JP2007193487A - Image sales price setting system, order receiving server, image sales price setting program and image sales price setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily set an appropriate sales price for each image. <P>SOLUTION: When image data is uploaded from an image provider to an order receiving server, the image data is analyzed, and an image sharpness, the number of persons in an image, and an elapsed time from photographing are calculated. Photographing mistake such as camera shake or blurring is determined from the image sharpness. The evaluation of the image is high when it is free from photographing mistake, and low when it contains photographing mistake. The larger the number of persons in the image is, the higher the evaluation of the image is, while the smaller the number of persons in the image, the lower the evaluation of the image. When the elapsed time from photographing is within a predetermined time, the evaluation of the image is enhanced, and when it exceeds the predetermined time, the evaluation of the image is reduced. The price of each image is set based on these evaluation results. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image sales price setting system for selling a printed photograph of a photographed image at an appropriate price, an order reception server used therefor, an image sales price setting program therefor, and an image sales price setting method.

  2. Description of the Related Art A print ordering system is known in which an image recorded as image data by a digital camera or the like can be ordered using a network line such as the Internet (see Patent Document 1). The orderer uses a dedicated terminal installed at a print reception store or the like, a personal computer at home, or the like as a communication terminal, and transmits order information regarding image data, print size, number of prints, and the like. The order information is received by, for example, a server managed by a print service provider, and the print service provider creates a print photo based on the received order information.

  The conventional print ordering system is convenient for ordering prints of images taken by an owner such as a digital camera. However, when taking a commemorative photo at an event such as a group event with a large number of participants, there is an inconvenience that, for example, the photographer becomes the representative and the print photos for all the members must be ordered together. Therefore, a new print ordering system has been proposed in which a photographer uploads image data to a website managed by a print service store, and each event participant can access the website to view the photographed image and place a print order. Yes.

There are cases where an image uploaded by an event participant and an image taken by a shooting agent such as a photographer exist in the uploaded image. An image taken by an amateur, such as an event participant, and an image taken by a cameraman usually differ in the appearance of the image depending on the shooting technique. It is expected that among those who place print orders, there are those who want to purchase images taken by the cameraman as much as possible, and those who want to purchase both images equally. For this reason, it is preferable to be able to browse and order both images taken by event participants and images taken by cameramen.
JP 2004-139406 A

  However, it is unfair for a person who orders only a print photograph of an image taken by himself to pay the photograph fee to the photograph agent evenly when the photograph purchaser pays the photograph fee. . Further, if a price obtained by adding a uniform shooting fee to an image taken by a shooting agent is set, it is necessary to raise the price to be added in consideration of the uneven number of orders for each image. In order to prevent this, it is troublesome and time-consuming to set a price that is appropriate for the shooting agent taking into account the time and effort required for shooting, and it takes time to start accepting print orders. There is a problem of being slow.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems. An image sales price setting system, an order reception server, an image sales price setting program, and an image sales that can easily set an appropriate price according to a photographed image. The purpose is to provide a pricing method.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image sales price setting system according to the present invention comprises an image storage means for storing image data, an image data analysis means for analyzing the image data stored in the image storage means, and the image An image evaluation unit that determines an evaluation value of an image based on an analysis result of the data analysis unit, and a price setting unit that sets an image price based on the evaluation value of the image determined by the image evaluation unit To do.

  The image data analysis means includes sharpness calculation means for calculating the sharpness of the image, and the image evaluation means determines whether the image sharpness is higher than a predetermined reference value. The evaluation value is determined.

  In addition, the image data analyzing means includes a person calculating means for detecting a subject of a person from the image and calculating the number of persons, and the image evaluating means determines an evaluation value of the image according to the calculated number of persons. Features.

  Further, the image data analysis means includes an elapsed time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time from the shooting date and time based on the shooting date and time information incorporated in the image data, and the image evaluation means has a calculated length of elapsed time. The evaluation value of the image is determined based on the image quality.

