JP2002279394A - Digital camera and information transmitter, imaging system, image distributing apparatus, and image distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera and an information transmitter, an imaging system, an image distributing apparatus, and an image distribution system which can easily distribute the photographed images. SOLUTION: When photographing image, identification information transmitted from a cell phone terminal 1 held by an objective person is received by a digital camera 2, and stored, corresponding to image data obtained by the photographing. Image data and identification information recorded in the digital camera 2 is transmitted to a personal computer 3. A predetermined program is installed in the personal computer 3, an electronic mail to the address included in each identification information is automatically prepared for one or a plurality of sets of identification information included in image data, and one or a plurality of sets of image data, corresponding to identification data which include the address, are attached to the prepared electronic mail, and transmitted. The image data and identification information are transmitted from the personal computer 3 to a server 4 and stored therein. The electronic mail, indicating that the image has been registered, is prepared for each identification information and transmitted to the server 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera and an information transmitting device, a photographing system, an image distribution device, and an image distribution system for facilitating distribution of photographed images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras that record a subject image picked up using a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD as image data on a recording medium such as a flash memory have been widely used. In addition, when taking a group photo or a snapshot at a travel destination or a meeting with the digital camera,
Image data recorded at the time of shooting can be copied to a floppy (registered trademark) disk using a personal computer, for example.
By attaching it to an e-mail, it can be distributed to the person in the photograph.

[0003]

However, when distributing an image (photograph), for example, when using e-mail, after confirming the person in the photographed photograph and examining the mail address of the other party, It was necessary to sort the photos for each other and attach them to an e-mail addressed to them. Therefore, the image (photo)
Is time-consuming to distribute, especially when the number of captured images is large.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has been made so that a digital camera and an information transmitting device, a photographing system, an image distributing device, and an image distributing device that can easily distribute a photographed image are provided. The purpose is to provide a system.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera for storing a photographed image of a subject as image data. A receiving unit for receiving the identification information unique to the information transmitting device transmitted from the transmitting device; and a storage unit for storing the unique identification information received by the receiving unit in association with the image data. It was taken.

In this configuration, when a person carrying the information transmitting device is photographed, the person who is the subject can be specified based on the identification information corresponding to the image data.

According to the invention of claim 2, there is provided control means for causing the receiving means to receive the identification information in response to a predetermined operation by a user.

In such a configuration, the identification information is received only when a predetermined operation is performed. Therefore, the useless receiving operation of the identification information can be eliminated.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, the predetermined operation is a photographing operation.

In such a configuration, when a photographing operation is performed, identification information is automatically received and stored in association with photographed image data. Therefore,
The identification information can be received without requiring the photographer to perform a special operation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an identification information storage means for storing identification information unique to the apparatus, and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means is stored in an image of a subject. An information transmitting device including transmitting means for transmitting as information to be stored in association with the image data to a digital camera that stores the data.

[0012] In this configuration, the person who is the subject of the digital camera possesses the information transmitting device at the time of photographing, thereby providing the digital camera with information enabling the subject to be known from the image data after the photographing. Can be.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing system comprising a digital camera for storing a photographed image of a subject as image data and an information transmitting device,
The information transmission device includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information unique to the device, and a transmission unit that transmits the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit, and the digital camera is a subject. Receiving means for receiving identification information transmitted from the transmitting means of the information transmitting device possessed by a person, and identification information received by the receiving means,
Storage means for storing the image data in association with the image data of the subject.

In such a configuration, when photographing with a digital camera, if the person who is the subject has an information transmitting device, the identification information transmitted from the information transmitting device is combined with the image data obtained by the photographing. It is stored in the digital camera together with the image data. Therefore, after photographing, it is possible to identify a person who is the subject of an image obtained by photographing, that is, a photograph, based on the identification information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image distribution apparatus for distributing image data of an object obtained by photographing, wherein the image distribution apparatus is associated with a plurality of the image data and each image data. Acquiring means for acquiring one or a plurality of different pieces of identification information, and, for each piece of identification information associated with each piece of image data, a plurality of image data acquired by the acquiring means on a network corresponding to each piece of identification information. A transmitting unit for transmitting to a contact, and a plurality of image data items to which the same identification information is associated when the same identification information is associated with a plurality of image data items acquired by the acquisition unit. And transmission control means for collectively transmitting the same to the contacts on the network corresponding to the same identification information.

In such a configuration, all the image data acquired by the acquiring means are collectively corresponded to one or a plurality of pieces of identification information associated with each piece of image data by the transmitting means. Sent to contacts on the network.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image distribution apparatus for distributing image data of a subject obtained by photographing, wherein the image data and a plurality of identifications associated with the image data are provided. Acquisition means for acquiring information;
Transmission means for transmitting the image data acquired by the acquisition means to a contact point on the network corresponding to each identification information for each piece of identification information associated with the image data.

