JP2003308527A - Image processing system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system and the like that reduce a burden on a user in image processing. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing system 10 for providing a processed image for a user comprises an acquisition part 205 for acquiring an image and accompanying information correlated with the image from the user via a communication line, a decorative image storage part 300 for storing decorative images for image decoration, a decorative image selection part 310 for selecting a decorative image according to the accompanying information on the image, a generation part 320 for generating a composite image into which the image and the decorative image are combined, and a providing part 295 for providing at least part of the composite image for the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image processing system and a program. Particularly, the present invention relates to an image processing system and a program for selecting a destination.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in order to create a postcard in which an image is embedded, a system has been proposed in which an image and a decorative image are combined and printed according to a user's request.

[0003]

In the above system, the user himself / herself selects a decoration image suitable for the image from a large number of candidates for the decoration image. Therefore, the user took a lot of time to select the decorative image. Further, when the decoration image is distributed and stored on the server connected to the user terminal via the communication line, it takes more time to select the decoration image. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system and a program that can solve the above problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in independent claims of the invention. The dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the present invention.

[0004]

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image processing system for processing an image and providing it to a user corresponds to the image and the image through the communication line from the user. An acquisition unit that acquires the attached accompanying information, a decoration image storage unit that stores a decoration image for decorating the image, a decoration image selection unit that selects the decoration image based on the information attached to the image, and an image and decoration A generating unit that generates a combined image that combines images and a providing unit that provides at least a part of the combined image to the user are provided. An associated information storage unit that stores a plurality of associated information that is newly associated with an image, and an associated information that is newly associated with the image by selecting one associated information from the associated information storage unit based on the image and the associated information acquired by the acquisition unit. An information selection unit may be further provided.

The decoration image selection unit further includes an image analysis unit for newly generating the accompanying information by analyzing the image.
The decoration image may be selected based on the accompanying information generated by the image analysis unit. The image analysis unit may newly generate information about the number of persons represented by the image as additional information by analyzing the image. The image analysis unit may newly generate information on the brightness at the time the image was captured as additional information by analyzing the image.

The decoration image selection unit selects a plurality of decoration images based on the image and the accompanying information, and the generation unit generates a plurality of composite images by combining the plurality of decoration images with the same image. Then, the providing unit may provide the user with a part of each of the plurality of combined images in order to allow the user to browse the desired combined image candidates. The acquisition unit may acquire image pickup position information, which is information of a position where the image is picked up, as the accompanying information, and the decoration image selection unit may select the decoration image based on the image pickup position information. An information storage unit that stores each of a plurality of predetermined areas in association with information related to the area, and when the imaging position information is one area, selects information corresponding to one area. The information providing unit may further be provided, and the providing unit may provide the user with the information selected by the information selecting unit together with the composite image. The information stored in the information storage unit is advertisement information, and the providing unit may provide the user with advertisement information for purchasing goods and services related to the area.

The acquisition unit may acquire information on the brightness of the image as the accompanying information, and the decoration image selection unit may select the decoration image based on the information on the brightness of the image. The acquisition unit may acquire the information on the time when the image was captured as the accompanying information, and the decoration image selection unit may select the decoration image based on the information on the time when the image was captured. The acquisition unit further includes a determination unit that determines whether the user has started communication with the acquisition unit, and the acquisition unit inputs an image from the user when it is determined that the user has started communication with the acquisition unit. The image and the accompanying information may be acquired without accepting the operation regarding.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control method for controlling the image processing system for processing an image and providing it to the user is associated with the image and the image through the communication line from the user. A step of acquiring incidental information, a step of acquiring a decoration image for decorating the image, a step of selecting a decoration image based on the incidental information of the image,
The method includes the steps of generating a combined image in which the image and the decoration image are combined, and providing at least a part of the combined image to the user. According to the third aspect of the present invention, a program that causes a computer to control an image processing system that processes an image and provides the image to a user is an image and accompanying information associated with the image from the user via a communication line. A computer to obtain a decoration image, a computer to obtain a decoration image to decorate the image, a computer to select the decoration image based on the accompanying information of the image, and a composite image combining the image and the decoration image. And a function of causing a computer to provide at least a part of a composite image to a user.