  A communication terminal for transmitting order information for ordering a print photograph on which an image is printed, the image storage means, the image data analysis means, the image evaluation means, the price setting means, a print photograph From an order reception server comprising price information transmitting means for transmitting in advance to the communication terminal information indicating the price of the image set by the image setting means at the time of ordering, and order information receiving means for receiving the order information It is configured.

  The order receiving server of the present invention includes an image storage means for storing image data, an image data analysis means for analyzing the image data stored in the image storage means, and an image data based on the analysis result of the image data. The image evaluation means for determining the evaluation value, the price setting means for setting the price of the image based on the evaluation value of the image determined by the image evaluation means, and the image on the communication terminal for ordering the printed photograph on which the image is printed Price information transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the price of the order and order information receiving means for receiving the order information transmitted from the communication terminal.

  The image sales price setting program of the present invention reads image data from image storage means storing image data, analyzes image data stored in the image storage means, and analyzes image data. The computer functions as image evaluation means for determining an image evaluation value based on the result, and price setting means for setting the price of the image based on the image evaluation value determined by the image evaluation means.

  According to the image sales price setting method of the present invention, image data is read from the image storage means storing the image data, the image data stored in the image storage means is analyzed, and the image evaluation is performed based on the analysis result of the image data. A value is determined, and the price of the image is set based on the determined evaluation value of the image.

  According to the present invention, the image data is analyzed to determine the evaluation value of the image, and the price of the image is set based on the analysis value. Therefore, even when the number of captured images is large, an appropriate price can be easily obtained for each image. Can be set. As a result, if the price of an image that is expected to increase in the number of orders is increased and the price of an image that is expected to be small in the order is decreased, it is possible to reduce the order number bias for each image.

  In addition, the image sharpness can be calculated as an image evaluation criterion, and whether or not there is a photographing error such as camera shake or out-of-focus can be determined based on whether or not the calculated sharpness satisfies a predetermined reference value. As a result, if there is a problem in image quality due to a shooting mistake or the like, if the price is set lower than that of other images, the print orderer can judge the quality of the image with reference to the price, and the order can be made with confidence. On the other hand, when image quality correction is performed on an image with a shooting error when creating a print photo, it is also possible to set a price that takes the effort required for this into consideration.

  Also, because people are detected in the image and the price is set according to the number of people, the time required for shooting must be reflected in shooting that requires preparation for shooting, such as a group photo. Price can be set. In addition, since it is expected that the number of orders for images with a large number of people will increase, it is possible to set the price low in advance for advertising purposes, or to set the price high to ensure sales. .

  Also, new images can be collected more quickly by reducing the price as the elapsed time from shooting increases. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the print orderer from failing to order a specific image by delaying the time for uploading the image.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a print sales system 10 includes an order receiving server 11 that accepts print orders, a personal computer 12 owned by an individual user, a store terminal 14 installed in a store such as a print order receiving agency, And a photo printer 15 that prints an image on photographic paper to create a printed photograph. Image data recorded using the digital camera 17 is uploaded to the order reception server 11 by the photographer. The order reception server 11 stores the uploaded image data and creates an order web page for browsing images and ordering print photos.

  When uploading image data, the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14 is used. The personal computer 12 and the storefront terminal 14 are connected to the order receiving server 11 using the Internet line. The image data is copied from the memory card 18 by setting the memory card 18 on which the image data is recorded using the digital camera 17 to the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14. The personal computer 12 and the storefront terminal 14 function as a communication terminal for accessing the order reception server 11, downloads an order web page from the order reception server 11, and displays the web page on the screen.

  The photo printer 15 is installed in a print service store and is connected to the order receiving server 11 via a dedicated network line. Image data for which a print order has been made is transmitted to the photo printer 15. The photo printer 15 performs a series of operations such as printing of an image for exposing the photographic paper based on the transmitted image data, development of the photographic paper, washing with water, and drying, and creates a printed photograph.

