JP2003296701A - Image display system, control method thereof and program for realizing the control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program capable of always displaying an image in a correct direction. <P>SOLUTION: A user A registers image data photographed by a digital camera or the like and a keyword in a server 1 by using a personal computer 2a. Another user B also registers image data and a keyword in the server 1 by using a personal computer 2b. When the user A selects a plurality of image data to be displayed on a display device 3a, the server 1 sequentially distributes the image data to the display device 3a. If an automatic insertion mode is set, the display device 3a makes a distribution request to the server 1 for automatic insertion image data, and the server 1 analyzes the keyword accompanying the image data selected by the user A, retrieves image data belonging to other users and registered in the server 1 on the basis of the analyzed keyword, inserts the image data into the image data selected by the user A and distributes the image data to the display device 3a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display system for displaying digital image data registered in a server device on a network, a control method therefor, and a program for implementing the control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when displaying and viewing digital image data created by a digital camera, the digital image data is temporarily transferred to a personal computer via an external storage medium or various cables. The method of displaying and the method of displaying on the monitor using the video output of the camera body are adopted.

However, with these methods, a photographed image cannot be viewed as easily as in conventional silver halide photography, so that a photo frame for displaying digital image data using a liquid crystal display device, for example, has been proposed. Has been put to practical use.

In an electronic photo frame used as a stand-alone, the user takes a picture with a digital camera or the like,
Digital image data accumulated in a storage medium or digital image data generated by reading an image from an attached scanner is expanded in a memory and displayed.

Further, display direction information is recorded together with digital image data in a storage medium, and when the image is displayed, the display direction information is utilized to make the apparatus itself vertical or horizontal. In particular, an electronic photo frame or the like has been proposed that can display an image in the correct direction without instructing the vertical direction.

According to this electronic photo frame, when the display area is rectangular and the display image is also rectangular, when the long side direction of the display area and the long side direction of the display image do not match, For example, even when the display area is horizontally long and a vertically long image as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed, the margin (non-display area) portions 202 and 203 are correctly generated as shown in FIG. Image 2 in the direction
01 can be displayed.

Further, there has been proposed an electronic photo frame in which a mechanism for automatically rotating the display unit according to the display direction information of an image is added.

According to this electronic photo frame, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, even when the long side direction of the display area and the long side direction of the display image do not match (212), by physically rotating the display area, both the long side directions are changed. The images can be displayed in the correct direction by matching (211) and using the entire display area.

In addition, with the recent spread of the Internet, a new electronic photo frame using a network (hereinafter referred to as "Internet type photo frame") has been proposed and is about to be put to practical use (CEIV in the United States).
A Logic, Weave Innovations, etc.). The Internet-type photo frame is for periodically receiving digital still image data registered in a server device on a network, expanding it in a memory, and displaying it on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

Further, the Internet type photo frame not only receives and displays the image data of the user registered in the WWW (World Wide Web) server, but also distributes the image data to the user designated by another user. Is also equipped.

[0011]

However, although the communication function (image exchange function) provided in the above-mentioned conventional Internet type photo frame allows image data to be shared between specific users, for example, the same is possible. It was not possible to actively and accidentally communicate (image exchange, etc.) with other unspecified users who have tastes.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an image display system capable of actively and accidentally communicating with other unspecified users who have similar tastes, A first object is to provide the control method and a program for realizing the control method.

Further, among the above conventional electronic photo frames, the one in which the display area is physically rotated requires a device such as a rotary motor, and therefore, a normal electronic photo frame having no rotation mechanism is required. There is a problem that it is more expensive than a frame. Furthermore, this electronic photo frame is largely divided into two parts, the base for supporting the display area and the display area portion, so the shape is greatly different from that of a general silver salt photograph stand, and the silver salt photograph It may be inappropriate as a device to replace the photo frame.

On the other hand, among the above-mentioned conventional electronic photo frames that do not have a rotation mechanism, when the display area and the display image are different in the long side direction, the image is stored in order to fit the entire image in the display area. Data needs to be scaled down, and image data processing such as deleting a part of the image needs to be performed even when the entire image cannot be accommodated. Therefore, these image processing require more work. There is a problem that a memory for the CPU and CPU capacity are required.

Further, in general, when displaying digital image data, as shown in FIG. 35, the pixels in the display area correspond to the contents of the frame buffer holding the display data. Here, even if the display area is physically rotated, as shown in FIG. 36, the correspondence between the pixels and the frame buffer is the same as before the rotation. Therefore, in FIG.
In order to obtain the display shown in FIG.
It is necessary to expand the image data as shown in. That is, it is necessary to generate the rotated image data (FIG. 37) after expanding the original image data (FIG. 29). Therefore, a lot of CPU power is required for the rotation processing of the image data.

The present invention has been made steadily in these respects as well, and an image display system capable of always displaying an image in a correct direction while reducing the manufacturing cost, a control method therefor, and a control method therefor are provided. A second object is to provide a program for realizing it.

[0017]

In order to achieve the first object, the image display system according to claim 1 has at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices connected via a network. In the image display system, the image distribution device includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of image data registered by each user of each image display device, and a plurality of image data registered by each user. A distribution unit that distributes image data selected and instructed by each user to be displayed on the image display apparatus to the image display apparatus, a recognition unit that recognizes a characteristic of the image data that is instructed to be selected, and the recognized characteristic. Image data of similar characteristics to those of other users,
Search means for searching from the storage means, selecting means for selecting specific image data from the searched image data,
Insertion means for inserting the selected image data into the image data instructed to be selected, and each of the image display devices receives the image data distributed to the image display device by the distribution means. And a display means for sequentially displaying the received image data.

An image display system according to a second aspect is the image display system according to the first aspect, wherein each of the image display devices displays the image data of the other selected user on the display means. When a specific operation is performed by the user of the image display device, the notification device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the image display device of information associated with the image data.

An image display system according to a third aspect is the image display system according to the second aspect, wherein the notification means is
It is characterized by being an email.

An image display system according to a fourth aspect is the image display system according to any one of the second and third aspects, wherein the information associated with the image data includes information regarding an owner of the image data. And

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image display system according to the fourth aspect, the information regarding the owner includes at least one of a URL and a mail address.

An image display system according to a sixth aspect is the image display system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein when the display means displays the image data of the other user, the image data is different from the other image data. The information indicating that the image data is the user's image data is also displayed.

An image display system according to a seventh aspect is the image display system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when the image data is registered in the storage means, a keyword indicating a feature of the image data is attached. The recognition means extracts the keywords respectively associated with the image data for which selection is instructed, and recognizes the characteristics of the image data based on the extracted keywords.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image display system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the recognizing means extracts the characteristics of the image data itself instructed to be selected. The feature is that the feature of the image data is recognized.

An image display system according to a ninth aspect is the image display system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the image delivery device selects one of the image display devices from the retrieved image data. It is characterized by further comprising detection means for detecting image data unfavorable to be displayed, wherein the selection means does not select the detected image data.

According to a tenth aspect of the image display system,
The image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
When the user of the image display device performs a specific operation while the image data of the other selected user is displayed on the display means, the image display device displays the image data. Further comprising: an extracting unit that extracts information that identifies the other user from the information associated with the item, and a transmitting unit that transmits the extracted information to the image distribution apparatus, and the selecting unit includes the transmitting unit. The image data of the user corresponding to the information is not selected.

In order to achieve the first object, the invention as set forth in claim 1
1 is an image display system including at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices, which are connected via a network, wherein each of the image display devices corresponds to the image display device. Acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data for display from other than the network, recognition means for recognizing characteristics of the acquired image data, and transmission means for transmitting the recognized characteristics to the image distribution device. And a display unit that sequentially displays the acquired image data, wherein the image distribution apparatus stores the plurality of image data registered by each user of each image display apparatus, and the received image data. Search means for searching the storage means for image data having similar characteristics to those of other users, and the searched image data. Selection means for selecting specific image data from the above, and distribution means for distributing the selected image data to the image display device that has transmitted the received characteristic, and the display means comprises the distributed image. Data is inserted into the acquired image data and displayed.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned second object, claim 1
2. The image display system according to 2, wherein the image display system includes at least one image distribution device and at least one image display device connected via a network, and the image display device includes the image via the network. Communication means for communicating with the distribution device, request means for requesting distribution of image data to the image distribution device in communication by the communication means, and receiving image data distributed from the image distribution device in response to the distribution request Receiving means to
A display unit that sequentially displays the received image data, a detection unit that detects the status of the image display device, and a transmission unit that transmits the detected status to the image distribution device in communication. The image distribution device receives a status transmitted by the image display device in communication, a storage unit for storing a plurality of image data, and a distribution request of image data by the image display device in communication. A selection means for selecting image data to be delivered from the storage means to the image display device, a processing means for processing the selected image data according to the received status, and the processed image. And a distribution means for distributing the data to the image display device in communication.

