JPH11134343A - Picture data communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the number of picture data which can be offered to a terminal side, and to provide data at low costs in a system for retrieving picture data at the terminal side. SOLUTION: This system is constituted of a control center 2 and plural terminal equipment 4, wherein the picture data base of the control center 2 is retrieved according to a retrieval request from the terminal equipment 4, and the desired picture data can be read at the terminal equipment 4 side. Supply type terminal equipment for supplying picture data to the terminal equipment 4 is used for supplying the picture data from the supply type terminal equipment to the other terminal equipment. Also, fee for the offer of the picture data is subtracted from the charged value of the use of this system in the supply type terminal equipment which offers the picture data. As a result, the number of subscribers who use the supply type terminal equipment can be increased, and the kind of the picture data which can be offered by this system can be increased. Thus, picture data can be offered to the terminal equipment at low costs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data communication system capable of managing a large number of image data on a center device side and searching and reading desired image data from the large number of image data on a terminal device side. About the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various communication systems for transmitting and receiving various data between computers using a public telephone line or a dedicated communication line have been developed and put into practical use. As one of them, for example, various data including image data is managed on the center device side, and the user operates the terminal device on the terminal device side to select desired data from the data managed by the center device. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a communication system capable of searching for specific data or reading specific data.

[0003] However, in this type of communication system, it is possible for the terminal device to search and read data for data registered in the data storage device of the center device. For example, it has not been possible to search for a current image at a desired intersection on a planned traveling route in order to know the traffic congestion on a road on which a vehicle is to travel.

That is, in the conventional communication system, it is possible to search and read past data already registered in the data storage device on the center device side, but it is not possible to search for raw information that changes every moment. Therefore, even if the communicable data is image data, the terminal cannot know the current road condition or the like from the image data.

[0005] On the other hand, recently, an Internet broadcast station that distributes the situation of a concert or the like in real time using the Internet has been proposed and put into practical use.
The above problem can be solved by using such an Internet broadcasting station. In other words, according to the Internet broadcasting station, a plurality of image data can be selectively distributed to an unspecified number of terminal devices in response to a request from the terminal device side. Prepare a large number of cameras arranged at intersections, etc., manage image data from each camera on the side of the center device serving as a broadcast station, and from the center device to the terminal device that has requested image data, By distributing the image data from the camera in response to the request from the terminal device, it is possible to provide the terminal device with raw image data that changes every moment.

[0006] However, when raw image data representing road conditions and the like is distributed using an Internet broadcasting station, the types of image data that can be provided are increased, and the number of types of image data that can be provided is sufficient to meet the demands of the terminal device. In order to be able to respond, the information source of the image data including the camera and the transmission device of the picked-up image must be arranged everywhere, and the capital investment on the broadcast station side becomes enormous.

Therefore, in order to realize such a communication system, in order to operate the system, it is necessary to collect a fee for using image data from a user of the system which receives supply of image data from the center device via a terminal device. I can't get it. This usage fee can be reduced if the number of users increases, but in order to increase the number of users, the type (number) of image data that can be provided from the center device must be increased. In order to do so, further capital investment is required. Therefore, in a communication system such as an Internet broadcasting station, there is a limit in reducing the usage fee and increasing the number of users. In consideration of the balance between the demand and supply of image data, the number of image data that can be provided is limited. And the usage fee have to be set, and it has been difficult to provide inexpensive image data to users on the terminal device side.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and in an image data communication system for supplying image data from a center device to a terminal device, the number of image data that can be provided from the center device to the terminal device is determined. Increase
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to be able to provide image data to a terminal device at low cost.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data communication system comprising: a center device for managing image data; and a plurality of terminal devices connected to the center device via a communication line. In addition, at least one of the terminal devices is configured as a supply type terminal device capable of transmitting image data to the center device.

In the center device, a large number of image data or supply sources of the image data to be delivered to the terminal device are stored in the image data storage means together with attribute information indicating the attribute of each image. Receiving a search request including the attribute of image data from the image data storage means, the image search means searches the image data storage means for image data having the attribute corresponding to the search request, and transfers the search result to the terminal device. . When receiving a transfer request for the specific image data from the terminal device, the image transfer means reads the specific image data requested to be transferred from the image data storage means or the supply source registered in the image data storage means, Transfer to

On the other hand, in the terminal device, when the attribute of the image data to be searched is designated via the operation unit, the search request transmitting means transmits a search request for the image data of the attribute to the center device. The search result transmitted from the center device according to the search request is displayed on the display means. Further, when specific image data among the search results displayed on the display means is designated through the operation unit by the operation of the search request transmitting means, the transfer request transmitting means transmits the designated specific image data to the specified image data. The transfer request is transmitted to the center device, and the specific image is displayed on the display means based on the image data transmitted from the center device in accordance with the transfer request.

[0012] Further, the supply type terminal device of the terminal devices is an image data transmitting means for transmitting image data to the center device, and a supply type terminal device capable of supplying the center device with image data. Terminal information transmitting means for transmitting terminal information indicating the presence of the image data together with the attribute information of the image data, and upon receiving an image transmission request from the center apparatus, the image supply control means causes the image data transmitting means to transmit the image data Is sent.

In the center device, when receiving the terminal information from the supply type terminal device, the terminal device registration means sets the supply type terminal device as one of the image data supply sources, and The image data is stored in the image data storage unit together with the transmitted attribute information. Further, when a transfer request for image data from the supply type terminal device stored in the image data storage unit as a supply source is received from the terminal device, the image transfer unit An image transmission request is transmitted to the supply type terminal device, and thereafter, the image data transmitted from the supply type terminal device is transferred to the terminal device which has transmitted the transfer request.

As described above, in the image data communication system of the present invention, of the terminal devices connected to the center device via the communication line, the terminal device configured as a supply type terminal device capable of transmitting image data is described. Is stored in the image data storage means together with the attributes of the image data that can be supplied by the center device as one of the image data supply sources, so that it can be supplied by each terminal device including the supply type terminal device. It is configured to search for image data of a desired attribute including image data supplied from the portable terminal device, and to read specific image data as necessary.

Therefore, according to the image data communication system of the present invention, the subscriber of the system having the supply-type terminal device itself becomes a provider of image data and transmits necessary image data to another terminal device. It becomes possible to supply. If the number of supply-type terminal devices connected to the center device increases, the type (number) of image data that can be provided from the center device to each terminal device also increases.

[0016] However, it is difficult to increase the number of subscribers who intend to provide image data using the supply-type terminal device simply by enabling the supply-type terminal device to transmit image data to the center device. It is impossible to supply high-value image data required by a subscriber of another terminal device from a supply-type terminal device.

Therefore, in the present invention, when the charge management means provided in the center device supplies the image data transferred to the terminal device by the image transfer means to the terminal device, the charge management device controls the supply terminal device. The provision fee of the image data to be paid is calculated, and this provision fee is subtracted from the billing value for the supply-type terminal device.

As a result, if the subscriber having the supply type terminal device can provide high-value image data required from other terminal devices, the subscriber can reduce the billing value collected as the usage fee of the system. , The billing value becomes negative, and it becomes possible to earn income at the provision fee of the image data.

Therefore, according to the image data communication system of the present invention, it is possible to increase the number of image data that can be supplied from a center device to a terminal device without increasing a charge for each terminal device required for system operation. Thus, desired image data can be provided to the terminal device at low cost.

The billing management means provided in the center device responds to the operation of the image search means and the image transfer means in response to the search request and the transfer request from the terminal device. Calculate usage fee,
By adding the usage fee to the billing value for the terminal device, the system usage fee is collected from each terminal device, and by adding or subtracting the usage fee and the image data provision fee to the fixed basic fee. The billing value may be updated, or the billing value may be updated only by the usage fee and the provision fee.

When the charge management means calculates the usage charge and the provision charge, the terminal device for the image data stored in the image data storage means or the supply source of the image data is set forth in claim 2. It is preferable to monitor a request state of image data from the server and calculate a usage fee and a provision fee based on the request state.

In other words, if the charging management means is configured in this manner, for example, the higher the value of image data frequently requested from the terminal device, the higher the usage fee or provision fee, or the required frequency. When the value exceeds a predetermined value, by reducing the usage fee and the provision fee, high-value image data is provided to each terminal device at a low cost, and the terminal device side can easily use the image data. It is possible for the data provider to increase the number of accesses to the provided image data so that a higher provision fee can be paid.

Here, the attribute given to the image data and stored in the image data storage means together with the image data or its supply source may be information indicating the type of the image data. Various attributes can be considered, such as attributes, event attributes representing various events such as concerts and festivals, popularity attributes representing the degree of popularity corresponding to requests from each terminal device, and urgency attributes representing urgency. It is desirable to add attribute information in which a plurality of these attributes are set and store the attribute information in the image data storage unit. In other words, with this configuration, the terminal device can select from a large number of image data (or its supply source)
Options for searching for image data with a desired attribute are increased, and image data with a desired attribute can be searched more quickly.

When searching for the image data and its supply source stored in the image data storage means based on the attribute information, the terminal device converts the image data of the desired attribute from the upper attribute to the lower attribute. In order to be able to narrow down, similarly to the conventionally known general information retrieval system, the image data storage means stores each attribute information in a higher order separately from the attribute information indicating the attribute of the image data and its supply source. It is desirable to separately store hierarchical data of attribute information hierarchized in order by the attribute.

On the other hand, in the present invention, by using the supply type terminal device, the system subscriber can supply arbitrary image data to other terminal devices. Even if the supply type terminal device is registered in the image data storage means on the center device side as a supply source of the center device, the supply type terminal device cannot always provide image data.
Even if a transmission request for image data from a specific supply type terminal device is transmitted from another terminal device, the center device may not be able to transfer the image data.

