JP2004139575A - Device, method and program for preparing album - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily associate image data with a place when preparing an album which associates the image data acquired when a user goes on a trip or the like with the place on the map on which the image data is acquired. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of map data are stored in a storing means 31 of an album preparing support server 3. A user accesses the album preparing support server 3 from a personal computer 2, and requests the album preparation. A screen which accepts the input of information for specifying the transmission of image data S0 and user's movement route is displayed on the personal computer 2. The user inputs the information such as the starting place, the starting time and the final destination, and transmits the image data S0 to the album preparing support server 3. An album preparing server 33 prepares the movement routing information showing the user's movement route based on the information, presumes the acquisition place of the image data S0 on the movement route based on the photographed date/time information given to the image data S0, and associates the image data S0 with the map, and prepares an album data AL. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to an album creating apparatus and method for creating an album based on image data acquired during a trip, and a program for causing a computer to execute the album creating method.

When creating a travel album, the photos taken at the place of visit are developed and printed out in combination with maps, illustrations, explanations, etc. On the other hand, a digital album is also created using digital image data acquired by a digital camera or digital image data acquired by reading an image recorded on a silver salt film with a scanner.

When creating such a digital album, for example, image data in which information indicating the shooting date and time is described in tag information is matched with a layout database composed of a map, coordinates on the map, arrival time, and departure time. Thus, a system has been proposed in which a map and image data are provided on a layout selected from a layout database (see Patent Document 1). According to this system, it is possible to easily make a travel album while eliminating mistakes such as mistaking photographs.

There is also known a system in which image data and a place where the image data is acquired are associated with each other by a manual operation, and the acquisition place is displayed on a map. According to such a system, it is possible to easily recognize the correspondence between the image data and the acquisition location of the image data on the map.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-126731

Here, in the system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-126731, the stay time is predetermined for each visited place on the map, and information indicating the shooting date and time corresponding to the stay time is included in the tag information. The described image data is given to the position corresponding to the visited place on the map. For this reason, when the image data of the visited place is acquired at a time different from the originally defined stay time because the arrival time at the visited place is delayed or the like, an image is displayed at the position corresponding to the visited place on the map. Data cannot be added. Further, if the staying time and the time information given to the image data are shifted, there is a problem that the position corresponding to the visited place on the map and the image data acquired at the visited place are not matched.

In this case, by associating the image data with the place where the image data was acquired by manual operation, the position corresponding to the visited place on the map can be associated with the image data obtained at the visited place. However, in order to perform such association, it is necessary to select the map of the visited place and further associate the image data with the visited place on the map while reproducing the image data and confirming the shooting location. For that reason, the work is very troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to easily associate image data with a place when creating an album in which image data is associated with a place on a map from which the image data is obtained. And

An album creating apparatus according to the present invention is an album creating apparatus for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which time information indicating acquisition time is given.
A travel route information acquisition means for acquiring travel route information including information on a travel route and a passage time at a desired position on the travel route;
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data including the movement route based on the movement route information from a map database storing a plurality of map data;
An acquisition location estimating means for estimating an acquisition location of the image data on the movement route based on the movement route information and the time information;
Album data creation means for creating the album data including the map data in which the acquisition information and the image data are associated with each other, giving the acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired to the acquisition location in the travel route It is characterized by comprising.

As the “time information”, for image data acquired by a digital camera, information indicating the shooting date and time given to the tag information can be used as it is. On the other hand, in the case of a film having a magnetic recording unit capable of recording magnetic information, information on the shooting date and time can be recorded in the magnetic recording unit of the film, so image data obtained by reading an image recorded on the film For, information on the shooting date and time recorded on the film can be used as time information.

“Movement route information” is information indicating the travel route, that is, the route from the reference starting point such as home to the final destination, and a desired position on the travel route. The information regarding the passage time at is included.

“Information about the passage time at the desired position on the movement route” is not necessarily the information indicating the passage time at all the positions on the movement route, but is specified when any position on the movement route is designated. It also includes information that can estimate the passage time at the selected position. For example, even if only the departure time and arrival time are known, if the distance between the departure point and the arrival point is known, the average speed on the moving route can be calculated, and further, the distance from the departure point at the specified position can be divided. For example, the passage time at the designated position can be calculated from the distance and the average speed.

Here, GPS information indicating the acquisition location is given to image data acquired by a digital camera having a GPS function. Further, when image data is obtained from a film that uses a magnetically recordable film and is photographed by a camera having GPS means, GPS information recorded on the film can be added to the image data. In such a case, the movement route information can be acquired by following the acquisition route of the image data using the GPS information added to the image data. Alternatively, the movement route information may be acquired by accepting an input of what route has reached the final destination by manual operation. Note that the GPS information is not limited to that obtained from the GPS means attached to the camera, and GPS information may be obtained from handy GPS means separate from the camera or from a car navigation system mounted on the automobile and may be added to the image data. .