The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and the features described in the embodiments Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the image processing system 10. The image processing system 10 includes a user terminal 15, an image transmitting system 20, a terminal 30 of a first processing company, and a terminal 40 of a second processing company. The user terminal 15 is
It is connected to the image transmission system 20 via a communication line. For example, the user terminal 15 is the image transmission system 2
0 may be connected via a local area network or via PSTN (public network). Further, the image transmission system 20 is connected to each of the terminal 30 of the first processing company and the terminal 40 of the second processing company via a communication line. The image transmission system 20 is
It may be connected to each of the terminal 30 of the first processing company and the terminal 40 of the second processing company by a local area network, may be connected via a PSTN (public network), or may be connected by the Internet. Good.

Further, in the figure, the image transmission system 2
0 is the terminal 30 of the first processing company as the terminal of the processing company.
And the connection form of the image transmission system 20 is not limited to this form. For example, the image transmission system 20 may be connected to one terminal of the processing company (for example, only the terminal 30 of the first processing company). In addition, the terminal 40 of the second processing company is
It is almost the same as the terminal 30 of the processor. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the terminal 40 of the second processing company is omitted.

The user terminal 15 determines whether or not the digital camera storing the image and the accompanying information is connected by the user. When the user terminal 15 determines that the digital camera is connected, the user terminal 15 accepts the image and the accompanying information from the digital camera according to the user's input. And
The user terminal 15 sends the image and the accompanying information to the image transmission system 20.

The image transmission system 20 includes a user terminal 15
Receive images and accompanying information from. Then, the image transmission system 20 selects a destination terminal (for example, the terminal 30 of the first processing company) to which the image is transmitted from the terminals of the plurality of processing companies based on the image and the accompanying information. The image transmission system 20 sends the image and the accompanying information to the terminal 30 of the first processing company. The terminal 30 of the first processing company selects a plurality of decoration image candidates from the prepared decoration images based on the image and the image accompanying information.

The terminal 30 of the first processing company generates a composite image by combining the image received from the image transmission system 20 with each of a plurality of decoration image candidates, and outputs a part of the composite image. Send to 20. The part of the composite image is, for example, a thumbnail in which the data size is reduced to the extent that the outline of the composite image can be understood by removing pixels from the composite image at a constant rate. In addition, the terminal 30 of the first processing company transmits the conditions (price, delivery date, etc.) for printing the image to the image transmission system 20.

When the image transmitting system 20 receives a part of the composite image and the printing condition from the terminal 30 of the first processing company, the image transmitting system 20 transmits it to the user terminal 15. The user terminal 15 presents a part of the composite image and the printing conditions to the user. When the user terminal 15 accepts from the user that the images are to be combined and printed, the user terminal 15 gives an instruction to perform the images to be combined and printed via the image transmission system 20 to the terminal 30 of the first processing company. Send to.

The terminal 30 of the first processing company displays the composite image as
It is sent to the user terminal 15 via the image transmission system 20. Further, the terminal 30 of the first processing company prints an image and performs operations such as billing the user terminal 15. As described above, the image processing system 10 can send an image to the terminals of a plurality of image processing companies provided on the network in order to process the image input by the user.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image processing system 10. The image processing system 10 includes a user terminal 1
5, the image transmission system 20, and the terminal 3 of the first processing company
With 0 and. The user terminal 15 has a determination unit 200. The image transmission system 20 includes an acquisition unit 205, an image analysis unit 210, a terminal information storage unit 220, an accompanying information storage unit 230, an accompanying information selection unit 240, and a selection unit 250.
An information storage unit 260, a transmission unit 270, and a reception unit 28.
It has 0, a determining unit 290, and a providing unit 295. The providing unit 295 includes an information selection unit 298. The terminal 30 of the first processing company includes the decoration image storage unit 300, the decoration image selection unit 310, the generation unit 320, the condition setting unit 330, the thumbnail generation unit 340, the order receiving unit 350, and the printing unit 360.
Have and. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 200 is provided in the user terminal 15, but the mounting location of the determination unit 200 is not limited to the above-mentioned form. For example, the determination unit 200
May be provided in the information transmitting device 20.

In the judging section 200, the user has the user terminal 15
It is determined whether or not the communication with the acquisition unit 205 is started via the. The determination unit 200 is, for example, software that detects connection of a digital camera. The determination unit 200 determines whether the user has started communication with the acquisition unit 205 by determining whether the user has connected the digital camera to the user terminal 15. Then, the determination unit 200 sends the acquisition unit 205 information regarding whether or not the user has started communication with the acquisition unit 205. Further, the determination unit 200 may determine that the user has started communication with the acquisition unit 205 when the user wears the digital camera in a mounting device for mounting the digital camera.