Therefore, in the image data communication system of the present invention, as described in claim 3, a terminal device is provided with a terminal call transmitting means, and a center device is provided with a terminal search means. When a call request for image data of a predetermined attribute is input via the operation unit, the terminal call transmission unit transmits a terminal call request for causing the center device to search for a supply type terminal device that can supply the image data of the attribute. And
When the center apparatus receives the terminal call request, the terminal search means selects the image data of the attribute corresponding to the terminal call request from the supply type terminal apparatuses stored as the image data supply source in the image data storage means. Is searched for a supply type terminal device capable of supplying the terminal device, and the search result is transferred to the terminal device. On the terminal device side, the terminal call transmitting means displays the terminal search result on the display means, and further displays the displayed result. When a specific supply type terminal device among the terminal search results is designated via the operation unit, the transfer request transmission means transmits a transfer request for image data from the designated supply type terminal device to the center device. It is desirable to configure as follows.

In other words, if the image data communication system of the present invention is configured as described in claim 3, the call request is transmitted from the terminal device to the center device, so that the image data of the desired attribute is transmitted to the center device. To obtain desired image data from the supply-type terminal device by allowing the supply-type terminal device capable of actually supplying the same to be searched, and designating a desired supply-type terminal device from the searched supply-type terminal devices. Will be able to Therefore, according to the image data communication system of the third aspect, the terminal device side quickly finds a supply terminal device that can provide desired image data, and receives supply of image data from the supply terminal device. And a more convenient system can be realized.

Next, the supply-type terminal device converts a still image or a moving image photographed by the user using a camera into a storage medium such as a magnetic tape or disk (magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.) or memory. Once stored in
At the time of image data transmission, the image data read from the storage medium may be transmitted. However, the supply type terminal device may be provided with an imaging unit that captures an image around the terminal device. The image data transmitting means transmits an image photographed by the imaging means to the center device as image data, and the terminal information transmitting means includes at least a location attribute representing a location of the terminal device as attribute information of the image data. If configured to transmit to the center device, the surrounding image can be transmitted in real time from the supply type terminal device, and the value of the image data transmitted by the supply type terminal device can be enhanced.

In this case, the supply-type terminal device may be configured as a portable or mobile terminal device that includes wireless communication means and performs data communication with the center device wirelessly. For example, the user of the supply type terminal device can take a current image at any place and transmit the image data to the center device side, for example, by taking a picture of a traffic jam at an intersection or the like. It can also be supplied to other terminal devices as traffic information.

When the supply type terminal device is configured as described in claim 5, the terminal device further comprises:
By configuring the center device and the supply type terminal device as described in claim 6, the utility value of the supply type terminal device in the system can be further increased.

That is, in the image data communication system according to the sixth aspect, when a request for photographing an image at a specific place is input through the operation unit in the terminal device, the photographing terminal search and transmission unit transmits the request to the center device. In response to the request, the terminal transmits a photographing terminal search request for searching for a supply type terminal device capable of photographing an image of a specific place. Then, on the side of the center device, the imaging terminal searching means, in accordance with the imaging terminal search request, sends the image of the image at the specific location to the supply type terminal device capable of supplying image data having a location attribute close to the specific location to be imaged. Send a shooting request. Then, on the supply type terminal device side that has received the photographing request, the photographing request display unit displays on the display unit that the photographing request has been received from the center device together with the specific location to be photographed, and after the photographing request is displayed, When a response command is input via the operation unit, a response signal indicating that an image of a specific location can be captured is transmitted to the center device.

On the side of the center device receiving the response signal transmitted from the supply type terminal device, the photographing terminal search means stores the list of the supply type terminal device which has transmitted the response signal after the transmission of the photographing request. As a terminal search result, the terminal device transmits the photographing terminal search request to the terminal device that has transmitted the request. Then, on the side of the terminal device receiving the photographing terminal search result,
The photographing terminal search transmitting means displays the search result on the display means, and further, when a specific supply type terminal device among the displayed photographing terminal search results is designated via the operation unit, the photographing request transmitting means Transmits the transfer request of the captured image data by the designated supply-type terminal device to the center device.

Then, on the center device side, the photographed image transfer means transmits a photographing request for an image to the supply type terminal device which has received the transfer request. On the supply type terminal device side that has received the photographing request, the photographed image transmission control unit displays on the display unit that the photographing request for the image has been received from the center device, and then transmits the transmission command input from the operation unit. The image data transmitted from the image data transmitting means is transmitted to the center device as photographed image data. Then, in the center device, the photographed image transfer means transfers photographed image data transmitted from the supply type terminal device to the terminal device after transmitting the photographing request, and the terminal device receiving the photographed image data performs photographing. The request transmitting means displays an image on the display means according to the captured image data.

That is, in the image data communication system according to the sixth aspect, the supply type terminal device can go to a desired photographing site and transmit the current image, and the portable terminal device can be mounted on a portable or mobile body. Terminal device, the terminal device that needs the current image at a specific location searches for a supply type terminal device that goes to the specific location and captures the current image via the center device, and supplies the terminal device. Image data obtained by photographing a specific place can be supplied from the portable terminal device.

Therefore, according to the image data communication system of the present invention (claim 6), when the supply-type terminal device provided with the imaging means is a portable or mobile-mounted terminal device, the other terminal device can be used. By using the supply-type terminal device, it is possible to quickly obtain a current image at a specific place in which the terminal device is required, thereby increasing the utility value of the system.

However, in the image data communication system according to the present invention (claim 6), a terminal device requiring a current image at a specific location requests the supply type terminal device to move to the specific location. Therefore, in the charging management as described in the first and second aspects, it is considered that there are very few supply-type terminal devices that respond to a request to move to a specific place (that is, transmit a response signal to the center device).

Therefore, in the present invention (claim 6), in the center device, the billing management means calculates the photographing fee to be paid to the supply type terminal device according to the transmission state of the photographed image data from the supply type terminal device. Then, the photographing fee is subtracted from the billing value for the supply type terminal device, and the photographing fee is added to the billing value for the terminal device requesting the photographed image data. That is, a terminal device requesting a current image at a specific location pays a shooting fee to the supply type terminal device, thereby requesting the supply type terminal device to perform imaging at the specific location. Therefore, the owner of the supply-type terminal device that has received the photographing request can readily respond to the photographing request, and the use value of the system can be increased.

In this case, the photographing fee may be uniquely calculated from the photographing time, the quality of image data, and the like according to a pre-set fee system in the billing management means. A charge or a charge system may be designated from the terminal device side that has made the request or the supply-type terminal device that has received the photographing request, and the photographing charge may be calculated according to the charge or the charge system approved by both parties.

Next, the image data communication system according to the present invention (claims 1 to 6) enables a supply type terminal device capable of transmitting image data to the center device to be effectively used as a supply source of image data. In order to do so, the billing value to each terminal device is increased or decreased according to the use state or provision state of the image data, but it is difficult for the user of the terminal device to receive the supply of the image data without knowing the billing value. I am uneasy and I cannot take in image data positively.

Therefore, in this system, it is desirable that the user be able to know the current billing value on the terminal device side. In addition, when the accounting value for the terminal device is updated by the accounting management unit, an accounting value transmitting unit for transmitting the updated accounting value to the corresponding terminal device is provided, and each terminal device transmits the accounting value transmitted from the center device. It is desirable to provide a charge value display control means for displaying the received charge value in a charge value display area of the display means.

That is, in this way, the charge value that changes due to the use of the system or the provision of the image data can be displayed on the display device of the terminal device without a response delay, and the user of the terminal device can display the charge value. The use of the system or the provision of the image data can be determined according to the billed value, and the usability can be improved. Further, the user of the supply-type terminal device that provides the image data can grasp the usage status of the image data provided by the other terminal devices from the change in the billing value, and makes an effort to provide more valuable image data. Therefore, in this system,
The quality of the image data supplied from the center device can be improved.

On the other hand, in the image data communication system according to the present invention (claims 1 to 7), the search request transmitting means, the terminal calling transmitting means, or the photographing terminal search transmitting means on the terminal device side transmits the image data from the center device to the terminal device. When receiving the search result of the data or the supply type terminal device or the search result of the supply type terminal device, these search or search results are displayed on the display means. At the time of display, image data and a list of supply-type terminal devices obtained as a result of a search or search are displayed in characters, as in a general information search system conventionally known. However, in such a list display, it is difficult to intuitively grasp the type of each image data and the positional relationship of the shooting site, and it takes time to select desired image data from the display screen. It takes.

Therefore, the search request transmitting means, the terminal calling transmitting means, or the photographing terminal search transmitting means provided in the terminal device can obtain the result of the search or the search on the center device side. A selected image in which each image data or each supply type terminal device is schematically arranged in a design and a position corresponding to the attribute thereof, and the selected image is displayed in a predetermined area of the display means. It is desirable to provide control means.

That is, the search request transmitting means on the terminal device side,
If the terminal call transmitting means or the photographing terminal search transmitting means is configured in this manner, the type of each image data and the positional relationship of the photographing site can be intuitively grasped on the display screen. It is possible to quickly select desired image data (or its supply source) from the display screen.

If the selected image display control means is provided in the search request transmitting means, the terminal call transmitting means, or the photographing terminal search transmitting means on the terminal device side, the selected image display control means causes the selected image display control means to transmit the selected image display control means. When all of the image data or the supply type terminal devices obtained as a result of the search or search are displayed, the display screen becomes rather difficult to view when the number of obtained data is large, and the desired image data (or its supply source) is displayed. It may take some time to make a selection.

Therefore, when the selected image display control means is provided in the search request transmitting means, the terminal calling transmitting means, or the photographing terminal search transmitting means on the terminal device side, further, According to the ninth aspect, the selected image display control means may be configured such that the number of image data or supply-type terminal devices obtained as a result of the search or search on the center device side exceeds the upper limit value that can be displayed as the selected image. In this case, the number of image data or supply-type terminal devices to be displayed in the selected image is limited to the upper limit or less according to a preset priority order for each image data or the attribute of the image corresponding to the supply-type terminal device. It is desirable to configure so that

[0047]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image data communication system according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, an image data communication system (hereinafter, simply referred to as a system) of the present embodiment manages image data and performs search and registration of image data in response to a command from a terminal. It comprises a center 2 and an unspecified number of terminal devices 4 connected to the management center 2 via a communication line (public telephone line or dedicated line).

In the following description, each unit constituting the management center 2 represents the function of the management center 2.
The management center 2 is realized in terms of hardware by a known computer system including a computer, a storage device, a communication device, and the like. The image data managed by the management center 2 includes not only a still image such as a photograph but also a moving image such as a video image, and includes audio data when audio data is added to the image data. .

