JP2006252152A - Data management system, image processor, data upload system, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use an image processor even during the upload of data. <P>SOLUTION: This image upload system is provided with a server device 1, a network 5, an access point 6, a digital camera 7 and a digital camera 10. When a time required for uploading the image data of a digital camera 7(10) assumed by an upload assuming device 2 is a set time or more, the server device 1 transmits contents for display to the digital camera 7(10). The digital camera 7(10) receives the contents for display to be transmitted from the server device 1 during the upload of the image data to the server device 1, and displays the contents for display on a display 8(11). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data management apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a data upload system, a control method, and a program applied when image data and content are transmitted and received between a digital camera and a server.

Conventionally, an image captured by an image processing device such as a digital camera is stored on a network server via a wired or wireless communication means equipped in the digital camera or computer for the purpose of storing an image file or using a print service. Techniques for uploading to devices have been proposed. For example, a conventionally proposed image transmission system discloses a method of uploading an image from a client computer to an image storage server or an image print server (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-229901 A

  The file size of an image file created by the above-described image processing apparatus such as a digital camera is, for example, several hundred KBytes to several MBytes per file. For this reason, it may take a long time to upload a plurality of images from a digital camera to a server on the network.

  However, in the conventional digital camera, while the image is uploaded from the digital camera to the server, the display device provided in the digital camera is displayed to notify the user of the digital camera that the image is being transferred. It was only about. Therefore, the user has to wait until the image upload is completed, and there is a problem that the digital camera cannot be used effectively during the image upload.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that an image processing apparatus can be effectively used even during data upload.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a data management device according to the present invention is a data management device capable of communicating with an image processing device, wherein communication means for receiving data uploaded from the image processing device, and the image Control means for estimating the time required for uploading data by the processing device, and control for transmitting content to be displayed on the image processing device to the image processing device when the time estimated by the estimation device is equal to or longer than a set time And means.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a data management apparatus and having a display means, and uploads data to the data management apparatus and uploads the data. And a communication unit that receives content transmitted from the data management device, and a control unit that displays the content received by the communication unit on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, the image processing apparatus displays the content transmitted from the data management apparatus while uploading the data to the data management apparatus. Therefore, the user of the image processing apparatus enables the image processing apparatus even during the data upload. It can be used.

  In addition, when the estimated time required for data upload of the image processing apparatus is equal to or longer than the set time, the data management apparatus transmits the content to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, the user of the image processing apparatus should use the upload waiting time effectively. Is possible.

  In addition, since the content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus is created by using a part of the image data uploaded from the image processing apparatus, it is possible to provide useful content to individual users of the image processing apparatus. .

  Further, since the content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus is selected based on the estimated time required for uploading, it is possible to transmit the content suitable for display during the upload waiting time to the image processing apparatus.

  Further, since the content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus is selected or created based on the information related to the image processing apparatus, it is possible to provide content suitable for each image processing apparatus.

  Further, since the content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus is selected or created based on the information regarding the user of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to provide content suitable for the user of each image processing apparatus.

  In addition, when the content display has not reached the end when the data upload is completed, the image processing apparatus continues displaying the content until the end is reached, thus providing a useful mechanism for the content display service provider. be able to.

  In addition, if the content to be transmitted to the image processing device is for product promotion, the use fee of the facility including the data management device is discounted for the user of the image processing device, so the use of the facility for the user of the image processing device is promoted Can be expected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image upload system as a data upload system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image upload system includes a server device 1, a network 5, an access point 6, a digital camera 7, and a digital camera 10. The server device 1 further includes an upload time estimation device 2, a content storage device 3, an image file storage device 4, a CPU, and a communication interface (not shown above). The upload time estimation device 2, the content storage device 3, and the image file storage device 4 may be configured to be housed inside the server device as in the present embodiment or configured to be attached outside the server device.

  The server device 1 accepts uploading of image data from the digital cameras 7 and 10 connected via the network 5 and stores the uploaded image data in the image file storage device 4. The user once browses the image data uploaded to the server apparatus 1 from another computer terminal that can access the digital cameras 7 and 10 and the network 5 later, or requests a print service for the image data uploaded to the server apparatus 1. You can do it.