The image display system according to claim 13 is
13. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the display means is rectangular and can be installed in any of a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation, and the status indicates that the display means is portrait orientation or landscape orientation. In the image delivery device, the processing unit includes the installation state of the display unit included in the received status and the selected image data. It is characterized in that the image data is processed so as to match the display direction.

The image display system according to claim 14 is
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the status includes a displayable color number of the image display device, and in the image distribution device,
When the displayable color number of the image display device included in the received status is less than the display color number of the selected image data, the processing unit reduces the display color of the image data. Characterized by processing.

The image display system according to the fifteenth aspect is
13. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the status includes the number of displayable pixels of the image display device, and in the image distribution device, the processing unit sets the received status to the received status. It is characterized in that the selected image data is processed so as to match the number of displayable pixels of the image display device included.

The image display system according to claim 16 is
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the status includes a type of image codec supported by the image display device,
In the image delivery device, the processing means encodes the selected image data so as to match the type of image codec of the image display device included in the received status. .

The image display system according to claim 17 is
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the display means is configured to be rotatable about a fulcrum on a display plane, and the status indicates that the display means is rotated from a reference position. In the image distribution device, the processing unit includes the rotation amount of the display unit included in the received status and the display direction of the selected image data, It is characterized in that the image data is processed.

The image display system according to claim 18 is
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the status includes a maximum size of image data desired by the image display device, and in the image distribution device, the processing unit receives the received data. The selected image data is processed so as to be included in the desired maximum size of the image display device included in the status.

The image display system according to claim 19 is
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein in the image display device, the status includes a communication speed of the receiving unit, and in the image distribution device, the processing unit is included in the received status. It is characterized in that the selected image data is processed according to the communication speed of the receiving means of the image display device.

The image display system according to claim 20 is
13. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the image display device further includes a clocking unit that clocks time, and the status includes the clocked time, and in the image distribution device, the storage unit is In addition to the image data, the delivery time of each image data is also stored, and the delivery means includes the time on the image display device included in the received status as the selected image data. When the distribution time comes, the image data is distributed to the image display device.

The image display system according to claim 21 is
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the image display device further includes a detection unit that detects ambient brightness, and the status includes the detected brightness, and in the image distribution device, It is characterized in that the selecting means selects the image data according to the ambient brightness of the image display device included in the received status.

In order to achieve the first object, the second aspect
The image display system control method according to the second aspect is a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices, which are connected via a network. The image data selected by each user to be displayed on the image display device from a plurality of image data registered by the respective users of the image display devices in the storage means is distributed to the image display device. A distributing step, a recognizing step for recognizing a feature of the image data instructed to be selected, and a searching step for retrieving image data of a feature similar to the recognized feature of another user from the storage means. A selection step of selecting specific image data from the searched image data, and selecting the selected image data with the selection finger. And a receiving step of receiving the image data distributed to the image display apparatus by the distributing step, and an inserting step of inserting the received image data into each of the image display apparatuses. And a display step of sequentially displaying the image data on the display means.

In order to achieve the first object, the second aspect
The control method of the image display system according to 3 is a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices, which are connected via a network. On the other hand, an acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of image data to be displayed on the image display device from other than the network, a recognition step of recognizing the characteristics of the acquired image data, and the recognized characteristics, respectively. And a display step of sequentially displaying the acquired image data on display means,
For the image distribution device, the image data having the similar feature to the received feature is stored in a storage unit that stores a plurality of image data registered by each user of each image display device, A search step of searching for an object, a selection step of selecting specific image data from the searched image data, and a distribution step of distributing the selected image data to the image display device that has transmitted the received characteristic. In the displaying step, the distributed image data is inserted into the acquired image data and displayed.

In order to achieve the second object, the second aspect
The control method of the image display system according to 4, wherein the image display device is a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and at least one image display device, which are connected via a network. On the other hand, a communication step of communicating with the image distribution apparatus via the network, a request step of requesting distribution of image data to the image distribution apparatus in communication by the communication step, A reception step of receiving the image data distributed from the image distribution apparatus, a display step of sequentially displaying the received image data on a display unit, a detection step of detecting the status of the image display apparatus, and the detected step. A transmission step of transmitting the status to the image distribution device in communication,
For the image distribution device, a plurality of image data are stored according to a receiving step of receiving a status transmitted by the image display device in communication and a distribution request of image data by the image display device in communication. Selecting the image data to be distributed to the image display device from the storage means, processing step of processing the selected image data according to the received status, and processing the processed image data. And a distribution step of distributing to the image display device in communication.

In order to achieve the first object, the second aspect
The program described in 5 is a program for causing a computer to realize a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices connected via a network, In the control method, the image distribution device is instructed to be selected by each user from the plurality of image data registered in the storage means by each user of each image display device so as to be displayed on the image display device. A distribution step of distributing the image data to the image display device, a recognition step of recognizing a feature of the image data selected and instructed, and image data of a feature similar to the recognized feature of another user. A search step for searching the storage means for an object, and a selection step for selecting specific image data from the searched image data. And up, the image data the selected,
And a step of inserting the image data instructed to be selected, for each of the image display devices,
It is characterized by comprising a receiving step of receiving the image data distributed to the image display device by the distributing step, and a display step of sequentially displaying the received image data on a display means.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, claim 2
The program described in 6 is a program for causing a computer to realize a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices, which is connected via a network, The control method, for each of the image display device,
An acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of image data to be displayed on the image display device from a source other than the network, a recognition step of recognizing a characteristic of the acquired image data, and the recognized feature of the image distribution. A transmission step of transmitting the acquired image data to a display unit, and a display step of sequentially displaying the acquired image data on a display means. And a specific image data is selected from the searched image data by a search step of searching the image data of the received feature of the other user from the storage unit storing the image data of And a distribution step of distributing the selected image data to the image display device that has transmitted the received characteristic, The shown step, and displaying by inserting the distributed image data to the acquired image data.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned second object, claim 2
The program described in 7 is a program for causing a computer to realize a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and at least one image display device, which is connected via a network. The control method includes a communication step for the image display apparatus to communicate with the image distribution apparatus via the network, and a request to request distribution of image data to the image distribution apparatus in communication by the communication step. A step of receiving image data distributed from the image distribution device in response to the distribution request, a display step of sequentially displaying the received image data on a display unit, and a status of the image display device. And a detection step of detecting the detected status, and transmitting the detected status to the image distribution device in communication. A transmission step of receiving a status transmitted by the image display apparatus in communication, and a distribution request of image data by the image display apparatus in communication, to the image distribution apparatus. hand,
A selection step of selecting image data to be delivered to the image display device from a storage means for storing a plurality of image data; a processing step of processing the selected image data according to the received status; A step of delivering the processed image data to the image display device in communication.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) An image display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a host server device (hereinafter, abbreviated as "server") holding image data and a network for the server. And an image display device (image display device of the present embodiment) connected via
The image display device receives and displays the image data held on the server.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image display system of this embodiment.

In the figure, the server 1 holds image data to be provided to image display devices (hereinafter abbreviated as "display device") 3a and 3b. The server 1 has a file server function, a database function, a data search function, and a WWW server function (HTTPD: HyperText Transfer Protocol Demon).
And so on. The server 1 is composed of, for example, a high performance personal computer, and various functions are realized as application software on an operating system.

Personal computers 2a and 2b
Has a WWW client (HTTP client) function, and a user who wants to register image data registers still image data in the server 1 using the computers 2a and 2b.

The display devices 3a and 3b are connected to the server 1 via a network such as the Internet 4, and receive the still image data group registered in the server 1,
It has a function of displaying in a predetermined sequence.

In FIG. 1, a user environment of two A / B users is shown, but in reality, many user display devices are connected to the network 4 to use the system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the display device 3 of the present embodiment, which is shown as a representative of the display devices 3a and 3b in FIG.

In the figure, various processing circuits are built in the frame 31. The frame 31 has an external shape imitating a so-called general photo frame.

The display unit 32 comprises a liquid crystal display and displays the received image data.

The switches 33a and 33b which can be pressed by the user are used as a user interface.

A power switch 34 is provided on the side surface of the device, and a connector (not shown) for connecting a power adapter cable, a network interface cable or the like is provided on the back surface of the display device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the display device 3.

As shown in the figure, the CPU (Central Proc
The essing unit) 41 controls the overall operation of the apparatus, signal processing such as decompression of compressed image data, and network protocol processing.