The management center 2 stores, as an image database, image data to which attribute information for search is added and its supply source, an image data storage unit 12 as image data storage means, and a search request from the terminal device 4. When transmitted, it is determined from the terminal identification ID code (or password) given to the request signal whether the terminal device 4 that transmitted the request signal belongs to the subscriber of the system. The authentication ID collating unit 14 for authenticating the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 authenticated by the authentication ID collating unit 14
If the request signal is a search or transfer request for image data, the attribute of the image data to be searched is determined from the attribute information attached to the request signal, and the image data corresponding to the attribute is stored in the image data. An attribute determining unit 16 for searching or reading from an image database in the unit 12 and transmitting search data or image data obtained as a result from a data transmission unit (not shown) to the terminal device 4 that has transmitted the request signal; When the search data or the image data is transmitted to the terminal device 4 in accordance with the request from the terminal device 4, the usage fee corresponding to the data transmission is calculated, and the charging value for the terminal device 4 that transmitted the request signal is updated. A billing unit 18 is provided as management means.

Each time the billing unit 18 updates the billing value, the data transmitting unit (not shown) transmits the current billing value to the corresponding terminal device 4. The charging unit 18 calculates an access fee based on the popularity and value of the image data transmitted to the terminal device 4, calculates a communication fee from the search data transmitted to the terminal device 4 and the transmission time, and calculates the access fee. The charge value is calculated from the charge and the communication charge, and the calculation procedure will be described later.

In the system of this embodiment, the terminal device 4 is not only a terminal device dedicated to the system, but also a general-purpose portable or fixed personal computer, and a portable device capable of displaying received data on a television or a dedicated monitor. Various types of communication terminal devices, such as a fixed or fixed telephone or a portable information terminal device having a communication function, can be used, and image data can be transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the management center 2.

When the management center 2 receives an image data registration request from a terminal device 4 capable of transmitting image data (hereinafter referred to as a supply type terminal device 4T), the supply type terminal device 4T transmits the image data registration request. As a supply source, the image data is registered in the image data storage unit 12, and thereafter, when a search request for image data is input from another terminal device 4 including the supply type terminal device 4T, the registered supply type terminal device 4T is included. Then, the image data and its source are searched.

Accordingly, the image database stored in the image data storage unit 12 is roughly divided into a provision type in which image data supplied from the management center 2 to each terminal device 4 in one direction or a supply source thereof is stored. Each of the terminal devices 4 including the supply type terminal device 4T is classified into two types: a database and a supply type terminal device 4T serving as a supply source of image data. It becomes possible to use image data.

In the provision type database, video images including voices specially created by department stores, public facilities, government offices, and the like are registered as image data, and other image providers such as an Internet broadcasting station can store image data. Registered as a source of Further, the supply type database includes, as current image supply sources, monitoring cameras arranged in department stores, parks, shopping centers, public facilities, construction sites, dangerous goods storage, financial institutions such as banks, department stores and shopping centers. In addition, information providing power cameras arranged at public facilities, highways, road intersections, and the like, or mobile-mounted cameras mounted on automobiles, trains, robots, and the like are also registered. And in the provision type database, general users,
Using the supply-type terminal device 4T, self-produced videos can be registered for a fee.

On the other hand, the supply type terminal device 4T which has made a request to register image data is registered in the naturally occurring database, and the other terminal devices 4 take in the current image supplied by the supply type terminal device 4T. However, among the image data supplied from the supply type terminal device 4T, those having a high degree of popularity are stored as past videos and deleted after a certain period of time.

In each of these databases, the above-mentioned image data or its supply source is stored in a road traffic image (hereinafter referred to as IT).
S image), general image, landscape (landscape) image, face image (matchmaking photo, etc.), important image (image of a specific building or facility, etc.) requiring shooting permission, emergency image (rescue request, accident /
(Images of disaster sites, etc.) and registered. And, for each image data or its source,
Various attributes such as location, time, personal name, service, event, popularity, and emergency information are given as search attribute information.

Further, the system of the present embodiment has the terminal device 4
Request to the management center 2 together with the attribute information of the image data to be searched (hereinafter referred to as a call request)
Is transmitted, the management center 2 searches the naturally occurring database for the supply type terminal device 4T that can provide the image data corresponding to the attribute information given to the call request,
A call function for calling the supply type terminal device 4T, and
If the terminal device 4 transmits to the management center 2 a photographing terminal request (hereinafter referred to as a sponsor request) for searching for a supply type terminal device 4T that photographs an image at a specific place,
The management center 2 also has a sponsor function of searching the naturally occurring database for the supply terminal device 4T capable of responding to the sponsor request, and requesting the supply terminal device 4T to take a photograph. The details of the call function and the sponsor function will be described later.

Next, a supply type terminal device 4T capable of supplying image data to the management center 2 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. The supply type terminal device 4T shown in FIG.
1 illustrates an example of a mobile-mounted terminal device that is mounted on an automobile and transmits a surrounding image to the management center 2 by wireless.

As shown in FIG. 2, the supply type terminal device 4T
Is an input device (operation unit) 22 for a user to input various commands by an external operation, and a display device (display means) 2 for displaying image data or an image for retrieving image data.
4. A microphone 26 and a speaker 28 for inputting and outputting audio, a communication device 30 as a wireless communication unit for performing wireless data communication with a relay connected to the management center 2 by wire, and a peripheral image. An imaging device (a so-called camera) 32 as an imaging means for taking an image, and a control device 34 connected to these units and performing various data processing. A well-known navigation device 36 separately mounted on the vehicle is connected to the control device 34.

The control unit 34 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.
An operation command input unit 42 for inputting a command signal from the input device 22 to the system control unit 40, a system control unit 40, and the like. An interface (I / F) 44 for connecting the navigation device 36 to enable data communication, and an interface (I / F) 4 for outputting a control signal from the system control unit 40 to the imaging device 32.
6. A display control unit 48 that displays an image on the display device 24 in accordance with a display signal from the system control unit 34, and an audio signal input from the microphone 26 is converted into digital data and input to the system control unit 40. At the same time, the audio data output from the system control unit 40 is converted into an analog audio signal and output to the speaker 28,
8 is provided.

The control device 34 transmits a video signal from the imaging device 32 to digital data (image data) in order to transmit a surrounding image taken by the imaging device 32 to the management center 2 via the communication device 30. And a compression unit 54 for compressing image data input from the video input unit 52 into image data for transmission in accordance with a command from the system control unit 40. The transmitted transmission image data, the attribute information of the transmission image data output from the system control unit 40, or various request signals to the management center 2 are output to the communication device 30 via the data input / output unit 56. 30 is transmitted to the management center 2 side. The transmission data received from the management center 2 by the communication device 30 is transmitted to the data input / output unit 56.
Is input to the system control unit 40 via the.

The system control unit 40 transmits various request signals to the management center 2 in accordance with an operation command from the input device 22, and thereafter retrieves search data and image data transmitted from the management center 2, and retrieves these data. Image search processing for displaying the search result of the image data and the image corresponding to the image data on the display device 24, transmitting a registration request to the management center 2, and using the supply type terminal device 4T as a supply source of the image data. In accordance with a terminal registration process for registration in the generative database or a transmission request for image data from the management center 2, a data transmission process for transmitting the current image captured by the imaging device 32 to the management center 2 is executed.
Then, the navigation device 36 controls the system control unit 4.
0 reads the current position (that is, location attribute) of the vehicle to be transmitted as one of the attribute information of the image data to the management center 2 at the time of performing the registration process or the data transmission process, and displays the road map on the display device 24. Used to read the map data needed to do

As shown in FIG. 3, the system control unit 40 controls the display device 2 so that the user can easily input various commands while viewing the display screen of the display device 24.
In addition, a function selection menu is displayed below the display screen 4 and display control processing for displaying a search screen based on the search data transmitted from the management center 2 over the entire screen above the function selection menu is also executed.

This display control processing is performed by a so-called GUI (Graphic
cal User Interface), and a GUI realized by the display control process will be described below. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an abstraction mode and a basic display mode of a search screen are used in order to allow a user to appropriately change a GUI environment and easily search for image data. Three display modes, a map mode and a virtual city mode, are set.

Here, the abstraction mode corresponds to a plurality of elliptical regions on the search screen of FIG. 3 for each grouping attribute of each layer obtained by layering each attribute given to image data or its source as the lowest attribute. The attribute area (virtual space) indicated by is constructed, and each attribute area is arranged according to a user request, so that the user can easily search for image data having a desired attribute. As a genre of image data, landscape images are initially set.

In this abstraction mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the layout of each attribute area displayed on the search screen is changed (rearranged or changed), the attribute area displayed on the search screen is added or deleted, If it is possible to freely change the hierarchy of the attribute area displayed on the search screen (up, down) or change the display attribute, etc., and if 3D graphic display is possible, move the 3D viewpoint (each It is also possible to change from a normal display in which the attribute area is made elliptical to give a sense of perspective to a Top View in which each attribute area is displayed in a circle as viewed from above). In the abstraction mode, grouping attributes of all layers are simultaneously displayed (hierarchical display), and an attribute to be searched can be specified on the display screen, or an attribute to be searched can be specified by using a keyword menu. You can also.

In FIG. 5, the hatched attribute area indicates the attribute area currently selected by the user. At the time of actual display, other attributes are changed by changing the color or making the frame thicker. It is displayed so that it can be distinguished from the area. When the input device 22 is operated (for example, clicking a mouse) in this state, a search request for this attribute area is transmitted to the management center 2.

In the hierarchical display, the relation between the attribute area in the upper hierarchy and the lower hierarchy can be understood at a glance.
An arrow appears. Each attribute area displayed on the search screen can be freely constructed in accordance with search data from the management center 2 as long as the attribute can be used as a search request, such as a place, a service, or an event.

Next, in the map mode, a map is displayed on a search screen, and based on the displayed map, an image search can be performed with a location attribute as an axis. The ITS image is initially set as the genre. Scrolling, enlargement and reduction of the display map can be performed in the same manner as normal navigation, and when three-dimensional graphic display is possible, three-dimensional viewpoint movement and rearrangement of each area are also possible.