Note that the mobile phone receives location information representing its location from the base station of the mobile phone. Therefore, the travel route information may be acquired based on the location information received by the mobile phone.

Also, when the travel method is railway, if the departure point, final destination, departure date and time, and arrival date and time at the final destination are known, it is possible to know information on the train that got on and the station that got off. If you know the train you got on and the station where you got off, you can know the transit time at any position on the route. In addition, when the travel method is a car, if the departure point, final destination, departure date and time, and arrival date and time at the final destination are known, the average speed of the car is taken into consideration, and the travel route and travel route The passage time at an arbitrary position is known. Therefore, in the album creating apparatus according to the present invention, the travel route information acquisition means is configured to use the rail route search software based on at least the departure point, the final destination, the departure date and time, the arrival date and time to the final destination, and the information on the travel method. Further, it may be a means for acquiring travel route information using automobile route search software or the like.

Further, the movement route information may be acquired by combining GPS information, mobile phone location information, and information obtained by the railway route search software and the vehicle route search software. For example, if GPS information is given to image data, it is used preferentially to acquire travel route information, but GPS information is given to image data because positioning radio waves from GPS satellites could not be received. If not, the travel route information may be acquired using information obtained by the rail route search software. Further, by using the automobile route search software, the movement route information acquired in consideration of the average moving speed of the vehicle is corrected based on the GPS information added to the image data to obtain more accurate movement route information. You may make it acquire.

A “map database” stores a plurality of map data, and “a plurality of map data” includes data representing maps of various scales not only in Japan but also in various countries, railways, automobiles, bicycles. It is possible to use data representing a map showing a route according to the type of movement method, such as a ship, an airplane or even a walk. Moreover, since the conditions of roads and railways change with time, a plurality of map data corresponding to the age may be stored in the map database.

The “acquisition information” is information that allows the viewer of the album data to recognize that the image data has been acquired at the position on the movement route to which it has been assigned. Specifically, the map and the thumbnail image of the image data are displayed side by side, the line when connecting the thumbnail image and the acquisition location of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image with a line, the image data acquired by the digital camera Image data, such as a thumbnail image of the standard Exif, is attached to the image data as data included in the image data file, or an image in which the image and the map are combined is replaced with the thumbnail image of the Exif standard. When the image data is acquired, a plot for plotting the acquisition location of the image data on the map, an icon assigned to the acquisition location, and the like can be used as acquisition information.

“Associating acquisition information with image data” means that the contents of image data acquired at the acquisition location can be understood. Specifically, the map and the thumbnail image of the image data are displayed side by side, and the thumbnail image and the image data acquisition location corresponding to the thumbnail image are connected by a line, such as an Exif standard thumbnail image file. When a reduced map image is added as data included in the image or an image obtained by combining an image and a map is added to the image data instead of the thumbnail image of the Exif standard, the acquisition location of the image data is plotted on the map. In other words, an icon representing image data is assigned on the map in correspondence with the acquisition location of the image data, and the image data acquired at the location can be reproduced by clicking the icon.

Here, the created album data may be stored on a website, recorded on a writable medium such as a CD-R, DVD-R, or memory card, and displayed on a monitor and printed out. Etc. and may be immediately replayed.

In the album creating apparatus according to the present invention, the album data creating means may be a means for further acquiring related information related to the acquisition location and generating the album data by associating the related information with the map data. Good.

“Related information” refers to image data acquired by others at or near the location where the image data was acquired, or music or sound that was prominent at or near the acquisition location obtained by recording in advance. If the acquisition location or its vicinity is a prominent location such as a historic site, text data indicating the location can be used. When the related information is image data of another person, it is preferable to include image data taken by a professional photographer, or image data of a photograph that cannot be taken normally, such as an aerial photograph or a bird's-eye view. The image data may include not only a still image but also moving image data representing a moving image.

Further, in the album creating apparatus according to the present invention, the map data acquiring means may be means for acquiring the map data based on user information of a user who creates the album.

“User information” means information that can estimate user preferences, such as the user's age, occupation, and hobbies.

An album creating method according to the present invention is an album creating method for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which time information indicating acquisition time is given.
Obtaining travel route information including information on the travel route and the passage time at a desired position on the travel route;
Based on the travel route information, map data including the travel route is acquired from a map database storing a plurality of map data,
Based on the travel route information and the time information, estimate the acquisition location of the image data on the travel route,
Adding acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired to the acquisition location in the travel route, and creating album data including the map data in which the acquisition information and the image data are associated with each other. To do.

Note that the album creation method according to the present invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

According to the present invention, the travel route information including the travel route and the information related to the passage time on the travel route is acquired, and the map data including the travel route is acquired from the map database based on the travel route information. Then, the acquisition location of the image data on the moving route is estimated based on the moving route information and the time information given to the image data. Furthermore, acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired is given to the estimated acquisition location on the movement route, and album data including map data in which the acquisition information and the image data are associated is created.

