JP2007179198A - Image control server, image placement information generating method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To constitute an excellent image placement environment in which a user can easily find and order a picture that he or she is interested in or a picture that he or she wants to print even if a large volume of image data is placed on a Web site in a short period particularly in connection with an event or the like. <P>SOLUTION: Upon receipt of a request for an application including information on a user from a user terminal A120, a photo site server 110 acquires a specific image data (data on the user's face image) stored in a hard disk based on the received information on the user, acquires an image data matching the acquired specific image data from the hard disk and stores it in an RAM, generates a reduced image data from the stored image data, and an image data of a specific part which has clipped the image data of the part matching the specific image data, and generates the placement information (an individual album) corresponding to the user information based on the generated reduced image data and image data of a specific part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to image data disclosure control in an image management server that stores and manages image data.

  At school events, corporate events, etc., the cameraman in charge takes a large number of photos and posts them on school papers or businesses by pasting them on imitation paper. Students, employees, and their families find and order photos of their family (or person) and friends from a number of photos. Alternatively, it is uploaded to a digital photo site so that the parties concerned can view and order it.

Further, in Patent Document 1, when an image is input, for example, an object such as a human face is recognized, a search is performed as to whether a similar face image is stored in a database, and a keyword assigned to the similar face image. An image search device is disclosed that can efficiently assign keywords to an input image by presenting.
JP 2004-234228 A

  If a large number of photos are uploaded to the photo site, it will take time to sort them out. For images that will only be uploaded for a relatively short period (2 weeks to a maximum of about 1 month), they will be uploaded directly from each camera. It is easier to do.

  Therefore, a large number of photos (hundreds or more) taken by a plurality of digital cameras will be uploaded to the photosite. In this case, it is difficult to browse hundreds of photographic images and find photos of yourself, family, and friends from them. Even if you finally find it, the photo is often not the one you want to order due to out-of-focus, camera shake, or out of frame, so there is a problem that it takes a lot of time to select the photo.

  Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a similar image is searched for each image, and the keyword can be corrected after confirming the contents. Therefore, there is an advantage that a highly accurate search is possible. However, if a large number of images including images taken of a large number of people are uploaded at once, a large amount of image search is required to assign keywords to all images, and the amount of time for keyword confirmation work is enormous. As a result, the load on the operator becomes excessive.

  In particular, the inefficiency of the technique of Patent Document 1 becomes significant when a large number of images are uploaded but only for a short period of time, such as images taken at an event.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is particularly relevant to events even when a large amount of image data is posted on a website in a short period of time. It is possible to provide a mechanism for constructing an excellent image posting environment in which a photograph and a photograph to be printed can be easily found and ordered.

  The present invention provides a first storage unit that stores image data and a second storage unit that stores specific image data in association with user information in an image management server that can communicate with a plurality of clients via a network. In response to receiving the application request including the user information from the client, the specific image data stored in the second is acquired based on the received user information, and image data matching the acquired specific image data is acquired. An acquisition unit that acquires from the first storage unit and stores it in a third storage unit, a reduced image data from the image data stored in the third storage unit, and an image of a portion that matches the specific image data Specific partial image data obtained by cutting out the data is generated, and the user information is processed based on the generated reduced image data and specific partial image data. And having a first generating means generate and store a first listing to the fourth storage means for the.

  According to the present invention, even when a large amount of image data is posted on a website in a short period of time, particularly for an event, etc., it is possible to easily find and order a photo of interest or a photo to be printed. There are effects such as the construction of an image posting environment.

  Details will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a photosite system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 110 denotes a photo site server, which is connected to the communication line 100.

  In the hard disk 28 (FIG. 2) of the photo site server 110, event photo data, thumbnail data, facial image data, member data (employee data for a company, student / teacher / parent data for a school, member ID, member No. Name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc.) and member face photo data, HTML for album site, personal album application information (FIG. 3), photo order information, event information (event ID) , Event name, member number, event date, photo posting deadline), OS (operation system), application program, and the like are stored in advance.

  The photo site server 110 is connected to a photo printer 115 for printing the ordered photo. The photo printer 115 may be connected to the photo site server 110 via a network.

  The member number is assigned to a company, school, group, etc., and is different from the member ID assigned to each individual.