In the virtual city mode, a three-dimensional graphic display corresponding to a shopping street, a town, or a department store in an actual real space with respect to a place attribute is performed, and by moving the viewpoint, a desired attribute is input instead of inputting the attribute. The user can move to a place to find a necessary image provider (supply type terminal device 4T or camera), and major cities and spots are initially set as genres of image data to be searched. I have.

The major cities / spots are not classified by genre at the time of registration in the image data storage unit 12, and the management center 2 uses the spatial spot as a place where people come in and out and cars come and go nationwide. , And only the most important spatial spots are the main spots, all the spatial spots are spots, and so on. In the virtual city mode, a grouping attribute generated based on the location attribute is linked as a lower hierarchy of each space spot.

The search screen display data in each of the above modes is transmitted from the management center 2 at the time of mode setting or switching, and the terminal device 4 stores this data so that it can be used at the next search. The search screen can be displayed quickly. The above modes can be used in a form linked to each other. For example, move to a desired city corresponding to the real space in the map mode, move to a building in the city in the virtual city mode, or activate an abstraction mode in the building to search for an image provider of a desired event. You can do that.

Therefore, as a search procedure for reading desired image data in a GUI environment obtained by such a display control process, various methods can be considered according to the user's preference. By appropriately changing the procedure, the target image data can be easily searched and captured.

For example, as a procedure for searching for a provider of image data (that is, a supply type terminal device 4T capable of transmitting image data at present) near “XX building” in the abstraction mode, as shown in FIG. (1) A method of sequentially searching an abstracted map screen hierarchized by a location attribute from a map screen of a higher hierarchy to a map screen of a lower hierarchy, and displaying an enlarged screen near "XX Building". (2) By selecting “XX Building” from the main spot attribute search screen or a lower-level spot attribute search screen, an abstract map screen (“Ginza” in the figure) including the “XX building” is selected. By searching and selecting "XX Building" on the abstract map screen "Ginza", "XX
How to display an enlarged screen near the building. (3) By specifying the search keyword “XX Building” on the main spot attribute or spot attribute search screen, etc.,
Search for the abstract map screen "Ginza" of the hierarchy including "XX Building" and select "XX Building" on the abstract map screen "Ginza" to display an enlarged screen near "XX Building" Method. (4) For example, from the abstract map screen of "Kanto", the attribute of the search screen is switched to the event attribute, an event performed near "XX Building" is selected, and the attribute of the search screen is returned to the location attribute. Thus, by changing the attribute of the search screen, the user can search the abstract map screen "Ginza" of the hierarchy including "XX Building" and select "XX Building" on the abstract map screen "Ginza". To display an enlarged screen near "XX Building". (5) By selecting an address near “XX Building” from an address database prepared separately in association with the location attribute on the management center 2 side, an abstract map screen “Ginza” of a hierarchy including “XX Building” is displayed. Search and its abstract map screen "Ginza"
By selecting "XX Building" above, "XX Building"
How to display a magnified screen near you.

The user can quickly search for desired image data by appropriately changing such a search procedure. When searching for a provider near “XX Building” in the map mode, a search for a provider near “XX Building” is performed on the search screen in the map mode, and the location (address) of the provider is searched.
Is designated, an enlarged screen near the “XX building” where the provider is located can be displayed.

Then, "XX" is displayed on the display device 24 as described above.
When the enlarged screen near the "building" is displayed, a map near the "XX building" is displayed in the enlarged screen, and an icon representing the supply-type terminal device 4T is displayed on the map. Therefore, the user can capture image data from a desired provider by designating an arbitrary icon (that is, a provider) on the screen.

That is, by operating the input device 22 (for example, by clicking a mouse) and specifying an icon of an arbitrary provider on the enlarged screen, the system control unit 48
The transfer request of the image data from the provider is transmitted to the communication device 3.
0 is transmitted. Then, in accordance with the transfer request, the management center 2 transmits the image data from the specified provider to the terminal device 4 which has transmitted the transfer request, and the image data is transmitted to the system control via the communication device 30. Part 48
Is input to Then, the system control unit 48 generates a display signal from the image data and outputs the display signal to the display control unit 48, thereby causing the display device 24 to display an image corresponding to the image data from the provider.

In the system of this embodiment, the terminal device 4
The basic display mode of the search screen displayed for image data search on the side is an abstraction mode, a map mode,
Three display modes, a virtual city mode and the like, are set. For example, when searching for an ITS image in order to see the congestion state or weather state of a road to be driven by a car, these three display modes are set. Apart from the different display modes, ITS
A display mode dedicated to image search (ITS image search mode) can be used.

In the ITS image search mode, FIG.
As shown in, four types of search screens are set, a main spot search screen, a graph display screen, a simplified map screen, and a terminal selection screen, and ITS images can be supplied by selecting these search screens as appropriate. Supply type terminal 4T
Or you can search for cameras.

Here, the main spot search screen is basically the same as the main spot search screen used for search in other display modes, but the main spot in the ITS image search mode is for ITS image search. Because of this, not only are popular spatial spots, but also major roads with high search frequency and traffic importance, specific areas on major roads (places that are easily congested, places that are easily frozen, visibility, road surface conditions, weather, etc.) All important points for knowing the road conditions are set as major spots, such as locations where fixed cameras for providing road traffic information are installed by government agencies and private companies, etc. Are located.

In particular, in the main spot search screen in the ITS image search mode, desired main spots are searched for, for example, "Near Tomei Nihonzaka Tunnel", "Metropolitan Expressway", "Near Route 23 Bypass Chiryu", "Shibuya Park". It is also possible to perform a search using an abbreviated or abbreviated keyword such as "street". When a keyword is input on this search screen, the display is shifted to a simplified map screen or a graph display screen including a main spot corresponding to the keyword.

Next, when the area of the main spot specified on the main spot search screen is wide, the graph display screen sets the county city name, main station, intersection, and the like as inflection points (nodes), and sets the main road as a side to map. Is displayed as a graph model obtained by modeling. Then, when an area to be searched is specified on the graph display screen, the display is shifted to a simplified map screen corresponding to the area.

The simplified map screen includes major road facilities (service areas, interchanges, parking areas, etc.), major intersections, and observation desired spots, in addition to major spots for ITS image search including spatial spots and major roads. And the like. If an area to be searched is specified on the simplified map screen, the supply type terminal device 4T (in this case, a mobile terminal mounted or portable terminal device) or a fixed camera can be directly selected in the area. The terminal selection screen is displayed.

In the terminal selection screen, the supply type terminal device 4 and the camera capable of providing the ITS image are displayed as icons on the simplified map of the designated area, similarly to the above-described enlarged screen. If you specify any icon,
A desired ITS image can be captured.

Also in this ITS image search mode, as in the other display modes, it is possible to move between the respective search screens, and shift from the map mode or the abstraction mode to the ITS image search mode or vice versa. The direction can be freely changed. Therefore, when searching for an ITS image,
By using the S image search mode, it is possible to perform a search based on a main spot, a search based on a graph model, or a search by shifting from another display mode (map mode, abstraction mode). Yes, there are more options for the search procedure than for a normal image search.

As described above, the terminal device 4 can search and display desired image data according to the selection screen displayed on the display device 24 in accordance with the search data from the management center 2. Next, other functions of the terminal device 4 will be described with reference to the display screen of the display device 24 shown in FIG. Monitor Display Function of Transmission Image As shown in FIG. 3, when the terminal device 4 is the supply type terminal device 4T, the terminal itself is also displayed as an icon on the search screen, and by selecting the icon, the management center 2 is displayed.
Can be displayed on the search screen and the image can be checked. Icon display function On the search screen, according to the search data from the management center 2,
An icon representing another supply type terminal device 4T or camera which is a supply source of image data, or other image data in the provision type database is displayed. This icon is simply a graphic representing a supply source of image data. Not only the terminal device T
From the management center 2 by requesting the management center 2 from the supply source corresponding to the icon, and a still image or a quasi-moving image whose display content is periodically updated as an icon It can also be displayed.

The display of the icon can be changed by, for example,
This is performed by the user selecting and specifying an icon selection menu (a figure, a still image, and a quasi-moving image) displayed in the second shell on the right of the function selection menu. When the search data is transmitted, the management center 2 sets a charge value according to the display mode of the icon requested by the terminal device 4, such as free if the icon is a graphic or a still image, and paid if the icon is a semi-movie. Is set.

The graphic icon indicates that, for example, the supply type terminal device 4T corresponding to the icon is in a call with another terminal device, and the own terminal uses image data from the supply type terminal device 4T corresponding to the icon. "Red" when the terminal cannot receive the icon, "yellow" when the own terminal is receiving image data from the supply type terminal 4T corresponding to the icon, and supply type terminal 4T corresponding to the icon.
Is waiting for transmission of image data, and when the image data can be captured at any time, the state in which the image data can be captured corresponding to the icon is displayed in a color-identifying manner, such as "green".

The icon graphic indicates that the source (or data itself) of the image data displayed by the icon is
It is a source capable of two-way communication with its own terminal, capable of providing moving images, capable of providing only still images, or capable of providing only audio data or character information. Are set according to the type of data that can be provided, and the terminal device 4 can identify the data supply source and the like from the icon graphic. Changing the size of the received image As described above, if you specify an icon on the search screen,
A transfer request for image data corresponding to the icon is transmitted to the management center 2, and the image data is transferred from the management center 2, so that the image corresponding to the image data is displayed on the search screen of the display device. Can be
This display image can be displayed small in the vicinity of the icon, can be displayed on the entire screen, or can be displayed on each screen obtained by dividing the entire screen into four.

The size of the received image can be changed, for example, by the user selecting and specifying an image size selection menu (small screen, full screen, quadrant) displayed on the right end of the function selection menu. Done. Playback function of received image In the display area of the received image, based on the image data taken in from the management center 2 side, a still image or a moving image corresponding to the type of the data can be displayed. Then, as in the case of the current video CD and DVD, normal reproduction can be performed in which the moving image along with the image data is displayed as it is. For example, by picking up the data of the isolated reproducible frame inserted periodically, As an intermittent quasi-moving image, special reproduction such as fast forward / reverse reproduction can be performed.