  As a print service, in addition to a normal print service that prints out uploaded image data with a photo printer, for example, creation of a postcard using image data, creation of a calendar, printing on a T-shirt, printing on a mug Such services are provided.

  The upload time estimation device 2 installed in the server device 1 estimates the time required for uploading all image data when accepting upload of image data from the digital cameras 7 and 10. As a specific upload time estimation method, the server apparatus 1 receives part of the image data uploaded from the digital cameras 7 and 10 via the network 5 and estimates from the time required for the reception.

  The content storage device 3 installed in the server device 1 stores a plurality of display contents to be transmitted from the server device 1 to the digital cameras 7 and 10. The display content is intended to be displayed on the display unit of the digital cameras 7 and 10, and the display is completed in, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes. It is assumed that the size of the display content is sufficiently smaller than the image data uploaded from the digital cameras 7 and 10. Accordingly, it is assumed that the display content can be transmitted from the server device 1 to the digital cameras 7 and 10 in a few seconds at the longest.

  In addition, the server device 1 holds a display content selection table (see FIG. 7). The time required for uploading image data by the digital camera estimated by the upload time estimation device 2 and the display content selection table are stored in the display content selection table. Based on the content storage device 3, a display content to be transmitted to the digital camera is selected. In this case, the content storage device 3 stores a plurality of display contents respectively corresponding to a plurality of content names (A1 to C3) registered in the display content selection table.

  The display content is a moving image file saved in a format such as AVI (Audio Video Interleaved) or MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), or a file composed of one or more still images or one or more animations. Or an application program that operates on a digital camera, such as Java (registered trademark).

  When the display content is a moving image file stored in a format such as AVI or MPEG, the digital cameras 7 and 10 decode the formats and display the display unit (LCD or the like) provided in the digital cameras 7 and 10. It is necessary to have a means for converting to a format that can be displayed in ().

  Even when the display content is a file composed of a still image or one or more animations, the digital cameras 7 and 10 decode the formats and display the display unit (LCD) installed in the digital cameras 7 and 10. It is necessary to have a means for converting to a format that can be displayed in

  When the display content is an application program that operates on a digital camera such as Java (registered trademark), the digital cameras 7 and 10 need to have an execution environment for the interpreter and the application program.

  The digital camera 7 can be directly connected to the network 5 by communication means such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The digital camera 10 can be connected to the network 5 by wireless communication means via the access point 6. Each of the digital cameras 7 and 10 includes memory cards 9 and 10 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) and display units 8 and 11 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  Image data captured by the digital cameras 7 and 10 are stored in the memory cards 9 and 10, respectively. When uploading image data from the digital cameras 7 and 10 to the server device 1 via the network 5, the image data to be uploaded is read from the memory cards 9 and 10 and transmitted. The display units 8 and 11 are used for the purpose of browsing the image in the memory card, and for the purpose of displaying the upload status and displaying the display content transmitted from the server device 1 during the uploading of the image data. used.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the digital cameras 7 and 10 as image processing apparatuses.

  In FIG. 2, digital cameras 7 and 10 include a communication interface 102, an image processing unit 103, a RAM 104, an imaging unit 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, a storage medium 107, a VRAM (Video RAM) 108, and a display unit 109, respectively. ROM 110, switch (hereinafter referred to as SW) control unit 111, operation unit 112, sound processing unit 113, and speaker 114.

  The CPU 106 controls the entire digital camera and is connected to the communication interface 102, the image processing unit 103, the RAM 104, the imaging unit 105, the storage medium 107, the VRAM 108, the ROM 110, the SW control unit 111, and the audio processing unit 113. Yes. Further, the CPU 106 executes processing on the digital camera side in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 based on the program stored in the ROM 110. The ROM 110 stores programs and fixed data. The RAM 104 has a program execution area and a temporary storage area for data.

  The imaging unit 105 includes a photographing lens, a CCD that receives subject light incident through the photographing lens and photoelectrically converts the light to generate an image signal, a subsequent analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuit, and the like. The digital image signal based on the imaging is output. The image processing unit 103 performs predetermined image processing on the digital image signal output from the imaging unit 105. Further, the image processing unit 103 performs a reduction process on the digital image signal or a predetermined image compression process on the digital image signal on which the predetermined image process has been performed in order to create a thumbnail image. Conversely, it also has a function of decompressing a digital image signal that has been subjected to a predetermined image compression process.