The network interface section 42 is
An interface for connecting to the Internet is provided, and various communication interfaces are applied according to the user environment. The network interface unit 42 is
When connecting directly to the access network, a communication modem or TA
(Terminal Adapter) etc., ADS outside the device
L (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem and C
When connecting to an ATV modem or the like, it is composed of an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface or the like.

ROM (Read Only Memory) 43 is a CP
The instruction data necessary for the operation of U41 is stored, and C
Data required for the processing of the PU 41 is stored. ROM4
3 is an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Program)
rammable ROM), etc., and is also used as a non-volatile temporary data storage area.

A RAM (Random Access Memory) 44 is
It is used as a work memory necessary for the operation of the CPU 41.

The display interface unit 45 is
It has a frame buffer for at least one screen, D / A converts the image data recorded in the frame buffer,
Transfer to display 46.

The display 46 comprises a liquid crystal display and its driver.

Clock device (real time clock I
C) 47 is used to manage the date / time data that controls the operation of the device.

Each of the devices 42 to 45 and 47 is controlled by the CPU 41 via a system bus (including an address bus, a data bus and a control bus) 48.

The control operation executed by the image display system configured as described above will be described in detail below.

First, the user A of the display device 3a uses the personal computer 2a to register image data photographed by a digital camera or the like in the server 1. At the time of registration, the user A inputs a keyword related to the image data to be registered. Specifically, it is information regarding a keyword expressing a subject and shooting time / date / time / place. The keyword is stored in the server 1 together with the image data as metadata for the image data, for example, according to a format corresponding to DIG (Digital Imaging Group) 35 or the like. The information included in the metadata includes, in addition to the keyword, a URL (Uniform Resource Locater) indicating the location of image data managed by the user A, a mail address, and the like. Note that the keyword may use the information registered when the image data was captured.

Next, the user A selects the image data to be displayed on the display device 3a from the registered image data. The plurality of image data selected here are displayed on the display device 3
It is distributed to a and is automatically displayed in a predetermined sequence.
The information designating the selected image data is managed by the ID information of the user A and the image-specific ID information using the database of the server 1.

The above processing can be easily realized by the function related to the WWW server software and the WWW browser software of the personal computer which is the client.

Here, user A and user A
Although the display device 3a and the personal computer 2a owned by the user have been described as an example, this is merely for the sake of convenience, and the same applies to the user B and the display device 3b and the personal computer 2b owned by the user B. .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image data set registered in the server 1.

In the figure, still images 51a to 51d are shown.
Is a still image displayed on the display devices 3a and 3b. For example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Grou)
It is compressed by a compression method such as p). In addition, information that specifies the order of displaying image data, the interval, etc. is also stored in the server 1.
Delivered from. In the illustrated example, the images 51a to 51d are repeatedly displayed in the order.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the main routine executed by the CPU 41 of the display device 3.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data processing executed by the server 1.

The display device 3 determines the reception schedule (step S2) after executing various initialization processes (step S1). That is, the user determines the data reception time designated beforehand, and when the designated time comes, the reception of the designated image data set held in the server 1 is started. The reception schedule includes the time data managed by the clock device 47, the RAM 43 or the ROM 44.
The judgment is made by comparing the schedule data held above.

To start receiving image data, a predetermined server (server 1 in this embodiment) is connected to a predetermined server (in the case of the configuration directly connected to the telephone network) included in the network interface section 42. PPP (Po
Int to Point Protocol) is used for dial-up connection (step S3). After the connection is completed, HTTP (Hyper Te
xtTransfer Protocol / FTP (File Transfer Proto)
image data set is requested from the server 1 according to a data transfer protocol such as col) (step S4).

The server 1 receives the request for the image data (step S21) and judges the request content (step S22). When the user of the display device 3 requests the image data set designated in advance, the database of the server 1 is used to select the designated image data set based on the user ID and the like (step S27). The selected plurality of image data are transmitted to the display device 3 according to a predetermined protocol (step S26).

The display device 3 receives the image data set and stores it in the EEPROM 43 or the like (step S).
5). The accumulated image data is sequentially reproduced in a predetermined sequence (step S6).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure of the image reproduction processing in step S6.

When the display image update time is reached according to the time management information managed by the clock device 47 (step S31), the image data to be reproduced next is taken out from the memory and decoded (step S32). The decoded image data is transferred to the frame buffer of the display interface unit 45 (step S3).
3).

The display 46 displays the data stored in the frame buffer.

By the above processing, a plurality of image data 51
The symbols a to 51d are sequentially displayed on the display unit 32 at appropriate intervals determined by the user.

Next, when the predetermined schedule time is reached (step S7) and the image data automatic insertion mode is set (step S8), the network is newly connected (step S9), and the automatic insertion image is inserted in the server 1. Data is requested (step S10).

When the server 1 receives the request for the automatically inserted image data (step S22), the server 1 first collects the keywords relating to the image data which the user has designated to display on the display device, and analyzes the contents (step S23). ). The keyword analysis may be performed by a simple method such as selecting the most frequently occurring keyword from a plurality of keywords, or by using a knowledge database or the like to extract a keyword of a superordinate concept that the plurality of keywords mean. You may use the method of. For example, when a keyword such as automobile / bus / train is included, “land vehicle” is determined as the keyword.

Next, the image data of another unspecified user held by the server 1 is searched from the determined keyword (step S24).

Further, the image data to be actually inserted into the image data display sequence of the user is determined from the search result (step S25). The final selection of image data is determined by using a random number or the like. The image data selected here is transmitted to the display device 3 by a predetermined protocol (step S26).

Upon receiving the image data transmitted from the server 1, the display device 3 holds the image data in a storage device such as a memory (step S11) and inserts it in the display sequence of the image data designated by the user of the display device.

Through the above processing, the image data of another user having similar contents to the image data is automatically inserted into the display sequence of the image data designated by the user and displayed.

Furthermore, when the user presses the switch 33a of the display device 3 while displaying the image data, an interrupt occurs.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of interrupt processing when the switch 33a is pressed.

When an interrupt is generated by pressing the switch 33a, the CPU 41 first determines the image data displayed at the time of the interrupt (step S41). When the display image is an image other than the image data designated by the user, that is, the image data automatically inserted by the server 1, information associated with the image data is extracted (step S42). The information associated with the image data is information about the owner of the automatically inserted image data, and is information including a URL indicating the image server of the owner, a mail address of the owner, and the like. Here, it is assumed that the server area indicated by the URL holds information about the owner, other image data held by the owner, descriptive information about the image data, and the like.

Next, a mail document describing the extracted information is automatically generated and automatically transmitted to the mail address of the user of the display device 3 (step S43). It is assumed that the user's email address and the like are registered in the display device 3 in advance.

The user later receives the mail information sent to himself / herself on the personal computer, and browses and displays other image data owned by the owner of the image data automatically inserted from the described URL or the like. It can be specified as data to be displayed on the device. Further, it is possible to directly communicate with the user from an email address or the like.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the user only specifies the image data to be displayed on the display device, and the server automatically inserts image data similar to the image data. It becomes possible to enjoy various image data. Furthermore, it becomes possible to communicate with other users who are the holders of the automatically inserted image data by a simple operation, and it is possible to exchange the image data that the user likes with many unspecified users. Become.

(Second Embodiment) In the present embodiment,
Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, only the keyword analysis process (step S23), the similar image data search process (step S24), the inserted image data selection process (step S25), and the like are different during the server-side image data process of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image data processing executed by the server of this embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the keyword attached to the image data is used for searching the similar image, but in the present embodiment, the similar image is directly searched from the content of the image data.

First, a characteristic parameter is extracted from a plurality of image data that the user has instructed to display on the display device 3, and a characteristic parameter representative of the plurality of image data is determined from the extraction result (step S53). The image data that most closely correlates with the characteristic parameter determined here is searched for in the similar image data search process (step S54).
Here, it is assumed that the image data registered in the server 1 has the characteristic parameters calculated in advance at the time of registration. Regarding the extraction of the characteristic parameter representing the characteristic amount of the image data and the search method using the same, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-16
This can be realized by applying a conventionally proposed method as described in Japanese Patent No. 8277 or the like.