Therefore, as long as the travel route information can be acquired, the image data can be easily associated with the acquisition location on the travel route of the map represented by the map data. Therefore, the album data can be easily created by easily associating the image data with the acquisition location.

In addition, by acquiring related information related to the acquisition location of image data and creating album data by associating it with map data, it is possible to relate not only to the image data captured by the user but also to the location from which the image data was acquired. Information to be included can be included in the album data. Therefore, the contents of the album can be further enhanced.

Also, by acquiring movement route information based on at least the departure point, final destination, departure date and time, arrival date and time of arrival at the final destination, and movement method information, image data can be acquired like GPS means or mobile phones. Even if a means for acquiring information representing a place is not carried, the travel route information can be acquired only by performing a relatively simple input. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when acquiring the travel route information.

In addition, since map data that reflects user preferences can be acquired by acquiring map data including a movement route based on user information of a user who creates an album, the map data is represented by album data. It is possible to make the album more user-preferred.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an album creating system to which an album creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the album creating system according to the present embodiment is connected to a network 1 such as the Internet, and has a user who desires to create an album that performs various operations for creating an album as will be described later. Data is exchanged between the personal computer 2 and the album creation support server 3 which is similarly connected to the network 1 and stores image data S0 transmitted via the network 1 and creates an album.

In this embodiment, a user who has traveled transmits image data S0 and necessary information for album creation from the personal computer 2 to the album creation support server 3 in order to create an album of images taken during the trip. Then, the album creation support server 3 creates album data AL representing the album using the image data S0.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the acquisition of the image data S0 is performed by a digital camera owned by the user. Here, in the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera, shooting date / time information indicating the shooting date / time is described in the tag information.

The personal computer 2 is connected to a card reader 2A that reads a memory card that records image data S0 acquired by a digital camera. The personal computer 2 is installed with image management software for managing the image data S0. This image management software has a function as a web browser that communicates with the album creation support server 3 and displays a web page for album creation. The user accesses the website of the album creation support server 3 using this image management software, and creates album data AL for the album creation support server 3 using a function for instructing the website of the image management software. Instructions shall be given.

The album creation support server 3 is a storage means 31 composed of a large-capacity hard disk that stores various data and information, a web server 32 that is connected to the network 1 and manages the website of the album creation support server 3, and a personal computer. The album creation server 33 for creating album data AL using the image data S0 transmitted from the image data, the media drive 34 for recording the album data AL on the medium M1 such as CD-R or DVD-R, and the album data AL. A printer 35 for print output is connected by a bus 36.

The storage unit 31 includes image data S0 transmitted from the user's personal computer 2 via the network 1, various templates for creating album data by laying out the image data S0, and a plurality of map data MP representing maps to be described later. Map database DB1 for managing the information, created album data AL, information on users accessing the album creation support server 3, software such as railroad route search software necessary for creating travel route information representing a travel route to be described later, and All information necessary for performing album creation or the like in the album creation support server 3 such as a timetable is stored.

The storage unit 31 also includes images taken by professional photographers at various positions on the travel route on the map in consideration of cases where the user forgets to take a photograph on the travel route or when the visit location is prohibited from being photographed. And image data of photographs that cannot be acquired by normal shooting such as aerial photographs and bird's-eye photographs (hereinafter referred to as other-person image data to distinguish user image data S0). Yes. In addition, text data representing legends such as famous places and historic sites at various locations on the map, and spots such as audio data representing music and sounds of famous folk songs, etc., obtained by recording at that location Information is also stored in the storage means 31. The other person image data and the spot information are stored in association with information (for example, latitude and longitude) representing a place on the map.

The map database DB1 stores a plurality of map data MP. Specifically, map data MP representing maps of various scales not only in Japan but also in various countries around the world, such as railways, automobiles, bicycles, ships, airplanes, and even walking routes according to the type of travel method of travel are shown. Stored map data MP is stored. Moreover, since the conditions of roads and railways change with time, a plurality of map data MP corresponding to the age is stored in the map database DB1. Furthermore, in order to reflect the preference of the user who requests the creation of the album data AL in the album data AL, map data MP that expresses the route of the railway, the route of the expressway, the route of mountain climbing, etc. is also stored in the map database DB1. Has been.

User information includes user name, user ID, password, address, telephone number, age, occupation, and other user preferences (for example, driving is a hobby, rail trip is a hobby, overseas trip is a hobby, etc.) Information that can be estimated is included. Here, the user information is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the album creation support server 3 by the user when the user registers in the album creation support server 3.

When the user accesses the album creation support server 3, the user is authenticated by allowing the user to input a user ID and a password, and only the authenticated user is allowed to access the album creation support server 3. Is done.

