-R is rewritable or the DVD-R has a rewritable recording area, the metadata X0 is transferred to the digital center 4 by recording and sending it to the DVD-R. Since the metadata X0 passed to the digital center 4 includes the unique ID of the DVD-R in the file name, it is easy to associate the DVD-R with the metadata X0.

  Hereinafter, creation of a new DVD-R will be described. The image forming apparatus 40 creates a new DVD-R. In this embodiment, of the image data S2 recorded on the two DVD-Rs 100 and 101 owned by the user 2, a new DVD-R 102 that records the image data S2 related to the daughter of the user 2 is recorded. It will be described as being created.

  First, the DVD creating unit 52 selects image data (hereinafter referred to as S12) including the characters “daughter” and the name of the daughter of the user 2 in the comment from the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-Rs 100 and 101. . The evaluation of each image data S12 is calculated with reference to value information described in all metadata X0 of the selected image data S12. Here, in the value information, as described above, the number of times of display corresponding to the user 2 who displayed the image data S12, the total display time, the image quality, the type of subject, and the size of the subject are described.

In the present embodiment, the DVD creation unit 52 calculates the value Val0 of the image data S12 by the value calculation function shown in the following formula (1).
V0 = ax ₁ + bx ₂ + cx ₃ + dx ₄ + ex ₅ + fx ₆ (1)
However, a, b, c, d, e, f: Weight coefficient x ₁ : Display count (in this embodiment, the display count of the daughter)
x _2: display time x _3: the amount of information of the metadata X0 x _4: Quality x _5: number of subjects x _6: In the subject size above (1), impressions daughter display time information of the meta data X0, Since the value Val0 increases as the image quality value, the number of subjects, and the subject size increase, the value Val0 reflects the preference of the daughter of the user 2 who is the target of the newly created DVD-R102. Become.

  The value Val0 calculated in this way is added to the metadata X0 of each image data S12 with the creator as FUJI. In the present embodiment, the value Val0 is additionally written as, for example, four levels of 0 to 3 in accordance with the range of the calculated value Val0.

  Next, the image conversion unit 51 changes the file name of the image data S12 by assigning a unique ID of the new DVD-R 102 that records the image data S12. For example, when the unique ID of the new DVD-R 102 is U102 and the file name of the image data S12 read from the DVD-R 100 is pm0001_U001.jpg, the file name of the image data S12 is changed to pm0001_U001_U102.jpg. When the file name of the image data S12 read from the DVD-R 101 is pm0001_U002.jpg, the file name of the image data S12 is changed to pm0001_U002_U102.jpg. Here, since the image data S12 read from the DVD-Rs 100 and 101 is given a unique ID to the DVD-R, the file names do not overlap.

  Also, metadata X0 is created in association with the image data S12. This metadata X0 includes the value information, the BGM file name used for the newly created DVD-Video file V0, the effect given when the slide show is played, etc. to the metadata X0 delivered from the user 2. It will be added.

  In the metadata X0, a plurality of images with the same recorded DVD-R may be collectively recorded as one file. In this case, the metadata X0 includes two disk unique IDs and file names corresponding to the number of images such as <disk unique ID; U001>, <disk unique ID; U102>, <file name; pm0001_U001_U102.jpg>. Described. If the file names are not duplicated in the same directory by storing different images on the original disk in different directories, <disk unique ID; U001>, <disk unique ID; U102>, <file name; As in pm0001.jpg>, the disk unique ID portion in the file name may be omitted.

  If the date information when the image data is written is described in the metadata X0, it is possible to easily know when and from which DVD-R it was copied.

  Then, the DVD creation unit 52 classifies all the image data S12 and metadata whose file names have been changed by the image conversion unit 51 into folders classified by age and records them on a new DVD-R 102, and also stores all the image data S12. The free capacity of the DVD-R 102 when recorded is calculated, and a DVD-Video file V0 having a capacity suitable for the free capacity is generated and recorded on the new DVD-R 102.

