JP2004078207A - Advice system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the services to customers who placed orders on the formation of photographic prints. <P>SOLUTION: When the customer receiving the photographic prints at a photofinishing store dissatisfies image quality, the customer inputs the information indicating the contents of the dissatisfaction to a terminal installed at the photofinishing store (102 is affirmative), and the countermeasures for eliminating the dissatisfaction are read out (104). If the countermeasures by photographing operation vary by the functions of a camera (106 is affirmative), the adequate countermeasures according to the functions of the camera are discriminated (108 to 114) and thereafter the countermeasures by the photographing operation are displayed as advices (116). Also, if the elimination of the dissatisfaction by specific image processing is possible (118 is affirmative), the advices to recommend the specific image processing are displayed as well (120) and if there is a request (124 is affirmative), the images subjected to to the specific image processing are also displayed (126 to 130). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to an advice device and a program, and more particularly to an advice device for giving advice to a customer who takes an image and a program for causing a computer to function as an advice device.

A request to create a photo print from an image taken using a digital still camera (hereinafter abbreviated as DSC) or a normal camera usually has a photographed film or a recording medium on which photographed image data is stored. The photographic print created using the photographed image data read from the photographed photographic film or the recording medium was revisited at the DPE reception store based on the request from the customer. Handed to the customer.

In Patent Document 1, a communication device on the service center side and a communication device on the customer side are connected via a public line, and information on a photograph taken by the customer is transmitted to the service center side. A technique has been proposed in which the photographer who analyzes the photograph analyzes the transmitted information, determines the quality of the photographed photograph, and transmits it to the customer side.
JP 2002-107797 A

Conventionally, various techniques have been developed to improve the image quality of photographic prints. For example, digital prints capable of relatively freely controlling image quality (laser light modulated in accordance with image data to be recorded are printed on photographic paper. In photographic prints that are created by exposing and recording images on photographic paper by scanning, various image processing is provided to improve the quality of photographic prints (for example, the gradation of low-frequency luminance components of images) Hypertone processing that corrects backlight scenes by compressing the image).

However, the quality of photo prints (reproducibility of the photographed subject) is affected by various factors, for example, depending on whether or not the customer's photo shooting operation is appropriate. It is very difficult to completely eliminate the customer who has been dissatisfied with the image quality of the finished photo print. And when the customer goes to the DPE shop again to receive the photo print, the photo print is simply delivered in a short period of time, confirming the dissatisfaction with the image quality of the photo print, In fact, no useful information is provided to customers.

For this reason, for example, even if the customer himself has performed a shooting operation that adversely affects the image quality of the photographic print, it is difficult for the customer to recognize this, so the same shooting operation is repeated, so that the customer There was a problem that the image quality of photo prints was often dissatisfied. In addition, for example, even if customer dissatisfaction with photo print image quality may be resolved by ordering specific image processing when requesting photo print creation, the customer has no opportunity to recognize this There was also a problem.

Customer dissatisfaction with the quality of photo prints may lead to a decrease in customer confidence in DPE reception stores and photo processing systems, etc., and establishment of customer services that lead to improved photo print quality and, in turn, customer satisfaction. Was demanded.

Further, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above has an advantage that an objective evaluation of a photograph taken by the customer can be provided to the customer, the customer's dissatisfaction with the image quality of the photo print is positively solved. However, even if the above technique is applied, there is a high possibility that customer dissatisfaction with the image quality of photographic prints will not be resolved.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an advice device and a program capable of realizing an improvement in service to a customer who has requested image creation.

In order to achieve the above object, the advice device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a customer who has taken a picture by operating the photographing apparatus and has received a second image created from the first image obtained by the photographing. However, when the information is input by the customer via the input means and the input means for inputting the information about the image quality content of the second image, the response to the image quality content inquired by the information And generating means for generating advice information for advising the customer on the implementation of the determined countermeasure.

In the advice apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the customer who receives the second image created from the first image obtained by photographing by operating the photographing device receives the second image. An input means is provided for inputting information for inquiring about the image quality content. In the first aspect of the present invention, the photographing apparatus used for photographing by the customer converts, for example, an analog image signal obtained by photographing a subject with an image sensor into digital image data, and an information storage medium. Photographic devices (DSCs designed specifically for photography) that are stored in the camera, such as ordinary cameras that record exposure on photosensitive materials such as silver halide photographic films, digital video cameras, mobile phones, PDAs, etc. It may be a DSC attached to a portable device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when information is input by the customer via the input means, the generation means determines the response to the image quality content that is queried in the information, and the determined response Advice information is generated to advise the customer about the implementation. To deal with the image quality content requested by the customer, specifically, for example, improving the shooting operation by the customer at the time of shooting, or the customer orders a predetermined image processing at the time of requesting the creation of the second image And so on. By providing the customer with advice information representing the above-described countermeasures, even when the second image is image quality content that makes the customer feel dissatisfied, etc., by inputting information asking the image quality content, Coping with the image quality content can be recognized. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an improvement in service for a customer who has requested image creation.