The web server 32 manages the website of the album creation support server 3, generates a web page to be displayed on the personal computer 2 when the album data AL is created, and transmits the web page to the personal computer 2. This web page allows the user to select the image data S0 necessary for creating the album data AL, transmit the image data S0 to the album creation support server 3, and input information necessary for creating the album data AL. And the created album data AL is displayed. The web server 32 also authenticates users who access the album creation support server 3.

The album creation server 33 creates album data AL based on an instruction from the personal computer 2. The processing performed in the album creation server 33 will be described later.

The media drive 34 stores the created album data AL in a medium M1 such as a CD-R, DVD-R, or memory card.

The printer 35 prints out the created album data AL as an album. The printed album is bound and given to the user.

Next, processing performed in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing processing performed when the album data AL is created in the present embodiment. It is assumed that the user has captured the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera into the personal computer 2 from the card reader 2A. Further, it is assumed that the user has started up image management software and uses the image management software to access the album creation support server 3 to create album data AL.

First, an initial screen is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S1). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the image management software displayed on the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the initial screen 10 has a folder frame 10A for displaying a folder indicating the storage location of the image data S0, and a thumbnail image frame 10B for displaying thumbnail images of the image data S0 stored in the selected folder. An operation frame 10C for displaying various operation buttons and an instruction frame 10D for displaying an instruction button for giving an instruction to the album creation support server 3 are displayed. The initial screen 10 shown in FIG. 6 shows a state in which the 03 folder is selected from the five folders 01 to 05 in the digital camera image folder stored in the personal computer 2.

In the thumbnail image frame 10B, a list of thumbnail images of the image data S0 stored in the selected folder and a file name of the image data S0 corresponding to each thumbnail image are displayed. In this state, when one thumbnail image is double-clicked with the mouse (not shown) of the personal computer 2, the image data S0 corresponding to the thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed in another window. In addition, when a single thumbnail image is single-clicked, the thumbnail image can be selected by inverting the thumbnail image or changing the color of the frame. Note that a scroll bar 10E is assigned to the thumbnail image frame 10B, and when the thumbnail images of all the image data S0 stored in the selected folder are not displayed in the thumbnail image frame 10B, the scroll bar 10E. By scrolling the thumbnail image frame 10B using, thumbnail images of all the image data S0 stored in the selected folder can be displayed.

Various buttons are displayed on the operation frame 10C, but only the buttons used for creating the album will be described here. The capture button 11A is clicked when the image data S0 is captured into the personal computer 2 from a memory card inserted into the card reader 2A or a digital camera connected to the personal computer 2. The travel route button 11B is clicked when creating travel route information necessary for capturing the map data MP, as will be described later. The CD button 11C is clicked when an order for recording the created album data AL on the medium M1 is made to the album creation support server 3. The print button 11 </ b> D is clicked when print output of the created album data AL and bookbinding order are made to the album creation support server 3. The web button 11E is clicked when the created album data AL is stored in the album creation support server 3 and browsed as a web page.

The instruction frame 10D includes a map import button 12A that is clicked when the map data MP is imported into the personal computer 2, an album creation button 12B that is clicked when the creation of the album data AL is instructed, and another person photographed as described later. The other person image button 12C clicked when the image data is assigned to the album data AL and the spot information button 12D clicked when the spot information related to the place where the image data S0 was acquired are given to the album data AL are displayed. Yes.

It should be noted that the map import button 12A refers to the map data MP with reference to the location information given to the image data S0 when the album data AL is created using the image data S0 to which location information representing the acquisition location is given. This is pressed when acquiring. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the album creation support server 3 creates travel route information and the map data MP is acquired based on the created travel route information, so the map import button 12A is not used. Is.

Here, for example, when the digital camera that acquired the image data S0 has GPS means for receiving GPS information, the GPS information indicating the latitude and longitude of the acquisition location acquired by the GPS means is stored in the image data S0 as location information. Is granted. Further, not only GPS means but also a mobile phone and a digital camera are connected, information indicating the location of the mobile phone transmitted from the base station of the mobile phone is input to the digital camera, and this is used as location information in the image data S0. Sometimes it is granted.

In addition, when the image data S0 is obtained by reading an image recorded on a film capable of recording magnetic information, the camera is provided with a function of acquiring location information of GPS means or a mobile phone, and the acquired location information May be stored in the magnetic recording unit of the film, and the location information recorded in the magnetic recording unit at the time of acquisition of the image data S0 may be simultaneously read to add the location information to the read image data S0.

When the user selects a folder in which image data S0 for creating album data AL is stored in the folder frame 10A of the initial screen 10, a list of thumbnail images of the image data S0 stored in the selected folder is displayed as a thumbnail image frame. 10B.

In this state, monitoring of whether or not the travel route button 11B has been clicked is started (step S2). If step S2 is affirmed, the personal computer 2 is accessed to the album creation support server 3 (step S3). Subsequently, an authentication screen (not shown) for inputting the user ID and password is displayed, and the input of the user ID and password is accepted (step S4). The web server 32 of the album creation support server 3 authenticates the user and determines whether or not the authentication is OK (step S5). If step S5 is affirmed, access is permitted (step S6), and the subsequent processing is performed. If step S5 is denied, access is denied (step S7), and the process ends.