Next, the image data actually displayed on the display device 3 is selected from the image data obtained from the search results (step S55). In this selection step, the validity of the image data searched in the similar image data search process (step S54) is judged. Specifically, when a keyword or the like is attached to the image data, it is determined from the information whether or not the image data is suitable as image data to be automatically inserted in the photo frame. If the keyword is not attached, the image content is recognized from the image data and it is confirmed whether the image is not an inappropriate image. The image content recognition processing here is more accurate than the feature extraction processing for image retrieval, etc., and discriminates unsuitable image content. If it is determined to be appropriate, the image data is transmitted to the display device 203.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the user does not need to input the keyword when registering the image data, and the convenience is further improved. Further, by using the sensitizing information such as the color tone and composition as the characteristic parameter, it is possible to select the image data in which the atmosphere of the entire image is similar as the automatically inserted image. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent discomfort caused by selecting image data that is not suitable as an image to be automatically displayed on a display device such as a photo frame.

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, the case where the server 1 analyzes the keyword and extracts the characteristic parameter of the image data has been described, but these processes are performed by the display device 3. You may go by the side. In that case, the display device 3 analyzes a keyword obtained from the plurality of received image data, or extracts a common characteristic parameter from the image data itself. Based on the result obtained here, the information necessary for the search of the automatically inserted image is determined and notified to the server 1. The server 1 searches for a similar image based on the notified keyword, characteristic parameter, etc., and delivers it to the display device as an automatically inserted image.

According to the present embodiment, since the search information is carried out on the display device 3 side, the processing load on the server 1 can be reduced.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the present embodiment,
The display device 3 is provided with a memory card slot or the like, and the image data held in the memory card inserted in the slot is used as the image data instructed by the user. Also here, only the differences from the first to third embodiments will be described.

The memory card slot is connected to the system bus 42 of the display device 3 and controls the interface with the memory card. The image data stored in the memory card is processed by the CPU 42 via the interface.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main routine executed by the display device 3 of this embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image data processing executed by the server 1 of this embodiment. Is.

In step S62, the CPU 42 takes out the image data stored in the memory card and displays it on the display 46.

Next, at a predetermined time (step S63), automatic insertion of image data is instructed (step S63).
64), the characteristic parameters of the plurality of image data which the user has instructed to display are extracted from the image data stored in the memory card (step S65). The extraction of the characteristic parameter can be realized by applying the conventional technique shown in the second embodiment.

Then, connect to the network (step S
66), using the characteristic parameters obtained in step S65, request similar image data to the server 1.

Upon receiving the image data request request from the display device 3 (step S71), the server 1 searches for similar image data using the characteristic parameters of the image data sent from the display device 3 (step S72). The image data preferable for display on the display device 3 is distributed to the display device 3 (steps S73 and S74).

The display device 3 receives the similar image data of another user distributed from the server 1 (step S6).
8) Add to the display sequence of image data that the user has instructed to display.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user does not need to perform any special operation, and only instructs the display of the image data stored in the memory card or the like, and the unspecified non-specific users who have common tastes. You can also enjoy images of other users.

(Fifth Embodiment) Also in the present embodiment,
Only parts different from those of the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the processing that is characteristic of the present embodiment, and shows the procedure of the interrupt processing when the switch 33b is pressed during the display of image data.

When an interrupt is generated by pressing the switch 33b, first, in step S81, the image being displayed is
It is determined whether the image is the image of another user that is automatically inserted.
In the case of automatically inserted image data, information about the user of the image data is acquired from the information related to the image data (step S82). The information acquired here indicates information such as an ID number and URL / mail address for identifying the user.

Next, the image data is deleted and removed from the image display sequence (step S83). Then, it connects to a network (step S84), and step S82.
The information obtained in step S8 is transmitted to the server 1 (step S8).
5).

Based on the user information obtained here, the server 1 thereafter performs a similar image search step (step S2).
4) Or the insertion image selection step (step S25) removes the image data of the user from the selection target.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the automatically inserted image is disliked, the display of the image data is stopped by a simple operation, and
Since it is possible to instruct the server not to select user data of the image data in the future, it is an image that is judged to be a similar image from the search results, but automatic insertion of image data that does not match the user's preference Can be suppressed.

(Other Embodiments) In the first embodiment, while the user is displaying the automatically inserted image data,
Although the case where the mail is transmitted when the switch 33a is pressed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various information notification methods can be applied. For example, when the switch 33a is pressed, information about the user of the image data is displayed on the WWW of the user of the display device.
A method of registering in the server data area or displaying information about the user of the image data on a display device may be used.

A display mode in which the automatically inserted image data can be recognized by the user may be applied.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of such a display mode, and the mark 61 is displayed only when the automatic insertion data is displayed. The mark 61 is displayed on the server 1
Can be inserted in the image data, a method in which the display device displays the image data at the time of displaying the image data, and the like, but any method may be used.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the display device is configured to hold a plurality of image data to be displayed, but the display device does not store the image data and always receives the data from the network. It may be configured as follows. In this case, the display device only needs to hold the information necessary to instruct the server 1 to display the image data, and the device can be constructed at low cost.

Furthermore, the display device
You may make it poll one image data regularly. In this case, the display device does not specify specific image data to the server 1, but only requests arbitrary image data prepared by the server 1. Server 1
All the information about the display sequence of the image data distributed to the display device is managed, and the image data selected according to the sequence is presented at the time of polling the display device. In this case, the communication procedure between the server 1 and the display device is simplified, and the communication cost can be reduced.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the designation of the image data to be displayed on the display device, the display sequence and the like are set through the personal computer, but they can be set by the display device 3 main body. It may be configured. In that case, for example, the display unit has an interface means such as a touch panel function, and a display image or the like is displayed via a graphical user interface displayed on the display unit 302 (for example, the display device has an HTML browser function). It is also possible to specify.

In the first and fifth embodiments,
Switches 33a and 33b as a user's specific operation
Although the method of pressing is described, various other interfaces such as a method of using a touch panel and a method of using a voice recognition command can be applied.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the case in which the keywords are held in the format including the image data has been described, but all are managed in the database of the server 1 based on the ID that uniquely specifies the image. You may do it.

In the first embodiment, the image search using the keyword is described, and in the second embodiment, the image search using the characteristic parameter is described. However, any method capable of searching for similar images may be used. Any method may be applied.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the liquid crystal display device is used as the display, but any display device can be used as long as it can display image data. Also, the network environment to be connected is not limited to the dial-up connection environment to the Internet, and any environment may be used.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of an image display system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the image display system of the present embodiment has a server 101 which is an image distribution device, a personal computer 102, and a plurality of display devices 103.
.About.105.

The server 101 has a file server function, W
It has a WW server function and a database function.

The personal computer 102 is WWW
A user who has a client function and wants to register image data connects to the server 101 using the personal computer 102.

The display devices 103 to 105 are connected to the server 101 via a network such as the Internet 106.
The image data registered in the server 101 is automatically received and displayed.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are views showing the appearance of the display device 110 of the present embodiment, and represent the display devices 103 to 105 of FIG. 14 as a representative. Figure 1
5 mainly shows the front part thereof, and FIG. 16 mainly shows the rear part thereof.

The display unit 111 is composed of a liquid crystal display and displays an image signal.

The frame 112 contains various processing circuits.

When the display device is installed so that the liquid crystal display 111 is vertically long (hereinafter referred to as "vertical position"), the orientation detection switch 113 is in a pressed state, and the display device is placed vertically. Recognize that it has been done.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the display device is installed so that the liquid crystal display 111 is horizontally long (hereinafter, referred to as "horizontal placement"), the switch 113 is not pressed and the Recognize that the display device is placed horizontally.

By the mechanism 114 for supporting the display device,
The display device can be placed vertically or horizontally.

The communication connector 115 is the Internet 1
Used to connect to 06.

The power connector 116 is used to supply power to the display device.

The slide switch 118 is used to determine the interval at which the display device connects to the server 101.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the display device 110.

Network interface section 121
Is an interface unit for connecting to the Internet 106, and is connected to a network or a communication line via a communication connector 115. Various communication interfaces are applied to the network interface unit 121 according to the environment of the user. When directly connected to the access network, the network interface unit 121 includes various modems and the like, and is an ADSL of an external device.
When connecting to a modem or cable modem, it is composed of an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface.

The status sensor section 122 includes a placement direction detection switch 113 and detects the installation state of the display device 110.

The CPU 123 controls the control operation of the display device 110. The CPU 123 is the display device 110.
Performs necessary image processing and protocol processing in addition to overall control.

The display section 124 is composed of a liquid crystal display, a frame buffer and its control circuit.
The image data decoded by the PU 123 is converted into an image signal and displayed.

The ROM 125 stores commands and data necessary for the control operation of the CPU 123 and various processes.

The RAM 126 is used as a working memory necessary for the control operation of the CPU 123.

The clock IC 127 is a clock device,
It manages date / time data for controlling the operation of the display device 110.