  The customer terminal A 120 and the customer terminal B 130 are terminals of a photo site user, and are typically mobile terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones. These customer terminal A 120 and customer terminal B 130 perform uploading of photos and browsing of photo albums via the communication line 100. Actually, many customer terminals other than the two illustrated are connected.

  The above-described face partial image data is image data of a part recognized as a human face in each event photo image data, or two-dimensional coordinate data, and the face photo data number and the parent event photo image The data is composed of an image number and image data or two-dimensional coordinate data, and is stored in the hard disk 28.

  A plurality of face partial image data can be set for each event photo image data. As a method for extracting face partial image data, a known conventional technique (for example, an extraction technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-221547) is used.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the photo site server 110 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the photosite server 110 includes, for example, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a LAN adapter 24, a video adapter 25, a keyboard 26, a pointing device such as a mouse 27, a hard disk 28, And a drive capable of reading data from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM drive 29, and these are connected to each other via a system bus 20.

  The CPU 21 can read and execute a program stored in the ROM 23. Further, the CPU 21 performs overall control of the entire apparatus by reading out a program (OS, application program) stored and saved in the hard disk 28 or the like and executing it on the RAM 22.

  The RAM 22 is used as a work area for the CPU 21. The LAN adapter 24 is a communication interface for connecting to a network. The hard disk 28 stores and manages various types of information in addition to the programs described above. A monitor such as an LCD or CRT is connected to the video adapter 25 and controls display on the monitor 30.

  Although not shown, the customer terminal A120 and customer terminal B130 have the same configuration as that of the photo site server 110 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a file structure of the personal album setting information in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, 300 is personal album setting information, which is input on the personal album creation application screen shown in FIG. 7 to be described later, and stored in the hard disk 28 of the photo site server 110 shown in FIG.

  In the personal album setting information 300, the “event ID” is expressed with 12-digit alphanumeric characters such as “A23316200523”, for example, the first 5 digits are alphanumeric characters (member No.) for specifying the member organization, and The four digits are the year, and the next three digits are a serial number that identifies the event.

  The “member ID” is an employee number in the case of a company, a student ID number or an employee number in the case of a school. The “sort category” is set to “2” when the priority setting is “present”, and is set to “1” when the priority setting is “none”.

  “Rank 1” to “Rank 3” mean the priority of the image, “F” indicates the focus, “S” indicates the size of the person, and “P” indicates that the position of the person is prioritized. The rank is not limited to ranks 1 to 3, but may be four or more, or may be two.

  “Number of sheets” means the maximum number of personal albums. “Expiration date” means the publication deadline of a personal album. In the photo print system of this embodiment, since a large amount of images are posted without being discarded in principle, the posting period is often relatively short (about half a month to one month).

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, processing up to creation of a personal album application personal page in the photo site system of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the photo site system of the present invention, which corresponds to the personal album creation application processing. In the figure, the processing of S401 and S402 is realized by the CPU of the customer terminal A120 or the customer terminal B130 shown in FIG. 1 reading out the program stored in the hard disk and executing it. The processing of S421 to S426 is realized by the CPU 21 of the photosite server 110 shown in FIG. 2 reading out the program stored in the hard disk 28 onto the RAM 22 and executing it.

  First, before step S401, connection from the customer terminal A120 or customer terminal B130 (hereinafter referred to as customer terminal) to the photo site server 110, session establishment, and authentication processing are executed. The album application screen is received. Note that the user ID and session ID used at this time are stored in the RAM 22. The personal album application screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the monitor of the customer terminal. Here, the personal album application screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a personal album application screen in the photo site system of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes an employee name display, which displays the designation of the customer who has been authenticated by the authentication process described above. An event name selection field 502 is used to select the name of an event for which a personal album is applied.

  Reference numeral 503 denotes a priority setting radio button for selecting a priority setting “present” or “none”. When “Yes” is selected by the priority order setting radio button 503, at least one of the priority ranks 1 to 3 is selected from the rank 1 selection column 504 to the rank 3 selection column 506. .

  The rank 1 selection column 504 to the rank 3 selection column 506 are for selecting a priority. Reference numeral 507 denotes an album maximum number input field, where the maximum number of albums can be input if necessary.