In this configuration, all the image data acquired by the acquiring means is transmitted to a contact on the network associated with the image data.

According to the invention of claim 8, the image data and the identification information are obtained by using the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image distribution system for providing a service relating to distribution of image data of a subject obtained by photographing, wherein the image data transmitted via a network; Receiving means for receiving the identification information associated with the image data, storage means for storing the image data and the identification information received by the receiving means, and a person indicated by the identification information stored in the storage means And a service processing unit for performing a service process relating to distribution of image data associated with the identification information.

In such a configuration, when the image data and the identification information are transmitted via the network, the image data and the identification information are received by the receiving means and stored in the storage means, and then the service processing relating to the distribution of the stored image data is performed. This is automatically performed by the service processing means on the person indicated by the identification information.

Further, in the invention according to claim 10, the identification information includes designation information for designating the contents of a service related to distribution of image data associated with the identification information, and the service processing means includes: The service processing of the content specified by the specification information is performed.

In this configuration, by including the designation information in the identification information, it is possible to designate in advance the contents of the service processing relating to the distribution of the image data by the service processing means.

Further, in the invention according to claim 11, the identification information includes contact information indicating a contact on a network, and the service processing means includes a contact indicated in the contact information. To the notifying unit for notifying that the image data is stored in the storage unit, and in response to a request from a terminal corresponding to the contact point connected via a network, Transfer means for reading out the image data corresponding to the contact information and transferring the image data to the terminal.

In such a configuration, the image data is transmitted in response to a request from the target person after notifying the target person of the image data of the existence of the image in advance. For this reason, useless transfer (distribution) processing of image data can be omitted.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the image data and the identification information are obtained by using the digital camera according to any one of the first to third aspects.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the information transmitted from the information transmission device possessed by the person who is the subject is transmitted to the computer of the digital camera that stores the photographed image of the subject as image data. A program for executing a procedure for causing the digital camera to receive the unique identification information of the information transmitting device and a procedure for storing the received unique identification information in the digital camera in association with the image data.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer provided in an image distribution device for distributing image data of a subject obtained by photographing is provided so as to be associated with a plurality of the image data and each image data. A step of acquiring one or a plurality of different pieces of identification information, and transmitting the acquired plurality of pieces of image data to a contact point on a network corresponding to each piece of identification information for each piece of identification information associated with each piece of image data. If the same identification information is associated with a plurality of acquired image data, a plurality of image data associated with the same identification information are collectively associated with the same identification information. And a procedure to send to a contact on the network.

Further, according to the invention of claim 15, a computer provided in an image distribution apparatus for distributing image data of a subject obtained by photographing, stores the image data and a plurality of images associated with the image data. A procedure for acquiring the identification information, a procedure for transmitting the image data acquired by the acquisition unit to a contact point on the network corresponding to each identification information for each piece of the identification information associated with the image data, and And a program to execute.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. This system comprises one or a plurality of mobile telephone terminals 1 and a digital camera 2 capable of wireless data communication between the two, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) 3 which can be connected to the digital camera 2 via a cable, and a personal computer 3 connected to the Internet. 10
And an image distribution server 4 and other personal computers 5 and 6 connected via the PC. The mobile phone 1 can be connected to the Internet 10 via a wireless base station (not shown) or a public network. The personal computer 3 is used for distributing an image file acquired by the digital camera 2 through the Internet 10. The image distribution server 4 is a server that performs a service related to distribution of image files between the personal computer 3 and the other personal computers 5 and 6, and is managed by, for example, an operator of an image distribution site on the Internet 10.

Configuration of Mobile Phone Terminal FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile phone terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The mobile phone terminal 1 is an information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, and includes an antenna 101 and a radio unit 10 as shown in the figure.
2, voice conversion circuit unit 103, speaker 104, microphone 1
05, control section 106, ROM 107, RAM 108, clock section 109, key input section 110, ringer speaker 11
1, a liquid crystal display unit 112, a setting data memory 113, and a mail storage memory 114.

Radio section 102 executes a communication control sequence based on a radio communication protocol with a base station (not shown), and transmits and receives a transmission signal and a reception signal including a control signal and a voice signal via antenna 101. Further, it functions as a transmitting unit of the present invention, and transmits data stored in a setting data memory 113 described later to the digital camera 2. The voice conversion circuit unit 103 includes the microphone 10
The processing of the voice signal input from the speaker 5 and the voice signal to be output to the speaker 104 and the ringing sound of the ringer speaker 111 are controlled. The clock unit 109 displays the current date, day of the week,
The key input unit 110 outputs data relating to the time to the control unit 106. The key input unit 110 includes a power key, a character input key, and various operation keys.
Output to The liquid crystal display unit 112 includes an LCD and its driving circuit, and displays character information and image information.

