JP2005310108A - Image classifying device and image classifying method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To classify even images whose shooting dates are unclear into proper groups at the time of classifying image data with the information of shooting dates into the predetermined number of groups. <P>SOLUTION: Image data with the information of shooting dates are classified into the predetermined number of groups. As for no date image data in which the information of the shooting date is unclear, whether or not the number is a predetermined threshold or less is decided. When this decision is denied, the no date image data are classified into one group, and the other image data are classified into the residual groups. When the decision is affirmed, any image data other than the no date image data are classified into the predetermined number of groups. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image classification device and method for classifying a plurality of pieces of image data to which information related to the acquired age is assigned into a predetermined number of groups for organizing the images, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image classification method It is about.

  Prints using conventional silver halide photographic film can be used in various ways, such as looking at the image, showing it to a friend for communication, printing it to an acquaintance, decorating it by enlarging it, and pasting it on an album. Has been. However, a large number of prints using a silver halide photographic film accumulate if neglected, and it is difficult to utilize such as searching for a desired print from among them or increasing the number of prints. In particular, when the prints are stored, the prints are often arranged in a random manner without considering the shooting order, so that it is more difficult to arrange the prints.

  In addition, it is easy to use it if it is organized frequently, but it takes a lot of time to classify the collected prints according to the order of shooting dates and themes. In addition, even if you organize and paste it into an album, the album is usually only a part, so it is difficult for many people to view photos or to have remote people view photos .

  Also, neglecting to organize prints will result in the accumulation of negative films as well as prints. In many cases, the negative film is left as it is or stored in a box or bag even if it is arranged. Furthermore, if the user who is a photographer gets older, children and grandchildren, and the family grows, the number of prints and negative films will increase, and if you do not organize, a huge amount of prints and negative films will be left unattended Become. If a print or a negative film is thrown away, it cannot be printed again, so it is rarely thrown away, and in many homes, there is a problem with how to organize and place it.

  On the other hand, image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a negative film or a print by a reading device such as a scanner is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-R and viewed using a reproducing device such as a personal computer. In addition, a photo service system that prints out an image at the request of a user has been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, the image data is stored in the image storage server that stores the image data via a network such as the Internet, the image data is stored, and the image data can be viewed or printed using a terminal device remote from the image storage server. There has also been proposed a network photo service system including an image storage system capable of performing various processes relating to images such as orders (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, in the image storage system, it is assumed that the image recorded on the negative film is read during the process of developing and printing the negative film, and the image data is stored in units of film rolls. The work of associating the film roll with the user who requested storage of the image data is complicated. In addition, since the image is simply read and stored from the negative film, if the image is read from a huge number of negative films or prints left at home as described above, it is not arranged at all. A large amount of image data will be stored. In this case, it is necessary for the user who accesses the image storage server to organize a large amount of image data. However, the work is very complicated like the arrangement of negative films and prints, and the usability of the system is very high. It is bad.

  Therefore, image data is acquired from a recording medium such as a print or film on which an image is recorded, the acquired image data is associated with recording medium information representing the recording medium from which the image data was acquired, and image data associated with the recording medium information A system for providing a so-called photomining service in which a user is stored on a user basis based on user information has been proposed (see Patent Document 4). According to this system, even if a large number of negative films and prints buried in the home are not organized, the user only requests the photo shop to read the image, and the image data obtained by the reading is recorded as record information. It can be referred to in an organized state based on

In particular, in the system described in Patent Document 4 described above, shooting date information representing the shooting date of an image is acquired as record information. Specifically, when the shooting date is reflected in the image, the shooting date information is obtained by performing character recognition, or for a film capable of recording magnetic information, the shooting date information included in the magnetic information is acquired. The shooting date information is acquired by reading. Also, the shooting date specified by the user who placed the order is acquired as shooting date information. Further, when the shooting date is unknown, the shooting date information is obtained by estimating the shooting date from the DX code of the film or the brand mark printed on the print. Furthermore, when the shooting date is unknown, shooting date information indicating that the shooting date is unknown is acquired. As described above, by using the shooting date information as the recording material information, it is possible to classify and refer to images by age.
JP-A-10-150538 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-150541 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154218 JP 2003-234985 A

  Incidentally, in the system described in Patent Document 4 described above, the images represented by the acquired image data are classified into a plurality of groups. At this time, it is possible to classify the images according to the age according to the shooting date information given to the image data. However, since the acquired image data includes images whose shooting dates are unknown, when images are classified by age, images whose shooting dates are unknown are not always classified into groups.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately classify even an image whose shooting date is unknown.

A first image classification device according to the present invention is an image classification device that classifies a plurality of images to which information about an acquired age is given into a predetermined number of groups.
A determination means for determining whether or not the number of images of unknown age to which the information about the age indicating that the acquired age is unknown is less than a predetermined threshold;
First group classification means for classifying the unknown-age images into one group when the determination is negative;
And a second group classification means for classifying an image other than the image of unknown age into a group other than the group of images of unknown age.

A second image classification device according to the present invention is an image classification device that classifies a plurality of images to which information related to an acquired age is given into a predetermined number of groups.
A first group classification means for classifying images of unknown ages to which information about the ages indicating that the acquired ages are unknown into one group;
And a second group classification means for classifying an image other than the image of unknown age into a group other than the group of images of unknown age.

  The first and second image classification apparatuses according to the present invention may further include image selection means for selecting a number of images corresponding to a predetermined capacity from each of the predetermined number of groups almost equally. .

A first image classification method according to the present invention is an image classification method for classifying a plurality of images provided with information about an acquired age into a predetermined number of groups.
Determining whether or not the number of images of unknown age to which the information about the age indicating that the acquired age is unknown is less than a predetermined threshold;
If the determination is negative, classify the unknown images into a group,
The images other than the image of unknown age are classified into a group other than the group of images of unknown age.

A second image classification method according to the present invention is an image classification method for classifying a plurality of images to which information related to acquired age is given into a predetermined number of groups.
Classifying the images of unknown age to which the information about the age of the acquired age is unknown into one group,
The images other than the image of unknown age are classified into a group other than the group of images of unknown age.

  In addition, you may provide as a program for making a computer perform the 1st and 2nd image classification method by this invention.

  According to the first image classification device and method of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the unknown-age image to which the information about the age indicating that the acquired age is unknown is less than a predetermined threshold, When this determination is negative, the images with unknown ages are classified into one group. For this reason, it is possible to prevent images with unknown ages from being classified into one group when the images with unknown ages are less than a predetermined threshold, and images with unknown shooting dates when they are greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. It can be classified into one group.