  Based on the control of the CPU 106, the imaging unit 105 outputs a digital image signal to the image processing unit 103, and the digital processing unit 103 performs predetermined image processing on the digital image signal, and then temporarily stores the digital image signal in the RAM 104. To do. Thereafter, the created digital image signal is finally stored as image data in a storage medium 107 such as a memory card. The storage medium 107 may be removable from the digital cameras 7 and 10 or may be built in the digital cameras 7 and 10. As an example of the storage medium 107, CompactFlash (registered trademark) is known.

  The operation unit 112 is a release SW for instructing photographing, a SW for instructing the display unit 109 to display a digital image signal, a SW for displaying a menu on the display unit 109, a forward / backward image frame, and a menu. These are generic names such as a cross key SW that can be used to change the selection state, and a touch panel (not shown) that directly gives instructions on the liquid crystal. The SW control unit 111 performs control such as transmitting an input signal based on the operation of the operation unit 112 to the CPU 106.

  The VRAM 108 holds display data for digital image signals and display data for various user interfaces. The display unit 109 displays the content of display data held in the VRAM 108. The communication interface 102 includes a network controller for connecting to the network 5 such as the Internet, a wireless LAN controller, and the like. The communication interface 102 transmits and receives image data size, image data, a content display termination signal described later, and display content to and from the server device 1. The audio processing unit 113 converts the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. The speaker 114 outputs sound using the analog sound signal output from the sound processing unit 113.

  In order to upload image data stored in the storage medium 107 to the server device 1 in the digital camera, it is first necessary to connect the digital camera to the network 5 via the communication interface 102.

  By operating the operation unit 112, the user sequentially displays the image data stored in the storage medium 107 on the display unit 109, and selects image data to be uploaded. When the selection of the image data is completed, the user instructs the server device 1 to upload the image data by a specific menu operation. At this time, information necessary for accessing the server device 1 such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the server device 1 is set in the digital camera in advance.

  Further, the digital camera can receive display content from the server device 1 via the communication interface 102. The CPU 106 displays the display content received from the server device 1 in a specific area of the display unit 109 via the VRAM 108. When a digital audio signal is added to the display content, the CPU 106 converts the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal by the audio processing unit 113 and synchronizes with the display of the display content on the display unit 109 from the speaker 114. Output audio.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of display content in the digital cameras 7 and 10.

  In FIG. 3, the display unit 109 of the digital camera has a progress bar and progress display area 109a and a content display area 109b. In the progress bar and progress display area 109a, the progress of uploading image data (black portion of the progress bar) and a numerical value (for example, 60%) indicating the progress are displayed. In the content display area 109b, display content (image and price of a liquid crystal display in the illustrated example) is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, during the uploading of image data from the digital camera to the server device 1, the display content transmitted from the server device 1 is displayed on the display unit 109, so that uploading is possible for the user of the digital camera. The waiting time can be used effectively. In addition, a business operator who has installed the server device 1 can provide CM (commercial) and service information to a digital camera user.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of data exchanged via the network 5 between the server apparatus 1 as a data management apparatus and the digital cameras 7 and 10.

  In FIG. 4, first, transfer time estimation data for estimating the time required to upload image data is transmitted from the digital camera to the server apparatus 1 (arrow (1)). The transfer time estimation data may be a part of image data to be uploaded. Next, the display content is transmitted from the server device 1 to the digital camera (arrow (2)). Thereafter, the image data to be uploaded is transmitted from the digital camera to the server device 1 (arrow (3)).

  Here, even when not all of the display content is transmitted from the server device 1 to the digital camera, when the display of the display content can be started by the digital camera, the display content for the digital camera from the server device 1 It is also conceivable that image data to be uploaded is transmitted from the digital camera to the server device 1 before the transmission of is completed.

  Next, the operation of the image upload system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing processing related to uploading of image data and transmission / reception of display content between the server apparatus and the digital camera according to the present embodiment.

  In order for the digital camera and the server apparatus to enter the operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, it is necessary to establish a logical connection between the digital camera and the server apparatus. In the following description, it is assumed that a logical connection has been established between the digital camera and the server device.