The setting data memory 113 is the identification information storage means of the present invention. The setting data memory 113 stores setting data indicating the telephone number of the destination registered by the user and the operation contents of the apparatus. The illustrated personal information data 120 is stored. The personal information data (corresponding to the identification information unique to the information transmitting apparatus of the present invention) 120 includes an ID number 120a for identifying a user, a mail address 120b of the user, and a user accessing the image distribution server 4. Is composed of each data of the encrypted password 120c used for. The ID number 1
20a is, for example, a number assigned in advance to the user or a number assigned in advance to the mobile phone terminal 1 itself. Further, a telephone number, a FAX number, an address, and the like may be used instead of the mail address 120b.

The mail storage memory 114 is a memory for storing e-mails received from the Internet 10 or the like, transmitted e-mails, and e-mails whose transmission has been suspended. The setting data memory 113 and the mail storage memory 114 are non-volatile memories that store stored data even when the power is off and when the power battery is replaced. The control unit 106 includes a CPU or the like, controls the operation of each unit described above according to a communication processing program stored in the ROM 107, and
108 is used as a work memory to control each unit and perform various data processing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 2. The digital camera 2 includes a CCD 201 for converting an optical image of a photographed subject into an image pickup signal, and a DSP / CPU
202. The DSP / CPU 202 is a one-chip microcomputer having a digital signal processing function and controlling each part of the digital camera 2. DSP / CP
U202 includes a TG (Timing G) for driving the CCD 201.
Enerator) 203 is connected, and the TG 203 has a CCD
A unit circuit 204 to which an analog imaging signal output from 201 is input is connected. Unit circuit 20
Reference numeral 4 denotes a CDS that holds an input image signal, a gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) that amplifies the image signal, and an A / D converter (AD) that converts the amplified image signal into a digital image signal. The output signal of the CCD 201 is converted into a digital signal through a unit circuit 204 as a digital signal.
Sent to SP / CPU 202.

The DSP / CPU 202 includes a color LCD
A display device 205 including a shutter key, a plurality of operation keys, a power key, etc., and outputs a key input signal corresponding to an operation of each key to the DSP / CPU 202, and a communication unit 212. Connected to the DRAM 20 via the address / data bus 207.
8, the built-in flash memory 209, the external flash memory 210, and the I / O port 211 are connected. DR
The AM 208 controls the CCD 201 when the shooting standby mode is set.
In addition to temporarily storing image data of a subject that has been imaged and digitized, it also functions as a working memory of the DSP / CPU 202. Built-in flash memory 2
In 09, an operation program of the DSP / CPU 202 and various data used for controlling each unit are stored. The DSP / CPU 202 functions as control means of the present invention by operating according to the operation program.

The external flash memory 210 is a recording medium (a CF card or the like) detachable from the apparatus main body and functions as a storage means of the present invention.
In 10, image data of one frame (one screen) which is acquired in accordance with a shooting operation by pressing a shutter key and compressed in the JPEG format or the like by the DSP / CPU 202 is recorded. I / O port 211 is DSP / CPU2
02 is an interface for inputting / outputting image data or the like converted into a serial signal in the external flash memory 2.
It is used when the image data (JPEG format image file) stored in 10 is output to the personal computer 3 through a cable connection. The communication unit 212 is a receiving unit of the present invention having an antenna 213. The communication unit 212 performs a data communication process with the mobile phone terminal 1 at the time of a shooting operation described later, and transmits data received from the mobile phone terminal 1 to a DSP / C
Send to PU202.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the personal computer 3. As shown in FIG. The personal computer 3 has a CPU 301 and a CRT drive circuit 305 for driving a ROM 302, a RAM 303, and a CRT 304 connected to the CPU 301. CPU3
01, a keyboard 307, a mouse 308, and a hard disk drive 309 via an interface 306.
And floppy disk drive 310, I / O port 3
11, a modem 312 is connected. In the hard disk drive 309, communication software for connecting to the Internet 10 via the modem 312, mail software,
A web browser, an image distribution program, and the like are installed. By operating based on the image distribution program, the CPU 301 functions as the transmission control means of the present invention, functions as the acquisition means of the present invention together with the I / O port 311, and functions as the transmitting means of the present invention together with the modem 312. Function as