The acquisition unit 205 receives from the determination unit 200 information regarding whether or not the user has started communication with the acquisition unit 205. When the user starts communication with the acquisition unit 205, the acquisition unit 205 acquires an image and accompanying information from the user via the communication line without accepting an operation related to image input from the user. That is, when the user starts communication with the acquisition unit 205, the acquisition unit 205 acquires an image and accompanying information from the user via the communication line between the user terminal 15 and the image transmission system 20. And
The acquisition unit 205 acquires the image and the accompanying information from the image analysis unit 210.
And the associated information selection unit 240. Further, the acquisition unit 205 sends information indicating that the image and the accompanying information have been acquired to the terminal information storage unit 220.

Here, the acquisition unit 205 acquires, as the incidental information, information indicating the surrounding environment when the image was captured. For example, the acquisition unit 205 includes, as the incidental information, information on the brightness when the image is captured, information on the lens, information on the distance between the digital camera and the subject, the date and time when the image was captured, and the position at which the image was captured. Get information about. More specifically, the acquisition unit 205 acquires an F value indicating the aperture at the time of image capturing, an EV value indicating the brightness of the image, an ISO value indicating the characteristics of the image sensor, and the like. Further, the acquisition unit 205 may acquire information as to whether or not a strobe has been used at the time of image capturing, the number of pixels of the digital camera, the model name of the digital camera, the size of the lens, and the like as additional information. Further, the acquisition unit 205 may acquire identification information of a digital camera user, that is, a number, a name, etc., and identification information of a digital camera seller or a lender as additional information.

The image analysis unit 210 receives the image and the accompanying information from the acquisition unit 205. Then, the image analysis unit 210
Analyzes the image to newly generate and add the accompanying information. For example, the image analysis unit 210 analyzes the image to newly generate and add information on the number of persons represented by the image as the accompanying information. Then, the image analysis unit 210 sends the image and the accompanying information to the selection unit 250.

The terminal information storage section 220 stores information for identifying the terminals of a plurality of processing companies that process images in association with the attribute information of the terminals of the plurality of processing companies. For example, the terminal information storage unit 220 stores information that identifies the terminal 30 of the first processing company in association with the attribute information of the terminal 30 of the first processing company. Terminal information storage unit 220
Stores, as the attribute information, for example, information indicating the type of image processing performed in each terminal. In addition, the terminal information storage unit 220 may store, as the attribute information, information such as a cost and a delivery date required for image processing in each terminal. Upon receiving the information indicating that the image and the accompanying information are acquired from the acquisition unit 205, the terminal information storage unit 220 sends the stored attribute information to the selection unit 250.

The incidental information storage unit 230 stores a plurality of incidental information for newly associating with an image. The incidental information storage unit 230 stores the incidental information such as the name of the user in association with the identification information of the user. In addition, the incidental information storage unit 230 may store the history of the number of times the user has input an image and the time in association with the identification information of the user. The incidental information storage unit 230 provides at least a part of the plurality of incidental information to the incidental information selection unit 240 as necessary.

The incidental information selection unit 240 selects a part of the incidental information stored in the incidental information storage unit 230 based on the image and the incidental information acquired by the acquisition unit 205. And
The incidental information selection unit 240 acquires the selected incidental information from the incidental information storage unit 230. The incidental information selection unit 240
This selected incidental information is newly associated with the image and added to the incidental information acquired by the acquisition unit 205. Then, the incidental information selection unit 240 sends the image and the incidental information to the selection unit 250.

The selection unit 250 receives the image and the incidental information from the image analysis unit 210 and the incidental information selection unit 240, respectively. Then, the selecting unit 250 combines the respective incidental information received from the image analysis unit 210 and the incidental information selecting unit 240 to obtain new incidental information. Further, the selection unit 250 receives the attribute information from the terminal information storage unit 220. The selection unit 250 selects a destination terminal to which an image is to be transmitted from the terminals of a plurality of processing companies based on the accompanying information and the attribute information. Then, the selection unit 250 sends the information of the destination terminal to the transmission unit 270 and the determination unit 290. In addition, the selection unit 250 transmits the image and the accompanying information to the transmission unit 270.
Send to. For example, the selection unit 250 uses the accompanying information to
It is determined that the number of people represented in the image is 20. In this case, the selection unit 250 selects, as the destination terminal, the terminal that performs the image processing of the group photo as the destination terminal.

The information storage unit 260 stores each of a plurality of predetermined areas in association with information related to the area. For example, the information storage unit 260 stores information on a certain country as a predetermined area. In this case, the information storage unit 260 stores the advertisement information regarding the sale of special products of this country in association with this country. The information storage unit 260 sends the advertisement information related to the area to the information selection unit 298 in response to the request from the information selection unit 298.