The devices 121 to 127 are connected to each other via the system bus 128.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 101.

Network interface unit 131
Is an interface unit for connecting to the Internet 106, and various communication interfaces are applied according to the installation environment of the server 101.

The CPU 132 controls the control operation of the server 101. The CPU 132 performs necessary image processing and protocol processing in addition to controlling the entire server 101.

The storage device 133 holds the program necessary for the operation of the server 101 in addition to the image data to be distributed. The storage device 133 is specifically a device such as a hard disk drive or a DVD disk drive.

The ROM 134 stores commands and data necessary for the control operation of the CPU 132 and various processes.

The RAM 136 is used as a working memory necessary for the control operation of the CPU 132.

The above devices 131 to 135 are connected to each other via a system bus 136.

The control operation executed by the image display system configured as described above will be described in detail below.

FIG. 19 shows the CPU 123 of the display device 110.
6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main routine executed by the.

Here, it is assumed that the image data browsed by the user of the display device is registered in advance in the server 101 prior to the control operation of the display device 110. Specifically, the user at the remote location is the personal computer 102.
It is assumed that a plurality of image data are registered in the server 101 by using. The image data is registered, for example, via WWW browser software on the personal computer 102, and the image data is data captured by a digital camera, a scanner connected to the personal computer, or the like.

The display device 110 detects the status of the display device 110 (step S102) after execution of various initialization processes (step S101). The status is acquired via the status sensor unit 122, and here, it is detected whether the display device 110 is vertically installed or horizontally installed.

In the following step S103, the reception schedule is determined. That is, the user determines the data reception time designated in advance, and if it is the designated time,
The process proceeds to step S104, and reception of the image data stored in the server 101 is started. The reception schedule is
Time data managed by the clock IC 127 and ROM
It is managed by the schedule data held in 125 or the RAM 126 and the connection interval information instructed by the slide switch 117.

If the designated time has not been reached, the process returns to step S102 and step S10 is performed until the designated time is reached.
The process of 2 and S103 is repeated.

On the other hand, when starting data reception,
By the modem included in the network interface unit 121 (in the case of the configuration directly connected to the telephone network),
A dial-up connection is made to a predetermined server by PPP (step S104).

After the connection is completed, according to the data transfer protocol such as HTTP / FTP, the status of the display device obtained in step S102 (or step S110), the number of pixels of the display, the number of displayable colors, and the supported image codec are displayed. Send information (step S
105), and subsequently, image data is received from the server 101 (step S106).

In the following step S107, it is confirmed that the image data has been received, and the PPP connection is disconnected.

When the network connection is cut off, the image data is displayed next. First, the CPU 122 decompresses the compressed image data to obtain digital image data suitable for display on the display unit 124 (step S10).
8).

Then, in step S109, the expanded digital image data is transferred to the frame buffer of the display unit 124, and the display of the display unit 124 converts the image data into an image signal and displays it.

When the display of the image data is completed, a standby state in which steps S110 and S111 are repeated is entered.

The operation in step S110 is the same as that in step S102, but if the status of the display device 110 is different from the previous status, the process proceeds to step S104, whereas if the status is the same, step S1 is performed.
The difference is that it goes to 12. For example, when the display device 110 that has been placed horizontally is placed vertically by the user, the process proceeds to step S104, and the operation of receiving image data is performed.

The operation in step S112 is similar to that in step S103, except that the process proceeds to step S110 if the designated time has not been reached.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image data processing executed by the CPU 132 of the server 101.

After the execution of various initialization processes, the server 101 displays the display device 110 or the personal computer 1.
Waiting for connection from 02 (step S121).

When the connection request is received, the connection source user is authenticated (step S122), and if the connection source is the personal computer 102, the process proceeds to step S123, while if the connection source is the display device 110, the step is performed. Proceed to S125.

When the personal computer 102 is connected, the WWW server responds and the WWW browser of the personal computer 102 displays a screen requesting registration of image data. The user can register the image data stored in the personal computer 102 on the server 101 through the screen.
If the image to be registered is not in the correct orientation, the image display direction information is also registered at this time (step S).
123).

When the registration of the image is completed, the connection with the personal computer 102 is cut off and the state of waiting for the connection is resumed (step S124).

On the other hand, when the connection source is the display device 110, according to a data transfer protocol such as HTTP / FTP, the installation state of the connected display device, the number of pixels of the display, the number of displayable colors and the image to be supported. Information such as a codec is received (step S125). The information received here matches the information transmitted in step S105.

In the following step S126, the step S1
The image data to be transmitted is selected from the user information authenticated in 22 and converted as necessary using the information received in step S125. The detailed procedure of step S126 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The image data prepared in step S126 is transferred to the connected display device according to a data transfer protocol such as HTTP / FTP, and the connection is disconnected (steps S127 and S128).

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure of the image data preparation processing in step S126.

In the figure, first, in step S131, image data to be transmitted is selected from the user information authenticated in step S122.

Next, the number of colors of the selected image and step S
The number of colors that can be displayed by the display device acquired in 125 is compared (step S132), and if the number of colors of the selected image is large, color reduction processing is performed (steps S133 → S13).
4). An algorithm such as an error diffusion algorithm is applied to the color reduction algorithm.

Then, in step S135, it is determined whether rotation processing is necessary for the selected image. The necessity of the rotation process is determined by using the installation state of the display device acquired in step S125 and the display direction information of the image registered in step S123.

In order to display an image in the correct direction in the display area when the display device is placed horizontally, the above-mentioned FIG.
As shown in, the image data may be expanded in the frame buffer. That is, using the display direction information of the image registered in step S123, rotation processing is performed so that the direction of the image faces upward (steps S136 → S13).
7).

On the other hand, when the display device is vertically installed, in order to display the image in the correct orientation in the display area, the image data may be expanded in the frame buffer as shown in FIG. That is, using the display direction information of the image registered in step S123, the rotation process is performed so that the image is directed to the left (step S136 → S).
137).

In the following step S138, the step S1
The number of display pixels of the display device 110 acquired in step 25 is compared with the size of the image data selected and rotated as necessary. If they do not match, an image size changing process is performed in step S140.

When the size changing process is performed, the enlargement / reduction process is performed within the range that can be displayed on the display of the display device 110 without changing the aspect ratio of the image. Also, in order to save the aspect ratio, if the number of display pixels and the image size do not match even after the enlargement / reduction processing, by adding an appropriate margin portion to the image,
Generate an image that matches the number of display pixels.

Then, in step S141, the image data to be transmitted from the server 101 is generated using the corresponding image codec of the display device received in step S125.

22 and 23 are diagrams showing how an image registered in the server 101 is converted by the image data preparation process of FIG. 21 and displayed on the display device 110.

The state 141 shows that in step S123, the horizontally long image and the display direction information indicating that the right side is the right side is the correct direction are registered.

In step S125, when the information of horizontal placement is passed, in step S137, the image is rotated in the correct direction to become the state 142, and when the information of vertical placement is passed. Is step S137.
Then, the image data is rotated in consideration of the state of the image data in the frame buffer to become the state 143.

Furthermore, based on the number of pixels of the display device 110,
In step S140, the image of state 142 is reduced,
A margin portion is added and converted into an image state 144 that matches the number of pixels. On the other hand, since the image in the state 143 matches the number of pixels of the display device, step S140.
Is not executed.

In this way, the image registered in the state 141 is displayed in the state 146 depending on the installation state of the display device.
Alternatively, it is displayed as 147.

In FIG. 23, the state 151 indicates that in step S123, the horizontally long image and the display direction information indicating that the correct direction is that the upper side is at the top are registered.

If the information of horizontal placement is given in step S125, step S137 is not executed and
If the state becomes like state 152 and the information of vertical placement is given, the state is changed in step S137 in consideration of the state of the image data in the frame buffer, and the state becomes like state 153.

Furthermore, based on the number of pixels of the display device 110,
In step S140, the image in state 153 is reduced,
A margin portion is added and converted into an image state 155 in which the number of pixels matches. On the other hand, since the image in state 152 matches the number of pixels of the display device, step S140.
Is not executed.

In this way, the image registered in the state 151 is displayed in the state 156 depending on the installation state of the display device.
Alternatively, it is displayed as 157.

FIG. 24 shows a server 101 and display devices 103 to 10 constituting the image display system of this embodiment.
It is a figure which shows a series of processes which 5 performs.

Process 161 corresponds to the process of step S105, and here the number of pixels of the display device is 610 horizontal × 4 vertical.
80, which is a 24-bit color per pixel (about 1677
(Million colors) can be displayed to notify that it is installed horizontally.

The process 162 corresponds to the process of step S125, and receives the status information of the display device transmitted in the process 161.