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image distribution server 4. As shown in FIG. The image distribution server 4 includes a control unit 401 for controlling the entire apparatus, and an input unit 4 including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.
02, a display unit 40 including a display device such as a CRT or an LCD
3. It has a communication unit 404 for transmitting and receiving various data to and from other devices via the Internet 10. The control unit 401 includes a CPU, a working memory, and the like.
Controls the above parts and transfers various data,
Processing such as temporary storage is performed. Input unit 402 and display unit 40
Reference numeral 3 denotes an interface used when performing input / output and maintenance of various data with respect to the image distribution server 4. The image distribution server 4 includes a program file 405, a received image database 406, and a management data file 407, each of which is configured by a storage unit such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk. The program file 405 stores a control program for causing the control unit 401 to execute processing necessary for an operation described later in the image distribution server 4 so that the control unit 401 functions as a service processing unit of the present invention. .

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 shows a photographing operation of the digital camera 2 when photographing a group photograph, a snap photograph, and a portrait photograph of a person holding the mobile phone terminal 1 by the digital camera 2 and personal information between the two devices. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to transmission and reception of data 120 (hereinafter, also referred to as ID information).

The digital camera 2 displays a through image on the display device 205 in a state where the shooting standby mode is set (step SA1). If a shooting operation is performed by pressing the shutter key during that time (step SA2). YE
S), a photographing process is performed, and the image data of the subject captured and digitized by the CCD 201 is stored in the DRAM 208.
(Step SA3). Next, the digital camera 2 transmits a predetermined communication request signal from the communication unit 212 to the mobile phone terminal 1 (ID terminal) (step SA4), and forms a link with the mobile phone terminal 1 (step SA4). Step SA5). On the mobile phone terminal 1 side, if there is a communication request from the digital camera 2 (Y in step SB1)
ES), and a link is formed with the digital camera 2 correspondingly (step SB2). When the link is formed, the digital camera 2 transmits an ID transmission request to the mobile phone terminal 1 and checks whether the above-described ID information can be transmitted (step SA6). Upon receiving the ID transmission request (YES in step SB3), the mobile phone terminal 1 reads out the ID information from the setting data memory 113 and transmits it to the digital camera 2 (step SB4).

If the digital camera 2 can receive the ID information from any one of the portable telephone terminals 1, the digital camera 2 receives the ID information and transmits the received ID information to the DRAM 208.
(Step SA7). Then, the digital camera 2 performs the above-described processing on all the mobile phone terminals 1 with which the link is formed, and receives the personal information data 120 from all the mobile phone terminals 1 from which ID information can be transmitted ( (YES in step SA8),
By compressing the image data temporarily stored in the DRAM 208 by the photographing process in step SA3,
All the ID information stored in the RAM 208 is added to the header of the compressed image data,
0 as an image file and save it (step SA
9).

By repeating the above photographing operation, the external flash memory 210 stores the image data 500 acquired by photographing as shown in FIG.
And the same number (or less) of the personal information data 12 as the number of subjects added to the header area 501a.
A plurality of image files 501 each including 0 are stored.

In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 1
Information 12 between the camera and the digital camera 2
0 is transmitted and received by using a wireless communication function basically provided in the mobile phone terminal 1, but other communication methods having a relatively narrow communication range, for example, a short-range wireless means Bluetooth which has recently attracted attention as
(Bluetooth) method may be used to transmit and receive data. In this case, a device address unique to each terminal is assigned to a terminal on which Bluetooth is mounted, and the device address is exchanged when communication is established. 1 and the personal information data 120 are stored in association with each other, and stored in association with the device address received when the digital camera 2 establishes communication with the surrounding mobile phone terminal 1 in response to a shooting operation. The personal information data 120 may be stored in association with the image data. With this configuration, it is only necessary to form a link (establish communication) with the partner terminal, and the subsequent transmission / reception processing of the personal information data 120 can be omitted. In addition, the digital camera 2 requests the mobile phone terminal 1 for the personal information data 120 in response to the photographing operation and receives the personal information data 120. However, the digital camera 2 receives the personal information data 120 before and after the photographing operation. A configuration for receiving the information data 120 may be adopted. However, when the receiving operation is performed in accordance with the photographing operation as in the present embodiment, the photographer does not need to perform any special operation, and the usability at the time of photographing is better.

FIG. 9 shows a case where the user of the digital camera 2 distributes the image file 501 obtained by the above-described photographing to the person who is the subject, that is, the individual person in the photograph using the personal computer 3. PC 3
6 is a flowchart showing an operation relating to an electronic mail transmission process. In the following description, it is assumed that the digital camera 2 is connected to the personal computer 3 by a cable, and that the link program and the image distribution program corresponding to the digital camera 2 are activated on the personal computer 3.