The normal reproduction and the special reproduction of the moving image are performed, for example, by the user selecting and designating an arrow representing reproduction / fast forward / rewind displayed below the right end of the function selection menu. . Charge Value / Popularity Display Function As described above, when data is transmitted to the terminal device 4, the management center 2 updates the charge value for the terminal device 4 and transmits the charge value. On the side, the received billing value is schematically displayed at the left end of the function selection menu (see FIG. 3A).

Further, for example, if “charge” is selected from the function selection menu and a desired icon on the search screen is designated, a transfer request of the usage fee of the image data corresponding to the icon is transmitted to the management center 2. Then, the usage fee is transferred from the management center 2. When the terminal device 4 receives the usage fee, the usage fee is schematically displayed (see FIG. 3B) in the display area of the billing value (the left end of the function selection menu).

Therefore, the terminal device 4 can know the current system usage fee (charging value) and can know the popularity of the image data to be used for reception from the usage fee. Icon Display Filter Function As described above, the search screen corresponding to the display mode specified by the user is displayed on the display device 24. If a desired attribute or area is specified on the screen, the management center 2 is displayed. The search side searches for data corresponding to the search command, and the search screen is updated in accordance with the search result. The search data transmitted from the management center 2 includes image data and its supply source. May be included in large quantities, and if the search screen is displayed as it is in accordance with the search data, the screen may be difficult to see and the desired image data may not be selected.

Thus, for example, when the number of image providers displayed in a certain attribute area (virtual space) exceeds the displayable range of the display screen, the number of image providers displayed in the attribute area can be limited. As described above, the terminal device 4 is also provided with a display filter function of a search result. And the number of image providers limited by this display filter function is
Using the search / filter setting menu displayed third from the left of the function selection menu, it is possible to set for each attribute of the image data. Status Display Function When the terminal device 4 is the supply type terminal device 4T, the current position display function, the call request display function, the sponsor request display function, the camera status display function ( Status display functions such as moving speed, on / off state, position / posture, focus / zoom state of the imaging device 32, microphone state display function (on / off of microphone 26, sensitivity, etc.), communication state display function, etc. Is given.

[0095] The current position display function, when displaying the attribute area (virtual space) using the location attribute in the abstraction mode on the search screen, displays the self terminal in the same manner as the other supply type terminal device 4T. This function is displayed as an icon. Also,
The call-request display function and the sponsor-request display function are supply-type terminal devices that allow another terminal device 4 to make a call request or a sponsor request to the management center 2 by a call function or a sponsor function, and the management center 2 respond to the request. When a self-terminal is selected as 4T and a request signal indicating this is transmitted to the self-terminal, an icon indicating that there is a call request / sponsor request is displayed on a search screen to inform the user of the request signal. It is a function to display.

The communication status display function is a function of displaying the communication status between the self terminal and another terminal device 4 or the like by the color of an icon, an arrow, or the like. In particular, the self communication terminal and the other supply type terminal device 4T When there is an emergency call from, the emergency start is displayed by flashing red, and when there is an emergency call from another supply type terminal device 4T registered in advance, the icon of the supply type terminal device 4T is displayed. Flashes in red, and generates an alarm sound from the speaker 28.

[0097] These status display functions can be selected and designated on the screen by selecting "communication status" in the function selection menu and displaying the display function selection menu. Further, the above-described various search functions such as a call request to the management center 2, a sponsor request, a request to change the genre or attribute of the database or the display mode, a registration request to transmit image data, and an IST image search request are realized. For this purpose, a request signal to be transmitted to the management center 2 can also be selected and designated from the function selection menu.

Next, a procedure for calculating the billing value of each terminal device 4 by the billing unit 18 of the management center 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a procedure for calculating a billing value in the billing unit 18, and the actual calculation is realized by processing of a computer constituting the management center 2.

As shown in FIG. 8, the charging unit 18 includes a value determining unit 1 for determining the value of image data transmitted to the terminal device 4.
8a, a popularity calculation unit 18b for calculating the popularity of the image data, and an access fee determination for determining an access fee for the image data of the terminal device 4 based on the value and the popularity of the image data obtained by these units 18a and 18b. Part 1
8c, a communication charge is obtained from the type of search data and the communication time transmitted to the terminal device 4 at the time of image data search, and the terminal device 4 is actually charged from the communication charge and the access charge determined by the access charge determination unit 18c. A communication charge determining unit 18d for determining a communication charge, and a charge for adding the communication charge determined by the communication charge determiner to the current charge for the terminal device 4 and updating the charge. And a calculating unit 18e.
Is notified to the corresponding terminal device 4.

First, the value determination of the image data by the value determination unit 18a is performed by determining the quality (image quality) of the image data and the genre of the image data (the ITS image, the general image, the landscape image, the face image, the important image, the emergency image, and the like). Attributes such as location, time, personal name, service, event, popularity, and emergency information.
This is performed based on the video registration attribute at the time of registration, the search request attribute at the time of search), the request index of image data (for example, represented by the total number of requests (or the number of accesses) in the last week, etc.), and the like. Also, the video quality
The image data is distinguished according to whether it is a moving image or a still image.If the image data is a moving image, the image data is determined based on the definition, the frame rate, and the data amount.If the image data is a still image, the image data is determined according to the data amount. You.

In this value determination, a point for value determination is obtained for each of the above determination contents, and the total of the points is set as the video value. For example, when the image data is a moving image, the data transmission unit of the management center 2 has a calculation function for calculating the SN ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) of the image data, as shown in Table 1 below. in case of,
The vividness is determined by ranking the S / N ratio, a score is set, and S is sent to the data transmission unit of the management center 2.
If there is no N-ratio calculation function, a score is set based on the average required bit amount per frame.

[0102]

[Table 1]

For example, when the image data is a moving image, the score for the frame rate is, for example, a frame rate (the number of frames per second) of 0.5 frame / s.
Less than 0 point, 0.5-1 frame / s 1 point,
2 points for 1 to 5 frame / s, 3 points for 5 to 10 frame / s, 4 points for 10 to 30 frame / s, 30 frames
If it is equal to or more than / s, a score is set, such as 5 points.

On the other hand, the popularity calculation of the image data in the popularity calculation section 18b is based on the past access state to the image data, that is, the presence / absence of a sponsor request, the presence / absence of a call request, the number of accesses, or the search request attribute. The evaluation score for each item is calculated from the use frequency (not shown) of the attribute value of the image data obtained in step (1), and the evaluation points are added.

The access fee determining unit 18c adds the popularity (evaluation score) of the image data obtained by the popularity calculation unit 18b to the value (point) of the image data obtained by the value determination unit 18a, and Make a comprehensive value judgment of the data,
The access fee is set based on the value. In this embodiment, the access fee is set higher as the value is higher, while the access fee is corrected to a lower price. This is because the popular one can increase the number of times of access even if the fee is lowered, so that the provided fee can be sufficiently returned to the provider.

The calculation of the access fee by the access fee determination unit 18c is performed at regular intervals while monitoring the degree of popularity. However, if this time is shortened, the terminal device 4 uses the access fee before capturing the image data. Even if the charge is confirmed, the image data cannot be captured at the charge, and the user of the terminal device 4 may feel uneasy. Therefore, the update time is set to, for example, about 30 minutes. desirable.

Next, the communication usage fee determining unit 18d determines the type of search data transferred in accordance with the search request from the terminal device 4 (that is, whether the icon displayed on the search screen is a quasi-moving image or a still image). The type of display icon,
The type of image display such as whether the display mode of the transmitted image search screen is the abstraction mode or the virtual city mode) or the communication time required for the terminal device 4 to search and capture image data, etc. Is determined, and the communication fee is determined by adding the communication fee and the access fee determined by the access fee determining unit 18c.

When calculating the communication charge corresponding to the communication time, the communication charge determining unit 18d, like the general communication system, uses the management center 2 and the terminal device 4.
Also consider the communication speed (capacity) between them. The system according to the present embodiment can not only perform a data search request or a transfer request from the terminal device 4 to the management center 2, but also perform data communication between the terminal devices 4 using the management center 2.
Connecting the terminal device 4 to other networks,
The image data can be transmitted from the supply type terminal device 4T to the management center 2 for image data registration, and the image is taken on the supply type terminal device 4T side using the storage area of the management center 2 side. Image data can also be temporarily stored. For this reason, the communication charge determining unit 18d calculates a charge corresponding to each of these various communication modes even when a search or transfer request for image data is made.

Next, the charge value calculation unit 18 basically
The charge is updated by adding the communication charge determined by the communication charge determining unit 18d to the current charge for the terminal device 4, but the image data transmitted to the terminal device 4 is updated by the supply type terminal device 4T. In the case of the image data from, the return amount calculation unit 18f calculates the provision fee of the image data to be paid to the supply type terminal device 4T, and calculates the provision fee from the charge value for the supply type terminal device 4T which provided the image data. Subtract.

If the image data transmission to the terminal device 4 is based on a sponsor request, the payout amount calculation unit 18f adds the preset sponsor fee to the normal offer fee to provide the offer fee. Is calculated. In this embodiment, the sponsor fee can be negotiated directly between the terminal device 4 that has made the sponsor request and the supply-type terminal device 4T that responds to the sponsor request. This sponsor fee is added to the billing value of the terminal device 4.

As described above, the management center 2 transmits / receives various data to / from the terminal device 4 in response to a request from the terminal device 4, calculates a usage fee according to the communication content, and calculates the usage fee. Next, the charge value for the terminal 4 is updated. Next, the procedure when the supply type terminal device 4T registers itself in the naturally occurring database of the management center 2, the terminal device 4 including the supply type terminal device 4T The procedure for retrieving the image data will be described.

First, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing terminal registration processing executed by the supply type terminal device 4T and the management center 2 when the supply type terminal device 4T registers itself in the naturally occurring database of the management center 2. It is. The terminal registration process executed by the supply-type terminal device 4T is executed when the device is activated or when a registration command is input from a user.
(S represents a step), the user operates the device 4T
Performs terminal state input processing for receiving input of image data attributes that can be transmitted and the operation state of the device 4T.