  First, processing on the server device side (server-side upload data reception processing) will be described. The processing on the server device side in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 is executed by a CPU (not shown) of the server device based on a program.

  5 and 6, in step S101, the CPU of the server apparatus acquires the size of image data to be uploaded from the digital camera. Thereafter, in step S102, the CPU of the server apparatus receives a part of image data to be uploaded from the digital camera. In step S111, the CPU of the server apparatus determines the upload time estimation apparatus 2 based on the size of the image data received from the digital camera in step S101 and the time required to receive a part of the image data in step S102. Thus, the time required for uploading all the image data from the digital camera to the server device is estimated.

  Next, in step S103, the CPU of the server apparatus determines whether or not the time required for uploading all the image data from the digital camera to the server apparatus is less than a predetermined set time X seconds. If the CPU of the server apparatus determines that the upload time is less than the set time X seconds, in step S110, the CPU notifies the digital camera that the display content is not transmitted, and then proceeds to step S107. When the CPU of the server apparatus determines that the upload time is equal to or longer than the set time X seconds, in step S104, the CPU notifies the digital camera that the display content is to be transmitted. In step S105, the display content selection is performed. Display content is selected from the table (see FIG. 7).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display content selection table.

  In FIG. 7, the display content selection table is a table that stores the correspondence relationship between the content name 201 of the display content, the display time 202, the display device characteristics 203, and the display content characteristics 204. The CPU of the server device selects display content from the display content selection table in accordance with the time taken to upload image data from the digital camera to the server device.

  The display contents A1, A2, and A3 have a display time of, for example, 30 seconds, the display contents B1, B2, and B3 have a display time of, for example, 60 seconds, and the display contents C1, C2, and C3 have a display time of Is, for example, 120 seconds. If the time taken to upload the image data is 30 seconds or less, one of the display contents A1, A2, and A3 is selected. If the time taken to upload the image data is between 30 seconds and 60 seconds, one of the display contents B1, B2, and B3 is selected. If the time taken to upload the image data is 60 seconds or more, one of the display contents C1, C2, and C3 is selected.

  Further, when the CPU of the server device selects display content from the display content selection table, information indicating the size of the display content display area in the display unit 109 of the digital camera is also used as a selection factor. The digital camera displays the display content transmitted from the server device in an enlarged or reduced manner so as to fit the display area size of the display unit 109. In this case, if the image size of the display content is too large compared to the size of the display area of the display unit 109, it is difficult for the user to check the content of the display content as a result of performing the reduction processing on the display content. Can be considered.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the upload time of image data from the digital camera to the server device is 30 seconds or less, the display content to be transmitted to the digital camera is switched. That is, if the display area of the display unit 109 of the digital camera is 320 pixels wide and 240 pixels vertical, the CPU of the server device transmits the display content A1 to the digital camera. If the display area of the display unit 109 of the digital camera is larger than 320 pixels wide and 240 pixels high, the CPU of the server device transmits the display content A2 to the digital camera.

  Further, when the CPU of the server device selects display content from the display content selection table, information indicating whether the digital camera has an audio output function is also used as a selection factor. When the digital camera has an audio output function, display content with an audio signal is transmitted to the digital camera.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the time required for uploading image data is 30 seconds or less, and the digital camera has an audio output function, the CPU of the server device transfers the display content A3 to the digital camera. Send.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU of the server device acquires information related to the digital camera used as the above-described selection factor when selecting the display content prior to the operations of the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6. Suppose you are.

  Returning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the CPU of the server device selects the display content in step S105, and then transmits the selected display content to the digital camera in step S106. Next, in step S107, the CPU of the server apparatus receives the image data to be uploaded transmitted from the digital camera.

  When the CPU of the server device has received all the image data to be uploaded, it waits for reception of a content display termination signal transmitted from the digital camera in step S108. The content display end signal is transmitted from the digital camera when the display content transmitted to the digital camera in step S106 is displayed to the end by the digital camera. Upon receiving the content display termination signal, the CPU of the server device transmits an upload completion notification to the digital camera in step S109.

  Next, digital camera side processing (digital camera side upload processing) will be described. The processing on the digital camera side in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 is executed by the CPU 106 of the digital camera based on a program.