  Reference numeral 509 denotes a target person registration button. When a personal album is created for the first time, one or a plurality of individuals to be listed in the personal album are registered. The target person registration button 509 can be pressed with a mouse or the like, and a part of the name or organization name or member ID can be input to search for the target person from the member information and added as an image search target person. .

  Reference numeral 508 denotes an application button. When the application button 508 is instructed to be pressed with a mouse or the like after performing the above setting or selection, the input on the personal album application screen is confirmed and the application information is transmitted to the photo site server 110. Is done.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S401, when application information is input in each of the input fields 502 to 507 and the application button 508 is instructed to be pressed with a mouse or the like, the CPU of the customer terminal advances the process to step S402.

  In step S402, the CPU of the customer terminal transmits the application information input in step S401 to the photosite server 110 together with the user ID and session ID (held on the RAM).

  Then, in step S421, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 receives the application information transmitted from the customer terminal, and in step S422, registers the received application information in the hard disk 28 as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S423, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 executes an image search process. Specifically, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 loads the face photo data of the target person (corresponding to the user ID) out of the face picture data stored in the hard disk 28 in advance into the RAM 22, and then each target person. If the degree of coincidence is larger than a predetermined value by comparing the face photo data of the event with the face partial image data of each image of the event of interest, the event image is regarded as a hit image, its image number and image sharpness (focus) and Each record including size information and position information is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 or the hard disk 28. Note that the image sharpness has a large value for an image having a sharp change in luminance at the edge of the face portion. The size information increases as the size of the face portion increases. Further, the position information has a larger value as the face portion is at the center of the image. Then, after finishing matching all of the face photograph data of the target person and the face partial image data of each image of the target event, the process proceeds to step S424.

  Next, in step S424, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 generates a personal album page based on the hit image and the application information (personal page generation process). Details of the personal page generation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S425, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 describes that the generation of the personal album site is completed for the e-mail address stored in the member data and the method (URL, etc.) for accessing the personal album site. In step S426, the generated mail is transmitted to the corresponding user via a predetermined mail server. Then, the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure in the photosite system of the present invention, and corresponds to the personal page generation processing in step S425 of FIG. Note that the processing of S521 to S530 is realized by the CPU 21 of the photosite server 110 shown in FIG. 2 reading out the program stored in the hard disk 28 onto the RAM 22 and executing it.

  First, in step S521, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 secures a work area for sorting in the RAM 22 according to the number of search hits in step S423, and records each of the hit images (image number, image sharpness). The degree (focus), size information, position information) is stored. If the number of hits is greater than the predetermined number, a part or all of the work area may be secured on the hard disk 28.

  Next, in step S522, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 corresponds to the application information registered in the hard disk in step S422 (event name, priority order presence / absence, rank 1, rank 2, rank 3, album maximum number of items). Data) is read into the work area of the RAM 22, and the process proceeds to step S523.

  In step S 523, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 branches the process depending on whether the priority designation of the work area application information in the RAM 22 is “Yes”. If it is determined that the priority order designation is “present”, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 advances the process to step S524. On the other hand, if it is determined that the priority order designation is “none”, the process advances to step S526.

  In step S524, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 records each record (consisting of the image number, image sharpness (focus), size information, and position information) of the event photo image hit in step S423 in the work area ranking 1 of the RAM 22. Sorting is performed using the sort work area in the sort order specified in the rank 3, and the process proceeds to step S525.

  In step S526, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 sorts in the default sort order (for example, “image sharpness”> “size information”> “position information”), and advances the process to step S525. .

  In step S525, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether or not the number of image hits exceeds the maximum number of albums (if the maximum number of albums is not specified, the default maximum number (for example, 20)). If it is determined that the maximum number is exceeded, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 advances the process to step S527. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum number is not exceeded, the process advances to step S528.

  In step S527, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 deletes the record of the image exceeding the maximum number based on the maximum number of albums stored in the work area or the like of the RAM 22.

  Next, in step S528, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 reads the event photo image data stored in the predetermined folder of the hard disk 28 into the RAM 22 based on the image number of the hit image stored in the RAM 22, A new thumbnail having a small image size is created and stored in the hard disk 28. Note that the thumbnail image number is the number associated with the hit image using, for example, “-S” added to the image number of the hit image.