When access is permitted, a web page representing a travel route information creation screen for inputting information necessary for creating travel route information is created by the web server 32 (step S8) and moved to the user's personal computer 2 A route information creation screen is displayed (step S9).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a travel route information creation screen. As shown in FIG. 7, the travel route information creation screen 13 includes a departure point input box 13 </ b> A for allowing the user to input a departure point for travel, a final destination input box 13 </ b> B for inputting a final destination, and a departure date and time. Departure date and time input box 13C for inputting the arrival date and time, Arrival date and time input box 13D for inputting the arrival date and time to the final destination, Via station input box 13E for inputting the transit location when necessary, and a moving method are input And a transmission button 13G for transmitting the input information to the album creation support server 3 is displayed.

The user inputs the departure point, the final destination, the departure date and time, the arrival date and time, the waypoint, and the movement method in each of the input boxes 13A to 13F. As a movement method, any movement method such as walking, railroad, automobile, ship, and airplane can be input. In addition, since the movement methods are limited, instead of the movement method input box 13F, a plurality of movement methods are displayed side by side, a check box is assigned to each movement method, and the check box is checked to change the movement method. You may make it input.

In addition to these items, for example, in consideration of a case where the vehicle is moved by a car, information such as a road being free or a traffic jam may be input.

After the travel route information creation screen 13 is displayed, monitoring is started as to whether or not the send button 13G has been clicked (step S10). When step S10 is affirmed, the information input to the travel route information creation screen 13 is displayed as an album. It is transmitted to the creation support server 3 (step S11).

The album creation support server 3 receives the information input on the travel route information creation screen 13 (step S12). This information is input to the album creation server 33, where travel route information is created (step S13).

Here, when the travel method is railway, if the departure point, final destination, departure date and time, and arrival date and time at the final destination are known, the user can get on by using the railway route search software stored in the storage means 31. You can get information on the train, the station where you boarded, and the station where you got off. If you know the train you boarded, the station you boarded, and the station you got off, you can also know the travel route and the transit time at any position on the travel route. In addition, when the travel method is a car, if the departure point, final destination, departure date and time, and arrival date and time at the final destination are known, the average speed of the car can be taken into account, and the travel route and the travel route You can see the passing time of the position.

The album creation server 33 can create travel route information representing the travel route of the user by performing calculations using software and timetables stored in the storage means 31 based on the input information.

For example, the travel method is railroad, the departure point is Tokyo Station, the final destination is Morioka, the departure date is 8:46 am on September 11, 2001, and the arrival date is 5 pm on September 11, 2001. If 0:00 is entered, the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Morioka becomes the travel route. In addition, since the train on which the vehicle has been boarded is generally known, it is possible to know the passing time of the user at the specified position on the moving route by referring to the timetable. The travel route information is information necessary for calculating the position where the Tohoku Shinkansen track exists and the user's passage time on the travel route. If the transit point is a major station on the movement route, the passage time can be calculated using the passage time of the major station, so the passage time of the major station is included in the movement route information. May be.

Also, the travel route is walking, the departure point is the foot of Mt. Fuji, the final destination is the top of Mt. Fuji, the departure date and time is 11:00 pm on August 11, 2002, and the arrival date and time is the morning of August 12, 2002 In the case of 4 o'clock, the mountain climbing path of Mt. In addition, if the distance of the mountain climbing path of Mt. Fuji is known, the moving speed of the user can be generally understood from the departure date and time and the arrival date and time, so that the user's passing time at an arbitrary position on the moving route can also be known. The travel route information is information necessary for calculating the position where the mountain trail of Mt. Fuji exists and the user's passage time on the travel route.

When the travel route information is created in this way, the map data MP including the travel route represented by the created travel route information is selected from the map database DB1 stored in the storage means 31 (step S14). At this time, the map data MP reflecting the user's preference may be selected with reference to the user information of the currently accessed user.

Here, the map data MP is selected to a scale that can display the user's travel route to the maximum. It should be noted that a range in which the movement route can be displayed to the maximum extent may be cut out from the map data stored in the storage unit 31 as necessary, and this may be used as the map data MP. Further, since the map data MP for each age is also stored in the storage means 31, the map data MP of the age at which the image data S0 was taken is selected based on the shooting date / time information given to the image data S0.

Then, the selected map data MP is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S15), and the map data MP is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S16).

FIG. 8 shows a map display screen. As shown in FIG. 8, the map display screen 14 is different from the initial screen 10 in that a map frame 14 </ b> A is included below the folder frame 10 </ b> A in the initial screen 10. The map data MP transmitted from the album creation support server 3 is displayed on the map frame 14A. In addition, on the map displayed on the map frame 14A, the movement route is indicated by a bold line, for example. Thereby, the user can check the map data MP used for the album data AL.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the album creation button 12B has been clicked after the user has selected the image data S0 to be included in the album data AL (step S17). If step S17 is affirmed, the selected image data S0 is created as an album. It is transmitted to the support server 3 (step S18).