  In FIG. 2, the order receiving server 11 executes a program storage unit 21 in which a server management program is stored, a server management program, an image data receiving process uploaded from an external computer, a print order receiving process, and the like. A CPU 22 for performing the processing and an image storage device 23 for storing the uploaded image data are provided. The order reception server 11 transmits an ordering web page to the personal computer 12 and the store terminal 14, and receives information input on the web page from the personal computer 12 and the store terminal 14 as order information indicating print order contents. To do.

  The CPU 22 analyzes the image data, an image data analysis unit 25 that calculates the quality of the image, the presence / absence of the person's subject, and the elapsed time from the shooting, and an image that determines the evaluation value of the image based on the analysis result of the image data It functions as an evaluation unit 26 and a price setting unit 27 that sets the price of each image based on the evaluation value of the image.

  The image data analysis unit 25 calculates three types of information: the sharpness of the image, the number of persons appearing in the image, and the elapsed time since shooting. The sharpness of the image is obtained by extracting image information from the uploaded image data file and analyzing the spatial frequency component of the image information. The number of persons is calculated by analyzing the color information of the image information extracted from the image data file, detecting both eyes of the person, and specifying the number of faces of the person from the detected eyes. The elapsed time from shooting is calculated by extracting shooting date / time information incorporated in the image data file when shooting with the digital camera and comparing the shooting date / time with the current time.

  The image evaluation unit 26 obtains an evaluation value of the image based on the analysis result of the image data by the image data analysis unit 25. For example, when the sharpness of an image satisfies a predetermined reference value, the evaluation is high as an image that has been captured appropriately. On the other hand, when the sharpness of the image does not satisfy the reference value, the image is determined to be a low-quality image with a sharp outline due to a shooting error such as out-of-focus or camera shake, resulting in a low evaluation. Also, if the number of people in the image exceeds a predetermined reference number of people, it will take time and effort to gather and align people at the time of shooting, and it is evaluated that it is expected that there are many people who want to order prints. Becomes higher. On the other hand, when the number is below the reference number, the evaluation is low. If the elapsed time from shooting is shorter than a predetermined reference time, the evaluation is high as a larger number of orders can be obtained as a new image immediately after the image data is uploaded. On the other hand, when the elapsed time is long, the evaluation is low.

  The price setting unit 27 sets the price of the image based on the evaluation value of the image determined by the image evaluation unit 26, the size of the photographic paper, and the desired price determined by the image provider who provides the image data. That is, even if the evaluation value of the image by the image evaluation unit 26 is the same, the price of the set image is different if the size of the photographic paper is different. Even if the size of the photographic paper is the same, the set price is different if the evaluation value of the image is different. The desired price determined by the image provider is a price serving as a reference when changing the price depending on the evaluation value of the image and the size of the photographic paper. When the desired price is not set by the image provider, the final price of the image is set based on the standard price set by the print service store. A higher price is set as the evaluation value of the image is higher and the size of the photographic paper is larger.

  In FIG. 3, thumbnail images 31 of uploaded images are arranged in a matrix on the web page 30 created by the order receiving server 11. A person who wants to order a print photo can select an image to order by referring to the thumbnail image 31. When browsing the image, if the thumbnail image 31 of the image to be browsed is designated, the image data of the enlarged image is transmitted from the order receiving server 11 to the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14, and the enlarged image is displayed on each screen. .

  Below the thumbnail image 31, there are provided a size designation field 32 for designating the size of the print photo to be ordered and a number designation field 33 for designating the number of prints. The size designation column 32 and the number designation column 33 are displayed as pull-down menus. The size designation field 32 displays the size of the photographic paper and the price of the image per sheet corresponding to the size. When the size of the photographic paper is changed, the price of the displayed image is also changed. The size of the photographic paper includes known L size, 2L size, panorama size, and the like. In the initial state, the size of the photographic paper is designated as L size. Below the web page 30, the total order charge is displayed in the total charge display field 34, and the total order number of print photos is displayed in the total order number display field 35.