  Here, when the image data S12 of the daughter of the user 2 is read from the two DVD-Rs 100 and 101 and recorded in the recording on one DVD-R 102, the total capacity of the image data S12 exceeds the capacity of the DVD-R 102. May end up. In such a case, in this embodiment, the value information described in the metadata X0 of each image data S12 is referred to, and the compression rate of the image data S12 is changed stepwise according to the value Val0. That is, the lower the value of the image data S12, the higher the compression rate and the smaller the capacity of the image data S12. The reason why the compression rate is higher for the image data S12 having a lower value is that there is no problem for the user 2 even if the image data with a lower value has a higher compression rate and the image quality is somewhat deteriorated.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the change of the compression rate according to the value. As shown in FIG. 11, when the values of the four image data S12 of the file names pm0001_U001_U102.jpg, pm0002_U001_U102.jpg, pm0003_U001_U102.jpg, pm0004_U001_U102.jpg are 0-3, respectively, the compression rate of each image data S12 Are 5 times, 3 times, 2 times and unchanged, respectively.

  Note that the lowest value of the image data S12 may not be recorded on the new DVD-R102. Thereby, the total capacity of the image data S12 can be reduced.

  In addition, the DVD creation unit 52 creates the DVD-Video file V0 to be recorded on the new DVD-R 102 by selecting the image data S12 equally from each folder. At this time, with reference to the value information described in the metadata X0 of the selected image data 12, the DVD-Video file is set so that the reproduction time becomes longer for the image represented by the image data 12 having a higher value. Create V0. For example, in this embodiment, the value information is in four stages of 0 to 3, and as the value information increases from 0 to 3, the playback time is 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 4 seconds, for example. And make it longer. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a difference in reproduction time corresponding to the value in the DVD-Video file V0. In FIG. 12, four image data S12 with the file names described in FIG. 11 having the file names pm0001_U001_U102.jpg, pm0002_U001_U102.jpg, pm0003_U001_U102.jpg, and pm0004_U001_U102.jpg are respectively displayed as Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, and Image Shown as 4. Then, the DVD creation unit 52 creates the DVD-Video file V0 so that the reproduction time becomes longer for the image data S12 having higher value as shown in FIG.

  In addition, in the new DVD-R 102, the representative image of the image data S12 may be printed on the board surface. At this time, a representative image may be selected from those having a high value based on value information described in the metadata X0 of each image data S12. Also, the unique ID of the original DVD-Rs 100 and 101 and the unique ID of the new DVD-R 102 may be printed on the board.

  Here, in this embodiment, the image data S12 read from the two DVD-Rs 100 and 101 is recorded on the new DVD-R 102. However, each DVD is also recorded on the surface of the two DVD-Rs 100 and 101. -A representative image of the image data S2 recorded in R100, 101 may be printed. In this case, if the representative image recorded on the original DVD-R 100, 101 is continuously used for the new DVD-R 102, it can be determined from which DVD-R the new DVD-R 102 was created. Therefore, it is preferable. However, since the size of the DVD-R board surface is limited, representative images of all DVD-Rs of the original DVD-Rs 100 and 101 and the new DVD-R 102 are printed on one DVD-R board surface. It is difficult.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, representative images of three DVD-Rs are lenticularly combined and printed on a new DVD-R102 board surface. Hereinafter, lenticular synthesis will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining lenticular synthesis of three images. In FIG. 13, the lenticular sheet 110 is shown as a cross-sectional view. Here, lenticular composition for one of the representative images printed on each of the DVD-R boards will be described. The lenticular composition is performed using image data S2 representing a representative image read from the DVD-Rs 100 and 101 and image data S12 selected as the representative image among the image data S12 recorded on the new DVD-R 102.

  First, representative images D1 and D2 printed on the surface of DVD-R100 and 101 and a representative image D3 printed on the surface of a new DVD-R102 have a width obtained by dividing the width of one lens in lenticular sheet 110 into three equal parts. Divide into strip-shaped areas. Then, the representative images D1 to D3 are synthesized so that the strip-like regions at corresponding positions in the representative images D1 to D3 are included in one lenticular width (lenticular pitch), thereby generating a synthesized representative image D10. Then, the composite representative image D10 is printed on the surface of the DVD-R102, and the lenticular sheet 110 is pasted on the composite representative image D10 to finish printing the representative image on the surface of the new DVD-R102.

  By printing the representative image on the surface of the new DVD-R 102 in this way, if the DVD-R 102 is tilted, the original image of the original DVD-R 100, 101 and the representative image of the new DVD-R 102 appear to be switched. It will be. Therefore, it can be seen from which DVD-R the new DVD-R 102 is created by looking at the DVD-R board surface.