The album creation support server 3 receives the image data S0 (step S19), and the album creation server 33 creates album data AL based on the image data S0 and the map data MP (step S20). Specifically, album data AL is created by arranging image data S0 and map data MP on a predetermined template.

Note that since the date / time information is given to the image data S0, the map data MP may be selected for each day and the album data AL may be created for each day when the image data S0 is acquired.

The created album data AL is transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 2 (step S21).

On the other hand, if step S17 is negative, it is determined whether or not the other person image button 12C has been clicked after the desired position on the map has been clicked (step S22). When step S22 is affirmed, the information on the clicked position on the map (referred to as click position information) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S23).

The album creation support server 3 receives the click position information (step S24), and the other person image data corresponding to the click position on the map is read from the storage means 31 and transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S25). The other-person image data transmitted at this time may be of such a size that the contents can be understood when displayed on the personal computer 2, so that the thumbnail image can be displayed on the personal computer 2 as will be described later. Is.

By selecting a desired area on the map, information on the selected area is transmitted to the album creation support server 3, and other person image data corresponding to the selected area is read from the storage unit 31 and stored in the personal computer 2. You may send it. Here, the region can be selected by an operation such as dragging the range with the mouse or designating the radius after clicking the center position.

Other person image data is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S26). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an other person image display screen. As shown in FIG. 9, instead of the thumbnail image frame 10 </ b> B on the map display screen 14, the other person image display screen 15 displays a third party image thumbnail display frame 15 </ b> A displaying a list of thumbnail images of other person image data. In addition, the map display screen 14 is different in that a return button 15B for returning to the map display screen 14 is displayed below the instruction frame 10D.

The user can select other person image data to be included in the album by clicking a thumbnail image of the other person image data on the other person image display screen 15. At this time, a plurality of other image data may be selected. By clicking the return button 15B, it is possible to return to the map display screen 14 without selecting other person image data. Then, monitoring of whether or not the album creation button 12B has been clicked is started (step S27). When step S27 is affirmed, information specifying the selected other person image data (for example, a file of the selected other person image data) Name) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 together with the image data S0 (step S28).

The album creation support server 3 receives the image data S0 and information specifying the other person image data (step S29), and the album creation server 33 reads the other person image data selected by the user from the storage means 31. The album data AL is created based on the image data S0, the other person's image data, and the map data MP (step S30). The created album data AL is transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 2 (step S31).

On the other hand, if step S22 is negative, it is determined whether or not the spot information button 12D has been clicked after the desired position on the map has been clicked (step S32). When step S32 is affirmed, the information on the clicked position on the map (referred to as click position information) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S33).

The album creation support server 3 receives the click position information (step S34), reads the spot information corresponding to the click position on the map from the storage means 31, and transmits it to the personal computer 2 (step S35).

The spot information is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S36). FIG. 10 shows a spot information display screen. As shown in FIG. 10, on the spot information display screen 16, a spot information display frame 16A displaying a list of spot information is displayed instead of the thumbnail image frame 10B on the map display screen 14, and the lower side of the instruction frame 10D In addition, the map display screen 14 is different in that a return button 16B for returning to the map display screen 14 is displayed. Here, the spot information display frame 16A displays a plurality of spot information to which numbers are assigned.

If the spot information is audio data, a playback button 16C is displayed together with a description of the number and spot information. The user can reproduce the audio data by clicking the reproduction button 16C.

The user can select spot information to be included in the album by clicking the spot information number on the spot information display screen 16. At this time, a plurality of pieces of spot information may be selected. By clicking the return button 16B, it is possible to return to the map display screen 14 without selecting spot information. Then, monitoring of whether or not the album creation button 12B has been clicked is started (step S37). When step S37 is affirmed, information (for example, a spot information number) for specifying the selected spot information is displayed together with the image data S0. It is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S38).

The album creation support server 3 receives the image data S0 and the information specifying the spot information (step S39), and the album creation server 33 reads the spot information selected by the user from the storage means 31, and the image data S0. The album data AL is created based on the spot information and the map data MP (step S40). The created album data AL is transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 2 (step S41).

The album data AL transmitted to the personal computer 2 is displayed on the album display screen (step S42). FIG. 11 shows an album display screen. As shown in FIG. 11, on the album display screen 17, an album display frame 17A displaying an album represented by the album data AL is displayed instead of the thumbnail image frame 10B on the map display screen 14, and an instruction frame is displayed. 10D differs from the map display screen 14 in that a return button 17B for returning to the map display screen 14 and a layout change button 17C for changing the album layout are displayed below 10D.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detailed layout of the album displayed in the album display frame 17A. As shown in FIG. 12, in the album displayed in the album display frame 17A, the movement path 18B of the user is indicated by a bold line on the map 18A, and an icon representing the acquisition location of the image data S0 along the movement path 18B. 18C is given. Note that one icon 18C is assigned at a position on the map where only one image data S0 is associated, and a plurality of image data S0 is at a position on the map associated with a plurality of image data S0. An icon 18C indicating that it is associated is assigned.