  5 and 6, first, in step S201, the CPU 106 of the digital camera transmits the size of image data to be uploaded to the server apparatus. Thereafter, in step S202, the CPU 106 of the digital camera transmits a part of the image data to be uploaded to the server device. In step S <b> 203, the CPU 106 of the digital camera waits for a notification indicating whether there is display content from the server apparatus.

  When a notification that there is no display content is transmitted from the server device, the process proceeds to step S206. When a notification that there is display content is transmitted from the server device, the CPU 106 of the digital camera receives the display content transmitted from the server device next to the notification in step S204, and in step S205, The received display content is displayed on the display unit 109. Thereafter, in step S206, the CPU 106 of the digital camera reads out the image data to be uploaded from the storage medium 107 and sequentially transmits (uploads) it to the server device.

  During the uploading of the image data, the CPU 106 of the digital camera continues to display the display content on the display unit 109. When the upload of the image data is completed, in step S207, the CPU 106 of the digital camera checks whether the display content is displayed on the display unit 109 up to its end. If the display content is not displayed until reaching the end, the CPU 106 of the digital camera continues displaying until the end is reached. If a notification that there is no display content is sent from the server device in step S203, step S207 is passed and the process proceeds to step S208.

  If the display content is displayed until it reaches the end, in step S208, the CPU 106 of the digital camera transmits a content display end notification to the server device. Thereafter, in step S209, the CPU 106 of the digital camera waits for an upload completion notification to be transmitted from the server device. When an upload completion notification is transmitted from the server device, the CPU 106 of the digital camera ends display content display on the display unit 109 in step S210.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display content transmitted from the server device is displayed on the display unit 109 while the image data is uploaded to the server device on the digital camera side. Therefore, the user of the digital camera can effectively use the digital camera even while image data is being uploaded.

  In addition, the server device estimates the time required for uploading image data from the digital camera to the server device, selects display content based on the estimated result, and transmits it to the digital camera. Therefore, the digital camera uploads image data. Display content suitable for the waiting time can be displayed.

  In addition, since the server device controls the display content to be transmitted when the image data upload time is equal to or longer than the set time, and the display time is less than the set time, the user of the digital camera performs the upload time. Even if it is long, the display content can be effectively used without waiting in vain.

  Also, on the server device side, a suitable display time is displayed based on the size of the display area of the display unit 109 of the digital camera and the presence or absence of an audio output function in the digital camera, from a plurality of display contents with different display times. The content for display is selected and transmitted to the digital camera, so that the display content corresponding to the function of the digital camera can be displayed.

  On the digital camera side, when the display content is displayed to the end, the content display end signal is transmitted to the server device, and when the upload completion notification is transmitted from the server device, the display of the display content is terminated. Therefore, even when the uploading of the image data is completed, the display can be terminated after the display of the display content reaches the end without stopping the display of the display content. In addition, it is possible to provide a useful mechanism for the content display service provider.

  Further, since the server apparatus creates the content to be transmitted to the digital camera using a part of the image data uploaded from the digital camera, it is possible to provide useful content for each user of the digital camera. .

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation in the case of the specification for displaying the display content to the end in the digital camera is shown. If it is desired to stop displaying the display content when the uploading of the image data is completed on the digital camera side, the process passes through a process for checking whether the display content has been displayed to the end (step S207). This can be easily realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, FIG. 3 shows a display example when the display content transmitted from the server device to the digital camera is the commercial content of the product. When the content for display is commercial content of a product, the use of the server facility including the server device for the user is promoted by exempting a part of the fee required when the user of the digital camera uses the server device. The effect can be expected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, there is a case where display content is selected on the server side based on information on the display size of the content display area 109b of the display unit 109 of the digital camera or information on the presence or absence of the audio output function in the digital camera. Indicated. Similarly, it is also possible to easily select display content on the server side based on information about the user of the digital camera. For example, by changing the commercial content of the product in the display content according to the gender / age / residence area of the user of the digital camera, for both the user of the server facility including the server device and the service provider, More useful display content can be displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the server device has acquired information about the user of the digital camera prior to the operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6.

  In this embodiment, a digital camera is taken as an example of a device for uploading image data. As long as the device has a function of displaying an image and a function of uploading image data to a server device on a network, in addition to a digital camera, for example, various devices such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) Applicable.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment described above in the following points. The other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3) described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case has been described where the display content held in advance by the server device is transmitted to the digital camera, and the display content is displayed on the display unit 109 by the digital camera.