  According to the second image classification apparatus and method of the present invention, the images of unknown ages to which information indicating that the acquired age is unknown are classified into one group, and images other than images of unknown ages are images of unknown ages. It is classified into other groups other than the group. For this reason, images with unknown shooting dates can be classified into one group.

  In addition, by selecting images from each of a predetermined number of groups almost equally according to a predetermined capacity, for example, when creating a slideshow format moving image from the selected images, the images of each group are included in the moving image. Can be included almost evenly.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photomining system to which an image classification device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a photo mining system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of users 2 and a photo mining server (hereinafter referred to as a PM server) that accepts orders for a photo mining service by a plurality of users 2 via the Internet. 3 and various information, negative films, prints, and the like are exchanged between the digital center 4 that processes an order of the photomining service performed by the user 2.

  In this embodiment, the photomining service acquires the image data S0 from the media M such as the negative film NF, the print P and the CD-R, and the memory card owned by the user 2, and from the acquired image data and image data. The created slide show format DVD-Video file is recorded on a DVD-R and delivered to the user.

  The user 2 owns a large amount of negative film NF and prints P without organizing them, and records a large amount of image data on the medium M without organizing them. An order for a photo mining service for print P is made. That is, the user 2 has a user terminal 20 such as a personal computer connected to the Internet 7, accesses the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, and orders a photo mining service.

  Note that the photo mining system 1 according to the present embodiment has a membership system, and the user 2 registers a member in advance with the PM server 3 and issues a user ID and password that are identification symbols for identifying the user 2. It is what has been received. At the time of member registration, the user 2 registers information such as the user's name, address, age, telephone number, e-mail address, and family structure as user information at the same time. The registered user information is registered in the user information database of the PM server 3 and the digital center 4 as described later.

  The PM server 3 operates a website that accepts orders for photo mining services, and accepts orders for photo mining services by the user 2. At this time, the user 2 accesses the website of the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, inputs a user ID and a password, and orders a photo mining service. When the PM server 3 accepts an order from the user 2, the PM server 3 issues an order number, and transmits an e-mail for notifying the user 2 of the order number and the delivery date for confirmation of order acceptance. Further, the PM server 3 notifies the digital center 4 that the order from the user 2 has been accepted. The notification includes user information, order number, delivery date and order reception date.

  The PM server 3 stores a user information database DB1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user information database DB1. As shown in FIG. 2, the user information database DB1 includes a plurality of user information and header information for managing each user information. Here, when a new user is registered, the user information database DB1 is updated. Specifically, each piece of user information includes a user ID, name, date of birth, age, address, hobby, e-mail address, family structure, usage record of image data, settlement method, and other information.

  When the operator of the digital center 4 is notified that the order has been received from the PM server 3, the user refers to the user information included in the notification and the user information database DB1 stored in the digital center 4 as will be described later. 2 is sent to the address of the user 2 who made the order. The delivery box B for sending the negative film NF, the print P, and the medium M (hereinafter referred to as the recording medium 10) owned by the customer 2 to the digital center 4 is sent. Note that an order slip in which information such as the order number of the user is recorded together with the shipping box B is also sent to the user 2. Further, the order slip is also attached to the sending box B. A barcode associated with the order number is printed on the order slip. Further, the order box B may be sent from an external supplier different from the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the user 2 packs the recording body 10 owned by the user 2 in the sending box B and sends it to the digital center 4. At this time, the type, number, and comments of the recording medium 10 are described in the order slip and returned to the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the digital center 4 uses the image forming apparatus 40 to perform processing for the photomining service.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 40 acquires image data from the recording body 10 and creates a DVD-R on which the acquired image data is recorded. The image forming apparatus 40 reads an image recorded on the negative film NF. Three film scanners 41A to 41C for acquiring the image data S0, a print scanner 42 for reading the image from the print P and acquiring the image data S0, and a media drive 43 for reading the image data S0 from the medium M and acquiring the image data S0 Various information for acquiring the shooting date information D from the image data S0 read from the medium M, and for adding to the image data S0 information relating to the shooting date (hereinafter referred to as shooting date information D) from the negative film NF and the print P. An information acquisition unit 44 that acquires information, and performs image processing and image restoration processing on the image data S0. The image processing unit 45 to obtain an image data S1 processed by, comprising a storage unit 46 storing various kinds of information including the image data S1.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 40 determines which of the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 (hereinafter referred to as the image acquisition unit 12) acquires the image data S0 from the recording medium 10 sent by the user 2. Sorting unit 47 for sorting, job management unit 48 that manages the type of image acquisition unit 12 that performs acquisition processing of image data S0 from each recording medium 10 in units of acquisition processing (hereinafter referred to as job), job unit or image By providing a comment input unit 49 that accepts input of comments regarding images in units, an image confirmation unit 50 that performs confirmation and correction of an image represented by the processed image data S1, and various information such as comments to the image data S1. An image converter 51 for converting the image data 1 into the image data S2 in the Exif format; A DVD-Video file V0 in a slide show format from the DVD-R, and a DVD creation unit 52 for creating a DVD-R in which the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 are recorded, and a communication unit 53 for communicating with the PM server 3 .

  Note that the components of the image forming apparatus 40 are connected by a bus 55.

  The film scanners 41A to 41C sequentially read a plurality of images recorded on the negative film NF, and obtain a plurality of image data S0 representing the images recorded on the negative film NF. Here, the negative film NF is delivered to the digital center 4 while being cut into film pieces in units of six frames and stored in a film storage sheet. For this reason, an operator who operates the film scanners 41A to 41C sequentially takes out the film pieces from the film storage sheet, sets them on the film scanners 41A to 41C, and reads an image.

  In the present embodiment, reading of an image from the negative film NF stored in one film storage sheet is one acquisition process, that is, job. For this reason, the operator of the film scanners 41A to 41C performs an input to the effect that one job has been completed on the operation unit of the film scanners 41A to 41C every time reading of an image from one film storage sheet is completed.

  The films stored in the respective film storage sheets are taken out and sequentially joined, and the joined negative film NF is further joined to create a film roll, and image reading is performed from the film roll using the film scanners 41A to 41C. May be performed.

  The print scanner 42 reads the image of the print P and acquires image data S0 representing the image of the print P. Here, the prints P are delivered to the digital center 4 in a state where a plurality of prints are bundled together. Therefore, an operator who operates the print scanner 42 sets the prints P one by one in the print scanner 42 and reads an image. In the present embodiment, reading one image from a bundle of prints P is one job. For this reason, the operator of the print scanner 42 performs an input to the effect that one job has been completed on the operation unit of the print scanner 42 every time reading of an image from the bundle of prints P is completed.