When the personal computer 3 acquires the image file 501 transferred from the digital camera 2 (step SC1), the header area 5 of the acquired image file 501 is obtained.
01a or a plurality of personal information data 1 added to 01a
20 (see FIG. 3), and confirms whether the mail address 120b (or ID number 120a) contained therein is new (step SC2). Here, if the address is a new address, a mail transmission box (storage area) for each ID number included in the personal information data 120 is newly created in the hard disk drive 309 (step SC3). The image data is stored in the mail transmission box 600 (step SC4). Then, the processing of steps SC3 and SC4 is repeated for all the personal information data 120 added to the header of the image file (step SC4).
NO at 5). Then, when it ends (step SC
5YES), the above process is repeated until transfer (acquisition) of all image files is completed (N in step SC6)
O).

When an image including the personal information data 120 (mail address 120b) corresponding to the already created mail outbox 600 is transferred (NO in step SC2) while the above process is repeated, the image is transmitted. It is individually added to one or more existing mail outboxes 600. As a result, in the hard disk drive 309, for example, as shown in FIG.
, A plurality of mail outboxes 600 each storing one or more image files 501.
Is created. Although not shown, a mail address (120b) for each ID number (120a) is simultaneously stored in the hard disk drive 309 (or RAM 303). Subsequently, when the transfer of all image files is completed (YES in step SC6), step S6 is performed.
For each e-mail outbox 600 created in C3, an e-mail is created with the corresponding e-mail address 120b as the destination and one or more image files 501 stored there as attached files (step S).
C7). Thereafter, all the created e-mails are transmitted (step SC8), and the process ends.

Thus, the user of the digital camera 2 simply connects the digital camera 2 to the personal computer 3 and activates a predetermined image distribution program on the personal computer 3, and only one or a plurality of photographs (image files 501),
It can be easily and quickly distributed to one or more people without having to confirm the person in each photo.

In the present embodiment, the personal computer 3
The case where the image file 501 is fetched from the digital camera 2 and the image file 501 is transmitted by e-mail continuously has been described. When the image distribution program is started according to
The personal computer 3 may transmit the image file 501 by e-mail. Also, a case has been described in which the digital camera 2 and the personal computer 3 are connected by a cable, and the image file 501 is transferred from the digital camera 2 to the personal computer 3. If it has a configuration that can use a medium (a CF card or the like), the image file 501 can be taken into the personal computer 3 by setting it in the personal computer 3. The image file 501 may be captured by the personal computer 3 by any other method such as wired, wireless, or infrared communication.

In this embodiment, the case where the operation related to the e-mail transmission processing shown in FIG. 9 is performed using the personal computer 3 has been described, but the e-mail transmission processing shown in FIG. Operations relating to processing may be performed.

Next, the user of the digital camera 2 converts one or a plurality of photographs (image files 501) which have been photographed into each of the photographs using the image file distribution service provided by the image distribution server 4. 1 in
Or, the case of distributing to a plurality of persons will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a database creation process in the image distribution server 4 prior to distribution of an image file. Here, one transaction, that is, after being acquired by the digital camera 2, through the personal computer 3 and then through the Internet 1
The transaction processing for one service request for the image file sent via the “0” will be described.

When the image file 501 (eg, “00001.jpg” shown in FIG. 8) is sent from the personal computer 3, the image distribution server 4 acquires the image file 501 and stores it in the storage device 4 for work (management).
07 (Step SD1). Next, from the acquired image file 501, the ID number data 120 of the personal information data 120 included in the header area 501a is obtained.
a is taken out, and it is confirmed whether the ID number is a new number (step SD2). Here, if it is a new number, the received image database 406 stores the ID
A new ID record 406a including the number data 120a and the image file 501 is created (step S).
D3, SD4). At this time, a predetermined transaction number is assigned to each ID number, and IDs corresponding to each other are assigned.
No. 120a (including password 120c) and transaction number 407a are stored in management data file 407.
Are sequentially stored (or updated) (see FIG. 6). And 1
Steps SD3 and SD3 for all personal information data 120 added to the header of one image file 501.
Step 4 is repeated (NO in step SD5). When the transfer is completed (YES in step SD5), the above process is repeated until the transfer (acquisition) of all image files is completed (NO in step SD6).

If an image including the personal information data 120 (mail address 120b) corresponding to the ID record 406a already created is transferred while repeating the above processing (NO in step SD2), the image is transferred to the existing one. Copy to one or more ID records 406a. Thus, a received image database 406 as shown in FIG. 6 is constructed. Subsequently, when processing for all image files is completed (Y in step SD6).
ES), for each ID record 406a stored in the management data file 407, a predetermined e-mail addressed to the corresponding mail address 120b is created (step SD7). Note that the e-mail created here includes a confirmation document indicating that the image has been registered in the received image database 406, with the URL of the image distribution site, a predetermined user ID, and the transaction number described therein. Thereafter, all the created e-mails are transmitted (step SD8), and the process is terminated.