  It should be noted that strip-like areas obtained by selecting representative images D1 to D3 from the respective folders recorded on the DVD-R and dividing the selected representative images D1 to D3 are arranged in chronological order at corresponding positions. It is preferable to do. Even when a plurality of representative images D1 to D3 are selected from one folder, the strip-shaped regions may be arranged in date order at corresponding positions.

  When a reproduction description file is recorded on the DVD-R, a strip-shaped area obtained by selecting representative images D1 to D3 from the description of the reproduction description file and dividing the selected representative images D1 to D3. Are preferably arranged in the order of reproduction at corresponding positions.

  In addition, when the Index-Video file Vidx is recorded on the DVD-R, it is preferable to select frame data selected from the frame images constituting the file as representative images D1 to D3.

  In the case of performing lenticular composition, it is also possible to increase the number of images to be divided and displayed by arranging strip-shaped regions of different images adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped regions. FIG. 14 shows an example of this. 14 shows a state in which the composite representative images D11 of the representative images D4 and D5 are arranged below the strip-shaped region of the composite representative image D10 of the representative images D1 to D3 shown in FIG. Yes. In this case, it is preferable that the strip-shaped regions obtained by dividing the representative images D1 to D5 are arranged in the order of date in the order of D1-> D4-> D2-> D5-> D3.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the DVD creation unit 52. Here, the reference number of the generated DVD-R is 103. As shown in FIG. 15, the DVD creation unit 52 generates an image data acquisition unit 71, a reproduction description file generation unit 72 that generates a reproduction description file, a representative image selection unit 73 that selects a representative image, and a DVD-Video file V0. DVD-Video generation unit 74, lenticular synthesis unit 75 for lenticular synthesis of representative images, synthesis representative image of representative images obtained by lenticular synthesis, printing unit 76 for printing on a lenticular sheet or DVD-R103 board surface, and composite representative image A lenticular sheet applying unit 77 for applying a lenticular sheet and an Index-Video generating unit 78 for generating an Index-Video file Vidx are provided.

  Next, the operation of the DVD creation unit 52 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. First, the image data captured by the image data acquisition unit 71 is grouped into predetermined folders and recorded on the DVD-R 103 together with metadata. The reproduction description file generation unit 72 selects an image to be included in the DVD-Video file V0, generates a reproduction description file indicating the reproduction order and reproduction time, and records the reproduction description file on the DVD-R 103. The DVD-Video generation unit 74 generates a slide show format DVD-Video file V0 based on the reproduction description file and records it on the DVD-R 103.

  On the other hand, the representative image selection unit 73 selects a representative image based on metadata or the like. The Index-Video generation unit 78 generates an Index-Video file Vidx based on the representative image selected by the representative image selection unit 78 and the content of the reproduction description file generated by the reproduction description file generation unit 72, and stores it in the DVD-R 103. Record.

  The lenticular composition unit 75 divides the plurality of representative images selected by the representative image selection unit 73 into strip-shaped areas corresponding to the lenticular pitch, and generates a composite representative image by lenticular composition in date order or reproduction order.

  The printing unit 76 prints the combined representative image generated by the lenticular combining unit 75 on the lenticular sheet or the surface of the DVD-R 103.

  And the lenticular sheet provision part 77 provides a lenticular sheet to the board surface of DVD-R103.

  In this way, by adding the lenticular composite representative image to the board surface of the DVD-R 103, when the photographic images are enjoyed as a slide show with a DVD player, the DVD-R 103 is inserted into the DVD player before the DVD-R 103 is loaded. By observing while tilting R103, a simple preview of the slide show can be performed. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to recognize at a glance what kind of image slide show is recorded on the DVD-R 103 or which period of image is recorded.

  The digital center 4 manages the unique ID of the DVD-R handed to the user on a per-user basis, and indicates which DVD-R has recorded the image data read from which DVD-R. You may make it manage by ID unique to. As a result, even if the user loses the DVD-R, if the unique ID of the lost DVD-R is known, the lost ID of the lost DVD-R is reported to the digital center 4 to be lost. It can be seen from which DVD-R of which user the image data recorded on the DVD-R is read. Therefore, when the lost DVD-R is created for the first time, it cannot be restored, but when the lost DVD-R is created by reading out image data recorded on another DVD-R. The user who owns the DVD-R from which the image data has been read is requested to send the original DVD-R to the digital center 4, or the image data recorded on the original DVD-R is transmitted to the user. The lost DVD-R can be restored.