The transmitting unit 270 receives the information of the destination terminal, the image, and the accompanying information from the selecting unit 250. And
The transmission unit 270 transmits the accompanying information and the image to the destination terminal.

The receiving unit 280 receives from the destination terminal the conditions relating to image processing at the destination terminal. The receiving unit 280 also receives a thumbnail of the composite image from the destination terminal as a part of the processed image obtained by processing the image at the destination terminal. Then, the receiving unit 280 sends the thumbnail and the condition to the determining unit 290. For example, the receiving unit 280 receives information regarding the details of the image processing method. Here, the condition relating to the image processing is, for example, information such as the cost required for processing the image and the delivery deadline of the processed image.

The determining unit 290 receives the thumbnail and the condition from the receiving unit 280. Then, the determination unit 290 receives an input from the user for determining whether or not to process the image at the terminal that is the sender of the thumbnail and the condition. Specifically, the determination unit 290 receives the input from the user via the user terminal 15. Determination unit 29
When 0 is received from the user to the effect that the image processing is performed on the terminal of the transmission source, 0 sends information to the ordering unit 350 to the effect that the image processing is requested.

The information selecting unit 298 receives the composite image and the accompanying information from the order receiving unit 350. The information selection unit 298
The imaging position information is specified based on the accompanying information. And
The information selection unit 298 determines whether or not this imaging position belongs to a certain area. When the information selection unit 298 determines that the imaging position belongs to a certain area, the information selection unit 298 selects and acquires the advertisement information corresponding to the area from the information storage unit 260.
Then, the information selecting unit 298 provides the information to the providing unit 295.
Send to.

The providing unit 295 supplies the composite image to the order receiving unit 350.
Receive from Further, the providing unit 295 includes the information selecting unit 29.
The advertisement information based on the imaging position information is received from 8. Then, the providing unit 295 provides the user with the advertisement information based on the imaging position information together with at least a part of the composite image via the user terminal 15.

The decoration image storage unit 300 stores a decoration image for decorating the image. Then, the decoration image storage unit 3
00 sends the decoration image to the decoration image selection unit 310 according to the request from the decoration image selection unit 310. For example, the decoration image storage unit 300 stores, as a decoration image, a template for generating a postcard based on the image.

The decoration image selection unit 310 receives an image and accompanying information from the transmission unit 270. Further, the decoration image selection unit 310 selects a plurality of decoration images from the decoration image storage unit 300 based on the accompanying information and receives them from the decoration image storage unit 300. Then, the decoration image selection unit 310 displays the image,
The incidental information and the plurality of decoration images are sent to the generation unit 320. For example, the decoration image selection unit 310 selects a decoration image based on the information on the image capturing position. When the image is picked up at a tourist spot, the decorative image selection unit 310 selects an image with a symbolic design of the tourist spot as the decorative image. Further, when the image is captured in a certain season, the decoration image selection unit 310 may select an image expressing a symbolic design of the season as the decoration image. Furthermore, there are various forms as shown below. For example, the decoration image selection unit 310 determines that the user recognizes that this image is important when the acquisition unit 205 receives, as additional information, information that the image has undergone image processing such as trimming. To do. In this case, the decoration image selection unit 310 selects a high-quality decoration image regardless of the price. When the acquisition unit 205 acquires the user's preference or budget as the accompanying information, the decoration image selection unit 310 prioritizes the preference and the budget over other accompanying information and selects the decoration image.

The generation unit 320 receives the image, the accompanying information, and the plurality of decoration images from the decoration image selection unit 310. Then, the generation unit 320 generates a combined image in which the image and the decoration image are combined. That is, the generation unit 320 generates a plurality of combined images in which the plurality of decorative images are combined with respect to the same image. Then, the generation unit 320
The thumbnail generation unit 3 includes a plurality of composite images together with accompanying information.
40 and the ordering unit 350. In addition, the generation unit 320
For each of the plurality of composite images, information about the method of generating the composite image is sent to the condition setting unit 330. In addition, the generation unit 3
In addition to synthesizing the image with the decoration image, the unit 20 may apply digital zoom to the image to correct the size of the subject, adjust the brightness, or perform trimming.