  Note that sorting means for automatically feeding the prints P to the print scanner 42 may be provided so that images from the prints P are automatically read.

  The media drive 43 acquires the image data S0 by reading the image data S0 recorded on the medium M. Since there are a wide variety of media M, media drive 43 of a type corresponding to the media used in the market is prepared.

  In the present embodiment, reading of image data from one medium M is one acquisition process, that is, job. For this reason, the operator of the media drive 43 performs an input to the effect that one job has been completed on the operation unit of the media drive 43 every time reading of image data from one medium M is completed.

  The information acquisition unit 44 acquires the shooting date information D from the negative film NF and the print P. Here, in the negative film NF, a code number (hereinafter referred to as DX code) peculiar to the film is recorded, and by referring to this DX code, it is possible to estimate the age when the film was manufactured. Is. For this reason, the information acquisition unit 44 reads the DX code recorded in the negative film NF, and refers to the age database DB2 stored in the storage unit 46 as will be described later. Is obtained.

  When the negative film NF is a so-called APS film having a magnetic recording part capable of recording magnetic information, the shooting date can be recorded as magnetic information in the magnetic recording part. In this case, it is possible to read the magnetic information indicating the shooting date recorded in the magnetic reading unit of the negative film NF and use it as shooting date information D.

  Further, when the date is reflected in the image, the shooting date can be known by reading the date and performing character recognition. In this case, information obtained by reading the date reflected in the image can be used as the shooting date information D. Note that, depending on the image, the date being reflected may be difficult to read. In such a case, the shooting date information D of the image whose shooting date could not be read may be obtained based on the date that can be read in the images before and after the image.

  On the other hand, for the print P, when the date is reflected in the print P, the date of photographing can be known by reading the date and performing character recognition. In this case, information obtained by reading the date reflected on the print P can be used as the shooting date information D.

  In addition, when the print P is a bordered print, information indicating the print age, such as “Fujicolor 99”, may be included in the edge portion. In addition, information indicating the age of the print (for example, a brand mark of a print that differs depending on the release year) may be printed on the back surface of the print P. In such a case, information obtained by reading the edge or back of the print P and further performing character recognition may be used as the shooting date information D.

  In some cases, the user 2 describes the shooting date on the film storage sheet of the negative film NF, the storage bag of the film storage sheet, and / or the back surface of the print P. In addition, the user 2 may record the shooting date for each recording medium 10 in the order slip. In such a case, input of these dates by the operator of the digital center 4 may be received by a comment input unit 49 or the like which will be described later, and the input date may be used as the shooting date information D.

  Further, since the image date S0 read from the medium M has the shooting date information described in the tag, the shooting date information D may be acquired based on the shooting date information described in the tag.

  Here, as described above, the shooting date information D is described in the DX code, the shooting date reflected in the image, the shooting date instructed by the user, the information recorded on the edge and back of the print P, and the tag. It can be obtained based on many types of information sources, such as information. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the priority order of the information sources to be obtained and obtain the shooting date information D according to the priority order. At this time, it is preferable that the information source from which the photographing date information D is obtained can be identified so that the information source from which the photographing date information D is obtained can be recognized. Note that a plurality of shooting date information D may be acquired in association with the information source without setting the priority order in advance.

  Further, in the information acquisition unit 44, in addition to the shooting date information D, the frame number in the case of reading from the negative film NF, the type of the recording body from which the image data S0 is obtained (the negative film NF, the print P, and the media M The information data J is generated together with the shooting date information D.

  Here, there are cases where the shooting date is unknown even if any information source is referred to. In this case, the information acquisition unit 44 obtains shooting date information D indicating that the shooting date is unknown.

  The photographing date information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 may be acquired at the same time as the image data S0 is acquired by the image acquisition unit 12. In this case, the information acquisition unit 44 is added to the image acquisition unit 12, and the operator of the image acquisition unit 12 operates the information acquisition unit 44.

  The image processing unit 45 performs image processing for improving image quality such as gradation processing, color conversion processing, and sharpness processing on the image data S0 to obtain processed image data S1. Note that, in the negative film NF or the print P for which the user 2 has requested the photomining service, the image may fade and become sepia or may be scratched over time. In addition, red eyes may occur in an image obtained by photographing using a flash.

  For this reason, the image processing unit 45 may perform image restoration processing such as fading correction processing, flaw correction processing, and red-eye correction processing for correcting the sepia color to a normal color on the image data S0. The image restoration process may be automatically performed by analyzing the image data S0. However, in order to respond to the user 2's desire to leave the image as it is, the image restoration process is performed only when there is an instruction from the user 2. A repair process may be performed. Furthermore, an image restoration process may be performed on all the image data S0 according to an instruction from the user 2. The instruction by the user 2 is described in the order slip. For this reason, the operator of the digital center 4 can determine whether or not to execute the image restoration process by confirming the presence or absence of an instruction from the user 2 by referring to the order slip.

  Note that when reading images with the film scanners 41A to 41C and the print scanner 42, IR data is obtained in correspondence with the image data S0 by irradiating the film with infrared rays and reading infrared transmitted light, and based on the IR data. Then, the scratch correction process may be performed. That is, the IR data obtained by irradiating the film with infrared rays represents the defect position and the extent of the image data S0 caused by film scratches or dust. If such IR data is acquired and the flaw correction process is performed based on the IR data, flaws can be corrected efficiently.

  When the print P is a bordered print, the image represented by the image data S0 includes a white border portion. For this reason, in the image processing unit 45, an image having a white border portion may be trimmed so as to remove the border portion. Conversely, a border portion may be added to an image having no border portion in order to unify the appearance of the image.

  The storage unit 46 is composed of a large-capacity hard disk, and temporarily stores the image data S0 and processed image data S1 acquired by the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43, and the user information database DB1 and An age database DB2 representing the relationship between the DX code and the film production age and the relationship between the print brand mark and the age is stored. Further, the storage unit 46 stores the order number, sorting information (to be described later), the file name of the image data S0, the shooting date information D, the comment, the frame number of the negative film NF, the image aspect ratio, etc. The business management database DB3 in which information is registered is stored.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the age database DB2. As shown in FIG. 4, the age database DB2 includes a plurality of DX code information, brand mark information, and header information for managing each DX code information and each brand mark information. Each DX code information is specifically composed of DX code and information on the age when the negative film NF on which the DX code is recorded is manufactured. Each brand mark information is specifically composed of a brand mark and information on the age when the brand mark was used.