The process 163 corresponds to the process of step S126 (that is, steps S131 to S141), and converts the image to be distributed so as to be suitable for the state of the display device. As a result, an image like the state 164 is generated.

Process 165 corresponds to the processes of steps S127 and S106. That is, the image in the state 164 is distributed.

The process 166 includes steps S108 and S.
It corresponds to the processing of 109 and displays the image data received by the display device. After this, the display device proceeds to step S11.
A loop that alternately executes 0 and step S111 is entered.

The state 167 indicates that the display device has been vertically changed by the user. This change is detected in step S110, and the display device displays the server 1 again.
01 is connected.

The process 168 corresponds to the process of step S105 and performs the same operation as the process 161, but differs in that it notifies that it is installed vertically.

The process 169 corresponds to the process of step S125, and receives the status information of the display device transmitted in the process 168.

The process 170 corresponds to the process of step S126 (that is, steps S131 to S141), and converts the image to be distributed so as to be suitable for the state of the display device. As a result, an image like the state 171 is generated.

The process 172 corresponds to the processes of steps S127 and S106. That is, the image of the state 171 is distributed.

The processing 173 includes steps S108 and S108.
It corresponds to the processing of 109 and displays the image received by the display device.

As described above, according to this embodiment, in the Internet type photo frame, the image can be always displayed in the correct direction regardless of the installation state, and even when the installation state is changed, the special operation of the user is performed. It is possible to update the display image and display the image in the correct direction without the need for.

Further, the image is always received in a state suitable for the display area, and it becomes unnecessary to perform extra image signal processing such as reduction / enlargement, rotation and color reduction when displaying. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the working memory, use an inexpensive CPU, etc., and realize an inexpensive Internet photo frame.

(Seventh Embodiment) In this embodiment,
Only the differences from the sixth embodiment will be described.

25 to 27 are views showing the appearance of the display device of the present embodiment. FIGS. 25 and 27 mainly show the front part thereof, and FIG. 26 mainly shows the rear part thereof. Shows.

In FIG. 25, the display unit 181 is composed of a liquid crystal display and displays image data.

The frame 182 contains a processing circuit relating to display.

The support base 183 contains various processing circuits such as a network processing circuit.

The lower portion of the fixed support column 184 is connected to a support table so that it can rotate right and left.

In FIG. 26, the communication connector 185 is
Used to connect to the internet.

The power connector 186 is used to supply power to the display device.

The slide switch 187 is used to determine the interval at which the display device connects to the server.

The connection mechanism 188 connects the fixed support 184 and the frame 182. As shown in FIG. 27, the frame 182 can rotate around the connection mechanism 188. In addition, this connection mechanism 188
Can measure how much the frame 182 is rotated from its standard position. It corresponds to the orientation detection switch 113 of FIG. 15 in that it detects the state of the display device.

For example, in the state of FIG. 27, it is rotated 70 degrees from the standard position.

In the present embodiment, the statuses detected in steps S102 and S110 of FIG.
The rotation amount is detected by the connection mechanism 188. Also. In the status change determination in step S111, it is considered that the status has changed when a certain amount of rotation amount change occurs and a certain amount of time has passed. For example, when the rotation amount changes by ± 5 degrees or more and 10 seconds or more has passed, it is considered that the status has changed, and the process proceeds to step S104.

At step S105, the rotation amount is notified as one of the status information, and at step S125, the rotation amount is received as one of the status information.

Steps S137 and S140
Then, according to the rotation amount of the display device received in step S125, rotation processing and size change are added to the image to be distributed.

For example, when the image to be distributed is the image shown in FIG. 29 and the rotation amount received in step S125 is 70 degrees, the image as shown in FIG. 30 is generated.

This image is displayed in the display area of the display device as an image in the correct direction as shown in FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, in the internet type photo frame in which the display area can be rotated at an arbitrary angle, it is possible to always display the image in the correct direction regardless of the rotation amount.

(Eighth Embodiment) In the present embodiment as well, only the differences from the sixth embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, in step S105, step S102 (or step S11) is executed.
In addition to the status of the display device, the number of pixels of the display, the number of displayable colors, the supported image codecs, and the like acquired in step 0), the maximum image data size desired by the display device is notified. , The server 101 receives.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure in the present embodiment of the image data preparation processing of step S126.

The processing in steps S151 to S161 in FIG. 31 is the same as steps S131 to S14 in FIG.
It corresponds to each processing of 1.

In step S162, step S152
The size of the image generated in steps S160 to image data is calculated by the image codec selected in step S161, and this size is compared with the maximum image data size desired by the display device received in step S125. If the image data size is smaller than the maximum image data size, the main image data preparation process is terminated and step S1
Proceed to 27.

On the other hand, if it is not smaller, the compression rate of the image codec is increased and the image data is generated again (step S163). However, if the compression rate of the selected image codec cannot be changed, this step S1
63 is omitted.

In step S164, step S162
Similarly, the image data size after being compressed in step S163 is compared with the maximum image data size desired by the display device. If the image data size is smaller than the maximum image data size, the process proceeds to step S127.

On the other hand, if it is not smaller, the number of colors of the image is reduced and the image data is generated again (step S165). However, if the image codec that does not reduce the data size is selected in principle even when the color is reduced, this step S165 is omitted.

In step S166, step S162
Similarly, the image data size after the color reduction processing in step S165 is compared with the maximum image data size, and if the image data size is small, the process proceeds to step S127, but if the image data size is large, the process returns to step S163 and is further updated. The data size is reduced.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, when the display device can process an image codec with a variable compression ratio such as JPEG, the image size is equal to or smaller than the image size specified by the display device. Image data of
The maximum size of the working memory required for the display device can be easily determined, which is more effective for realizing an inexpensive internet type photo frame.

(Ninth Embodiment) In the present embodiment as well, only the differences from the sixth embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, in step S105, step S102 (or step S11) is executed.
0) The status of the display device, the number of pixels of the display, the displayable color, the image codec to be supported, and the like acquired in step 0) are notified, and the communication speed of the network interface unit 121 is notified.
In, the server 101 receives.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure in the present embodiment of the image data preparation processing of step S126.

The respective processes of steps S151 to S161 of FIG. 31 are performed by steps S131 to S14 of FIG. 21, respectively.
It corresponds to each processing of 1.

In step S162, step S152
The size of the image generated in S160 when the image codec selected in step S161 is used as image data is obtained, and this size is compared with the communication speed of the display device received in step S125. If the image data is sufficiently small, for example, if it can be transferred within one minute at the communication speed of the display device, the process proceeds to step S127.

On the other hand, if it is not sufficiently small,
The compression rate of the image codec is increased and image data is generated again (step S163). However, if the compression rate of the selected image codec cannot be changed, this step S163 is omitted.

In step S164, step S162
Similarly, the image data size after being compressed in step S163 is compared with the communication speed of the display device, and if the image data size is sufficiently small, step S12
Proceed to 7.

On the other hand, if it is not sufficiently small,
The number of colors of the image is reduced and the image data is generated again (step S165). However, if an image codec whose data size is not reduced in principle is selected even when the color is reduced, this step S165 is omitted.

In step S166, step S162
Similarly, the image data size after the color reduction processing in step S165 is compared with the communication speed of the display device. If the image data size is sufficiently small, the process proceeds to step S127, but if it is large, the process returns to step S163. , Try to further reduce the data size.

Note that step S164 and step S
In 166, the number of times these steps have been executed is counted, and if the steps have been executed a certain number of times or more, it is judged that further reduction of the image data is impossible, and step S
You may make it advance to 127.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, when the display device can process an image codec with a variable compression ratio such as JPEG, it is suitable for the communication line speed of the display device. Image data of different sizes are generated, and even when the communication line is slow, it is possible to download the image data in an appropriate time, which further improves convenience.

(Tenth Embodiment) In the present embodiment, only the differences from the sixth embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, step S105, step S125, step S123, step S131.
Each operation of is different from that of the sixth embodiment.

In step S105, step S
In addition to the status of the display device, the number of pixels of the display, the number of displayable colors, the supported image codec, and the like acquired in step 102 (or step S110), the time held by the clock IC 127 of the display device is notified, and these information are given. Is received by the server 101 in step S125.

In step S123, the user of the personal computer 102 selects the time zone in which the image to be registered is to be distributed, in addition to the image data and the image display direction information. For example, there are three times for delivery in the morning time zone from 5 am to 10 am, for delivery in the day time zone from 10 am to 18:00 pm, and for delivery in the evening time zone from 18:00 pm to 5 am Be able to select one of the obis.