Note that since the user normally travels back and forth on the travel route 18B, the color of the travel route 18B on the map 18A and the assigned icon may be different between the forward route and the return route.

Here, associating the position on the movement path 18B with the image data S0 calculates the movement speed of the user from the departure time, the arrival time, and the distance of the movement path 18B, and assigns the movement speed of the user to the image data S0. By calculating the distance moved from the departure point to the shooting date and time of the image data S0 based on the shooting date and time information, and setting the point of that distance on the movement path 18B to the position where the image data S0 was acquired. It can be carried out.

When the user clicks on the icon on the map 18A, a list 18D of thumbnail images of the image data S0 associated with the position is displayed below the map 18A. When the user gives an instruction to include other person image data or spot information in the album data AL, the thumbnail image list 18D includes the thumbnail image 18E or spot information 18F of the other person image data selected by the user. included. When the spot information is audio data, a playback button 18G is displayed. Here, the thumbnail image 18E of the other person image data has a frame color different from that of the user image data S0 in order to distinguish it from the user image data S0. When the icon at another position on the map 18A is clicked, the list of thumbnail images is switched to the image data S0, the other person image data, and the spot information associated with the position to which the icon is assigned.

The user clicks the return button 17B on the album display screen 17 to return to the map display screen 14, the other person image display screen 15 or the spot information display screen 16 without performing processing such as output of the album data AL. be able to.

On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the layout change button 17C has been clicked (step S43). If step S43 is affirmed, a layout change instruction is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S44).

The album creation support server 3 receives the layout change instruction (step S45), and creates album data AL based on the changed layout (step S46). That is, by changing the template in which the image data S0, the map data MP, the other person image data and / or the spot information is arranged, album data AL representing an album having a layout different from the album shown in FIG. 12 is created.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a layout in which a map 18A is displayed on a part of one image 18I and an image at a corresponding position on the map 18A is switched and displayed by clicking the arrow buttons 18J and 18K. Album data AL representing the album is created.

The newly created album data AL is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S47), the process returns to step S42, and the processes after step S42 are performed.

If step S43 is negative, it is determined whether or not an instruction to output album data AL has been made by clicking the CD button 11C, the print button 11D or the web button 11E (step S48). If step S48 is positive, an output instruction is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S49).

The album creation support server 3 receives the output instruction (step S50), and outputs the album data AL according to the output instruction (step S51). That is, when the CD button 11C is clicked, the album data AL is recorded on the medium M1 by the media drive 34. When the print button 11D is clicked, the album data AL is printed out from the printer 35 and bound. When the web button 11E is clicked, the album data AL is stored in the storage unit 31 and is used for browsing via the network 1.

Note that, when the album data AL is printed out, one print is printed for each acquisition location of the collected image data S0 on the map 18A. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in one print, the icon on the moving route 18B of the map 18A is specified by surrounding it with a circle 18L, and is acquired at the acquisition location to which the specified icon is given. The image data S0 is printed as a list. Note that since the print cannot generate audio data, the playback button 18G in FIG. 12 is not displayed on the print.

In the personal computer 2, it is determined whether or not an end instruction has been given (step S52), and when step S52 is affirmed, the process ends. If step S52 is negative, the process returns to step S16. In addition, also when step S32 is denied and when step S48 is denied, it progresses to step S52 and it is determined whether completion | finish instruction | indication was made.

It should be noted that print output can also be performed by a user printer connected to the personal computer 2.

As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the departure point, the final destination, the departure date and time, the arrival date and time at the final destination, and the information on the movement method input by the user, any of the user's movement route and the movement route The travel route information including information on the passage time at the position of is generated, map data MP is selected from the map database DB1 based on the travel route information, and based on the travel route information and the shooting date / time information given to the image data S0. Thus, the acquisition location of the image data S0 is estimated, and the acquisition location of the image data S0 and the location on the movement path 18B on the map 18A represented by the map data MP are associated with each other to create the album data AL. Is.

Therefore, as long as the travel route information can be acquired, the image data S0 can be easily associated with the acquisition location on the travel route 18B of the map 18A. Therefore, it is possible to easily acquire the album data AL by easily associating the image data S0 with the acquisition location.

Further, by acquiring information related to the acquisition location of the image data S0, such as other person image data and spot information, and creating the album data AL based on this information, only the image data S0 acquired by the user can be obtained. Instead, information related to the place where the image data S0 is acquired can be included in the album data AL. Therefore, the contents of the album can be further enhanced.