The condition setting section 330 receives from the generating section 320 information on the method of generating the composite image. Then, the condition setting unit 330 generates a condition regarding image processing based on the method of generating the composite image, and sends the condition to the receiving unit 280.
For example, the condition setting unit 330 generates, as conditions related to image processing, details of the method of generating the composite image, the cost required to print the composite image, and the delivery date of the printed matter of the composite image, and sends the conditions to the receiving unit 280. .

The thumbnail generator 340 is a generator 320.
Receive multiple composite images from. Then, the thumbnail generation unit 340 generates a thumbnail that is an image for confirming the finish of the composite image by reducing each of the composite images. Thumbnail generation unit 340
Sends the thumbnail to the receiving unit 280. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail is shown as an example of a part of the composite image according to the present invention. However, a part of the composite image generated by the thumbnail generation unit 340 is not limited to the thumbnail.
For example, the thumbnail generation unit 340 may generate an image in which the composite image is digitally watermarked as a part of the composite image. In this case, the user cannot use the composite image without the permission of the digital watermark supplier.

The order receiving unit 350 receives a plurality of composite images and associated information from the generating unit 320. And the ordering unit 35
0 determines whether or not the information requesting the processing of the image is received from the determination unit 290. When the order accepting unit 350 receives the information requesting the image processing from the determining unit 290, the order accepting unit 350 selects at least one of the plurality of composite images based on the information requesting the image processing, and the providing unit 29
5, to the information selection unit 298 and the printing unit 360. Further, the order receiving unit 350 sends the associated information to the information selecting unit 298.

The printing section 360 receives the composite image from the order receiving section 350. Then, the printing unit 360 prints and outputs the composite image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the incidental information received by the selection unit 250. The incidental information received by the selection unit 250 includes an image identification information field, a first incidental information field, and a second incidental information field.
The first accompanying information field includes a time field, a position field, an F value field, an Ev value field,
It includes an ISO value field and an operation field. Second
The incidental information field includes the number of people field. The image identification information field indicates identification information different from each other in each of the plurality of images. Using this image identification information field, the selection unit 250 can identify a plurality of images from each other. The first associated information field is the acquisition unit 2
05 shows the incidental information acquired by 05 and the incidental information added by the incidental information selection unit 240. The time field indicates the time when the image was captured. The position field indicates the position where the image was captured. The F value field indicates a diaphragm at the time of capturing an image. The EV value field indicates the brightness of the image. The ISO value field represents the characteristics of the image sensor. The operation field indicates the type of image processing performed until the selection unit 250 receives the image. The second incidental information field indicates the incidental information added by the image analysis unit 210 analyzing the image. The people field indicates the number of people represented in the image analyzed by the image analysis.

The selecting section 250 receives the first and second accompanying information of an image having certain image identification information (for example, G001.jpg). That is, the acquisition unit 20
5 receives the imaging time information indicating that the image of G001.jpg was captured at 18:50 from the user as the first accompanying information. The selecting unit 250 then acquires the acquiring unit 205.
The imaging time information is received from. In addition, the image analysis unit 210
Analyzes the image of G001.jpg
Analyze that it represents a person. And the selection unit 2
Reference numeral 50 denotes information about the number of persons represented by the image in the image analysis unit 2
Receive from 10. Further, the acquisition unit 205 acquires the imaging position information (for example, N'35E'135) that is the information of the position where the image is captured as the first accompanying information. Then, the selection unit 250 receives the imaging position information from the acquisition unit 205. In addition, the accompanying information selection unit 240 is the acquisition unit 2
Based on the image and the incidental information acquired by 05, the incidental information may be selected from the decoration image storage unit 300 and newly associated with the image. In this way, the selection unit 250 can acquire the associated information in association with the image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a selection operation determination matrix for selecting the destination terminal by the selection section 250 based on the accompanying information. The selection action decision matrix is a time field,
Includes people field. The time field indicates the time zone in which the image was captured. The number of people field represents the number of people represented in the image. The selection unit 250 specifies the information of the image capturing time and the number of persons represented in the image based on the accompanying information. Then, the selection unit 250 specifies which time zone the image capturing time belongs to in the time field. In addition, the selection unit 250 specifies which number of persons represented in the image matches the number of persons indicated in the number of persons field. The selection unit 250 selects the terminal indicated by the intersection of the row and column of the selection matrix thus identified, as the destination terminal.