The device 4 accepted in this process
The operation state is, for example, whether or not the supply type terminal device 4T can supply image data at present, or if the supply type terminal device 4T can supply image data, the device 4T is used as a supply source of the image data and the Whether or not to register in the list, if registered in the list, the device 4T
In response to the search request from, whether to display the device 4T as an icon on another terminal device 4 or to display the icon, the device 4T is currently transmitting image data, Or the transmission of image data is currently stopped or is being intermittently transmitted, and only icons of graphics or still images can be displayed.
This is information indicating a state in which image data can be supplied to the management center 2.

Then, when the terminal status is input by the user in S110, the flow shifts to S120, and a terminal registration request is transmitted to the management center 2. Note that there are two types of terminal registration requests, a registration request for registering the device 4T as a supply source of image data and a registration request for registering the image data itself in a database. At the time of inputting the terminal status, the contents of the request can also be appropriately specified.

On the other hand, when the terminal registration request is transmitted from the supply type terminal device 4T in this way, the management center 2 receives the request signal, starts the terminal registration process, and transmits the terminal registration request. Supply type terminal device 4T
A registration permission is transmitted to (S210). Therefore, on the supply type terminal device 4T side, after transmitting the terminal registration request,
A registration permission receiving process (S130) for receiving the registration permission transmitted from the management center 2 is executed. When the registration permission is received, the process proceeds to S140, where the attribute of the image data received in S110 and the device 4T A process as terminal information transmitting means for transmitting a state number representing the operating state of the terminal to the management center 2 is executed.

The state number is a number indicating the operation state of the supply type terminal device 4T input by the user in S110.
For example, the state number 0 indicates “image cannot be provided / list deletion / icon deletion”, the state number 1 indicates “image can be provided / list registration / icon deletion”, and the state number 2 indicates “image can be provided / list registration / icon deletion”. Icon display / image transmission stop /
Intermittent transmission ", and state number 3 indicates" image can be provided / list registered / icon displayed / image is being transmitted ".

When the attribute and the state number of the image data are transmitted from the supply type terminal device 4T to the management center 2 in this way, the management center 2 receives these information,
In accordance with the received information, a process as a terminal device registration unit for registering the supply type terminal device 4T as a supply source of image data in the naturally occurring database is executed (S220).
Then, on the management center 2 side, the supply type terminal device 4T
At the time of transmitting the registration request, it is determined whether or not the registration of the image data is also requested (S230). If the registration of the image data is requested, the supply type terminal device 4T is determined at S240.
, The transmission permission of the image data is transmitted.

On the other hand, also in the supply type terminal device 4T, after transmitting the attribute and the state number, it is determined whether or not a request for registration of image data has been made in the current terminal registration request (S150).
If a request for registration of image data has been made, in step S160, an image transmission permission receiving process for receiving permission for transmission of image data transmitted from the management center 2 is executed. Then, upon receiving the transmission permission of the image data from the management center 2, the image data to be registered in the image database of the management center 2 is transmitted to the management center 2 side (S17).
0). Then, the management center 2 registers this image data in the image database as past image data from the supply type terminal device 4T registered this time (S25).
0).

Further, as described above, on the management center 2 side, S2
If the image data is registered at 50 or if a negative determination is made at S230, the process proceeds to S260, where the communication use is performed based on the communication time required for registration of the supply type terminal device 4T or registration of the image data. The charge is calculated, and the charge is updated by adding the communication usage charge to the charge currently set for the supply-type terminal device 4T, thereby updating the charge. Then, in S270, a process as a billing value transmitting means for transmitting the calculation result (billing value) to the supply type terminal device 4T is executed, and the terminal registration process ends.

In the supply type terminal device 4T, S170
If the image data for registration is transmitted in step S150, or if a negative determination is made in step S150, the process proceeds to step S180 to execute a charging value reception process for receiving the charging value transmitted from the management center 2. Then, upon receiving the billing value, a process as billing value display control means for storing the value in a memory (RAM or the like) and displaying the billing value schematically on the display device 24 as a system usage fee is executed. (S190), the terminal registration process ends.

Next, FIG. 10 shows an image search process which is executed on the terminal device 4 side to search the image database of the management center 2 and fetch desired image data. The image search processing executed on the management center 2 side corresponds to the image search processing executed on the 4 side.

The image search process shown in FIG. 10 executed on the terminal device 4 side is a process started in accordance with a search command from the user. Then, an image genre input process for accepting input of a genre of image data to be searched is executed. In this process, when the genre of the image data to be searched is input, in S320, an image genre transmission process of transmitting the genre to the management center 2 is executed.

At S330, a display mode input process for accepting the user to input the display mode of the search screen is executed. When the display mode is input, S340 is performed.
, An attribute input process for accepting the user to input the attribute of the image data to be searched is executed. When the display mode and the attribute are thus input, a search request including the information is transmitted to the management center 2 (S35).
0) Then, in S360, the search data transmitted from the management center 2 according to the search request is received.

Then, when the search data transmitted from the management center 2 is received in S360, the number of image data sources included in the received search data (in other words, the number of icons displayed on the search screen) ) Exceeds a preset display limit (ie, upper limit),
If the number of icons exceeds the upper limit, S380
In step 390, the number of icons actually displayed on the search screen is set to a value equal to or less than the upper limit value according to a priority set in advance for the attribute of the image data corresponding to the icon. Transition. If the number of icons does not exceed the upper limit, the process proceeds to S390.
Move to

In S390, the above-described display control processing for displaying a search screen on the display device 24 is executed according to the search data received in S360. Note that S350
The series of processing from S390 to S390 corresponds to the search request transmitting means of the present invention, and among them, the processing from S370 to S390 corresponds to the selected image display control means.

When the search screen corresponding to the image genre, the display mode, and the attribute designated by the user is displayed on the display device 24, the user is prompted at S400.
It is determined whether an attribute change command for changing or adding an attribute of the search screen has been input. If the attribute change command has been input, the process of S340 and subsequent steps is executed again, and the attribute change command has been input. If not, the process proceeds to S410. In S410, it is determined whether or not the user has input a command to change the display mode of the search screen, and if the command to change the display mode is input, the process from S330 is executed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S410 that a command to change the display mode of the search screen has not been input, the process proceeds to S4.
20, the user operates the display device 2 on the search screen.
It is determined whether or not the icon of the image data to be displayed in No. 4 has been designated. When the icon of the image data is designated, the process proceeds to S430, where a transfer request for the image data corresponding to the icon is transmitted to the management center 2, and in S440, the transfer request is made according to the transfer request. The image data transmitted from the management center 2 is received, and S4
At 50, an image is displayed on the search screen in accordance with the received image data, and the process ends.

The series of processing from S420 to S450 is as follows.
In step S450, an image is displayed in a predetermined size using a function selection menu displayed on the display device 24. After the image is displayed on the search screen according to the image data received in S450, the billing value is updated on the management center 2 side, and the updated billing value is transmitted. And display processing is performed. This processing is performed in S1 shown in FIG.
80 and S190, the description is omitted in FIG.

Next, if it is determined in S420 that the icon of the image data has not been designated, the flow shifts to S460, where the user selects “call” in the function selection menu displayed on the display device 24. Is specified, it is determined whether or not a call command requesting the above-described call function has been input. If a call command has been input, S4
At 70, a call condition input process for accepting the user to input a call condition for realizing the call function (such as an attribute of image data to be displayed on the display device 24 using the call function) is executed, Once the call terms are entered,
At S480, a call request is transmitted to management center 2 together with the input call conditions.

Further, when the call request is transmitted in this manner,
The management center 2 searches the supply type terminal device 4T capable of transmitting the image data corresponding to the call request as a call target terminal and transmits search data representing the search result by the processing described below. Then, the search data is received. The call target terminal is the management center 2
Status number 1 or status number 2 that is searched from all supply-type terminal devices 4T registered as capable of providing images in the natural occurrence type database of
Of the supply type terminal device 4T.

In the following S500, the call target terminal is displayed on the search screen of the display device 24 in accordance with the search data, and in the subsequent S510, the user calls the terminal to capture image data on the search screen. Accept to specify. Then, when a specific call target terminal is designated, the process proceeds to S430, where a transfer request for image data from the designated call target terminal is transmitted to the management center 2, and in S440, the request is made according to the transfer request. The image data from the call target terminal transmitted from the management center 2 is received, and in S450, an image is displayed on the search screen according to the received image data, and the process ends.

Note that S460-S510 and S430-S
Of the series of processes of 450, the processes of S460 to S500 correspond to the terminal request transmitting unit of the present invention, and the processes of S510 and S430 to S450 correspond to the transfer request transmitting unit, and are transmitted to the management center 2 in S480. The transmitted call request corresponds to the terminal call request of the present invention. Also, S500
When the call target terminal is displayed in, the icon filtering process executed in S370 and S380 is also executed.

If it is determined in S460 that the call command has not been input, the flow shifts to S520, where the user designates "Sponsor" in the function selection menu displayed on the display device 24. By doing so, it is determined whether or not a sponsor command for requesting the aforementioned sponsor function has been input. And if no sponsor command is entered,
The process proceeds to S400, and the determination process after S400 is executed again.

On the other hand, if the sponsor command is input,
Proceeding to S530, the user sets sponsor conditions for realizing the sponsor function (attribute and quality of image data desired to be displayed on the display device 24 using the sponsor function, photographing fee paid to the supplier of the image data, and the like). Is executed, the sponsor condition is input, and when the sponsor condition is input, a sponsor request is transmitted to the management center 2 together with the input sponsor condition in S540.

[0135] When the sponsor request is transmitted in this manner, the management center 2 executes the processing described below to supply image data corresponding to the sponsor request to the supply-type terminal device 4T.
As an image-providing terminal, and transmits sponsor conditions to the searched supply-type terminal device 4T.
Since the supply type terminal device 4T responding to the transmitted sponsor condition (in other words, capable of photographing an image in response to the sponsor request) is transmitted as a photographable terminal,
In the following S550, the photographable terminal is received. still,
The supply-type terminal device 4T to which the management center 2 transmits the sponsor condition is searched from all the supply-type terminal devices 4T registered as capable of providing an image in the naturally occurring database of the management center 2 like the above-mentioned call target terminal, The search is also made from the supply type terminal device 4T of the state number 1 or the state number 2 to which the image data is not currently transmitted.