In the first aspect of the invention, the determination by the generation means (the action to deal with the image quality contents queried by the information input via the input means) is specifically described in, for example, the second aspect. As described above, the image quality contents that may be questioned by the information input by the customer and the response to the image quality contents are stored in the storage means in association with each other, and based on the information stored in the storage means Can be done.

Further, in the invention described in claim 2, the information associating the image quality content with the countermeasure may be stored in the storage unit in the form of a database or the like, or may be stored in the storage unit as an algorithm (program). In addition, for example, when there are multiple types of responses to the image quality content asked by the customer and the appropriate measures differ depending on the functions of the imaging device used by the customer for shooting, the customer can Since it is necessary to recognize an appropriate function of the used photographing apparatus and select an appropriate countermeasure, it is desirable to store a plurality of kinds of countermeasures and also store respective selection conditions.

Further, the generation means according to the invention described in claim 1 specifically, for example, as described in claim 3, as a countermeasure to the image quality contents queried in the information input through the input means, It can be configured to determine the shooting operation at the time of shooting and generate advice information that advises the customer to perform the determined shooting operation. As a result, the advice information indicating the above-mentioned countermeasure is provided to the customer, so that even when the second image has image quality content that makes the customer feel dissatisfied, shooting for improving the image quality content is performed. The customer can recognize the shooting operation at the time.

Further, as described above, in consideration of the fact that appropriate measures may differ depending on the functions of the photographing device used by the customer for photographing, in the invention according to claim 3, for example, in claim 4, As described, the generating means recognizes the function of the photographing device used by the customer at the time of photographing based on the data of the photographed image obtained by photographing, and the image quality that is inquired by the information input via the input means. It is preferable to determine the shooting operation as a countermeasure to the contents according to the recognized function of the shooting apparatus. As a result, it is possible to more accurately determine the shooting operation as a countermeasure to the image quality content being questioned in the input information.

Further, the generation means according to the invention described in claim 1 specifically, as described in claim 5, for example, as a countermeasure to the image quality content being questioned by the information input via the input means. When the second image creation request is made, it is determined whether or not the order of the predetermined image processing is valid, and if it is determined that the order of the predetermined image processing is valid, the order of the predetermined image processing is advised It is preferable to be configured to generate advice information.

Of the countermeasures to the image quality content that is questioned by the information input via the input means, the shooting operation described in claim 3 etc. improves the image quality of the second image created from the first image that has been shot. In the invention described in claim 5, when it is determined that it is effective to order the predetermined image processing at the time of requesting the creation of the second image, advice information that advises the order of the predetermined image processing is generated. Therefore, even when the second image has an image quality content that makes the customer feel dissatisfied, etc., the above advice information is provided to the customer, so that the predetermined image quality content for improving the image quality content that makes the customer dissatisfied is improved. The customer can recognize the existence of the image processing, and also orders the predetermined image processing and requests the re-creation of the second image that is dissatisfied with the image quality content, so that the image with the improved image quality content is obtained. Can also get The ability.

Further, in the invention described in claim 5, the generation means performs predetermined image processing as a countermeasure to the image quality contents queried in the information input via the input means as described in claim 6, for example. When it is determined that ordering is effective, it is preferable to generate image data representing an image obtained by ordering predetermined image processing and display the image represented by the image data on the display means. Thereby, the customer can easily visually recognize the degree of improvement in the image quality content of the image by ordering the predetermined image processing.

When the predetermined image processing is an image processing in which the processing result differs according to the parameter setting, in the invention according to claim 6, a plurality of predetermined image processing parameter settings are different from each other. Each of the images may be displayed, or in accordance with an instruction from the customer input via the input unit, the setting of a predetermined image processing parameter may be changed to repeatedly display the image. .

In addition, the advice device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is preferably installed at a DPE reception store as described in claim 7, for example. As a result, the customer who visited the DPE reception store for receiving the created second image confirms the second image received at the DPE reception store on the spot, and the second image is dissatisfied with the customer. In the case where the image quality is felt, the advice device is immediately operated and the provision of the advice information as described above can be immediately recognized to cope with the dissatisfaction.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer having an input means for inputting information to execute a predetermined process, wherein the predetermined process is performed by operating a photographing apparatus. When the customer who has received the second image created from the first image obtained by the shooting and receives the information about the image quality content of the second image is input via the input means, The method includes a first step of determining how to deal with the image quality content that is queried in the information, and a second step of generating advice information that advises a customer to perform the countermeasure determined in the first step. It is said.

A program according to an eighth aspect of the invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the processing including the first and second steps, that is, a program for causing a computer to function as the advice device according to the first aspect. Therefore, when the computer reads out and executes the program, it is possible to improve the service for the customer who has requested the creation of an image, as in the first aspect of the invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, the image quality content of the second image is obtained by the customer who operates the photographing apparatus and takes a second image and receives the second image created from the first image obtained by the photographing. When the inquiry information is input, it is determined how to deal with the image quality content being queried in the information, and advice information is generated to advise the customer about the implementation of the determined response. It has an excellent effect of improving service.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a photographic processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The photo processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a DPE reception store 12 in each region that receives a photo processing request from a customer such as photo print creation, and a development that performs photo processing requested by the customer via the DPE reception store 12 A data center 16 that centrally manages various types of information related to photo processing, and a plurality of camera manufacturers 18 that manufacture cameras used for photographing by customers are involved.