  In contrast, in this embodiment, the server device has a function of creating display content using image data transmitted from the digital camera as part of the material, and transmits the created display content to the digital camera. In the digital camera, a case where the display content is displayed on the display unit 109 during image data upload will be described.

  In the present embodiment, processing relating to uploading of image data and transmission / reception of display content between the digital camera and the server device are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of pieces of image data based on photographing by a digital camera are uploaded to the server device. In step S102 and step S202 in FIG. 5, the first image data is obtained from the digital camera. It shall be uploaded to the server device. Further, the CPU (not shown) of the server device creates display content using the first image data uploaded from the digital camera instead of selecting the display content in step S105. Note that template image data described later is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the server device.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a display content creation procedure according to the present embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed by a CPU (not shown) of the server apparatus based on a program.

  In FIG. 8, first, in step S301, the CPU of the server device converts the first image data uploaded from the digital camera into image data with appropriate image quality by performing color tone / brightness correction processing. . Next, in step S302, the CPU of the server device performs resize / deformation processing on the image data subjected to the color tone / brightness correction processing in step S301 to obtain image data having a desired size / shape. Convert.

  Next, in step S303, the CPU of the server device combines the image data subjected to the resizing / deforming process in step S302 with the template image data read from the storage unit. Finally, in step S304, the CPU of the server apparatus converts the format of the image data combined in step S303 into an appropriate content format. Thereafter, the CPU of the server device transmits the image data after format conversion to the digital camera as display content.

  In the server facility including the server device in the present embodiment, a print service for image data uploaded from a digital camera is provided. In addition to the normal print that prints out the uploaded image data with a photo printer, the print service includes postcard creation using the image data, calendar creation, T-shirt printing, mug printing, and other services. Is provided.

  Therefore, the server device uses the image data uploaded from the digital camera to create display content for the purpose of introducing services provided at the server facility, and transmits the display content to the digital camera. In this case, images such as postcards, calendars, T-shirts, mugs, etc. provided as a print service are used as template images used in step S303.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of display content.

  In FIG. 9, display content 301 is created by combining a T-shirt template image 302 and an image 303 uploaded from a digital camera.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, when the server device has previously acquired user information (age, sex, residence, etc.) regarding the user of the digital camera, based on the user information. Changing the template image to be used can be easily realized. This makes it possible to introduce services suitable for individual users of the digital camera.

  In the present embodiment, when the server device creates display content, information regarding the display size of the content display area 109b of the display unit 109 of the digital camera and information regarding the presence or absence of the audio output function of the digital camera are digitally displayed. Display content may be created based on the information acquired from the camera and acquired.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server device creates display content using the image data transmitted from the digital camera as a part of the material and transmits it to the digital camera. Display content suitable for an individual user of the digital camera that uploads the content, or display content useful for the user can be provided.

[Other embodiments]
In the first and second embodiments, the image data is uploaded based on the size of the image data received by the server device from the digital camera and the time required to receive a part of the image data from the digital camera. The case where the time is estimated is given as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The method for estimating the time required for uploading image data is arbitrary.

  In the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the case where a server apparatus had an upload time estimation apparatus was mentioned as an example, this invention is not limited to this. The digital camera may have an upload time estimation device. In this case, instead of transmitting the size of the image data to be uploaded and a part of the image data to be uploaded to the server device in steps S201 and S202 in FIG. Information indicating the time taken for uploading estimated by the apparatus may be transmitted to the server apparatus.

  In the first and second embodiments, the server apparatus is based on the estimated upload time, information held on the server apparatus side (information about the digital camera, information about the user of the digital camera), and part of the uploaded image data. The case of selecting / creating display content has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when uploading a plurality of pieces of image data from the digital camera side to the server device (when upload time is likely to be long), a rough request (content type, etc.) regarding the display content is simultaneously transmitted to the server device. In addition to the above estimated upload time and holding information, the display content may be selected / created in consideration of the above-mentioned desire transmitted from the digital camera.

[Other embodiments]
A part or all of the functions in all the embodiments described above can also be realized using a computer program.