In addition, by acquiring the travel route information based on at least the departure point, the final destination, the departure date / time, the arrival date / time at the final destination, and the information on the travel method, the user can use GPS or mobile phone during the trip. Even when a means for acquiring information representing the acquisition location of the image data S0 is not carried, it is possible to acquire the movement route information only by performing a relatively simple input when creating the album data AL. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when acquiring the travel route information.

Further, since the map data MP reflecting the user's preference can be acquired by acquiring the map data MP including the movement route based on the user information of the user who creates the album, the album data AL is used. The album shown can be made more user-preferred.

In the above-described embodiment, the travel route information is acquired based on the departure point, the final destination, the departure date and time, the arrival date and time to the final destination, and the information on the travel method. In the case of having means, GPS information is added to the image data S0 acquired by shooting as shooting location information. Therefore, when the shooting location information is added to the image data S0 in this way, the departure point, the final destination, the departure date and time, and the final destination using the movement route information creation screen 13 shown in FIG. Even without inputting the arrival date and time and the moving method, the moving route information may be created based on the shooting location information given to the image data S0.

In the above embodiment, when the other person image button 12C is clicked, the other person image data corresponding to the click position on the map is transmitted to the personal computer 2 so that the album data AL includes the other person image data. Instead of the image data, the moving image data associated with the click place may be used as the other person image data.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although map data MP is selected based on movement route information or user information, the album creation server 33 learns the selection pattern of map data MP for every user, and selects according to a user. It is preferable that the number of map data MP candidates to be gradually reduced. Thereby, map data MP can be selected efficiently for every user.

In the above embodiment, the album creation support server 3 is accessed from the personal computer 2 and the album data AL is created in the album creation support server 3. However, the information stored in the storage means 31 is stored in the personal computer 2. By storing software that can be stored in the album creation server 33 and installed in the personal computer 2, the user can create album data AL using the personal computer 2 without accessing the album creation support server 3. it can.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an album creation system to which an album creation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The flowchart which shows the process performed at the time of album creation in this embodiment (the 1) The flowchart which shows the process performed at the time of album creation in this embodiment (the 2) The flowchart which shows the processing performed at the time of album creation in this embodiment (the 3) The flowchart which shows the processing performed at the time of album creation in this embodiment (the 4) Figure showing the initial screen of the image management software Diagram showing travel route information creation screen Diagram showing map display screen Figure showing the other person image display screen Figure showing the spot information display screen Figure showing the album display screen The figure which shows the detailed layout of the album which is displayed in the album display frame Figure showing an album with a modified layout Illustration showing the layout of a printed album

Explanation of symbols

1 Network 2 Personal Computer 3 Album Creation Support Server 10 Initial Screen 13 Travel Route Information Creation Screen 14 Map Display Screen 15 Other Person Image Display Screen 16 Spot Information Display Screen 17 Album Display Screen 31 Storage Means 32 Web Server 33 Album Creation Server 34 Media Drive 35 Printer

Claims (6)

In an album creating apparatus for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which time information representing acquisition time is given,
A travel route information acquisition means for acquiring travel route information including information on a travel route and a passage time at a desired position on the travel route;
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data including the movement route based on the movement route information from a map database storing a plurality of map data;
An acquisition location estimating means for estimating an acquisition location of the image data on the movement route based on the movement route information and the time information;
Album data creation means for creating the album data including the map data in which the acquisition information and the image data are associated with each other, giving the acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired to the acquisition location in the travel route An album creating apparatus characterized by comprising: 2. The album according to claim 1, wherein the album data creating means further obtains related information related to the acquisition location, and creates the album data by associating the related information with the map data. Creation device. The travel route information acquisition unit is a unit that acquires the travel route information based on at least a departure point, a final destination, a departure date and time, an arrival date and time at the final destination, and information on a travel method. The album creating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The album creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map data obtaining unit is a unit that obtains the map data based on user information of a user who creates the album. 5. . In an album creating method for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which time information representing acquisition time is given,
Obtaining travel route information including information on the travel route and the passage time at a desired position on the travel route;
Based on the travel route information, map data including the travel route is acquired from a map database storing a plurality of map data,
Based on the travel route information and the time information, estimate the acquisition location of the image data on the travel route,
Adding acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired to the acquisition location in the travel route, and creating album data including the map data in which the acquisition information and the image data are associated with each other. To create an album. In a program for causing a computer to execute an album creating method for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which time information representing acquisition time is given.
A procedure for acquiring travel route information including information on the travel route and the passage time at a desired position on the travel route;
A procedure for acquiring map data including the travel route based on the travel route information from a map database storing a plurality of map data;
A procedure for estimating the acquisition location of the image data on the movement route based on the movement route information and the time information;
A step of adding acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired to the acquisition location in the movement route and creating album data including the map data in which the acquisition information and the image data are associated with each other. program.

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