The DPE reception store 12 is provided with a computer 20 for operation by a clerk of the DPE reception store 12 and a hyper terminal 24 for operation by a customer visiting the DPE reception store 12. A media drive 22 is connected to the computer 20.

In this embodiment, there are three types of request processing for photo processing requests from customers. The first request form is a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a digital still camera attached to a portable device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as a DSC, and this is an example. A DSC to which the invention is applied is used to photograph a subject using a reference numeral “60” and shown in FIG. 1, so that a recording medium 58 (for example, smart media (R), compact flash (R), memory stick ( R) etc .: FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the smart media (R) as an example), and image data is recorded (for example, recorded as an EXIF format or other format image file), and this recording medium 58 is brought in. In this form, photo processing is requested.

The media drive 22 has a function of reading and writing information with respect to various recording media 58. Further, the computer 20 to which the media drive 22 is connected is connected to the developing station 14 (the computer 34: described later) via the communication network 50. When the photo processing is requested in the first request form, the DPE reception store 12 receives the photo processing request by receiving the recording medium 58 brought in by the customer, and takes the photographed image from the received recording medium 58 by the media drive 22. The image data (image file) is read out, and the read image data is transmitted to the developing station 14 by the computer 20, thereby requesting the developing station 14 to perform the photo processing in response to the request from the customer.

In the second request form, image data (for example, an image file in an EXIF format or other format) obtained by a customer photographing a subject using a DSC is transferred to a DPE via a computer network such as the Internet. Photo processing is requested by being transmitted to the reception store 12. The computer 20 has a function of transmitting and receiving information via the Internet or the like. When the photo processing is requested in the second request form, the DPE reception store 12 takes a photograph transmitted from the customer via the Internet or the like. A photo processing request is received by receiving the image data of the image by the computer 20, and the received image data is transmitted to the developing station 14 by the computer 20, thereby requesting the developing station 14 to perform the photo processing requested by the customer. To do.

Further, in the third request form, the customer photographs the subject by using the camera, and the photographic film on which the image is exposed and recorded is brought to the DPE reception store 12 to request the photographic processing. When photographic processing is requested in the third request form, the DPE reception store 12 receives the photographic processing request by receiving the photographic film brought in by the customer, and sends the received photographic film to the developing station 14. Then, the photo processing station 14 is requested to carry out the photo processing requested by the customer.

The hyper terminal 24 installed in the DPE reception store 12 is composed of a personal computer (PC), and is configured by connecting a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output ports to each other via a bus (not shown). A hard disk drive (HDD: not shown), a display 26 for displaying images, a keyboard 28, a mouse 30, and a media drive 32 are connected to the output ports. Similar to the media drive 22, the media drive 32 has a function of reading and writing information with respect to various recording media 58. The hyper terminal 24 is also connected to the communication network 50. The keyboard 28 and the mouse 30 function as input means according to the present invention.

In the developing station 14, a computer 34, a scanner 36, an image processing device 38, and a photographic printer / processor 40 are installed. Although not shown, the computer 34 is configured such that a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output ports are connected to each other via a bus, and various peripheral devices are connected to the input / output ports. Note that peripheral devices connected to the input / output ports include a keyboard, a display, a mouse, and a hard disk drive (HDD). The computer 34 receives the image data of the photographed image transmitted from the DPE reception store 12 when the photo processing is requested in the first request form or the second request form, and outputs it to the image processing device 38.

The scanner 36 is set with a photographic film that visualizes an image that has been sent from the DPE reception store 12 when the photographic processing is requested in the third request form, and has undergone processing such as development. . The scanner 36 reads an image (image visualized through processing such as development) recorded on the set photographic film, and outputs image data obtained by this reading to the image processing device 38.

The image processing device 38 performs predetermined image processing on the image data input from the scanner 36 or the computer 34, and the photographic printer / processor 40 uses the image data that has undergone image processing by the image processing device 38 to print a photo print. Creation (exposure recording of the image on the photographic paper by developing a laser beam modulated according to the image to be recorded on the photographic paper, development of the photographic paper on which the image is exposed and recorded, etc.) is performed. Note that the type and processing conditions of image processing performed by the image processing device 38 are determined by the computer 34.

The computer 34 installed in the developing station 14 is connected to a communication network 50, and can communicate with the hyper terminal 24 of the DPE reception store 12 and the computer 44 (described later) of the data center 16 via the communication network 50. ing. The computer 34 is connected to a printer 42 for recording characters and the like on a recording medium such as paper.

On the other hand, the data center 16 is provided with a computer 44 and a large-capacity storage device 46 composed of an HDD or the like. The computer 44 is connected to the communication network 50, and can communicate with the computer 20 installed in the DPE reception store 12 and the computer 52 possessed by each of the plurality of camera manufacturers 18 via the communication network 50. . In addition, the storage device 46 is provided with a photo related information DB (database) 48 for storing various information related to the photo processing. The storage device 46 is connected to the computer 44, and writing and reading of information with respect to the photograph related information DB 48 is performed by the computer 44.

Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, the photograph related information DB 48 will be described first. In the photo processing system 10, each customer is identified and managed by a customer number. At the DPE reception store 12, each time a photo process is requested by the customer, the request date, the content and quantity of the requested photo process, etc. By inputting the information to the computer 20, the above information is associated with the customer number and stored in the HDD of the computer 20 as customer information. The customer number can be obtained by, for example, recording it on a card-like recording medium (for example, a magnetic card or an IC card) possessed by the customer and presented at the time of requesting photo processing, and reading out from this recording medium. desirable.

In addition, when a photo processing request is received from the customer in the first request form or the second request form, the photographed image is delivered from the customer as an image file in the EXIF format or other formats. In the format image file, for each captured image, in addition to the image data, the file name, the DSC model used for shooting, the shooting date and time, and various information indicating shooting conditions (DSC settings) (for example, shutter) Speed, aperture value, image quality mode (compression ratio of image data), sensitivity, exposure program mode, metering method, white balance mode, focus mode, sharpness mode, focal length, exposure compensation value, strobe on / off, strobe Correction information, macro mode on / off, etc.).

For this reason, when a request for photo processing is received from the customer in the first request form or the second request form, the DPE reception store 12 determines the DSC model used for shooting from the image file delivered from the customer. The information is read out and stored as customer information in the HDD of the computer 20, and information such as the DSC model and the number of photographed images (number of image files) is transmitted to the computer 44 of the data center 16 together with the customer number. As a result, the computer 44 stores information such as the DSC model and the number of captured images (number of image files) in the photo related information DB 48 of the storage device 46 in association with the customer number.

The information such as the DSC model and the number of captured images (number of image files) stored in the photograph related information DB 48 of the storage device 46 as described above is referred to by the camera manufacturer 18. Each camera manufacturer 18 refers to the above information via the computer 52, so that the number of customers using the DSC manufactured by the company, the number of times of photographing (number of photographed images) by each customer, the photographing frequency, etc. Can be grasped for each model of the DSC, which can be used for future DSC product development, and the storage date of the DSC periodic replacement parts and the production plan of the periodic replacement parts can be formulated. If there is a customer who has a DSC whose total number of shootings has reached the design value, it is possible to recommend replacement of parts or replacement of the DSC through the DPE reception store 12, for example.

Further, at the development site 14, when a customer requests creation of a photo print, a scene analysis and setup described below is performed by the computer 34 in order to determine processing conditions for image processing to be executed by the image processing device 38. Processing is performed in units of individual captured images.

In the scene analysis, various processes such as detection of the density range and color balance of the captured image, evaluation of sharpness and saturation are performed based on the image data of the captured image. Among these various processes, A face area search process for searching whether or not a face image area corresponding to a person's face exists in the shot image based on the image data of the shot image is included. Based on the result of this face area search process (whether or not a face image area exists), it is possible to roughly determine the type of scene (subject type) captured as a captured image. In addition, when the face area search process detects that a face image area exists in the captured image, the detected face image area is subjected to density range detection, color balance detection, and the like. There is also a red-eye detection process for extracting an eye region corresponding to a human eye existing in the detected face image region and detecting whether or not a color tone defect such as red eye or gold eye has occurred in the extracted eye region. Done.

When the scene analysis is completed, based on the result of the scene analysis, a setup process for determining processing conditions for image processing executed by the image processing device 38 on the image data of the captured image is performed. Image processing executed by the image processing device 38 includes, for example, density conversion processing for reproducing an image with appropriate density on photographic paper, color conversion processing for reproducing an image with appropriate color balance on photographic paper, For example, pixel density conversion processing for converting the number of pixels (pixel density) of image data.

For example, if it is determined as a result of the scene analysis that the captured image to be processed is shot with underexposure or overexposure, the processing conditions for the density conversion process are determined so that the underexposure or overexposure is corrected. When it is determined that the captured image to be processed is captured by a different light source, the processing conditions for the color conversion process are determined so that the color balance deviation due to the different light source is corrected. The processing conditions for the pixel density conversion processing are determined based on the number of pixels of the image data to be processed and the size of the photo print to be created. The processing conditions for the image processing determined as described above are output to the image processing device 38 as setup information.

In the present embodiment, information representing the result of the scene analysis and setup information are transmitted from the computer 34 to the data center 16, and identification information for specifying individual images (for example, customer numbers, individual requests from customers). Assigned order number, frame number assigned to each captured image, etc.) and registered in the photograph related information DB 48.

When executing image processing on image data of individual captured images, the image processing device 38 refers to setup information corresponding to each captured image input from the computer 34 and is set in the setup information. Image processing is performed according to the processing conditions of the image processing. Image data (image data for recording) that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing device 38 is output to the photographic printer / processor 40 and used to create a photographic print. The photo print created by the photo printer / processor 40 is stored in a DPE bag or the like when the photo print creation request is received in the first request form, and is returned from the developing station 14 to the DPE reception store 12. Then, it is handed over to a customer who has come to the DPE reception store 12 to receive a photo print.

In the present embodiment, the image data for recording and the image file of the captured image are also transmitted from the computer 34 to the data center 16 and registered in the photograph related information DB 48 in association with identification information for specifying individual images. Is done. Accordingly, the photograph related information DB 48 stores the image file of the photographed image, information representing the result of the scene analysis, setup information, and recording image data.