In step S131, step S
The image to be distributed is selected from the images for which the distribution time zone suitable for the time of the display device received in 125 is set.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the sixth embodiment, the image album for each time zone to be displayed can be formed in the server, and the image album suitable for the time of the display device can be formed. Is automatically selected, and the images in the album can be downloaded and displayed, which further improves the convenience.

(Eleventh Embodiment) In the present embodiment, only the differences from the sixth embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the appearance shown in FIG. 32, step S102, step S110, step S12.
3. Each operation of step S131 is different from that of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the appearance of the display device of this embodiment.

In the figure, a brightness sensor 191 is a sensor capable of detecting the brightness of the surroundings, and whether the display device is installed in a bright place or a dark place by this sensor 191. You can know. The sensor 191 is included in the status sensor unit 122 of FIG.

Steps S102 and S110
In addition to the installation state of the display device, the sensor 191
The ambient brightness is detected using.

In step S123, the user of the personal computer 102 selects, in addition to the image data and the orientation of the image, the brightness around the display device corresponding to the image to be registered. For example, when the display device is installed in the bedroom, etc., it is selected in consideration of the fact that the periphery of the display device becomes dark while sleeping.

In step S131, step S
The image to be distributed is selected from the images in which the ambient brightness of the display device has been set in 125.

As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the sixth embodiment, the image album can be formed in the server according to the brightness around the display device.
It is possible to automatically select an image album suitable for the brightness of the surroundings of the display device, download and display the images in the album, and further improve convenience.

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

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

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, C
A D-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, etc. can be used. Further, the program code may be supplied from the server computer via the communication network.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of each of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. Needless to say, this also includes the case where a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where the CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

[0267]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, 23 or 26, image data similar to the image data displayed by the user is automatically inserted, whereby unspecified It is possible to enjoy image data of similar tastes photographed by the user without requiring a special operation.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the user of the display device can know the information related to the image data automatically inserted as the display image.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the user of the display device can easily obtain the information related to the image data automatically inserted as the display image.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the user of the display device can obtain information about the owner of the image data automatically inserted as the display image, and can communicate with the owner.

According to the invention described in claim 5, the user of the display device can communicate with the owner of the image data automatically inserted as the display image via the network.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the user of the display device can easily determine whether or not the image data is the image data automatically inserted as the display image.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, it is possible to easily search / select the image data to be automatically inserted by utilizing the information attached to the image data.

According to the invention described in claim 8, it is possible to search / select the image data to be automatically inserted even when there is no information attached to the image data, and obtain the image data for insertion without a feeling of strangeness. Will be possible.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the insertion of an image that is inappropriate as image data to be automatically inserted.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, it becomes possible to easily prevent the user of the display device from inserting the image data which the user does not want to insert automatically.

According to the eleventh, twenty-fourth and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, the user can view the image data and view the image data only by mounting the recording medium holding the image data to be displayed on the display device. It is possible to enjoy image data of other users having similar characteristics.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image display system having no discomfort to the installation environment of the display device, and it is possible to use the image display system in various places such as homes and offices.

According to the twelfth, twenty-fourth or twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the image distribution device side processes the image data to be distributed to the image display device according to the status of the image display device, and then distributes it. As a result, an image display device having a low calculation processing capacity and a small memory capacity can be used, and the manufacturing cost on the image display device side can be reduced.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the image can always be displayed in the correct direction regardless of the installation direction of the display means.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to always display the image in the correct direction regardless of the rotation amount of the display means.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, image data having an image size smaller than the image size desired by the image display device is generated, and the maximum size of the working memory required by the image display device can be easily determined. This is more effective for realizing a low-priced image display device.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, image data of a size suitable for the communication line speed of the image display device is generated, and the image data can be downloaded in a reasonable time even when the communication line is low. It becomes possible and the convenience is further improved.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the image distribution apparatus can form an image album for each time zone to be displayed, and the image album suitable for the time of the image display apparatus is automatically selected. , It becomes possible to download and display the images in the album, which further improves the convenience.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the image distribution apparatus, the image album can be formed according to the brightness around the image display apparatus, and the image album suitable for the brightness around the image display apparatus. Is automatically selected, and the images in the album can be downloaded and displayed, which further improves the convenience.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the display device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the display device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image data set registered in the server of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main routine executed by a CPU of the display device of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data processing executed by the server of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the image reproduction processing of FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing executed by the display device of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data processing executed by a server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main routine executed by the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data processing executed by the server according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing executed by the display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a mark is added to automatically inserted image data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image display system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the display device of FIG. 14, mainly the front part thereof.

16 is a diagram showing the appearance of the display device shown in FIG. 14, mainly the rear part thereof.

17 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the display device of FIG.

18 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server of FIG.

19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a main routine executed by the display device of FIG.

20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image data processing executed by the server of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the image data preparation process of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a processing example of image data according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of image data different from that in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a series of processes executed by a server and a display device which form the image display system of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention,
It is a figure mainly showing the external appearance of the front part.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the display device shown in FIG. 25, mainly the rear portion thereof.

27 is a diagram showing that the frame of the display device of FIG. 25 can be rotated.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display example of an image on the display device of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an image to be displayed.

30 is a diagram showing an example of processing of image data in the display device of FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image data preparation processing according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an appearance of an image display device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of display of an image displayed by a conventional electronic photo frame.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing how a display area of a conventional electronic photo frame rotates.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between the contents of a frame buffer incorporated in a conventional electronic photo frame and pixels in a display area (horizontal placement).

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between the contents of a frame buffer incorporated in a conventional electronic photo frame and pixels in a display area (vertical).

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of image data generated for display in a vertically arranged display area.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 server 2a, 2b personal computer 3,3a, 3b display device 4 network 31 frames 32 display 33a switch 33b switch 34 Power switch 41 CPU 42 Network interface section 43 EEPROM 44 RAM 45 Display interface section 46 display 47 clock IC 48 system bus 51a-51d images 61 mark 101 server 102 personal computer 103-105 display device 106 Internet 111 LCD display 112 frames 113 Position detection switch 114 Display device support mechanism 115 Communication connector 116 power connector 117 slide switch 121 Network interface section 122 Status sensor section 123 CPU 124 display 125 ROM 126 RAM 127 clock IC 128 system bus 131 Network interface part 132 CPU 133 storage device 134 ROM 135 RAM 181 display 182 frames 183 support 184 Fixed post 185 communication connector 186 power connector 187 slide switch 188 connection mechanism 191 Brightness sensor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/30 350 G06F 17/30 350C H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 B 7/173 630 7/173 630 (72) Inventor Akito Mochizuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takeshi Shinomiya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Invention Person Takashi Miyazaki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Ken Sakakibara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tabashi Yoshihisa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F-term (reference) 5B050 BA06 BA10 CA05 CA07 CA08 DA02 DA04 EA04 EA09 EA12 EA18 EA19 FA02 FA05 GA08 5B075 ND06 QM08 5C052 AA01 AB04 AC08 DD04 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC18 BC23 BC25 BD02 BD03 BD08 5E501 AA02 AB15 AC15 AC33 BA05 CA03 CB09 EA02 FA14 FB04 FB24