  The information acquisition unit 44 can acquire shooting date information D representing the age when the negative film NF was manufactured by reading the DX code recorded in the negative film NF and referring to the age database DB2. Further, the information acquisition unit 44 can acquire the shooting date information D representing the age when the brand mark was used by reading the brand mark printed on the back surface of the print P and referring to the age database DB2. .

  The sorting unit 47 sorts which image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 for each of the plurality of recording bodies 10 according to an operator's instruction. Therefore, the sorting unit 47 includes a display unit 47A for performing various displays and an input unit 47B including a barcode reader.

  First, the operator uses the sorting unit 47 to perform an arrival work. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an arrival screen displayed on the display unit 47A of the sorting unit 47. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the arrival screen 61 includes an order number, a user ID, a user name, an order reception date, a current state, an arrival date, an answer delivery date indicating a delivery date answered to the user, a shipment date, a settlement completion date, and A payment method item is displayed. The operator reads the barcode of the order slip attached to the sending box B with a barcode reader. Thus, the read order number is displayed in the order number column, and when the operator clicks the search button 61A, the user ID, name, name, The date of receipt of an order made by the user 2 to the PM server 3 and the delivery date for which the user 2 responded are displayed. In the arrival date column, the date of the arrival work day is entered. The operator confirms the contents, and if this is OK, the input completion button 61B is clicked. As a result, the sorting unit 47 transmits the information displayed on the arrival screen 61 to the business management unit 48.

  Thereafter, the operator performs a sorting operation. Note that the sorting operation may be performed after all the shipping boxes B currently received are received. First, the operator unpacks the transmission box B, and the number of negative films NF, the number of prints P, the number of media M and the number of negative films NF actually packed, the number of prints P, the media Check the number of M. At this time, even if the recording body 10 packed in the shipping box B is photographed and image data representing the packed recording body 10 is acquired and stored in the storage unit 46 in association with the order number. Good.

  Then, the sorting unit 47 displays a main screen on the display unit 47A in accordance with an operator instruction. FIG. 6 shows the main screen. As shown in FIG. 6, the main screen 62 includes an information display box 62A for displaying information about the photomining service for each user, a sort registration button 62B for sorting registration, and a comment registration button for registering comments. 62C, a top / bottom registration button 62D for performing top / bottom registration is displayed.

  In the information display box 62A, information such as an order number, a user ID, a user name, a situation, a settlement method, a reception date, an arrival date, a delivery date, and a shipment date is displayed as a list. Here, the status represents the current status of the order.

  In FIG. 6, the delivery date and the shipping date are not displayed, but can be displayed by operating the horizontal scroll bar 62E. Further, the list can be scrolled by operating the vertical scroll bar 62F.

  The operator of the sorting unit 47 performs the sorting work by selecting an order for sorting work in the list and then clicking the sort registration button 62E to display a sorting screen on the display unit 47A.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sorting screen. As shown in FIG. 7, the sorting screen 63 includes an order number display box 63A for displaying an order number for the selected order, and a model name of the image acquisition unit 12 installed in the digital center 4 (that is, the film scanner 41A to 41A). When reading an image from a negative film NF, a name box 63B displaying a film scanner No. 1 to No. 3 corresponding to 41C, a print scanner No. 1 corresponding to a print scanner 42, and a media drive No. 1 corresponding to a media drive 43) A sorting name box 63C for displaying a sorting name indicating the type of the designated film, and a line order number (that is, numbers corresponding to the model names of the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 selected in the name field 63B). Show Line order number box 63D, sorting number box 63E for inputting the number of sorting, setting button 63F for setting sorting, sorting status box 63G indicating the sorting status for the model selected in the name box 63B, for confirming sorting registration A sort registration button 63H, a cancel button 63J for canceling sort registration, and a remark input box 63K for inputting remarks are displayed.

  The operator selects the model name of the image acquisition unit 12 displayed in the name box 63B for each of the recording bodies 10 sent by the user 2. When the model name is selected, the line order number of the selected model is displayed in the line order number box 63D, and the sorting status of the selected model is displayed in the sorting status box 63G.

  The sorting status indicates how many recording bodies 10 are currently sorted into the model of the image acquisition unit 12 selected by the user. The model name, line order number, sorting name, number of sorting, and the image acquisition unit thereof 12 is made up of information on the operator who is currently operating.

  The operator selects a model that seems to be appropriate for acquiring the image data S0 in units of the recording medium 10 while looking at the sorting status. At this time, it is preferable to select the model in consideration of the operator's work ability displayed in the sorting status box 63G. For the negative film NF, one film storage sheet is used as one piece, the film type is selected in the film type box 63C, the number of sorting is input to the sorting number box 63E, and the setting button 63F is clicked. Thereby, the sorting of one negative film NF is completed, and the sorting status is added to the sorting status box 63G. Note that there are cases where scanning cannot be performed due to damage to the negative film NF. In such a case, the fact is input to the remark input box 63K.

  For the print P, the operator selects the first print scanner in the name box 63B with one bundle as one piece, and inputs the sorting number in the sorting number box 63E.

  Further, the operator selects one of the media M as one piece, selects the first media drive in the name box 63B, and inputs the number of sorting in the sorting number box 63E.

  When sorting for all the recording bodies 10 is completed, the sorting operation for the order is completed by clicking the sort registration button 63H. As a result, the sorting unit 47 generates sorting information indicating the sorting result, and transmits the sorting information to the job management unit 48. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing sorting information. As shown in FIG. 8, the sorting information includes a user ID and a job number. The job number is assigned in units of acquisition processing of the image data S0 from each of the plurality of recording bodies 10, and describes which image acquisition unit 12 is used to acquire the image data S0 for one job. It becomes.

  The sorting information shown in FIG. 8 represents the sorting result when the image data S0 is acquired from the three negative films NF, a bundle of prints, and one medium M. Further, the sorting result is printed out as a sorting slip and is passed to the operator of the image acquisition unit 12. The operator of the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 from the recording body 10 using the image acquisition unit 12 with reference to the sorting result printed on the sorting slip.

  The business management unit 48 manages the business of the photomining service performed by the digital center 4. That is, in photo mining services such as order acceptance, shipping box B, shipping box B, sorting, image data S0 acquisition, image processing, comment input, image confirmation, image conversion, DVD creation, DVD shipping and settlement Manage all work done for each order number on a per-user basis. Specifically, the business is managed using the business management database DB3.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the business management database DB3. As shown in FIG. 9, the business management database DB3 is composed of order information indicating the order contents for the photomining service for each user and header information for managing each order information. The order information includes an order number, sorting information, information on all jobs included in the order, and the current status of the order. The job information includes the line order number of the image acquisition unit 12 that performs the job, the shooting date information, the reliability of the shooting date represented by the shooting date information, an individual comment in the job, the file name, and the current status of the job The type of the recording medium 10 and other information.