On the other hand, the computer 20 installed in the DPE reception store 12 stores customer information in the HDD and can also refer to information stored in the photo related information DB 48 of the data center 16 via the communication network 50. is there. Therefore, at the time of delivery of the photo print to the customer, customer information as shown in FIG. 5 as an example, setup information as shown in FIG. 6 as an example (shown as finishing data in FIG. 6), and the customer possesses it. Since information about the camera, images ordered by the customer in the past, and information about the specific finish can be displayed on the display of the computer 20, the clerk of the DPE reception store 12 referring to the above information displayed on the display, The following services can be provided to customers.

That is, the clerk at the DPE reception store 12 can recognize the camera model, date of purchase, years of use, number of shots, etc. of the camera that the customer has by referring to the information about the camera that the customer has. Thus, for example, if the number of customers who take photo prints is relatively large, it is possible to determine that the customer is a heavy user and interested in the camera, and introduce new models and accessories of the camera. In addition, for the purpose of stimulating the customer's willingness to purchase, a service such as renting a new model camera to the customer for a certain period of time at no charge or for a small amount may be performed.

Further, since the clerk of the DPE reception store 12 can refer to the setup information (image processing conditions), for example, if there is a request from a customer handing over the photo print, the photo print can be evaluated and advised on the spot. . For failed photos, there are many customers who will be pleased if the shooting mode at the time of shooting is appropriate on the spot.For example, if there is a lot of camera shake, the shutter speed will be increased. By giving advice such as recommending the night view mode, customers' interest in photography can be expected to increase.

Also, if the customer is dissatisfied with the quality of the photo print, such as when the background is sharp, the store clerk checks the setup information on the spot, and if the backlight correction is not effective, the same correction is made. The validated image can be simulated on the computer 20, displayed on the display, and proposed to the customer. If the customer's consent is obtained, a photo print can be immediately created and delivered to the customer. Similarly, by presenting simulated images such as sepia finish, soft finish, cross filter finish, etc. to customers, we will introduce these image processing, so that you can provide your favorite images free of charge and connect to the next order. Also good.

Furthermore, since the clerk of the DPE reception store 12 can grasp the images that the customer has ordered in the past, it can be confirmed even when the customer orders the same image twice. Images captured using DSC are difficult to distinguish depending on which photographic film is recorded, such as an image recorded on photographic film, and the file names are similar to each other. It is difficult to identify and it is difficult for the customer to determine whether the image has been ordered to create a photo print in the past. On the other hand, if the DPE reception store 12 manages information such as the shooting date, shooting location, and shooting time of an image for which a photo print has been requested in the past, the customer can check the past by comparing these information. It can be determined at the DPE reception store 12 side whether or not the image has been ordered.

In addition, the clerk of the DPE reception store 12 can grasp the history of the specific finishing that the customer has ordered in the past by referring to the information regarding the specific finishing. For example, the customer has ordered a postcard in the past. In some cases, it is possible to recommend using postcards while introducing new templates for this year. In addition, since information such as the customer's address, family name, and email address can be stored as customer information, there is no need for the customer to fill in an order form with the above information when using a postcard. . In addition, editing such as creating postcards that combine past children's photographic images with recent children's photographic images can be proposed on the spot, making it possible to propose a different postcard. .

By the way, among the above services that can be provided at the DPE reception store 12, it may take time even for a skilled clerk to provide evaluation / advice for a photo print. There is a possibility that it will be a burden or trouble in the business of the DPE reception store 12. For this reason, in this embodiment, the hyper terminal 24 is installed in the DPE reception store 12. Hereinafter, processing in the hyper terminal 24 installed in the DPE reception store 12 will be described.

In this embodiment, a customer who requests creation of a photo print in the first request form and visits the DPE reception store 12 to receive the created photo print confirms the received photo print and is dissatisfied with the image quality. When the user holds the information, the user inputs information requesting advice by operating the keyboard 28 of the hyper terminal 24 installed in the DPE reception store 12.

An advice providing program for executing advice providing processing (described later) is installed in advance in the HDD of the hyper terminal 24. When information requesting advice is input, the advice providing program is read from the HDD. By being executed by the CPU of the hyper terminal 24, advice providing processing is performed in the hyper terminal 24. Hereinafter, the advice providing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The advice providing process corresponds to the generating unit according to the present invention.

In step 100, as shown in FIG. 3A as an example, an information input screen for the customer to input dissatisfaction with the image quality of the photo print is displayed on the display 26. The information input screen shown in FIG. 3A includes an input field 64A for inputting a frame number of a photo print that is dissatisfied with the image quality, and an input field for inputting content of dissatisfaction with the image quality of the photo print. 64B and a display column 64C in which contents of dissatisfaction with the image quality are displayed as a list are provided. In step 102, it is determined whether or not the input by the customer is completed, and step 102 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

In the HDD of the hyper terminal 24 according to the present embodiment, as shown in the following Table 1 as an example, various dissatisfaction contents that the customer may feel about the image quality of the photo print (listed in the display column 64C of the information input screen) Each displayed option) is stored in association with countermeasure information representing a countermeasure for resolving dissatisfaction. Thus, the HDD of the hyper terminal 24 corresponds to the storage means described in claim 2.