  In step S529, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 reads the corresponding face partial image data stored in the hard disk 28 based on the image number of the event photo image data in the RAM 22 and stores it in the work area of the RAM 22.

  In step S530, the personal album display HTML is generated based on the face partial image data and thumbnail stored in the work area of the RAM 22, and stored in a predetermined personal album storage folder in the hard disk 28. Then, the process ends.

  The HTML for displaying the personal album indicates (clicks) the face portion of the thumbnail image in the personal album (the portion that matches the user's face photo data in step S423) on the screen of the customer terminal. It is assumed that a specific part enlargement request including information specifying the specified thumbnail image is generated so as to include a command (such as a link command) that requests the photo site server 110 from the customer terminal. Thus, when the face portion of the thumbnail image in the personal album is clicked on the customer terminal, an enlarged image of the face is transmitted from the photo site server 110 to the customer terminal and displayed.

  Hereinafter, the personal album creation process in the photo site system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the photosite system of the present invention, which corresponds to the personal album creation processing. In the figure, the processing of S601 to S610 is realized by the CPU of the customer terminal A120 or the customer terminal B130 shown in FIG. 1 reading out and executing the program stored in the hard disk on the RAM. Further, the processing of S620 to S634 is realized by the CPU 21 of the photosite server 110 shown in FIG. 2 reading out the program stored in the hard disk 28 onto the RAM 22 and executing it.

  First, in steps S601 and S620, a session between the customer terminal A120 or the customer terminal B130 (hereinafter referred to as a customer terminal) and the photo site server 110 is established.

  Specifically, in step S601, the CPU of the customer terminal establishes a session with the photo site server 110. Specifically, the CPU of the customer terminal designates a URL for referring to a predetermined album site, and requests connection to the photo site server 110. Then, the CPU of the customer terminal displays an authentication screen on the monitor based on the authentication screen information sent back from the photo site server 110, and when the user ID and password are input from the keyboard, the user ID and password are The information is transmitted to the site server 110, and the initial screen information for referring to the photo album is received from the return photo site server 110.

  On the other hand, in step S620, when there is a connection request from the customer terminal, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 assigns a session ID, secures a session area in the RAM, and sends back authentication screen information to the customer terminal together with the session ID. When the user ID and password are received from the customer terminal, the authentication process is performed. When the authentication is successful, the initial screen information for referring to the photo album is transmitted to the customer terminal together with the session ID, and the process proceeds to step S621 to receive the operation information. Waiting.

  In step S602, the CPU of the customer terminal displays an initial screen (not shown) for referring to the photo album on the monitor, and the process proceeds to step S603. This initial screen is capable of instructing “reference personal album”, “reference common album”, and the like.

  In step S603, the CPU of the customer terminal determines whether or not there is an operation such as pressing a button on the initial screen. If there is no operation, the process returns to step S602, while if it is determined that there is a button operation. In step S604, the process proceeds.

  In step S604, the CPU of the customer terminal transmits the session ID and the operation information together with the user ID to the photo site server 110.

  Then, in step S622, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 receives the operation information transmitted from the customer terminal, determines which customer terminal the operation information is based on the session ID received together with the operation information, and Operation information is stored in the session area of the RAM.

  Next, in step S623, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether the received operation information is information indicating personal album reference, and determines that the operation information is information indicating personal album reference. In step S624, if it is determined that the operation information is not information indicating a personal album reference, the process proceeds to step S625.

  In step S624, based on the received user ID, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 transmits personal album page display screen information for the user ID (corresponding to FIG. 8) to the customer terminal.

  Then, in step S605, the CPU of the customer terminal receives the screen information transmitted from the photo site server 110, advances the process to step S602, and displays the personal album page screen (FIG. 8) based on the received screen information. Display on the monitor. In step S603, the CPU of the customer terminal waits for a user operation on the screen. Here, the personal album page screen will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a personal album page screen in the photo site system of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a thumbnail image (001 to 015). A face enlargement display request can be made by instructing to click a portion corresponding to a human face in the thumbnail image with a mouse or the like.