For example, assume that the image pickup time is 11:00 and the number of persons is two. In this case, the selection unit 250 selects 10: 00-12: 0 from the time field.
Specify the time zone of 0. Then, the selection unit 250 specifies 2 from the number of people field. The selection unit 250 is 10: 0
The first intersection, which is the intersection of the row indicated by the time slot of 0 to 12:00 and the column indicated by the number of persons 2, is selected. Therefore, the selection unit 250
By using the selection operation determination matrix, the terminal of the first processing company can be selected as the destination terminal. Also,
The selection unit 250 may manage the history of image transmission as accompanying information. In this case, the selection unit 250 selects the destination terminal using the history information together with the selection operation determination matrix. Further, the selection unit 250 may select a plurality of destination terminals based on one image and one piece of accompanying information. In this case, the image transmission device 20 receives the composite image and the condition from each of the plurality of destination terminals. Then, the user selects a desired composite image from a plurality of destination terminals and requests image processing. In this case, the user may select, from the plurality of destination terminals, the terminal that requests image processing in the auction format. In this case, the determination unit 290 determines the terminal to request the image processing based on the predetermined type of information (for example, the cost required to process the image) received from the plurality of destination terminals. In this way, the selection unit 250 can determine a single destination terminal or a plurality of destination terminals based on various accompanying information.

FIG. 5 shows a display example of thumbnails and conditions presented to the user by the determination unit 290. In the figure, an example of the thumbnail is shown in the thumbnail field and an example of the condition is shown in the condition field. The thumbnail field is
It includes an image field and an identification information field. The condition fields are the price field, the finishing field,
It includes a delivery date field and a comment field. The image field indicates a thumbnail that is a part of the composite image. The identification information field indicates different identification information in each of the plurality of composite images. The price field indicates the cost of composing the image. The finish field gives details of how the image is printed. The delivery date field indicates an estimate of the time required to print and deliver the image. The comment field shows a supplementary explanation for the processing of the image by the processor.

In the example of the figure, the identification information field is G001. An image that is jpg has a price of 5000 and a delivery time of 1
It shows that it will be gloss finished in a week. In this way, the determination unit 290 displays the conditions and thumbnails side by side for the user. Therefore, the determining unit 290 can provide the user with the information necessary for determining whether or not to process the image in the terminal that has transmitted the condition and the thumbnail.

FIG. 6 shows an example of attribute information stored in the terminal information storage section 220 for each terminal of the processing company. The terminal information storage unit 220 includes a terminal identification information field of the processor and an attribute information field. Attribute information field, industry field, unit price field,
And a transmission count field. The terminal identification information field of the processing company indicates different identification information in each of the terminals of the plurality of processing companies. The industry field indicates the type of image processing performed by the processing company. The unit price field indicates the price required to process one image in the image processing performed by the processing company. The transmission count field indicates the total number of times the image has been transmitted to the terminals of the respective processing companies.

In this way, the terminal information storage section 220 stores the attribute information for each terminal of the processing company. Therefore, the selection unit 250 can select the destination terminal based on the attribute information. For example, the selection unit 250 may select the destination terminal from the terminals of the processing company that prints the image based on the accompanying information and the attribute information. In addition, the selection unit 2
50 may select the destination terminal from the terminals of the processing company that synthesizes the image with the decoration image based on the accompanying information and the attribute information.

Further, the selecting section 250 may specify a terminal whose image processing unit price is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. In this case, the selection unit 250 generates a selection operation determination matrix (for example, the example of FIG. 4) configured from the specified terminal.
Then, the selection unit 250 selects the destination terminal from the selection matrix based on the accompanying information. In this way, the selection unit 2
50 can select the destination terminal based on both the accompanying information and the attribute information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a decoration image stored in the decoration image storage unit 300. Decoration image storage unit 300
As a decoration image, stores a template for decorating the periphery of the image with a standard image. For example, the decoration image storage unit 300 stores a template for creating a New Year's card and a template for creating a summer holiday. Further, the decoration image storage unit 300 may store a decoration image to be displayed overlaid on the image in addition to the example shown in the figure. Decoration image storage unit 30
0 may also store a decorative image to replace a particular part of the image, for example the background part of a portrait. In this way, the decoration image storage unit 300 stores the decoration image. Then, the decoration image selection unit 310 uses the decoration image storage unit 300.
A decorative image can be selected from and the images can be combined.