Note that the countermeasures for solving customer dissatisfaction are roughly divided into a countermeasure by image processing and a countermeasure by photographing operation. In the example of Table 1, these are distinguished and stored. Depending on the content of customer dissatisfaction, a plurality of types of countermeasures may be considered depending on the functions of the DSC 60 used for photographing by the customer as a countermeasure by the photographing operation for eliminating the dissatisfaction.

For example, when the content of customer dissatisfaction is “background is dark”, if the DSC 60 used by the customer for shooting has a slow sync mode as the strobe flash mode, the response to the shooting operation is “use slow sync mode” “Shooting”, but the action by the shooting operation when the slow sync mode is not provided is “shooting with strobe correction and exposure correction”. For this reason, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of types of countermeasures can be considered as a countermeasure by the shooting operation for resolving the dissatisfaction, the countermeasure information representing the plurality of types of countermeasures divided according to the function of the DSC 60 is stored. ing.

When the customer inputs the frame number in the input field 64A of the information input screen and inputs the identification information of the option corresponding to the content of dissatisfaction among the options displayed in the list in the display field 64C, in step 102 If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and handling information corresponding to the content of customer dissatisfaction with respect to the image quality of the specific photo print input (selected) by the customer in the input field 64B of the information input screen is read from the HDD.

In the next step 106 and subsequent steps, it is determined whether to take a shooting operation for eliminating customer dissatisfaction with the image quality of the photo print. That is, in step 106, among the countermeasures represented by the countermeasure information read in step 104, a plurality of kinds of countermeasures are taken as countermeasures by the photographing operation (the countermeasures to be selected according to the functions of the camera used by the customer for photographing). Is included. For example, in Table 1, a shooting operation associated with the content of dissatisfaction “the image is blurred as a whole”, such as a “shoot with attention to camera shake”, a shooting operation included in the read handling information If the action is an action unrelated to the function of the camera, the above determination is denied and no processing is performed (the above action is taken by a shooting operation to eliminate customer dissatisfaction. And go to step 116.

On the other hand, if a plurality of types of countermeasures are included in the countermeasure represented by the countermeasure information as a countermeasure by the photographing operation, the determination in step 106 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 108 and the hyper terminal 24 is operated. The customer's customer number, order number, and frame number are sent to the computer 44 of the data center 16 so that the shooting condition information corresponding to the photo print that the customer is dissatisfied with the image quality (included in the image file of the shot image). To the photo print that the customer feels dissatisfied with the image quality by receiving the photographing condition information read and transmitted from the photo related information DB 48 of the storage device 46 by the computer 44 Corresponding shooting condition information is acquired from the data center 16.

The customer number and order number of the customer may be input to the hyper terminal 24 by the customer via the keyboard 28 or the like, but such information is also stored in the computer 20 of the DPE reception store 12. For example, when the clerk of the DPE reception store 12 notified by the customer that the hyper terminal 24 is to be used performs an operation of transferring the information from the computer 20 to the hyper terminal 24 in advance, the hyper terminal 24 recognizes the information. It is also possible to configure as described above. In the next step 110, the model of the camera (DSC 60) used by the customer is recognized by referring to the shooting condition information acquired in step 108.

By the way, in the photograph related information DB 48 of the storage device 46, specification information indicating specifications of various DSCs currently on the market (possibly used by customers) (this specification information includes DSCs). Types of shooting modes (for example, AUTO, portrait, sports, landscape, macro, night view, manual, continuous shooting, movie, etc.) and information indicating the type of flash firing mode are included for each model. Has been. Each time the camera maker 18 releases a new DSC model, the specification information is transmitted to the data center 16 via the computer 52, and the specification information received by the computer 44 is stored in the storage device. It is registered by storing it in 46 photo-related information DBs 48.

In the next step 112, information indicating the model of the DSC 60 recognized in step 110 is transmitted to the computer 44 of the data center 16 to request transmission of the specification information of the DSC 60, and from the photo related information DB 48 of the storage device 46. The specification information of the DSC 60 is acquired from the data center 16 by receiving the specification information of the DSC 60 read and transmitted by the computer 44. In step 114, the DSC 60 specification represented by the specification information acquired in step 112 is compared with the handling information read in step 104, so that it is used at the time of shooting out of the handling by the shooting operation for eliminating customer dissatisfaction. A measure that can be executed by the DSC 60 is determined.

As a result, for example, when the content of dissatisfaction by the customer is “background is dark” and the DSC 60 used for shooting by the customer is provided with the slow sync mode as the flash emission mode, When “shoot using sync mode” is selected and the slow sync mode is not provided, “shoot with strobe correction and exposure correction” is selected as an executable action.

In the next step 116, information (advice information) indicating advice that recommends the implementation of the countermeasure by the photographing operation determined in steps 106 to 114 is generated, and the advice indicated by the generated advice information is displayed on the display 26. FIG. 3B or FIG. 3C shows an example of a display screen that displays advice on shooting operations. In this example, the advice represented by the advice information is displayed in the display field 66A, and the display field 66A can be scrolled by operating the scroll bar 66B. Accordingly, it is possible to recognize a photographing operation for eliminating the dissatisfaction that the customer has with respect to the image quality of the specific photo print, and it is possible to improve the service for the customer who has requested the photo print creation.