  Reference numeral 802 denotes a large image display button, and a large image large display request can be made by instructing to click this button with a mouse or the like. Reference numeral 803 denotes a purchase button. By clicking on this button with a mouse or the like, it is possible to apply for purchase of a print corresponding to an image constituting the personal album.

  Reference numeral 804 denotes a common album button. By clicking this button with a mouse or the like, a common album reference request can be made. Reference numeral 805 denotes a delete button. By clicking this button with a mouse or the like, the selected image can be deleted from the album.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S625, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether the received operation information is information indicating a common album reference, and determines that the operation information is information indicating a common album reference. Advances the process to step S626. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation information is not information indicating a common album reference, the process advances to step S627.

  In step S626, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 transmits the screen information for displaying the common album page (corresponding to FIG. 9) to the customer terminal based on the received user ID.

  The common album is a sequence of thumbnail images of the event image, and when the event image is registered, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 generates HTML for the common album. It is assumed that the data is stored in a common album storage folder in the hard disk 28.

  Then, in step S606, the CPU of the customer terminal receives the screen information transmitted from the photo site server 110, advances the process to step S602, and displays the common album page screen (FIG. 9) based on the received screen information. Display on the monitor. In step S603, the CPU of the customer terminal waits for a user operation on the screen. Here, the common album page screen will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a common album page screen in the photo site system of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes thumbnail images (1001 to 1020). A face enlargement display request can be made by instructing to click a portion corresponding to a human face in the thumbnail image with a mouse or the like.

  Reference numeral 902 denotes a purchase button. By clicking on this button with a mouse or the like, it is possible to apply for purchase of a print corresponding to the image selected on the common album. Reference numeral 903 denotes a personal album button. By clicking this button with a mouse or the like, a personal album reference request can be made.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S627, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether the received operation information is information indicating a face enlargement display request, and determines that the operation information is information indicating a face enlargement display request. If YES, the process proceeds to step S628. If it is determined that the operation information is not information indicating a face enlargement display request, the process proceeds to step S629.

  In step S628, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines which part of which image is requested to be enlarged based on the received user ID, the mouse point coordinates, and the layout information of the currently displayed screen. The screen information for displaying the enlarged screen of the face image for displaying the personal album page for ID is transmitted to the customer terminal.

  Then, in step S607, the CPU of the customer terminal receives the screen information transmitted from the photo site server 110, advances the processing to step S602, and based on the received screen information, enlarges the face image enlargement screen of the personal album page ( (Not shown) is displayed. In step S603, the CPU of the customer terminal waits for a user operation on the screen.

  In step S629, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether the received operation information is information indicating a large image display request, and determines that the operation information is information indicating a large image display request. If YES, the process proceeds to step S630. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation information is not information indicating a large image display request, the process proceeds to step S631.

  In step S630, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 transmits screen information for displaying a pop-up screen for displaying an event image to the customer terminal based on the received user ID, mouse point coordinates, and display screen layout information. .

  Then, in step S608, the CPU of the customer terminal receives the screen information transmitted from the photo site server 110, advances the processing to step S602, and based on the received screen information, displays a pop-up screen for displaying an event image (not displayed). When the “Close” button is pressed on the same screen, the pop-up screen is closed. Note that a “Purchase” button is displayed on this pop-up screen, and when the “Purchase” button is pressed, the CPU of the customer terminal transmits operation information for the purchase application of the corresponding image to the photo site server 110. .

  In step S631, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether or not the received operation information is information indicating a purchase application, and determines that the operation information is information indicating a purchase application. The process proceeds to step S632. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation information is not information indicating a purchase application, the process proceeds to step S633.

  In step S632, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 transmits screen information for displaying a purchase confirmation screen to the customer terminal based on the received user ID and purchase target image number (stored in the RAM in association with the user ID). .

  Then, in step S609, the CPU of the customer terminal receives the screen information transmitted from the photo site server 110, advances the processing to step S602, and purchase confirmation screen (for example, event photo image and the photo) based on the screen information. A confirmation message asking if you want to apply and a screen that displays the "Apply" button. In step S603, the CPU of the customer terminal waits for a user operation on the screen.