  The loss of the DVD-R is delivered to the digital center 4, and a new DVD-R is created using the original DVD-R on which the image data recorded on the DVD-R lost to the digital center 4 is recorded. Every time there is an order, the image data recorded on the original DVD-R is stored in the digital center 4 and is stored when all the image data recorded on the original DVD-R is stored. If a new DVD-R in which image data is recorded is created, the new DVD-R has the same image data as the lost DVD-R. Therefore, although it takes time, the loss of the DVD-R may be sent to the digital center 4 and the same DVD-R as the lost DVD-R may be created in the digital center 4.

  In addition, when creating a new DVD-R, the image data recorded on the original DVD-R that was not used to create the new DVD-R is encrypted, or an invisible attribute is added to create a new DVD-R. The information may be recorded on a DVD-R and managed by the digital center 4.

  Here, the DVD has a large capacity, and there is a possibility that a DVD having a capacity far surpassing that of the current DVD, such as Blu-ray, may be widely used. For this reason, the image data recorded on the original DVD-R that has not been used to create a new DVD-R is encrypted by appropriately changing the compression rate of the image data based on the value information described above. Or an invisible attribute can be given and recorded on a new DVD-R.

  As a result, even if the user loses the DVD-R, all the image data recorded on the DVD-R is recorded on the other DVD-R, so the digital center 4 obtains the other DVD-R. Thus, the decrypted or visualized process can be performed to restore the lost DVD-R.

  In the above embodiment, it is possible to request the photo store to create a DVD-Video file V0 using the image data recorded on the DVD-R, using the store terminal device of the photo store. At this time, the store terminal device is connected to the music storage server that stores the music data in association with the ID, and the user selects in advance the BGM that the user wants to include in the slide show on the mobile phone or the user terminal 20 to store the music data. By obtaining the ID and inputting the ID when creating the DVD-Video file V0, the music storage server is accessed from the store terminal device and the music data having the ID is downloaded to create the DVD-Video file V0. May be.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the photomining system to which the metadata update apparatus by embodiment of this invention is applied. Block diagram showing configuration of image forming apparatus Diagram showing description contents of metadata The figure which shows the file structure of the image data and DVD-Video file which were recorded on DVD-R Sectional drawing which shows the structure of DVD-R used in this embodiment (the 1) The figure which shows the aspect of the recording of the data to the 1st and 2nd recording layer Sectional drawing which shows the structure of DVD-R used in this embodiment (the 2) The figure for demonstrating the state by which the image which does not change the top-and-bottom direction, and the image which changed the top-and-bottom direction to the portrait orientation are reproduced continuously The figure for demonstrating the link between DVD-Video files Diagram for explaining addition to metadata Diagram for explaining change of compression ratio according to value The figure for demonstrating the difference in the reproduction time according to the value in a DVD-Video file Diagram for explaining lenticular composition of three images The figure which shows the state which arranged the strip-shaped area | region of another image adjacent to the longitudinal direction of a strip-shaped area | region when performing lenticular composition. Schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of a DVD creation unit

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photomining system 2 User 3 PM server 4 Digital center 7 Internet 10 Recording body 12 Image acquisition part 20 User terminal 40 Image forming apparatus 41A-41C Film scanner 42 Print scanner 43 Media drive 44 Information acquisition part 45 Image processing part 46 Storage part 47 Sorting section 48 Business management section 49 Comment input section 50 Image confirmation section 51 Image conversion section 52 DVD creation section 53 Communication section 61 First recording layer 62 Second recording layer

Claims (3)

The plurality of image data and the metadata are read from a recording medium on which a plurality of image data and metadata corresponding to each of the plurality of image data describing various information about each of the plurality of image data are recorded. Reading means;
An metadata updating apparatus, comprising: update means for updating the metadata by adding usage information representing the usage status of each of the plurality of image data to the metadata. Reading the plurality of image data and the metadata from a recording medium on which a plurality of image data and metadata corresponding to each of the plurality of image data describing various information about each of the plurality of image data are recorded ,
A metadata update method, wherein the metadata is updated by adding usage information indicating a usage status of each of the plurality of image data to the metadata. The plurality of image data and the metadata are read from a recording medium on which a plurality of image data and metadata corresponding to each of the plurality of image data describing various information about each of the plurality of image data are recorded. Procedure and
A program for causing a computer to execute a metadata update method, comprising: a step of updating the metadata by adding usage information representing the usage status of each of the plurality of image data to the metadata. .

Images