Thus, the received image database 406
The person appearing in the image registered in the server can confirm that the photograph in which he or she appears has been registered in the image distribution server 4 by checking the e-mail. In addition,
The e-mail may include the number of registered images (the number of image files), the registered date, a list of image file names, and the like.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an image distribution process executed by the image distribution server 4 when the person who has received the e-mail connects to the image distribution server 4 from another personal computer 5, 6 or the like. .

When there is a connection from a client terminal such as the personal computer 5 or 6, the image distribution server 4 first obtains a user ID (step SE1), and checks the password sent from the client (step SE2). Such verification is performed by confirming whether or not the transmitted password is stored in the management data file 407. If the password cannot be verified (NO in step SE2), a warning is displayed ( Step SE3), and return to step SE1. If the password can be verified, the above-mentioned transaction number is obtained (step SE4), a database of image files (photos) in the transaction is searched, and other predetermined processing is performed (step SE5). Next, an HTML for arranging the image of the search result on the screen is created and transmitted to the client terminal (step SE6). This allows
The client terminal displays a list of photographs of the user himself.

Subsequently, the image distribution server 4 receives from the client terminal various request commands including an end request prepared in advance, for example, processes such as enlarged display of a photo, deletion of a photo, print order, and download of an image file. (Step SE7). Then, if any request command is sent (OK in step SE7), step S
The process returns to E5, performs the corresponding process, and upon termination request (END in step SE7), terminates the process.

As described above, the user of the digital camera 2 transfers (registers) one or a plurality of photographs (image files 501) taken by the digital camera 2 to the image distribution server 4 and registers them. 1 in the photo
Or it can be easily distributed to multiple people. Also,
In the present embodiment, the image distribution server 4 notifies the distribution target of the image file 501 of the existence of the image in advance in the database creation process prior to the distribution of the image file 501, and then responds to a request from the distribution target. Since the image file 501 is transferred accordingly, the unnecessary distribution process of the image file 501 in the image distribution server 4 can be omitted. At the same time, it is convenient for the target person that unnecessary image files 501 are not sent.

In this embodiment, the image distribution server 4 executes the database creation processing shown in FIG.
Although a case has been described in which the image files sent from the personal computer 3 are stored in a database for each ID number and individually stored, the image distribution server 4 may alternatively perform the following operation. That is, at the time when the image file is sent, all the ID numbers included in the image file are acquired, and a management table showing the correspondence between each acquired ID number and the file name of the image file containing the ID number. Is created in advance, and image files are collectively stored. Then, in the distribution processing shown in FIG.
An image file to be processed is searched using the D number as a key, and the requested processing is performed on the searched image file.
In such a case, since the same image file is not redundantly stored in a plurality of locations, the storage capacity required for storing the image file can be saved.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the setting data memory 113 constituting the above-described mobile phone terminal 1 is described.
Has the data configuration shown in FIG. The personal information data 120 of the present embodiment has the same ID number 120a, mail address 120b, password 12 as in the first embodiment.
0c, the user's personal name 120d, address 120e,
Each data of the image processing designation 120f is included. The process designation data (ACTION) 120f is designation information for designating service contents related to image file distribution,
E-mail transmission (E-mail), list display (HTML),
This is data indicating processing contents such as printing (PRINT) and service unnecessary (NONE).

FIG. 14 shows the image distribution server 4 when an image file acquired by the digital camera 2 is transmitted via the Internet 10 in this embodiment.
9 is a flowchart showing a process executed by A in accordance with an ACTION designation.

That is, the image distribution server 4 transmits the image file 501 (“00001.jp” shown in FIG.
g ") is acquired and temporarily stored in the work (management) storage device 407 (step SF1).
Next, from the acquired image file 501, the header area 5
The processing specification data 120f of the personal information data 120 included in the personal information data 01a is extracted, and the service content specified in advance is confirmed (step SF2). Here, the designated service content is transmitted by e-mail (E-
mail) in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The same processing as the electronic mail transmission processing by the personal computer 3 described above is performed. That is, a mail outbox 600 is created for each ID number included in each of the obtained one or more image files 501, and one or more image files 501 containing the same ID number are collectively collected. (Steps SF3 to SF7). It should be noted that the e-mail outbox 600 stores the management data file 407 shown in FIG.
To create. When the above processing is completed (YES in step SF7), each mail transmission box 600 (ID number)
Each time, an e-mail addressed to the corresponding e-mail address 120b is created and transmitted (step S
F8, SF9), and terminate the process.