Depending on the type of DSC 60, the names of various functions are not necessarily unified, for example, “slow sync mode” is called “night view portrait mode”. For this reason, in Step 116, when the countermeasure by the photographing operation determined in Step 106 to Step 114 is a countermeasure using the specific function of the DSC 60, the customer is based on the specification information acquired in the previous Step 112. The name of the specific function in the DSC 60 used for shooting is confirmed, and advice is generated and displayed using the confirmed name (an example is shown in FIG. 3B). Thereby, the customer can understand the content of the displayed advice more easily.

In the next step 118, it is judged whether or not the handling information read in the previous step 104 includes information indicating handling by image processing. It is also determined whether or not the image can be resolved by executing specific image processing. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 122 without performing any processing. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120, and information (advice information) indicating advice recommending an order for specific image processing is provided. The advice generated and the advice represented by the generated advice information is additionally displayed on the display 26 (see the message 66C shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C as an example).

This allows the customer to recognize that dissatisfaction with the image quality of a specific photo print can be resolved by ordering specific image processing when requesting the creation of the photo print. In the present embodiment, a button 66D for the customer to instruct additional display of explanation for the specific image processing is also displayed together with the message 66C.

In step 122, it is determined whether or not the customer has instructed to end the display of advice. If the determination is affirmative, the advice providing process is terminated. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 124, and it is determined whether or not an additional display of explanation for the specific image processing is instructed by the customer. If this determination is also denied, the process returns to step 122, and steps 122 and 124 are repeated until either determination is affirmed.

When an instruction to add an explanation for the specific image processing is instructed by clicking on the button 66D by the customer or the like, the determination in step 124 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 126, and the customer number of the customer who is operating the hyper terminal 24 , By sending the order number and the frame number to the computer 44 of the data center 16, requesting to send the image data for recording of a specific photo print (a photo print in which the customer is dissatisfied with the image quality), and the storage device Recording image data of a specific photo print is acquired from the data center 16 by receiving the recording image data read and transmitted from the 46 photo related information DB 48 by the computer 44.

In the next step 128, the specific image processing is performed on the recording image data acquired in step 126. As a result, it is possible to obtain image data representing an image of a photographic print when specific image processing is performed in creating a specific photographic print. In step 130, a screen for explaining the specific image processing is displayed on the display 26, and then the process returns to step 122. In the present embodiment, as an example of the screen for explaining the specific image processing, as shown in FIG. 3D, an image represented by the recording image data acquired in step 126 (an image corresponding to a photographic print received by the customer: An image 68A), an image represented by the image data subjected to the specific image processing in step 128 (an image corresponding to a photo print obtained by ordering the specific image processing at the time of requesting the creation of the photo print: image 68B), and the specific image A screen on which each message 68C recommending an order for processing is displayed is used.

By referring to the above-mentioned screen displayed on the display 26, the customer can visually easily see how the image quality of the photo print is improved by ordering the specific image processing when requesting the photo print creation. It is possible to realize the improvement of the service for the customer who requested the creation of the photo print.

In the description of the specific image processing, instead of simply displaying an image as described above, a plurality of images with different specific image processing parameter settings (for example, the intensity of correction by the specific image processing) are mutually different. Each may be generated from the recording image data and each of the generated images may be displayed. In addition, it is possible for the customer to instruct the setting change of the parameters for the specific image processing by operating the keyboard 28 or the mouse 30, and each time the setting change instruction is input from the customer, the parameter setting is performed according to the input instruction. May be changed to perform specific image processing, and the displayed image may be switched to an image after image processing.

In addition, when a customer who confirms the improvement of the image quality when the specific image processing is performed with reference to the screen explaining the specific image processing and wants to recreate the specific photo print subjected to the specific image processing, Re-creation is automatically performed (re-creation is requested by transmitting image data or the like to the developing station 14, or devices such as the image processing device 38 and the photo printer / processor 40 are installed in the DPE reception store 12. In this case, the data may be recreated at the DPE reception store 12).

Further, the processing executed in the hyper terminal 24 is not limited to the above advice providing processing. Information estimated to be provided by a customer who has come to the DPE reception store 12 to receive a photo print includes, for example, a photograph in addition to a measure for solving customer dissatisfaction with the image quality of the received photo print. General advice on shooting operations for improving the image quality of prints is also conceivable. Therefore, when a customer desires to provide advice on shooting operations, the advice is generated and provided by the hyper terminal 24. Also good.

Specifically, for example, an image file, information indicating the result of the scene analysis, etc. are acquired for a photographed image to be evaluated (for example, all photographed images corresponding to one order), and photographing condition information included in the image file, Based on the photographed image data, the photographing operation by the customer at the time of photographing (for example, photographing mode selection, presence / absence of strobe emission, strobe lighting mode selection, etc.) is recognized, and the photographed image based on the information representing the result of scene analysis FIG. 4 shows an example of the advice generated by evaluating the image quality and determining the optimum shooting operation for the photographed subject, generating advice according to the difference between the shooting operation by the customer at the time of shooting and the optimum shooting operation. This can be realized by displaying on the display 26 as a screen as shown. As a result, it is possible to realize further improvement of service for customers who have requested the creation of photo prints.