  Further, the file name information includes individual shooting date information about the image data S0 having the file name, reliability of the shooting date, individual comments on the image data S0, top and bottom information indicating the orientation of the image, and negative film NF. It consists of a frame number when read, an aspect ratio of the image, a slide show for registering whether to include in the slide show, and other information.

  The order number transmitted from the PM server 3 is registered as the order number, and the information generated by the sorting unit 47 is registered as the sorting information. As the status of each order, the current status of the order is registered at any time. That is, sending box has been sent, waiting for arrival, receiving, sorting, waiting for sorting, scanning, scanning, scanned, image processing, image processing, image conversion, image conversion completed, DVD creation waiting, DVD creation in progress , And the status of shipment etc. are registered by input from components of the image forming apparatus 40 such as the image acquisition unit 12, the image processing unit 45, the sorting unit 47, and the DVD creation unit 52.

  The shooting date information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 is registered as shooting date information for each job. As will be described later, a comment input in the comment input unit 49 is registered for each job. The status of each job is registered as to what status each job is currently in. That is, the status of processing performed in units of jobs, such as sorting, waiting for scanning, scanning, scanned, image processing, and image processing, is determined by the image forming apparatus 40 such as the image acquisition unit 12 and the image processing unit 45. Registered by input from the component.

  The current situation in order units or job units is used by the operator of the digital center 4 for confirmation, but this may be transmitted to the PM server 3. Thereby, when the user 2 accesses the PM server 3, it is possible to confirm the current state of the order of the user 2. Here, the current situation to be notified to the user 2 does not have to be so fine as to notify the operator of the digital center 4. For example, the user 2 is notified of only three types, that is, scanning, DVD creation, and DVD shipment completed. It may be.

  Here, regarding the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera and the image data S0 read from the negative film NF in which the shooting date is recorded as magnetic information, the reliability of the shooting date information D is high, but the DX code or print of the film is high. Since the shooting date information D obtained by referring to the age database DB2 from the P brand mark or the like only knows the rough age, the reliability is low. For this reason, regarding the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera and the image data S0 read from the negative film NF in which the shooting date is recorded as magnetic information, the reliability of the shooting date represented by the shooting date information D is high. The fact that the reliability of the shooting date represented by the shooting date information D estimated by referring to the age database DB2 from the DX code, brand mark, etc. is low is registered. Specifically, the reliability is set in four stages of 0 to 3. If the reliability is high, 3 is registered, and thereafter, it is registered in steps of 2, 1, 0 as the reliability decreases.

  Further, when the shooting date information D indicates that the shooting date is unknown, the reliability may not be recorded.

  Instead of registering the reliability in the business management database DB3, the reliability may be obtained from the shooting date information D when the image conversion unit 51 converts the image data S1 as described later.

  The business management unit 48 manages the status of sorting performed on the image acquisition unit 12. The sorting status is displayed in a sorting status box 63G on the sorting screen 63.

  The comment input unit 49 accepts input of a comment for each job. Here, the event name written by the user 2 on the film storage sheet of the negative film NF, the event name written by the user 2 on the back side of the print P, and the event name written by the user 2 on the order slip are used as comments. be able to. The comment input unit 49 includes a display unit 49A and an input unit 49B. The main screen 62 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 49A according to the operator's instruction. When the operator clicks the comment registration button 62C, the comment is displayed on the display unit 49A. Display the input screen.

  FIG. 10 shows a comment input screen. As shown in FIG. 10, in the comment input screen 64, an order number display box 64A for displaying an order number for an order for inputting a comment, a job list box 64B for displaying a list of jobs, and a shooting for inputting a shooting date. A date input box 64C, a comment input box 64D for inputting a comment, a comment list box 64E for displaying a list of comments, a setting button 64F for setting a comment, a reset button 64G for resetting the input contents, and an input comment A comment registration button 64H for confirming and a cancel button 64J for canceling comment input are displayed.

  The operator who inputs a comment selects a job for inputting a comment from the job list box 64B, and inputs the comment in the comment input box 64D. Since comments with high versatility are displayed in the comment list box 64E, a comment can be input to the comment input box 64D by selecting the comment to be input in the comment list box 64E.

  In order to order a photo mining service for the same user 2, a user-specific comment such as the name of the child of the user 2 or the name of a frequently visited place is often repeatedly input. For this reason, the comment input unit 49 may store the comments once input for each user and display the stored comments in the comment list box 64E. In the present embodiment, “Taro's Sports Day” and “Hanako's Entrance Ceremony” are displayed in the comment list box 64E as comments previously input for the user.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 44 acquires the shooting date information D, but the shooting date may be written on the back side of the film storage sheet or the print P. Therefore, the operator inputs the shooting date from the shooting date input box 64C when the shooting date is written on the back side of the film storage sheet or the print P. As a result, the shooting date information D registered in the business management database DB3 for the image data S0 acquired from the job or the print P is replaced with the shooting date information represented by the input shooting date. The shooting date input box 64C has a pull-down menu, which makes it easy to input the shooting date.

  The operator inputs a comment for each job, and sets a comment for that job by clicking the setting button 64F. Also, by clicking the reset button 64G, the input content can be reset and the comment input can be performed again. Then, after inputting comments (if necessary, shooting date if necessary) for all jobs and clicking the setting button 64F, the comment input unit 49 displays each job and comment by clicking the comment registration button 64H. The associated information is transmitted to the business management unit 48. The business management unit 48 registers a comment in each job of the business management database DB3 based on this information.

  Note that the input of a comment can also be performed at the stage of acquiring the image data S0 and confirming the image described later. In order to input a comment when acquiring the image data S0, the comment input unit 49 and the image acquisition unit 12 are provided together so that an operator who acquires the image data S0 inputs a comment. Good. In order to input a comment when confirming an image, a comment input unit 49 and an image confirmation unit 50 may be provided so that an operator who confirms an image inputs a comment.

  The image confirmation unit 50 is for confirming and correcting the image data S1 subjected to image processing, and includes a display unit 50A and an input unit 50B. Then, in response to the operator's instruction, the main screen 62 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 50A, and when the operator clicks the top and bottom registration button 62D, an image confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 50A.