FIG. 8 shows an example of areas stored in the information storage unit 260 and information associated with the areas. The information storage unit 260 includes an area field and an information field. The area field indicates area information for matching with the position information where the image was captured. The information field indicates characteristic information associated with the area and characteristic of the area. For example, the information associated with the A region is information on the A region special product. When the imaging position information is the A area, the information selection unit 298 selects the information corresponding to the A area. Then, the providing unit 295 provides the user with this information together with the composite image. For example, the information storage unit 260 is A
Stores advertising information for selling local specialty products.
Then, the providing unit 295 provides the advertisement information to the user. In this way, the information storage unit 260 stores each of a plurality of predetermined areas in association with the information related to the area. Therefore, the providing unit 295 can provide this information to the user together with the composite image.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operations of the user terminal 15, the image transmission system 20, and the terminal 30 of the first processing company. The determination unit 200 determines whether or not the user's digital camera is connected (S100). When the user's digital camera is connected (S100: Y
ES), the acquisition unit 205 acquires the image and the accompanying information (S110) and sends the image and the associated information to the image transmission system 20. Acquisition unit 2
05 determines whether or not an image and accompanying information have been received (S200). When the acquisition unit 205 receives the image and the accompanying information (S200: YES), the selection unit 250 selects the terminal of the transmission destination (S210). The transmission unit 270
The image and the accompanying information are transmitted to the terminal 30 of the selected first processing company (S220).

The terminal 30 of the first processing company determines whether or not the image and the accompanying information have been received (S300). When the terminal 30 of the first processing company receives the image and the accompanying information (S300: YES), the condition setting unit 330 transmits the condition to the user terminal 15. Then, the thumbnail generation unit 3
40 generates a composite image and transmits a part of the composite image to the image transmission system 20 (S310). Receiver 280
Determines whether a composite image and conditions have been received (S
230). When the receiving unit 280 determines that the composite image and the condition have been received (S230: YES), the condition setting unit 3
30 and the thumbnail generation unit 340 transmit the thumbnail and the condition, which are part of the composite image, to the user terminal 15 (S235). Subsequently, the determination unit 290 receives an input from the user (S240). The user terminal 15 presents the thumbnail and the condition to the user to input the determination of the image processing (S120). And the decision unit 2
90 receives the selection of the composite image and the condition, and orders the composite image and the printing (S250).

The order receiving unit 350 determines whether or not an order has been received for the composite image and printing (S320). When the order receiving unit 350 receives an order for the composite image and the printing (S320: YES),
The order receiving unit 350 transmits the composite image to the user terminal 15,
The printing unit 360 performs printing (S330).

FIG. 10 is an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the image transmission system 20 in this embodiment.
The function of the image transmission system 20 according to the present embodiment is CP
U700, ROM 702, RAM 704, communication interface (communication I / F) 706, input / output interface (input / output I / F) 708, hard disk drive 7
It is realized by cooperation between a computer including 10, a keyboard 752, and a mouse 754 and a program executed on the computer. The information processing system 10 may further include an FD drive 712 and / or a CD-ROM drive 716.

The program for realizing the image transmission system 20 includes an acquisition module, an image analysis module, an accompanying information selection module, a selection module, a transmission module, a reception module, a determination module, a provision module, and information selection. And a module. These modules include a computer, an acquisition unit 205, and an image analysis unit 2
10, incidental information selection unit 240, selection unit 250, transmission unit 2
70, the receiving unit 280, the determining unit 290, the providing unit 295, and the information selecting unit 298.

The programs or modules described above may be stored in an external storage medium. As a storage medium, a floppy (registered trademark) disk 714, a CD-
In addition to the ROM 718, an optical recording medium such as a DVD or PD,
A magneto-optical recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, or the like can be used. Further, a storage device such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a recording medium to provide the program to the image transmission system 20 via the network 720. The terminal information storage unit 220, the accompanying information storage unit 230, and the information storage unit 260 shown in this embodiment are realized by the hard disk drive 710 in FIG. 10, for example. Further, the acquisition unit 205, the image analysis unit 210, the accompanying information selection unit 240, the selection unit 250, the transmission unit 270, and the reception unit 2
80, deciding unit 290, providing unit 295, and information selecting unit 2
98 is realized by a program for operating the computer 700, and an input / output interface 708 is provided.
It communicates with the user terminal 15 and the terminal 30 of the first processing company via the.

FIG. 11 is an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the terminal 30 of the first processing company in this embodiment. The functions of the terminal 30 of the first processing company according to the present embodiment include a CPU 800, a ROM 802, a RAM 804, a communication interface (communication I / F) 806, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 808, a hard disk drive 810, a keyboard 852. , And mouse 854
It is realized by the cooperation of a computer provided with and a program executed on the computer. Terminal 30 of the first processing company
May further include an FD drive 812 and / or a CD-ROM drive 816.