At S560, the management center 2
Is displayed on the search screen of the display device 24, and in S570, the user specifies on the search screen the photographable terminal from which a desired image is to be photographed. Accept. Then, when a specific photographable terminal is designated, the flow shifts to S430 to transmit a transfer request for image data from the designated photographable terminal to the management center 2, and in S440, in accordance with this transfer request. The image data from the photographable terminal transmitted from the management center 2 is received, and in S450, an image is displayed on the search screen according to the received image data, and the process ends.

Note that S520 to S570 and S430 to S430
Of the series of processing of 450, the processing of S520 to S560 corresponds to the imaging terminal search and transmission unit of the present invention, and
The processing of S430 to S450 corresponds to a photographing request transmitting unit, and the sponsor request transmitted to the management center 2 in S540 corresponds to the photographing request of the present invention. And S56
When the photographable terminal is displayed at 0, the icon filtering process performed at S370 and S380 is also performed.

Next, FIG. 11 executed on the management center 2 side
The image search process shown in FIG. 7 is a process that is executed for each terminal device 4 that has transmitted the image genre when the genre of the image data to be searched is transmitted from the terminal device 4, and the process starts. Then, the image genre transmitted from the terminal device 4 is received (S610), and a database to be searched is set based on the image genre (S620).

[0139] After transmitting the image genre, the terminal device 4 transmits a search request including the display mode and the attribute specified by the user. Therefore, in subsequent step S630, the search request receiving process for receiving the search request is performed. Execute And
Upon receiving the search request, in S640, the database set in S620 is searched according to the display mode and the attribute corresponding to the search request, and the image data of the attribute specified in the display mode specified by the terminal device 4 is obtained. Generate search data to display the source of the icon as an icon,
In S650, the generated search data is transmitted to terminal device 4.

At S660, when the user instructs the terminal device 4 to change the attribute or the mode of the search screen, the terminal device 4 transmits the search retransmitted in accordance with the changed attribute or display mode. It is determined whether or not the request has been received, and when the search request has been received again, the processes of S640 and S650 are executed again in response to the search request. Note that the series of processing in S610 to S660 corresponds to the image search unit of the present invention.

Next, if it is determined in S660 that the search request has not been received again, the flow shifts to S670 to determine whether or not a transfer request for the specific image data transmitted from the terminal device 4 has been received. to decide. Then, when the image data transfer request is received, the process proceeds to S680, where it is determined whether or not the supply source of the image data is the supply type terminal device 4T. In the case of the type terminal device 4T, in S690, the connection between the supply type terminal device 4T (hereinafter, referred to as a supply terminal) and the terminal device 4 which has transmitted the image data transfer request (hereinafter, referred to as the request terminal). Set data exchange conditions.

That is, when the image data to be transmitted to the requesting terminal is from the supply terminal, it is necessary to transmit the image data from the supply terminal and transfer the image data to the requesting terminal. If the data communication capability (communication speed, etc.) and image data compression / decompression (in other words, encoding / decoding) conditions differ between terminals, displayable image data cannot be supplied to the requesting terminal. , S6
At 90, the communication conditions of the image data between the supply terminal and the request terminal are matched.

At S690, the data exchange condition between the supply terminal and the request terminal is set, and then at S700
By transmitting an image transmission request to the supply terminal, an image data transmission process (not shown) as image supply control means executed on the supply terminal side is started, and image data is transmitted from the supply terminal side Then, in S710, the image data transmitted from the supply terminal is registered as image data for transmission to the requesting terminal, and in S720, the image data from the supply terminal is transferred to the supply terminal as it is.
Note that a series of processing from S700 to S720 corresponds to the image transfer unit of the present invention.

In S680, the supply source of the image data that has received the transfer request from the requesting terminal is not the supply type terminal device 4T, but the image data registered in the image data storage unit 12 of the management center 2 or the surveillance camera. If it is image data from another supply source, the process directly proceeds to S720. Then, in S720, the image data is transmitted to the requesting terminal in accordance with the receiving condition of the image data on the requesting terminal side.

Next, when the image data is transmitted to the requesting terminal in S720, the process moves to S730, and the management center 2 searches and transfers the image data according to the search request and the transfer request from the requesting terminal. Calculate the cost required for
A process as charging management means for updating the charging value for the requesting terminal by adding it to the charging value currently set for the requesting terminal is executed. And S740
The calculation result (charging value) is supplied to the supply-type terminal device 4T.
Then, in S750, after updating the popularity and the number of accesses to the image data transmitted to the requesting terminal this time in S750, the image search processing ends.

Note that the billing calculation executed in S730 is as follows:
This is a process for realizing the above-described billing unit 18. As described with reference to FIG.
In the case of T (supply terminal), the provision fee of the image data to the supply terminal is calculated, and this provision fee is subtracted from the charge value of the supply terminal.

Next, if it is determined in S670 that a transfer request for image data from the requesting terminal has not been received,
The flow shifts to 760, and this time, it is determined whether a call request from the requesting terminal has been received. When the call request is received, in S770, the supply type terminal device 4T capable of transmitting the image data corresponding to the call request is searched from the database set in S620 as the call target terminal, and the process proceeds to S780. Then, processing as terminal search means for transmitting search data representing the search result to the requesting terminal is executed.

Then, on the requesting terminal side receiving the search data, the call target terminal is displayed on the search screen of the display device 24 based on the search data, and further, in accordance with the designation of the call target terminal by the user, Since a transfer request for image data from a specific call target terminal is transmitted, in subsequent S790, the transfer request is received, and a call request is transmitted to the call target terminal for which the transfer request has been made. , To that effect.

It should be noted that the call target terminal (supply type terminal device 4T) receiving the call request indicates to that effect on the display device 24.
, The user of the call target terminal of the state number 1 or 2 which has not transmitted the image data is caused to switch the operation state of the call target terminal to the image data transmission state of the state number 4. That is, the supply type terminal device 4T having the status number 1 or 2 is registered in the naturally occurring database of the management center 2 as being capable of providing image data, and notifies the user that a call request has been made. Then, the user should switch the supply type terminal device 4T to the state of the state number 3 for transmitting the image data.
In S790, upon receiving the image data transfer request transmitted to the call target terminal transmitted from the request terminal, the user of the call target terminal is notified of the request, and the image data from the call target terminal that has requested the transfer is requested. It ensures that it can be transferred to the terminal.

When the transfer request receiving process is executed in S790, the flow shifts to S690, where the transfer between the request terminal and the supply terminal (in this case, the call target terminal designated by the request terminal). Is set, the image data from the supply terminal is transferred to the request terminal, and the charge value for the request terminal and the supply terminal is updated. S70
A series of processes from 0 to S750 is executed.

Next, if it is determined in S760 that the call request from the requesting terminal has not been received, the process proceeds to S800.
Then, it is determined whether a sponsor request has been received from the requesting terminal. Then, if the sponsor request has not been received, the process returns to S660 to execute the determination process of S660 and thereafter, and if the sponsor request has been received, S81
Move to 0.

In S810, the supply type terminal device 4T capable of transmitting the image data corresponding to the sponsor request transmitted from the requesting terminal is searched as the image providing terminal, and in S820, the searched supply type terminal device is searched. The sponsor condition (the attribute and quality of the image data, the photographing fee, etc.) is transmitted to 4T.

Then, the image providing terminal (supply type terminal device 4T) that has received the sponsor condition displays the sponsor condition on the display device 24, thereby prompting the user for a sponsor request from another terminal device. Is executed, and sponsor condition display processing is executed. In addition, the supply type terminal device 4
T displays response command input processing for accepting a response command to the sponsor request for a predetermined period after the display of the sponsor condition. If the response command is input within this period, the response signal is sent to the management center 2. And performs a response signal transmission process. Note that the sponsor condition display process, the response command input process, and the response signal transmission process that are executed after receiving the sponsor condition in the supply-type terminal device 4T correspond to the photographing request display unit of the present invention.

For this reason, in the management center 2 side, S820
At, after transmitting the sponsor condition to the image providing terminal, performs a response signal receiving process of accepting a response signal transmitted from each image providing terminal for a predetermined period,
In S830, the list of the image providing terminals that have transmitted the response signal are transmitted to the requesting terminal as the photographing terminals that can respond to the sponsor request. Note that S
A series of processing from 800 to S840 corresponds to a photographing terminal search unit of the present invention.

When the list of photographable terminals is transmitted to the requesting terminal that has made the sponsor request, the requesting terminal displays the photographable terminals obtained from the list on the search screen of the display device 24. Further, in accordance with the designation of the photographable terminal by the user, a transfer request of image data from a specific photographable terminal is transmitted. In S850, the transfer request is received and the identification of the transfer request is made. A photographing request is transmitted to the photographable terminal.

Then, on the side of the photographable terminal (supply type terminal device 4T) which has received the photographing request, the photographing request is displayed on the display device 2.
4, the user is caused to start capturing an image corresponding to the sponsor condition. And then, S
The process proceeds to 690, in which data exchange conditions between the requesting terminal and the supply terminal (in this case, a photographable terminal designated by the requesting terminal) are set, and thereafter, image data from the supply terminal is transferred to the requesting terminal. Then, a series of processes of S700 to S750 for updating the billing value for the request terminal and the supply terminal is executed.

A series of processing from S850 to S690 to S720 corresponds to the photographed image transfer means of the present invention.
A photographed image transmission process (not shown) executed on the photographable terminal side that has received the photographing request to transmit the photographed image corresponds to a photographed image transmission control unit of the present invention.