  FIG. 11 shows an image confirmation screen. As shown in FIG. 11, the image confirmation screen 65 has an order number display box 65A for displaying the order number for the selected order, and a list display box for displaying a list of thumbnail images represented by the acquired image data S1 together with comments. 65B, a comment correction button 65C for correcting a comment displayed in the list display box 65B, a top / bottom registration button 65D for performing top / bottom registration described later, a completion button 65E for confirming top / bottom registration, and top / bottom registration. A cancel button 65F for canceling is displayed.

  The list display box 65B is provided with scroll bars 65G and 65H, so that thumbnail images and comments that cannot be displayed in the list display box 65B can be displayed. Each thumbnail image displayed in the list display box 65B is provided with radio buttons 65J at four positions, top, bottom, left and right. A comment is displayed below each thumbnail image, and further below the comment are a path check box 65K that is checked when the image is not included in the slide show, and a mandatory check box 65L that is checked when the image is included in the slide show. It is displayed.

  When the operator of the image confirmation unit 50 selects a thumbnail image displayed in the list display box 65B and clicks the comment correction button 65C, the image confirmation unit 50 displays an individual comment input screen for each image on the display unit 50A. indicate. As in the comment input screen shown in FIG. 10, a shooting date input box 64C for inputting a shooting date, a comment input box 64D for inputting a comment, and a predetermined comment input screen for each image are set in advance. A comment list box 64E for displaying a list of comments, a setting button 64F for setting a comment, a reset button 64G for resetting the input content, a comment registration button 64H for confirming the input comment, and canceling the comment input The cancel button 64J is displayed. Thus, the operator can correct the comment and / or shooting date for each image.

  Further, an image acquired by taking a picture with the camera held vertically is displayed in the list display box 65B in a landscape orientation as shown in FIG. For this reason, the operator selects a thumbnail image that he / she wants to change, clicks on the radio button 65J attached to the upper side of the thumbnail image to check the radio button 65J, and then clicks the top / bottom registration button 65D. Thus, the image confirmation unit 50 generates the top and bottom information of the image data S1 corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the operator. For example, in the case of the image shown in FIG. 12, since the image can be viewed normally by setting the right side of the thumbnail image as the upper side, the operator clicks the radio button 65J on the right side. Thereby, the image confirmation part 50 produces | generates the top-and-bottom information that the right side is made into an upper side.

  Further, among the thumbnail images displayed in the list display box 65B, the operator checks by clicking the path check box 65K for images that are not to be included in the slide show due to out-of-focus or the like. In addition, the required check box 65L is checked for images to be included in the slide show. The results of checking the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L are transmitted as selected information to the storage unit 46, registered in the business management database DB3, and referred to when creating a slide show to be recorded on a DVD-R described later. . For images that may or may not be included in the slide show, the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L need not be checked.

  Then, the operator checks the radio button 65J for the thumbnail image whose vertical direction is to be corrected among the thumbnail images displayed in the list display box 65B, checks the path check box 65K or the mandatory check box 65L, and further clicks the completion button 65F. Click to complete the top-and-bottom registration process. Thereby, the image confirmation unit 50 transmits the top and bottom information, the newly input comment, and information indicating the check result of the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L to the business management unit 48.

  The business management unit 48 registers the top and bottom information, the newly input comment, and the check result of the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L in the business management database DB3.

  The image conversion unit 51 adds the information registered for each image in the business management database DB3 as a tag to the corresponding image data S1 with respect to the image data S1 for which the image confirmation processing has been completed. The image data is converted into Exif format image data S2. At this time, based on the top and bottom information registered in the business management database DB3, the image data S1 whose top and bottom direction is to be changed is rotated and converted into the image data S2.

  The tag describes the shooting date information, and also describes the reliability of the shooting date.

  The DVD creation unit 52 records all the image data S2 generated by the image conversion unit 51 on the DVD-R, calculates the free space of the DVD-R when all the image data S2 is recorded, and the free space A DVD-Video file V0 having a capacity suitable for recording is generated and recorded on the DVD-R.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the DVD creation unit 52. As shown in FIG. 13, the DVD creation unit 52 stores the operation program of the display unit 52A that performs various displays necessary for creating the DVD-R, the input unit 52B that accepts various inputs, and the DVD creation unit 52, and executes the program. A memory 52C serving as a working area, a storage unit 52D for storing various information, a communication unit 52E connected to the bus 55 of the image forming apparatus 40, and a CPU 52F for controlling the operation of the image confirmation unit 50 (determination means, first And a second group classification unit and an image selection unit), and a DVD drive 52G for writing the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 to the DVD-R, which are connected by a bus 52H.

  Hereinafter, generation of the DVD-Video file V0 performed in the DVD creation unit 52 will be described.

  First, the CPU 52F of the DVD creation unit 52 creates a list of age information for all the image data S2 based on the shooting date information described in the tag of the image data S2 based on the operation program. The image data S2 is classified with reference to a predetermined number of groups. At this time, the image data S2 whose path check box 65K is checked by the image confirmation unit 50 is removed from the list. Further, the image data is classified into each group almost equally for each age. For example, if there is image data S2 for 10 years and the number of groups is 2, the image data S2 for 5 years is classified into each group. At this time, the image data S2 having the same job number is always classified into the same group. Further, the image data S2 is classified so that the number of image data S2 of one group is equal to or greater than the minimum number of images Min required for creating the DVD-Video file V0.

  Here, the predetermined number corresponds to the number of DVD-Video files V0 to be created, and the total number of image data S2 added to the list, the minimum number of images necessary to create one DVD-Video file V0. The maximum value determined in advance according to Min and the maximum number of images Max is determined as a limit.

  On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the number of image data whose age is unknown because the shooting date is unknown (hereinafter referred to as image data S3 whose age is unknown) is less than a predetermined threshold value Th1. If this determination is denied, one group is created from the image data S3 whose age is unknown. Then, the remaining number of groups are created from the image data S2 other than the image data S3 with unknown age.

  Then, the CPU 52F calculates the free capacity of the DVD-R by subtracting the total capacity of all the image data S2 from the capacity of the DVD-R. At this time, it is preferable to leave some free space. Then, the number of image data corresponding to the calculated free space is calculated, and the calculated number of image data S2 and S3 is selected from each created group. For example, when the total number of image data S2 is 1200 and the number of groups is 3, and 400 image data S2 and S3 are classified into each group, the number of image data S2 and S3 corresponding to the free space is 300. In this case, 100 pieces of image data are selected from each group. At this time, the CPU 52F sorts the image data S2 of each group, for example, in the order of file names, and the interval (for example, the number of the image data S2, S3 classified into the group and the number of the image data S2, S3 corresponding to the free space (for example, When the number of image data classified into the group is 400 and the number of image data corresponding to the free space is 100, the image data S2 and S3 are selected in 4). As a result, the image data S2 and S3 can be selected from each group almost equally.