  In step S633, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 determines whether or not the received operation information is information indicating purchase confirmation. If the operation information is information indicating purchase confirmation, The process proceeds to step S634. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation information is not information indicating purchase confirmation, the process returns to step S621.

  In step S634, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 performs a purchase process based on the received user ID, image number, and purchase confirmation information, and transmits a purchase end screen to the customer terminal. In the purchase process, for example, if the providing method is printing and sending, the print data is sent to the photo printer 115 to execute printing. If the providing method is mail transmission, the compressed event image data is attached to the electronic mail address of the user ID and transmitted. Note that the providing method is not limited to this. In addition, during the purchase process, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 checks whether there is a duplicate order between the order from the personal page and the order from the common page. Send a confirmation message to the device. Then, the purchase process is executed again based on the confirmation operation in the confirmation message. For example, when receiving the operation information for accepting the duplicate order from the customer terminal, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 executes the purchase process including the duplicate order as it is. On the other hand, when the operation information indicating that the duplicate order is not accepted is received from the customer terminal, the CPU 21 of the photo site server 110 executes the purchase process by removing the order of the duplicate image from the order information from the common page, for example. To do.

  Then, in step S610, the CPU of the customer terminal receives the purchase end screen information transmitted from the photo site server 110, advances the processing to step S602, and based on the screen information, purchase end screen (for example, event photo image and A confirmation message indicating that the photograph has been purchased and a screen (not shown) for displaying an “OK” button are displayed. In step S603, the CPU of the customer terminal waits for a user operation on the screen.

  As described above, even if a large number of photos are uploaded to the site, it is possible to easily find a photo of interest or a photo to be printed by referring to the personal page.

  Furthermore, if you refer not only to the personal page but also to the common page, you will not miss other interesting photos (in the case of Web sites).

  Therefore, it is possible to construct an image posting environment suitable for posting a large amount of image data on a Web site in a short period of time, particularly related to an event.

  Specifically, if there is a request from the user, an image search is performed with a registered face image for a designated person, and a personal album including a thumbnail image of the corresponding photo and a link to the actual image is obtained. By creating the image, it is not necessary to search for all the images.

  Each user requests to create a personal album in advance of the event, or a personal application generated by a predetermined application (including a user ID and a list of information that identifies the person who wants to select an image) A desired photo can be easily referred to by referring to the album.

  Furthermore, since the enlarged image of the part recognized as the face during image search can be displayed with one click, even if it is difficult to determine whether the image posted on the personal album is really the desired image, such as when the face part of a person is small This makes it easy to confirm and prevent accidents such as requesting printing of erroneous photos.

  In the photo site server 110, face photographs (preferably front and oblique images) of event participants are registered in an image database, matched with photographs taken at an event or the like, and a subject person (predetermined) Identify by error, match with employee master (personnel master), categorize each image by organization (department, grade, class)> subject person, and print on large format printer as a measure for users who are not in Web environment It is also possible to do. In the case of large format printing, subjects may be grouped by symbols such as colors and letters beside the photo.

  In addition, on the digital photo site, a personal page where the person and a friend registered in advance are shown and a common page where each photograph in the order of elapsed time is shown separately. Personal pages are generated by application or on demand.

  In the personal page, for example, focus (size of sharpness)> person's size (face size)> display position (center or edge) with priorities (higher priority photos are on the top (Preferences can be changed according to personal preference).

  It is possible to specify an order on each page, and to implement a duplicate order check function for individual pages and common pages at the time of purchase processing.

  It should be noted that the common page photo may be easily switched between the display by department and the display in chronological order. In addition, the area where the face is matched is stored, and the image of the face portion is enlarged and displayed with a single click based on the area information, so that the photograph can be quickly checked as to whether it is really desired.

  In the above-described embodiment, the photo site server 110 receives the application request including the user information from the customer terminal A120, and the specific image data (user face) stored in the hard disk based on the received user information. Image data) is acquired, image data that matches the acquired specific image data is acquired from the hard disk, stored in the RAM, and reduced image data and a portion that matches the specific image data from the stored image data Generate specific partial image data obtained by cutting out image data of (user's face part), and generate posted information (personal album) corresponding to the user information based on the generated reduced image data and specific partial image data The specific image data is limited to user face image data. But it may be any image data.