  In this case, the computer program is supplied to a computer or the like via a storage medium or communication means. The storage medium includes floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, non-volatile Memory card, ROM, etc. The communication means may use the Internet, a local area network, a wireless LAN network, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) network, an IEEE 1394 network, or the like.

  The computer program may be in any form as long as it uses hardware resources. Examples of the hardware resources include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in a computer, a function expansion board inserted in the computer, a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the like.

  The computer program may operate using a part of software resources. The software resource includes an OS (Operating System).

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the image upload system as a data upload system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the digital camera as an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the content for a display in a digital camera. It is the schematic which shows the flow of the data exchanged via the network between the server apparatus as a data management apparatus, and a digital camera. It is a flowchart which shows the process in connection with transmission / reception of the upload of image data and display content between a server apparatus and a digital camera. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the content selection table for a display. It is a flowchart which shows the content creation procedure for a display which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content for a display.

Explanation of symbols

1 Server device (data management device)
2 Upload time estimation device (estimation means)
3 Content storage device (storage means)
4 Image file storage device 5 Network 6 Access point 7, 10 Digital camera (image processing device)
101 CPU (control means)
102 Communication Interface 109 Display Unit (Display Unit)

Claims (19)

A data management device capable of communicating with an image processing device,
Communication means for receiving data uploaded from the image processing device;
An estimation means for estimating a time required for uploading data by the image processing apparatus;
If the time estimated by the estimation means is a set time or more, control means for transmitting content to be displayed on the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus;
A data management apparatus comprising: A storage means for storing a plurality of contents;
2. The data management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus from the storage unit based on the time estimated by the estimation unit. The data uploaded from the image processing device is image data,
2. The data management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit creates content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus by using a part of image data uploaded from the image processing apparatus.   4. The data management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit selects or creates content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus based on information about the image processing apparatus.   The information on the image processing apparatus is selected from a group including information indicating a size of a display unit included in the image processing apparatus and information indicating presence / absence of an audio output function in the image processing apparatus. 4. The data management device according to 4.   4. The data management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit selects or creates content to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus based on information relating to a user of the image processing apparatus.   2. The estimation unit estimates a time required for uploading data by the image processing device based on a time required for receiving a part of data uploaded from the image processing device. Data management device.   7. The content according to claim 1, wherein the content is selected from a group including a moving image file, a still image file, a file composed of animation, and an application program that operates on the image processing apparatus. A data management device according to any of the above. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a data management apparatus and having a display means,
Communication means for uploading data to the data management device and receiving content transmitted from the data management device during data upload;
Control means for displaying the content received by the communication means on the display means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit transmits data for estimating a time required for uploading data by the image processing apparatus to the data management apparatus. A guess means for guessing the time required for uploading data by the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit transmits information indicating a time required to upload the data estimated by the estimation unit to the data management apparatus.   10. The control unit according to claim 9, wherein when the data upload is completed, if the display of the content on the display unit does not reach the end, the display of the content is continued until the end is reached. Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is selected from a group including an imaging apparatus and a portable information terminal.   A data upload system, wherein the data management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the image processing device according to any one of claims 9 to 13 communicate via a network.   When the content transmitted from the data management device to the image processing device is for product promotion, the user who uses the image processing device performs a discount for using the facility including the data management device. The data upload system according to claim 14. A control method of a data management device capable of communicating with an image processing device,
A communication step of receiving data uploaded from the image processing device;
A guessing step for guessing the time required to upload data by the image processing device;
If the time estimated by the estimation step is equal to or longer than a set time, a control step of transmitting content to be displayed on the image processing device to the image processing device;
A control method comprising: A method for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a data management apparatus and having a display means,
A communication step of uploading data to the data management device and receiving content transmitted from the data management device during data upload;
A control step of displaying the content received in the communication step on the display means;
A control method comprising: A program that causes a computer to execute a control method of a data management device that can communicate with an image processing device,
A communication module for receiving data uploaded from the image processing device;
A guess module for guessing the time required for data upload by the image processing device;
When the time estimated by the estimation module is a set time or more, a control module that transmits content to be displayed on the image processing device to the image processing device;
The program characterized by having. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a data management apparatus and having display means,
A communication module for uploading data to the data management device and receiving content transmitted from the data management device during data upload;
A control module for displaying the content received by the communication module on the display means;
The program characterized by having.

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