The program for realizing the terminal 30 of the first processing company includes a decoration image selection module, a generation module, a condition setting module, a thumbnail generation module, an order receiving module, and a printing module. These modules use a computer as a decoration image selection unit 31.
0, the generation unit 320, the condition setting unit 330, the thumbnail generation unit 340, the order receiving unit 350, and the printing unit 360.

The programs or modules shown above may be stored in an external storage medium. As the storage medium, a floppy disk 814, a CD-ROM 818
Besides, an optical recording medium such as a DVD or PD, a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, or the like can be used. Further, a storage device such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a recording medium, and the program may be provided to the terminal 30 of the first processing company via the network. The decoration image storage unit 300 shown in this embodiment is realized by the hard disk drive 810 in FIG. 11, for example. Also,
Decorative image selection unit 310, generation unit 320, condition setting unit 33
0, the thumbnail generation unit 340, the order receiving unit 350, and the printing unit 360 are realized by a program for operating the computer 800, and the input / output interface 8
08 to communicate with the image transmission system 20.

As is clear from the above embodiment, the image processing system 10 can combine the image with the decoration image based on the image and the accompanying information and provide the image to the user. For example, the image processing system 10 determines that the image is captured at a tourist spot in a certain season based on the image and the accompanying information. In this case, the image processing system 10 can combine the image with a decoration image that symbolizes the season or a tourist spot, and provide the combined image to the user. Further, the image processing system 10 can provide the user with advertisement information related to the image. In this case, the image processing system 10 can provide a composite image desired by the user and a new purchasing opportunity for the user.

Although the present invention has been described using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is also possible to include such modifications or improvements in the technical scope of the present invention.
It is clear from the description of the claims.

[0062]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the user's burden associated with image processing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an image processing system 10.

2 is a functional block diagram of the image processing system 10. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of incidental information received by a selection unit 250.

FIG. 4 shows that the selection unit 250 uses
It is a figure showing an example of the selection matrix which selects a destination terminal.

FIG. 5 shows a display example of thumbnails and conditions presented to the user by the determination unit 290.

FIG. 6 shows an example of attribute information stored in a terminal information storage section 220 for each terminal of a processing company.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a decoration image stored in a decoration image storage unit 300.

FIG. 8 shows an example of areas stored in an information storage unit 260 and information associated with the areas.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing operations of the user terminal 15, the image transmission system 20, and the terminal 30 of the first processing company.

FIG. 10 is an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the image transmission system 20 in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the terminal 30 of the first processing company in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Image processing system 15 User terminal 20 Image transmission system 30 Terminal of the first processing company 40 Terminal of second processing company 200 Judgment Department 205 Acquisition unit 210 Image analysis unit 220 terminal information storage 230 Accompanying information storage 240 Associated information selection unit 250 selection section 260 information storage 270 Transmitter 280 Receiver 290 Decision Department 295 Provider 298 Information selection section 300 decorative image storage 310 Decorative image selection section 320 Generator 330 Condition setting section 340 thumbnail generator 350 Order Department 360 printing department

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 5C076 F term (reference) 2C187 AD13 AE07 BF42 CD13 CD16 CD18 CD20 5B021 AA01 CC07 LE00 5B050 AA10 BA06 BA16 CA05 CA08 EA20 FA03 FA19 GA08 5B057 AA20 CA19 CE08 CH01 CH11 5B075 ND08 NK10 PQ02 5C076 AA02 AA14 AA16 AA19 AA21 AA22 BA04 CA02

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image processing system for processing an image and providing it to a user, the acquisition unit acquiring the image and associated information associated with the image from the user via a communication line. A decoration image storage unit that stores a decoration image for decorating the image, a decoration image selection unit that selects the decoration image based on the accompanying information of the image, and a composite image that combines the image and the decoration image. An image processing system, comprising: a generation unit that generates a. And a providing unit that provides at least a part of the composite image to the user. 2. The acquisition unit acquires image pickup position information, which is information on a position where an image is picked up, as the incidental information, and the decoration image selection unit selects the decoration image based on the image pickup position information. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A program for causing a computer to control an image processing system for processing an image and providing the image to a user, wherein the user provides the image and associated information associated with the image via a communication line. A function of causing the computer to acquire, a function of causing the computer to acquire a decoration image for decorating the image, a function of causing the computer to select the decoration image based on the incidental information of the image, the image A program having a function of causing a computer to generate a combined image in which the decoration images are combined, and a function of causing the computer to provide at least a part of the combined image to the user.