  For example, “school emblem image data” is registered as specific image data, and the “school emblem” is attached based on the “school emblem image data” from the group of image data of athletic meet where multiple schools participate. It is also possible to acquire image data of students in their school wearing a uniform and use it to generate an album. As described above, the image data common to the image data that the user wants to search for is used as the specific image data, so that the system of the present invention can be used for various purposes.

  Therefore, even when a large amount of image data is posted on a website in a short period of time, especially for events, etc., an excellent image posting environment that allows you to easily find and order photos that you are interested in or photos to print Can be built.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by each device (photosite server 110, customer terminal A120, customer terminal B130) constituting the photosite system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 10 is a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) for storing various data processing programs that can be read by each device (photosite server 110, customer terminal A120, customer terminal B130) constituting the photosite system according to the present invention. FIG.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 in the present embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a photosite system showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photo site server shown in FIG. It is. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in the photosite system of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the personal album application screen in the photo site system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in the photosite system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in the photosite system of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the personal album page screen in the photo site system of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the common album page screen in the photo site system of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by each apparatus which comprises the photosite system based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

20 System bus 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
24 LAN adapter 25 Video adapter 26 Keyboard 27 Mouse 28 Hard disk 100 Communication line 110 Photosite server 120 Customer terminal A
130 Customer terminal B
115 photo printer

Claims (10)

In an image management server that can communicate with multiple clients via a network,
First storage means for storing image data;
Second storage means for storing specific image data in association with user information;
In response to receiving an application request including user information from a client, the specific image data stored in the second storage means is acquired based on the received user information, and an image that matches the acquired specific image data Acquisition means for acquiring data from the first storage means and storing it in a third storage means;
Generating reduced image data and specific partial image data obtained by cutting out image data of a portion matching the specific image data from the image data stored in the third storage unit, and generating the reduced image data and the specific portion First generation means for generating first posting information corresponding to the user information based on image data and storing the first posting information in a fourth storage means;
An image management server comprising:   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the application request includes priority order information, and the matching image data is stored in the third storage unit in association with an order based on the received priority order information. Management server.   3. The image management server according to claim 2, wherein the priority order information includes an image sharpness, a size of a portion matched with the specific image data, and an arrangement position of a portion matched with the specific image data. . When the portion matching the specific image data in the reduced image data in the first posted information is designated on the client, the first posted information specifies the specified reduced image data. A command for requesting the image management server to request a specific part enlargement request including information from the client;
Specific partial image data transmission means for acquiring the specific partial image data based on information for specifying the received reduced image data and transmitting the specific partial image data to the client in response to receiving the specific partial enlargement request from the client; ,
The image management server according to claim 2, further comprising:   In response to receiving a purchase application request specifying image data from the client, a purchase process is executed for the image data stored in the third storage unit based on the received purchase application request. 5. The image management server according to claim 2, further comprising purchase processing means. Reduced image data is generated from each image data stored in the first storage means, second publication information is generated based on the generated reduced image data, and stored in the fifth storage means. Two generating means;
The publishing means transmits the information on the second posting information to the client in response to a browsing request for the second posting information from the client,
In the purchase processing means, the purchase specification of the image data selected from the first posting information specified in the purchase application request overlaps with the purchase specification of the image data selected from the second posting information. The image management server according to claim 5, wherein a warning is notified to the client when it is to be performed.   The image management server according to claim 2, wherein the specific image data is user face image data. In the image publishing information generation method in the image management server that can communicate with a plurality of clients via a network and has first storage means for storing image data,
A registration step of registering specific image data in the second storage means in association with user information;
In response to receiving the application request including the user information from the client, the specific image data stored in the second is acquired based on the received user information, and the image data matching the acquired specific image data is An acquisition step of acquiring from the first storage means and storing in the third storage means;
Generating reduced image data and specific partial image data obtained by cutting out image data of a portion matching the specific image data from the image data stored in the third storage unit, and generating the reduced image data and the specific portion A generation step of generating publication information corresponding to the user information based on the image data and storing it in a fourth storage means;
A method for generating image publication information, comprising:   The program for making a computer perform the image publication information generation method described in Claim 8.   A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the image publication information generation method according to claim 8.

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