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices connected via a network, wherein the image distribution device is registered by each user of each image display device. From the storage unit that stores a plurality of image data, and the plurality of image data registered by each user, the image data selected and instructed by each user to be displayed on the image display device is distributed to the image display device. Distributing means, recognizing means for recognizing the characteristics of the image data selected and instructed, and searching means for searching the storage means for image data of similar characteristics to the recognized characteristics of another user. Selecting means for selecting specific image data from the searched image data, and selecting the selected image data by the selection instruction. Each of the image display devices receives the image data distributed to the image display device by the distribution device, and sequentially receives the received image data. An image display system having a display unit for displaying. 2. Each of the image display devices performs a specific operation by the user of the image display device when the image data of the other selected user is displayed on the display unit. The image display system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user of the image display device of information associated with the image data. 3. The image display system according to claim 2, wherein the notification means is an electronic mail. 4. The image display system according to claim 2, wherein the information associated with the image data includes information about an owner of the image data. 5. The image display system according to claim 4, wherein the information about the owner includes at least one of a URL and a mail address. 6. The display means, when displaying the image data of the other user, also displays information indicating that the image data is the image data of the other user. The image display system according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. When registering the image data in the storage means, the keyword indicating the feature of the image data is additionally registered, and the recognition means extracts the keyword respectively associated with the image data for which selection is instructed. The image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feature of the image data is recognized based on the extracted keyword. 8. The recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the recognition unit recognizes the feature of the image data by extracting the feature of each of the selection-instructed image data itself. The image display system described. 9. The image distribution device further includes a detection unit that detects, from the searched image data, image data that is not preferable for display on each of the image display devices, and the selection unit includes: The image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detected image data is not selected. 10. Each of the image display devices performs a specific operation by the user of the image display device when the image data of the other selected user is displayed on the display unit. Further comprising: an extracting unit that extracts information that identifies the other user from information that accompanies the image data; and a transmitting unit that transmits the extracted information to the image distribution apparatus. The image data of the user corresponding to the transmitted information is not selected.
9. The image display system according to any one of 9. 11. An image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices connected via a network, wherein each of the image display devices is for displaying on the image display device. Acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data from other than the network; recognition means for recognizing characteristics of the acquired image data; transmission means for transmitting the recognized characteristics to the image distribution device; And a display unit that sequentially displays the image data, wherein the image distribution device stores a plurality of image data registered by each user of each of the image display devices, and a similar feature to the received feature. Image data of another user, and a search means for searching the other user from the storage means, and specifying from the searched image data Selection means for selecting the image data, and distribution means for distributing the selected image data to the image display device that has transmitted the received characteristic, wherein the display means displays the distributed image data. An image display system characterized by being inserted into the acquired image data for display. 12. An image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and at least one image display device connected via a network, wherein the image display device communicates with the image distribution device via the network. Communication means, requesting means for requesting distribution of image data to an image distribution apparatus in communication by the communication means, and receiving means for receiving image data distributed from the image distribution apparatus in response to the distribution request. A display unit that sequentially displays the received image data, a detection unit that detects the status of the image display device, and a transmission unit that transmits the detected status to the image distribution device in communication. The image distribution device includes a receiving unit that receives a status transmitted by the image display device in communication, and a plurality of image data. Storage means for storing the image data, selection means for selecting image data to be distributed from the storage means to the image display device in response to a distribution request of the image data by the image display device in communication, and the selected image An image display system comprising: processing means for processing data according to the received status; and distribution means for distributing the processed image data to the image display device in communication. 13. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the display means has a rectangular shape and can be installed to be vertically long or horizontally long, and in the status, the display means is installed vertically or horizontally long. The installation state indicating whether or not the display means is included in the received status, and the display direction of the selected image data are included in the received status. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the image data is processed so as to match. 14. In the image display device, the status includes a displayable color number of the image display device, and in the image distribution device, the display of the image display device included in the received status. 13. The image display according to claim 12, wherein when the number of possible colors is smaller than the number of display colors of the selected image data, the processing unit processes the display color of the image data so as to reduce the color. system. 15. In the image display device, the status includes the number of displayable pixels of the image display device, and in the image delivery device, the processing unit is included in the received status. To match the number of displayable pixels of the image display device,
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the selected image data is processed. 16. In the image display device, the status includes a type of an image codec supported by the image display device, and in the image distribution device, the processing unit includes the received status. 13. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the selected image data is encoded so as to match the type of image codec of the image display device included in. 17. In the image display device, the display means is configured to be rotatable around a fulcrum on a display plane, and the status indicates a rotation amount when the display means rotates from a reference position. Included, in the image distribution device, the processing means includes the image data so that the rotation amount of the display means included in the received status and the display direction of the selected image data match. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the image display system is processed. 18. In the image display device, the status includes a maximum size of image data desired by the image display device, and in the image delivery device, the processing unit includes the received status. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the selected image data is processed so that the selected image data fits within a desired maximum size of the image display device. 19. In the image display device, the status includes a communication speed of the receiving unit, and in the image distribution device, the processing unit is included in the received status. Depending on the communication speed of the receiving means of
The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the selected image data is processed. 20. The image display device further includes a clocking unit that clocks time, the status includes the clocked time, and in the image distribution device, the storage unit stores each of the images. Along with the data, the distribution time of each of the image data is also stored, and the distribution means sets the time on the image display device included in the received status as the distribution time of the selected image data. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the image data is distributed to the image display device. 21. The image display device further includes a detection unit that detects ambient brightness, and the status includes the detected brightness. In the image distribution device, the selection unit includes: The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the image data is selected according to the ambient brightness of the image display device included in the received status. 22. A control method for controlling an image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices, which are connected via a network, wherein each of the image display devices is displayed to the image distribution device. A distribution step of distributing, to the image display device, image data selected by each user of the device to be displayed on the image display device from a plurality of image data registered in the storage means; A recognition step of recognizing a feature of the recognized image data, a search step of searching the storage means for image data of a feature similar to the recognized feature of another user, and the searched image A selection step of selecting specific image data from the data, and inserting the selected image data into the image data instructed to be selected. And a receiving step of receiving the image data distributed to the image display apparatus by the distributing step, and displaying the received image data. And a display step for sequentially displaying the image on the image display system. 23. A control method for controlling an image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices, which are connected via a network, wherein the image display devices are respectively An acquisition step of acquiring from the network other than the plurality of image data to be displayed on the image display device, a recognition step of recognizing the characteristics of the acquired image data, and transmitting the recognized characteristics to the image distribution device. And a display step of sequentially displaying the acquired image data on a display means, and for the image distribution device, a plurality of image data registered by each user of each image display device. The image data of the received characteristic similar to the received characteristic of another user is searched for from the storage means storing A search step; a selection step of selecting specific image data from the searched image data; and a distribution step of distributing the selected image data to the image display device that has transmitted the received characteristic, In the display step, the distributed image data is inserted into the acquired image data and displayed, and the image display system is controlled. 24. A control method for controlling an image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and at least one image display device, which are connected via a network, wherein the network is connected to the image display device. A communication step of communicating with the image distribution apparatus via the communication step; a request step of requesting the image distribution apparatus in communication by the communication step to distribute the image data; and a distribution step from the image distribution apparatus in response to the distribution request. A receiving step of receiving the image data, a displaying step of sequentially displaying the received image data on a display means, a detecting step of detecting the status of the image display device, and an image in communication with the detected status. A transmission step of transmitting the image to the distribution device, In the receiving step of receiving the status transmitted by the image display device, and in response to the image data distribution request by the image display device in communication, the storage means for storing a plurality of image data should distribute the image data to the image display device. A selecting step of selecting image data, a processing step of processing the selected image data according to the received status, and a distributing step of distributing the processed image data to the image display device in communication. A method for controlling an image display system, comprising: 25. A program for causing a computer to realize a control method for controlling an image display system comprising at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices connected via a network, the control comprising: The method includes, for the image distribution device, an image selected and instructed by each user from the plurality of image data registered in the storage unit by each user of each image display device to be displayed on the image display device. A distribution step of distributing the data to the image display device, a recognition step of recognizing a feature of the image data selected and instructed, and image data of a feature similar to the recognized feature of another user. A searching step for searching the storage means, and a selecting step for selecting specific image data from the searched image data. An inserting step of inserting the selected image data into the image data instructed to be selected, and to each of the image display devices, the image data is distributed to the image display device by the distribution step. A program comprising: a receiving step of receiving image data, and a display step of sequentially displaying the received image data on a display means. 26. A program for causing a computer to realize a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and a plurality of image display devices connected via a network, the control comprising: The method includes, for each of the image display devices, an acquisition step of acquiring from the network other than the plurality of image data to be displayed on the image display device, and recognizing characteristics of the acquired image data. A recognition step, a transmission step of transmitting the recognized feature to the image distribution device, and a display step of sequentially displaying the acquired image data on a display means, for the image distribution device, From the storage means that stores a plurality of image data registered by each user of each image display device, Of the image data having similar characteristics to those of the other users, a selecting step of selecting specific image data from the searched image data, and a step of selecting the selected image data. A distribution step of distributing the received characteristics to the image display device that has transmitted the received characteristics, and in the displaying step, the distributed image data is inserted into the acquired image data and displayed. 27. A program for causing a computer to realize a control method for controlling an image display system including at least one image distribution device and at least one image display device, which is connected via a network. The control method includes, for the image display device, a communication step of communicating with the image distribution device via the network, and a request step of requesting distribution of image data to the image distribution device in communication by the communication step. A reception step of receiving the image data distributed from the image distribution apparatus in response to the distribution request, a display step of sequentially displaying the received image data on a display unit, and a status of the image display apparatus being detected. And a detection step for transmitting the detected status to the image distribution apparatus in communication. A receiving step of receiving a status transmitted by the image display device in communication, and a distribution request of image data by the image display device in communication. A selection step of selecting image data to be delivered to the image display device from a storage unit that stores a plurality of image data, and a processing step of processing the selected image data according to the received status, And a distribution step of distributing the processed image data to the image display device in communication. 28. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 25.