  When using the print sales system, it is necessary for an organizer of an event such as a group event to perform an application procedure for using the order reception server 11 to a print service store. At this time, it is also possible to request a service in which a photographer acts on behalf of a commemorative photo. The print service store is notified of the URL for accessing the order receiving server 11, account information, password, and the like from the print service store, and a third party who does not know the information uploads the image and views the image. You cannot place a print order.

  In FIG. 4, the order reception server 11 starts accepting uploading of image data when a predetermined date is reached from the application. When a photographer is requested to perform a commemorative photograph or the like, the print service store uploads image data of an image photographed by the cameraman. In addition, if there is an event participant who wants to release an image taken with a digital camera owned by himself / herself, the image data is uploaded from the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14 of each individual's home. can do.

  An image provider who uploads image data can set a desired price in consideration of a shooting fee and the like when uploading image data. The print service store sets the desired price in consideration of the shooting fee of the photographer. Individuals who upload captured images set a desired price when they want to compensate for consumables such as batteries. When image data is provided free of charge, the desired price does not have to be set. When the additional fee is set, information indicating the provider of the image data is transmitted to the order reception server 11 together with the image data, and the information of the image provider is stored in the order reception server 11.

  In the order receiving server 11, the image data analysis unit 25 analyzes the image data for the image for which the desired price is set, and calculates the image sharpness, the number of people in the image, and the elapsed time since shooting. If the desired price is not set, the image data is not analyzed. If the image sharpness does not satisfy a certain standard, the image evaluation unit 26 lowers the evaluation as an image with camera shake or defocus. If the number of persons in the image is a certain number or less, for example, 5 or less, the evaluation is lowered. Also, if the elapsed time from shooting is a certain time or more, for example, one week or more, the evaluation of the image is lowered.

  Based on the image evaluation value determined by the image evaluation unit 26, the price setting unit 27 increases the price if the evaluation value is high, and sets the price low if the evaluation value is low. In this way, the price of each image is set. The order reception server 11 creates a thumbnail image of each uploaded image, and creates a print order web page 30 including information on the created thumbnail image and the price of the set image.

  3 and 5, the print order web page 30 is released after a predetermined time from the start of image data upload acceptance. The web page 30 can be downloaded from the order reception server 11 by accessing the order reception server 11 from the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14 and inputting account information, a password, and the like. A person who wants to order a print photo can select an image for ordering the print photo with reference to the thumbnail image 31 of the web page 30. Further, when selecting an image, the image unit price displayed in the size designation field 32 can be referred to, and an order according to the budget can be made.

  When the orderer operates the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14 and finishes selecting an image for ordering the print photo and specifying the print size and the number of prints, the personal information such as the name and address of the orderer and the print photo are displayed. Enter necessary information such as how to receive and how to pay. When these input operations are completed and the print order is confirmed, the order information is transmitted from the personal computer 12 or the store terminal 14 to the order reception server 11.

  The order reception server 11 receives the order information and transmits the image data for which the order of the print photograph has been made to the photo printer 15. The photo printer 15 creates a print photo based on the image data received from the order reception server 11. The created print photograph is handed over to the orderer in exchange for the price in accordance with the receiving method specified by the orderer.

  In FIG. 6, the print service store pays the image provider a part of the sales after deducting the print fee out of the price paid by the orderer. If the image provider is a print service store, a part of the proceeds from the print order of the image taken by the cameraman is a shooting fee paid to the cameraman. If the image provider is an individual who sets a desired price, an amount corresponding to the number of print photo orders is paid to the individual.

  In the print sales system using the present invention, an orderer of a print photograph can easily determine the evaluation of the image with reference to the price of the image. Also, even when there are a large number of participants such as events, it is possible to eliminate the need for a specific individual to make a print order for all the members because each participant can individually make a print order.