Furthermore, in the above, a request is made for the creation of a photo print according to the first request form, and advice is generated when the customer who visits the DPE reception store 12 and receives the photo print feels dissatisfied with the image quality of the received photo print However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, even if an image is recorded by exposure on a photographic film by a camera (an image for which photographic processing is requested according to the third request form), if the photographic film is an APS film, shooting information is recorded in the magnetic layer of the APS film. Therefore, with regard to a photographed image photographed using an APS film camera, it is possible to recognize the model and the like in the same manner as when photographed using DSC by using photographing information recorded on the APS film. It is possible to provide highly accurate advice based on the recognized model.

Also, among the silver salt film cameras, some high-performance single-lens reflex cameras have a function for recording shooting information in a built-in memory. This type of camera employs a configuration in which shooting information recorded in a built-in memory is associated with a shot image (photographic film) by an ID optically written outside the shot image area of the photographic film. For captured images taken using the camera, the camera information is recorded in the built-in memory, and the model is recognized in the same manner as the photographed image shot using the DSC. Based on the recognized model, etc. Highly accurate advice can be provided.

In addition, some recent digital video cameras can capture still images in addition to moving images. This type of digital video camera records still images in JPEG format and uses EXIF format. Since the same shooting information as that of the image file is also added, by using this shooting information, the model is recognized in the same manner as the shot image shot using the DSC, and based on the recognized model, etc. Highly accurate advice can be provided.

In addition, recently, mobile phones equipped with a photographing function have become widespread. At present, there is no mobile phone of the type that adds shooting information to the shot image, but the type of mobile phone used for shooting can be recognized even for shot images shot with this type of mobile phone. Yes, it is possible to provide highly accurate advice based on the recognized model.

Moreover, although the aspect which makes the hyper terminal 24 function as an advice apparatus which concerns on this invention by making the advice provision program as a program based on this invention run by the hyper terminal 24 was demonstrated above, it is not limited to this If, for example, the computer owned by the customer is in an environment where the information stored in the photo-related information DB 48 of the storage device 46 can be referred to, the recording medium delivered from the DPE reception store 12 to the customer 58, a CD-R or the like, the program according to the present invention is recorded, and the customer himself / herself installs and executes the program on a computer possessed by the customer, whereby the PC possessed by the customer is represented by the present invention. To function as an advice device related to the system (to generate advice information etc.) It is a function. Further, instead of recording the program on the recording medium 58, CD-R, or the like, the program may be downloaded to the customer via a computer network such as the Internet.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic processing system according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the advice provision process. It is an image figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display of a hyper terminal. It is an image figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display, when providing the general advice about imaging | photography operation. It is an image figure which shows an example of the information which can be displayed on the display of the computer of a DPE reception store. It is an image figure which shows the other example of the information which can be displayed on the display of the computer of a DPE reception store.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Photo processing system 12 DPE reception store 14 Developer 16 Data center 24 Hyper terminal 26 Display 28 Keyboard 30 Mouse 38 Image processing device 46 Storage device 48 Photograph related information DB
50 Communication network 60 DSC

Claims (8)

An input for the customer who receives the second image created from the first image obtained by photographing by operating the photographing device to input information inquiring about the image quality content of the second image Means,
Generating means for generating a piece of advice information that, when information is input by a customer via the input means, determines how to deal with the image quality that is queried in the information, and advises the customer to perform the determined action; ,
Including advice device. It further comprises storage means for storing the image quality content that may be questioned by information input by the customer and the handling of the image quality content in association with each other,
The advice device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit determines the countermeasure based on information stored in the storage unit. The advice device according to claim 1, wherein the generating means determines, as the countermeasure, a shooting operation at the time of shooting, and generates advice information that advises a customer to perform the determined shooting operation. The generation means recognizes the function of the photographing device used by the customer at the time of photographing based on the data of the photographed image obtained by the photographing, and performs the photographing operation as the countermeasure according to the recognized function of the photographing device. 4. The advice device according to claim 3, wherein the advice device is determined. When the generation unit determines whether or not it is effective to order a predetermined image process when requesting the creation of the second image, and determines that it is effective to order the predetermined image process as the countermeasure The advice device according to claim 1, wherein advice information for advising an order for predetermined image processing is generated. The generation means generates image data representing an image obtained by ordering the predetermined image processing when it is determined that ordering the predetermined image processing is effective as the countermeasure, and the image data The advice device according to claim 5, wherein an image represented by is displayed on a display means. The advice device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the advice device is installed in a DPE reception store. A program for causing a computer having an input means for inputting information to execute a predetermined process,
The predetermined process is:
Information on the image quality content of the second image is received via the input means by a customer who has taken a picture by operating the photographing apparatus and has received a second image created from the first image obtained by the photographing. The first step of determining the response to the image quality content that is queried in the information,
A program comprising: a second step of generating advice information for advising a customer about the implementation of the countermeasure determined in the first step.

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