As described above, in the image data communication system of this embodiment, the supply type terminal device 4T capable of transmitting image data is stored in the naturally occurring database of the management center 2 which manages the image data. If registered as a data supply source, when another terminal device 4 transmits a search command for image data, a supply type terminal device 4T capable of supplying image data corresponding to the search command is searched, and a search request is issued. The supply type terminal device 4T is displayed as a supply source of image data on the display device 24 of the requesting terminal that has performed the operation, and if the supply type terminal device 4T is specified on the display screen, the supply type terminal device 4T is displayed. The image data transmitted by the device 4T is transmitted to the request terminal, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed on the display device of the request terminal. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, the user of the terminal device subscribing to the system can provide image data to other subscribers.

Further, since the provider of the image data is paid a provision fee for the image data set based on the value and the degree of popularity of the image data, the number of subscribers who intend to provide the image data is increased. In this system, the types of image data that can be provided from the management center 2 to the terminal device 4 can be increased, and the value of the image data can be increased. In this system, the types of image data that can be provided to the terminal device 4 increase with the increase in the number of supply-type terminal devices 4T. In order to increase the types of image data that can be provided, the system administrator It is not necessary to install a camera for supplying image data (that is, a source of image data) connected to the terminal, so that the cost for maintaining the system can be reduced, and the data access from each terminal device 4 can be further reduced. Fees can be kept low. Therefore, according to the system of the present embodiment, high-value image data can be provided at low cost.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
Various aspects can be taken. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in order to obtain desired image data in the terminal device 4 by the call function or the sponsor function, the supply source (supply type terminal device 4T) can be quickly searched. The image data terminal device of the present invention can be realized without any function or sponsor function.

For example, when the terminal device 4 finds a legally problematic image provider, the user of the terminal device 4 manages the problem image provider (or its image data). It may be configured so that the center 2 can be notified. In this case, the terminal device 4 that has notified the provider of the problem image is compensated by, for example, reducing the billing value, and the provider of the problem image takes a fine or reports to the police or the like. Punishment in accordance with the law may be given. With this configuration, the quality of image data transmitted / received in the system can be improved, and the system can be operated without any legal problem.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image data communication system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a providing terminal device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a search screen and a function selection menu displayed on a display device of a providing-type terminal device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating types of display modes of a search screen.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display form of a search screen in an abstraction mode and a function of changing the display form.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image data search procedure using an abstraction mode and a map mode.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating types of display screens and an ITS image search procedure in an ITS image search mode.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a procedure of a billing calculation performed by a billing unit of the management center.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a terminal registration process executed by the supply-type terminal device and the management center when the supply-type terminal device is registered in the management center.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image search process executed by the terminal device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an image search process executed by the management center.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 management center, 4 terminal device, 4T supply type terminal device, 12 image data storage unit, 14 authentication ID collation unit,
18 ... Billing unit, 22 ... Input device, 24 ... Display device, 30
... Communication device, 32 ... Imaging device, 34 ... Control device, 40 ...
System control unit, 18a ... Video value determination unit, 18b ... Popularity calculation unit, 18c ... Access charge determination unit, 18d ... Communication usage charge determination unit, 18e ... Charge value calculation unit, 18f ... Return amount calculation unit.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 7/173 H04N 7/173 G06F 15/40 310F

Claims (9)

[Claims] The image data or a source of the image data is:
A plurality of image data storage means stored together with attribute information indicating the attribute of each image; when a search request for image data including the attribute is received from a terminal device, the image data of the attribute corresponding to the search request or the source of the image data Image search means for searching from the image data storage means and transferring the search result to the terminal device, upon receiving a transfer request for specific image data from the terminal device, the image data storage means or the image data registered in the image data storage means An image transfer unit that reads the specific image data requested to be transferred from a supply source and transfers the read image data to the terminal device; and an operation of the image search unit and the image transfer unit in response to the search request from the terminal device and the transfer request Calculates the usage fee of the system by the terminal device that has made each of the requests, and adds the usage fee to the billing value for the terminal device. When an attribute of the image data to be searched is specified via the operation unit, a search request for image data having the attribute is transmitted to the center device, and the center device is provided in accordance with the search request. A search request transmitting means for displaying the search result transmitted from the center device on the display means, and a specific image data of the search result displayed on the display means by the operation of the search request transmitting means causes the operation unit to operate. Transfer request transmitting means for transmitting a transfer request for the image data to the center device, and displaying a specific image on a display device based on the image data transmitted from the center device in accordance with the transfer request, And a plurality of terminal devices connected to the center device via a communication line, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminal devices is provided. Image data transmitting means for transmitting image data to the center device; terminal information indicating that the terminal device is a supply type terminal device capable of supplying image data to the center device; A supply-type terminal comprising: terminal information transmitting means for transmitting information together with information; and image supply control means for transmitting image data from the image data transmitting means to the center device when receiving an image transmission request from the center device. The center device receives the terminal information from the supply-type terminal device, and receives the terminal information from the supply-type terminal device as one of the image data supply sources, and the attribute information transmitted by the supply-type terminal device And a terminal device registration means for storing the image data in the image data storage means, and further, in the center device, the image transfer means comprises: When receiving the transfer request of the image data from the supply type terminal device, the image transmission request is transmitted to the supply type terminal device, and then, the image data transmitted from the supply type terminal device is transmitted. Transferring the transfer request to the terminal device that has transmitted the transfer request; and the charging management unit, when the supply source of the image data transferred to the terminal device by the image transfer unit is the supply type terminal device, the supply type terminal device An image data communication system comprising: calculating a provision fee of image data to be paid to the terminal; and subtracting the provision fee from a charge value for the supply-type terminal device. 2. The center device, wherein the charging management unit monitors a request status of image data from a terminal device with respect to the image data stored in the image data storage unit or a supply source of the image data. 2. The image data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the usage fee and the provision fee are calculated based on the usage fee. 3. The terminal device, when a call request for image data of a predetermined attribute is input via an operation unit, causes the center device to search for a supply type terminal device that can supply the image data of the attribute. A terminal call transmitting unit for transmitting a terminal call request and displaying a terminal search result transmitted from the center device in accordance with the terminal call request on a display unit, wherein the center device receives the terminal call request from the terminal device And searching for a supply-type terminal device capable of supplying image data of an attribute corresponding to the terminal call request from supply-type terminal devices stored as a supply source of image data in the image data storage unit. Terminal search means for transferring a result to the terminal device, wherein in the terminal device, the transfer request transmitting means displays on the display means by an operation of the terminal call transmitting means When a specific supply-type terminal device among the retrieved terminal search results is designated via the operation unit, a transfer request for image data from the supply-type terminal device is transmitted to the center device. The image data communication system according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The supply-type terminal device includes an image capturing unit that captures an image around the terminal device, and the image data transmitting unit uses the image captured by the image capturing unit as the image data as the center device. The terminal information transmitting means transmits at least a location attribute representing a location of the terminal device to the center device as attribute information of the image data. An image data communication system according to claim 1. 5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the supply-type terminal device includes a wireless communication unit, and is a portable or mobile terminal device that wirelessly performs data communication with the center device. Image data communication system. 6. The terminal device, when a request for capturing an image at a specific location is input via an operation unit, causes the center device to search for a supply-type terminal device capable of capturing an image at the specific location. A photographing terminal search transmitting means for transmitting a photographing terminal search request and displaying a photographing terminal search result transmitted from the center device in accordance with the photographing terminal search request on a display means; When a specific supply-type terminal device of the imaging-terminal search results displayed on the display device is designated via the operation unit, a transfer request for captured image data by the supply-type terminal device is transmitted to the center device. Photographing request transmitting means for displaying photographed image data transferred from the center device later on a display means;
The center device, upon receiving the photographing terminal search request from the terminal device, of the supply type terminal device stored as a supply source of the image data in the image data storage unit, a location close to a specific location to be photographed. A request for transmitting an image at the specific location is transmitted to the supply type terminal device capable of supplying the image data of the attribute, and a response indicating that the image at the specific location can be captured according to the capturing request is provided. Terminal list for transferring a list of mobile terminal devices to the terminal device as the search result; and, after transferring the search result by the photographing terminal search unit, a specific supply type included in the search result from the terminal device. When receiving a request for transfer of image data from the terminal device, the terminal device transmits a request for capturing an image to the supply type terminal device, and thereafter, the captured image data transmitted from the supply type terminal device. And a photographed image transfer unit for transferring a photographing image to the terminal device. The supply type terminal device, upon receiving the photographing request from the center device, displays the fact together with the specific place to be photographed on a display unit. When a response command is input via the operation unit after the display of the photographing request, a photographing request display for transmitting a response signal indicating that the image of the specific location can be photographed to the center device. Means for receiving an image capture request from the center device after transmitting a response signal by the image capture request display means, displaying the fact on the display means, and thereafter, according to a transmission command input from an operation unit, the image And a photographed image transmission control means for transmitting an image photographed by the image pickup means as the photographed image data from the data transmitting means to the center device. , The billing management means,
According to the transmission state of the photographed image data from the supply-type terminal device, a photographing fee to be paid to the supply-type terminal device is calculated, and the photographing fee is subtracted from a charge value for the supply-type terminal device, and the photographed image is reduced. 6. The image data communication system according to claim 5, wherein the photographing fee is added to a billing value for the terminal device requesting the data. 7. The center device further comprises: a billing value transmitting means for transmitting the updated billing value to the corresponding terminal device when the billing value for the terminal device is updated by the billing management means; 7. The image data according to claim 1, further comprising a billing value display control unit for displaying a billing value transmitted from said center device in a billing value display area of a display unit. Communications system. 8. The terminal device, wherein the search request transmitting unit, the terminal calling transmitting unit, or the photographing terminal search transmitting unit receives a search result of the image data or the supply type terminal device from the center device or the supply type terminal device. Upon receiving the search result of the terminal device, a selection image is generated in which each image data or each supply type terminal device obtained as a result of the search or search is schematically arranged in a pattern and position corresponding to the attribute, respectively. 8. The image data communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a selected image display control unit that displays the selected image in a predetermined area of the display unit. 9. The selected image display control means, if the number of image data or supply-type terminal devices obtained as a result of the search or search exceeds an upper limit value that can be displayed as the selected image, According to a preset priority order for the attribute of the image corresponding to the data or the supply type terminal device, the number of the image data or the supply type terminal device to be displayed in the selected image is limited to the upper limit or less. The image data communication system according to claim 8, wherein