  In the above-described embodiment, the price of an image due to camera shake or defocusing is reduced. However, if the image quality is corrected by image processing performed at a print service store, the effort of image processing is taken into consideration. You may make it expensive. In addition, if the image data file incorporates a comment by the photographer, information on the shooting location, or the like, the image evaluation may be increased. The present invention may be used not only for sales of printed photographs in which images are printed on photographic paper but also for sales of recording media on which image data is recorded. Further, when the desired price is set by the image provider, the price of the image may not be higher than the desired price, and the price of the image may be simply discounted by the lower evaluation. The price of the image fluctuates depending on the evaluation value of the image within the range of the difference between the desired price set by the image provider and the basic price of print creation so that the price of the image does not become lower than the basic price of print photo creation. It is preferable to do so.

  In addition, when the storage capacity of the image storage device that stores the uploaded image data is small, the image data that has not been ordered for a certain period of time may be deleted. Further, the name of the image provider and the desired additional charge may be displayed on the print order web page. Further, the order placed from the personal computer 12 functioning as a communication terminal or the storefront terminal 14 is not limited to being transmitted to the order receiving server 11, but uploading image data, storing image data, ordering prints, printing photos, You may make it possible to make it with a storefront terminal etc. which can be created by one machine.

It is a conceptual diagram of a print sales system. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an order reception server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the web page for print orders. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of an order reception server. It is a flowchart which shows the relationship of the flow of a process of an order reception server and a terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of goods and money among a print service store, an image provider, and an orderer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Print sales system 11 Order reception server 12 Personal computer 14 Store terminal 17 Digital camera 18 Memory card 21 Program storage part 22 CPU
23 Image storage device 25 Image data analysis unit 26 Image evaluation unit 27 Price setting unit 30 Web page 31 Thumbnail image 32 Size designation column 33 Number designation column

Claims (8)

  Image storage means for storing image data, image data analysis means for analyzing image data stored in the image storage means, and image evaluation means for determining an evaluation value of an image based on an analysis result of the image data analysis means And an image sales price setting system comprising price setting means for setting an image price based on an image evaluation value determined by the image evaluation means. The image data analysis means includes sharpness calculation means for calculating the sharpness of an image,
2. The image sales price setting system according to claim 1, wherein the image evaluation means determines the evaluation value of the image by determining whether or not the sharpness of the image is higher than a predetermined reference value. The image data analyzing means includes a person number calculating means for detecting a subject of a person from the image and calculating the number of persons.
The image sales price setting system according to claim 1, wherein the image evaluation unit determines an evaluation value of the image according to the calculated number of people. The image data analysis means includes an elapsed time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time from the shooting date based on shooting date information embedded in the image data,
The image sales price setting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image evaluation unit determines an evaluation value of an image based on the calculated length of elapsed time. A communication terminal for transmitting order information for ordering a printed photograph on which an image is printed;
The image storage means, the image data analysis means, the image evaluation means, the price setting means, and information indicating the price of the image set by the image setting means when ordering a print photograph is transmitted to the communication terminal. 5. The image sales according to claim 1, comprising: an order reception server comprising price information transmitting means for performing order information and order information receiving means for receiving the order information. 6. Pricing system.   Image storage means for storing image data, image data analysis means for analyzing image data stored in the image storage means, image evaluation means for determining an evaluation value of an image based on an analysis result of the image data, and image Price setting means for setting the price of the image based on the evaluation value of the image determined by the evaluation means, and price information for transmitting information indicating the price of the image to the communication terminal for ordering the printed photograph on which the image is printed An order receiving server comprising: a transmitting unit; and an order information receiving unit that receives order information transmitted from the communication terminal.   Image data is read from image storage means storing image data, image data analysis means for analyzing the image data stored in the image storage means, and image evaluation for determining an evaluation value of the image based on the analysis result of the image data And an image sales price setting program for causing a computer to function as price setting means for setting the price of an image based on an image evaluation value determined by the image evaluation means.   The image data is read from the image storage means storing the image data, the read image data is analyzed, the evaluation value of the image is determined based on the analysis result of the image data, and the evaluation value of the image is determined An image sales price setting method characterized by setting a price of an image.

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