When the service content confirmed in step SF2 is a list display (HTML), the same processing as the database creation processing described with reference to FIG. 11 in the first embodiment is performed. That is, the received image database 501 contains one or more acquired image files 501.
Record 406 for each ID number included in each
a is created, and processing for storing one or more image files 501 containing the same ID number therein is performed (steps SF2, SF10 to SF12, and SF6). When the processing is completed (YE in step SF7)
S), the image is stored in the received image database 40 for each ID number.
Confirmation document to the effect that it was registered in 6 contains the UR of the image distribution site
An e-mail containing L, a predetermined user ID, and the transaction number is created and transmitted (steps SF8 and SF9), and the process ends. Although not shown, if the service content confirmed in step SF2 is printing (PRINT), in step SF8 described above, instead of sending an e-mail, printing of all corresponding images is performed for each ID number. Do and ID them
Ship by number.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a person who has been photographed (subjected) by the digital camera 2 selectively sets the above-mentioned designation information in the mobile phone terminal 1 in advance. This allows you to receive your photos the way you want.

In each of the embodiments described above, the personal information data 120 received from the mobile phone terminal 1 is stored in the digital camera 2 together with the image data 500 as an image file 501, so that both data are integrated. The personal information data 120 and the image data 500 are individually handled while corresponding to each other (the transfer from the digital camera 2 to the personal computer 3 and the communication from the personal computer 3 to the image distribution server 4 are performed). )
The system configuration may be used.

Further, the case where the information transmitting device for transmitting the personal information data 120 to the digital camera 2 at the time of photographing is the mobile phone terminal 1 has been described. For example, if a means for storing personal information data 120 and a means for transmitting the personal information data 120 to the digital camera 2 are provided in another portable information terminal (PDA: Personal Digital Assistant) or a wristwatch, the information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention is provided. Can be used as

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case has been described where the digital camera 2 receives the personal information data 120 transmitted from the information transmitting device and stores the personal information data 120 in association with the image data. The personal information data 120 may be input by using the key input unit 206 provided in the device 2, and may be stored in association with the image data. With such a configuration, it is possible to store personal information data 120 in association with image data such as a landscape photograph in which a person is not shown.

[0070]

As described above, in the digital camera according to the present invention, when a person having an information transmitting device is photographed, the person who is the subject is determined based on the identification information corresponding to the image data. Can be specified. Therefore, when a person carrying the information transmitting device is photographed, it is possible to easily distribute the photographed image. Further, by causing the identification information to be received only when a predetermined operation is performed, a useless reception operation of the identification information can be eliminated. Further, since the identification information can be received without requiring the photographer to perform a special operation, usability is improved.

Further, in the information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, the person who is the subject of the digital camera can know the subject from the image data after the photographing by holding the information transmitting apparatus at the time of photographing. Information can be provided to the digital camera.

Further, in the photographing system according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an environment in which a photographed image can be easily distributed to a user of the digital camera.

In the image distribution apparatus according to the present invention, one or a plurality of images, that is, photographs, can be automatically distributed to a person indicated by one or a plurality of identification information associated therewith. I made it. Therefore, by using such a device, it becomes possible for a user of the digital camera or the like to easily distribute a photographed image.

Further, all the image data are collectively transmitted for one or a plurality of pieces of identification information associated with each piece of image data, and are transmitted to a contact on the network corresponding to each piece of the identification information. As a result, a plurality of images or pictures can be automatically distributed to one or more persons in the pictures, and the images or pictures are not transmitted to the same person many times.

In the image distribution system according to the present invention, the service processing related to the distribution of the image data sent together with the identification information via the network is automatically performed for the person indicated by the identification information. did. Therefore, the user of the digital camera can easily distribute the photographed image only by transmitting the image data acquired at the time of photographing and the identification information corresponding to the image data to the image distribution system. Become.

Further, by including the designation information in the identification information sent together with the image data, it is possible to designate in advance the contents of the service processing relating to the distribution of the image data by the service processing means.