  Note that the image data S2 for which the essential check box 65L is checked on the image confirmation screen 65 is always selected. If the number of image data S2 classified into the group is less than or equal to the number of image data S2 that matches the free space, all the image data S2 in the group are selected. Then, the DVD creation unit 52 creates an MPEG format file in which images are continuously switched from the selected image data S2, and performs authoring including a title menu and BGM to create a DVD-Video file V0.

  Here, among the input comments, the most frequently used words may be used as the title. In addition, a related dictionary that defines the superordinate concept of various words may be prepared, and the title may be determined with reference to the input comment and the related dictionary. For example, when “childhood” is defined in the related dictionary as a superordinate concept of the words “4 years old, 5 years old” and “6 years old”, the word “4 years old, 5 years old and 6 years old” is included in the input comment. If so, the title may be “childhood”.

  In addition, a reliability indicating how reliable the shooting date and time represented by the shooting date and time information D is given to the shooting date and time information D, and the title may be determined in consideration of the reliability.

  In addition, when the age estimated from the shooting date information D is wide, it is often a person's growth record. In addition, when a user requests to create a DVD-R for a hobby image, the comment often includes a hobby word such as “car”. In the case of images of marriage or short-term trips, a large amount of images are taken in a relatively short period of time, and characters such as “marriage” and “travel” are often included in comments. For this reason, the story of the slide show can be understood to some extent from the contents of the input comments and the shooting date of the image.

  Therefore, when the story of the image included in the slide show can be understood to some extent from the comment and the image shooting date, the title may be determined so as to relate to the story.

  Further, it is preferable to include BGM included in the DVD-Video file V0 according to the determined title. In particular, when a title is given so as to relate to a story, the BGM may be changed according to the story. Further, the image switching method in the slide show may be changed according to the story.

  Details of the classification of the image data S2 and the selection of the image data will be described later.

  Next, processing performed in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing performed when the user 2 orders the photo mining service in the present embodiment. The user 2 accesses the website of the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, inputs the user ID and password, and the user 2 is authenticated by the PM server 3, and the process is started. An order for a photomining service is made (step S1). When the PM server 3 receives the order, it issues an order number (step S2), and sends an e-mail informing the order number and delivery date to the user 2 (step S3). Then, the digital center 4 is notified that the order has been received (step S4), and the process ends.

  When the operator of the digital center 4 receives notification from the PM server 3 that the business management unit 48 has received an order, it issues an order slip and sends it to the user 2 together with the sending box B.

  When the sending box B is sent, the user 2 packs the recording body 10 requesting the photomining service in the sending box B and sends it to the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the digital center 4 uses the image forming apparatus 40 to perform processing for the photomining service.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing performed at the time of sorting in the digital center 4. In FIG. 15, the processing performed by the operator is indicated by a double line. First, the operator performs an arrival work (step S11). Then, the operator opens the sending box B, confirms the contents of the sending box B, and performs a sorting operation. At this time, a sorting screen 63 is displayed on the display unit 47A of the sorting unit 47 (step S12), and here, an input of sorting by the operator is accepted (step S13). Then, it is determined whether or not the sort registration button 63H has been clicked (step S14). If step S14 is affirmed, sort information indicating the sort result is generated (step S15). Then, the business management unit 48 registers the sorting information in the business management database DB3 (step S16), and finishes the sorting work.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the digital center 4 after the sorting operation. When the sorting operation is finished, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 (step S21). Further, the image processing unit 45 performs image processing on the image data S0 to obtain image data S1 that has been subjected to image processing (step S22). The storage unit 46 stores the image data S1 (step S23). Further, the information acquisition unit 44 acquires information data J including the shooting date information D (step S24). In addition, when the image data S0 is acquired, the comment input unit 49 receives an input of a comment by the operator (step S25).

  Further, the image confirmation unit 50 receives confirmation of the image about whether or not to include top / bottom registration, comment correction, and slide show by the operator (step S26). Then, the business management unit 48 registers information represented by the information data J, comments, top and bottom information, and the like in the business management database DB3 (step S27).

  Then, the image conversion unit 51 converts the image data S1 into the image data S2 in the Exif format by adding the information registered in the business management database DB3 as a tag to the image data S1 (step S28). Further, the DVD creation unit 52 creates a slide show format DVD-Video file V0 from the image data S2 (step S29).

  FIG. 17 to FIG. 20 are flowcharts showing processing performed when the DVD-Video file V0 is created. Here, it is assumed that the maximum number of the predetermined number for creating the DVD-Video file V0 is 3. First, the free capacity of the DVD-R is calculated by subtracting the total capacity of all the image data S2 from the capacity of the DVD-R (step S41). Then, the number C0 of the image data S2 added to the list is determined (step S42). If the number C0 of image data S2 added to the list is more than twice the maximum number of images Max required to create one DVD-Video file V0, three pieces of image data S2 added to the list are added. It is decided to classify into groups (step S43).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of image data S3 of unknown age in the image data S2 added to the list is less than the threshold value Th1 (step S44). If step S43 is negative, the image data S3 with unknown age is classified into one group, and the image data S2 other than the image data S3 with unknown age are classified into the remaining two groups (step S45).

  Then, the number of image data S2 and S3 corresponding to the available capacity is selected almost equally from each group (step S46), and a DVD-Video file V0 is created from the selected image data S2 and S3 (step S47). finish.

  If step S44 is affirmed, the image data S2 other than the image data S3 whose age is unknown is classified into three groups (step S48), and the process proceeds to step S46, and the number of image data S2 corresponding to the free space is assigned to each group. The DVD-Video file V0 is created from the image data S2 selected in step S47, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the number C0 of the image data S2 added to the list is more than the maximum image number Max required to create one DVD-Video file V0 and less than twice the maximum image number Max, the list is added to the list. It is determined that the received image data S2 is classified into two groups (step S49).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of image data S3 of unknown age in the image data S2 added to the list is less than the threshold value Th1 (step S50). If step S50 is negative, the image data S3 with unknown age is classified into one group, and the image data S2 other than the image data S3 with unknown age is classified into the remaining one group (step S51). Then, the process proceeds to step S46, and the number of image data S2, S3 corresponding to the free space is selected almost equally from each group. In step S47, a DVD-Video file V0 is created from the selected image data S2, S3. The process ends.