Further, in a system in which the distribution target of image data is notified in advance to the distribution target of the image data, and then the image data is transmitted in response to a request from the distribution target, useless transmission (distribution) of the image data is performed. ) Processing can be omitted. At the same time, it is convenient for the target person not to send unnecessary image data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system common to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mobile phone terminal.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of personal information data in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital camera.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image distribution server.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image capturing operation by the digital camera and an operation related to transmission and reception of ID information between the digital camera and the mobile phone terminal.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an image file stored in an external flash memory.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic mail transmission process performed by a personal computer when an image file is distributed.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a mail transmission box in a hard disk drive.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a database creation process by an image distribution server prior to distribution of an image file according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing image file distribution processing by the image distribution server according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of personal information data according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing according to an ACTION designation by the image distribution server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 mobile phone terminal 2 digital camera 3 personal computer 4 image distribution server 10 internet 102 wireless unit 113 setting data memory 120 personal information data 120a ID number 120b address 120c password 202 DSP / CPU 209 built-in flash memory 210 external flash memory 211 I / O port 212 communication unit 301 CPU 302 ROM 311 I / O port 312 modem 401 control unit 404 communication unit 405 program file 406 received image database 501 image file

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera for storing a photographed image of a subject as image data, a receiving means for receiving identification information unique to the information transmitting device transmitted from the information transmitting device possessed by the person who has become the subject. And a storage unit for storing the unique identification information received by the receiving unit in association with the image data. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising control means for causing said receiving means to receive said identification information in response to a predetermined operation by a user. 3. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined operation is a shooting operation. 4. An identification information storage means for storing identification information unique to the apparatus, and a digital camera for storing the identification information stored in the identification information storage means as an image data of a photographed subject as image data. A transmitting means for transmitting as information to be stored in association with the image data. 5. A photographing system comprising a digital camera for storing a photographed image of a subject as image data and an information transmitting device, said information transmitting device comprising: identification information storage means for storing identification information unique to the device; Transmitting means for transmitting the identification information stored in the identification information storage means, wherein the digital camera receives the identification information transmitted from the transmitting means of the information transmitting device possessed by the person who is the subject And a storage unit for storing the identification information received by the reception unit in association with the image data of the subject. 6. An image distribution device for distributing image data of a subject obtained by photographing, wherein the image distribution device acquires a plurality of the image data and one or a plurality of different identification information associated with each of the image data. Acquiring means; transmitting means for transmitting a plurality of image data acquired by the acquiring means to a contact on a network corresponding to each piece of identification information for each piece of identification information associated with each piece of image data; If the same identification information is associated with a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by the acquisition unit, the plurality of pieces of image data associated with the same identification information are collectively associated with the same identification information. An image distribution apparatus, comprising: transmission control means for transmitting to a contact on a network to be transmitted. 7. An image distribution apparatus for distributing image data of a subject obtained by photographing, comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire the image data and a plurality of pieces of identification information associated with the image data; Transmitting means for transmitting the image data obtained by the means for each piece of identification information associated with the image data to a contact on a network corresponding to each piece of identification information. Distribution device. 8. The image distribution apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image data and the identification information are obtained by using the digital camera according to claim 1. 9. An image distribution system for providing a service related to distribution of image data of a subject obtained by photographing, wherein the image data transmitted via a network and an identification associated with the image data are provided. Receiving means for receiving information; storage means for storing image data and identification information received by the receiving means; and identification information associated with a person indicated by the identification information stored in the storage means. And a service processing unit for performing a service process related to the distribution of the image data. 10. The identification information includes designation information for designating the content of a service related to distribution of image data associated with the identification information, and the service processing unit includes a content designated by the designation information. 10. The image distribution system according to claim 9, wherein the service processing is performed. 11. The identification information includes contact information indicating a contact on a network, and the service processing unit stores the image data in the storage unit to the contact indicated in the contact information. Notification means for notifying that the contact information has been sent, and in response to a request from a terminal corresponding to the contact information connected via a network, image data corresponding to the contact information stored in the storage means. The image distribution system according to claim 9, further comprising: a transfer unit that reads and transfers the read data to the terminal. 12. The image data and the identification information,
An image distribution system according to claim 9, wherein the image distribution system is obtained by using the digital camera according to claim 1. 13. A computer of a digital camera that stores a photographed image of a subject as image data, and digitally transmits identification information unique to the information transmission device transmitted from the information transmission device possessed by the person who is the subject. A program for executing a procedure for causing a camera to receive the information and a procedure for storing the received unique identification information in the digital camera in association with the image data. 14. A computer having an image distributing apparatus for distributing image data of a subject obtained by photographing, obtains a plurality of the image data and one or a plurality of different identification information associated with each image data. And transmitting the acquired plurality of pieces of image data to a contact on the network corresponding to each piece of identification information for each piece of identification information associated with each piece of image data. If the same identification information is associated with any of the plurality of image data, a procedure for collectively transmitting a plurality of image data associated with the same identification information to a contact on the network corresponding to the same identification information And a program to make it run. 15. A procedure for causing a computer of an image distribution device that distributes image data of a subject obtained by photographing to acquire the image data and a plurality of pieces of identification information associated with the image data. Transmitting the image data obtained by the means to a contact on a network corresponding to each piece of identification information for each piece of identification information associated with the image data.