  If step S50 is affirmed, the image data S2 other than the image data S3 whose age is unknown is classified into two groups (step S52), and the process proceeds to step S46 where the number of image data S2 corresponding to the free space is assigned to each group. The DVD-Video file V0 is created from the image data S2 selected in step S47, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the number C0 of the image data S2 added to the list is not less than the minimum number of images Min required for creating one DVD-Video file V0 and not more than the maximum number of images Max, the image data added to the list It is decided to classify S2 into one group (step S53).

  Next, in the image data S2 added to the list, it is determined whether or not the number of image data S3 with unknown age is less than a threshold value Th1 (step S54). If step S54 is negative, the image data S3 whose age is unknown is classified into one group (step S55), the process proceeds to step S46, and the number of image data S3 corresponding to the free space is selected almost equally from this group. A DVD-Video file V0 is created from the image data S3 selected in S47, and the process ends.

  If step S54 is affirmed, the image data S2 other than the image data S3 whose age is unknown is classified into one group (step S56), and the process proceeds to step S46, and the number of image data S2 corresponding to the free space is assigned to this group. The DVD-Video file V0 is created from the image data S2 selected in step S47, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the number C0 of the image data S2 added to the list is less than the minimum number of images Min required for creating one DVD-Video file V0, the processing is performed without creating the DVD-Video file V0. Exit.

  Returning to FIG. 16, the DVD creation unit 52 records the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 on the DVD-R (step S30), and ends the process.

  The created DVD-R is sent to the user 2 who made the order.

  The user 2 can enjoy a slide show by playing the DVD-Video file V0 recorded on the DVD-R. In addition, the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R can be displayed as a list or processed by itself.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the unknown-age image data S3 is less than the predetermined threshold value Th1, and if this determination is negative, the unknown-age image data S3 is grouped into one group. Since the classification is performed, the predetermined threshold value Th1 is appropriately determined, so that it is possible to prevent the age unknown image data S3 from being classified into one group when the age unknown image data S3 is small. Can classify images with unknown shooting dates into one group.

  Further, by selecting the image data S2 and S3 almost equally according to the free space of the DVD-R from each of the groups into which the image data S2 and S3 are classified, a slide show format is selected from the selected image data S2 and S3. When creating the DVD-Video file V0, the DVD-Video file V0 can include images of each group almost evenly.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not the unknown-age image data S3 is less than the predetermined threshold value Th1, and if this determination is negative, the unknown-age image data S3 is classified into one group. However, the image data S3 whose age is unknown may be surely classified into one group.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operator performs the sorting operation while looking at the sorting status of the image acquisition unit 12 in the sorting unit 47. You may make it perform.

  In the above-described embodiment, the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 are used as the image acquisition unit 12. However, the album scanner that reads images from the album, and the user 2 records on the DVD-R. It goes without saying that a scanner or the like that reads a certificate desired, a ticket stub, or the like may be used as the image acquisition unit 12.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the photomining system to which the image classification device by embodiment of this invention is applied. Diagram showing the configuration of the user information database Block diagram showing configuration of image forming apparatus Diagram showing the composition of the age database Figure showing the arrival screen Figure showing the main screen Figure showing the sorting screen Figure showing sorting information Diagram showing the configuration of the business management database Figure showing the comment input screen Figure showing the image confirmation screen The figure which shows the image acquired by holding the camera vertically and shooting Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the DVD creation unit Flow chart showing processing performed when ordering photo mining service Flow chart showing processing performed at the time of sorting in the digital center Flow chart showing processing performed in the digital center after sorting work The flowchart which shows the process performed when producing a DVD-Video file (the 1) Flowchart showing the process performed when creating a DVD-Video file (part 2) Flowchart showing the process performed when creating a DVD-Video file (part 3) Flowchart showing the process performed when creating a DVD-Video file (No. 4)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photomining system 2 User 3 PM server 4 Digital center 7 Internet 10 Recording body 12 Image acquisition part 20 User terminal 40 Image forming apparatus 41A-41C Film scanner 42 Print scanner 43 Media drive 44 Information acquisition part 45 Image processing part 46 Storage part 47 Sorting section 48 Business management section 49 Comment input section 50 Image confirmation section 51 Image conversion section 52 DVD creation section 53 Communication section

Claims (7)

In an image classification device that classifies a plurality of images provided with information about the acquired age into a predetermined number of groups,
A determination means for determining whether or not the number of images of unknown age to which the information about the age indicating that the acquired age is unknown is less than a predetermined threshold;
First group classification means for classifying the unknown-age images into one group when the determination is negative;
An image classification apparatus comprising: second group classification means for classifying an image other than the image of unknown age into a group other than the group of images of unknown age. In an image classification device that classifies a plurality of images provided with information about the acquired age into a predetermined number of groups,
A first group classification means for classifying images of unknown ages to which information about the ages indicating that the acquired ages are unknown into one group;
An image classification apparatus comprising: second group classification means for classifying an image other than the image of unknown age into a group other than the group of images of unknown age.   3. The image classification apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image selection means for selecting a number of images corresponding to a predetermined capacity from each of the predetermined number of groups substantially equally. In an image classification method for classifying a plurality of images provided with information about the acquired age into a predetermined number of groups,
Determining whether or not the number of images of unknown age to which the information about the age indicating that the acquired age is unknown is less than a predetermined threshold;
If the determination is negative, classify the unknown images into a group,
An image classification method, wherein images other than the image of unknown age are classified into a group other than the group of images of unknown age. In an image classification method for classifying a plurality of images provided with information about the acquired age into a predetermined number of groups,
Classifying the images of unknown age to which the information about the age of the acquired age is unknown into one group,
An image classification method, wherein images other than the image of unknown age are classified into a group other than the group of images of unknown age. In a program for causing a computer to execute an image classification method for classifying a plurality of images provided with information about an acquired age into a predetermined number of groups,
A procedure for determining whether or not the number of images of unknown age to which information related to the age of the acquired age is unknown is less than a predetermined threshold;
A procedure for classifying the unknown images into one group when the determination is negative;
A program for classifying an image other than the image of unknown age into a group other than the group of images of unknown age. In a program for causing a computer to execute an image classification method for classifying a plurality of images provided with information about an acquired age into a predetermined number of groups,
A procedure for classifying images of unknown ages given information about the era to the effect that the acquired era is unknown, into one group;
A program for classifying an image other than the image of unknown age into a group other than the group of images of unknown age.

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