JP2009087099A - Image service implementing method, program, and device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lead to implementation of an image service when storing a large quantity of images in a personal computer by carrying out folder classification along preset contents, and efficiently making image arrangement according to the classified contents. <P>SOLUTION: Images incorporated from an imaging device 42, a memory card 24, and the like are classified in categories registered by preset processing. Preset contents regarding order registration of classified folders of images displayed by preview are read from a category definition table, and displayed in an "order registration" field of an image incorporating/ordering screen. When an "order" button is pressed on an order confirmation screen, an order of an image service following the preregistered contents is carried out. When an "order later" button is pressed, the order of the image service is not carried out, but processing of automatically storing the image in an HDD 18 or the like can be carried out according to presetting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to image data classification and image-related service technology.

  According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, a group name given meaning is assigned to a folder, and searching using the group name facilitates browsing of files in the same group.

  According to Patent Document 2, in a main control unit of a digital camera, a face image is extracted from each image data by a face image extraction unit, and a feature amount is calculated from the face image data by a feature amount calculation unit. A feature amount comparison / determination unit creates a map showing the distribution of feature amounts and performs comparison / determination to determine a group of the same person, and the representative image determination unit determines the feature amount from the group with the highest appearance frequency. The face image of the value is determined as the representative image. The representative image determined by the representative image determination unit is stored in the memory card together with information associated with the corresponding image file group.

According to Patent Document 3, the print recommended image selection device includes a classification unit, an image analysis unit, a suitability calculation unit, and a selection unit. The classification unit classifies a plurality of images into a plurality of categories, and the image analysis unit calculates evaluation values for various analysis items. The suitability calculation unit calculates the print suitability of the image from the evaluation value and the importance of the category into which the image is classified. The selection unit selects a predetermined number of images having a high print suitability as a recommended print image from a plurality of images.
JP 2007-156680 A JP 2007-174378 A JP 2006-229682 A

  Patent Documents 1 to 3 mainly classify captured images into categories. However, all the classification methods are classified and stored in a single medium. Moreover, even though an appropriate print image can be selected, it has not yet reached a point where a print order or other image service is implemented. For example, if the comparatively classified images are still stored in one HDD, it is conceivable to compress the capacity. Also, if you want to place an order such as a print, you must reorder. Although it is possible for the user to transfer the automatically classified images to the media, it is a manual operation and the work efficiency is poor.

  According to the present invention, when a large amount of images are stored in a personal computer, classification is performed according to preset contents, and image arrangement is efficiently performed according to the classification contents, leading to implementation of an image service. In addition, the method of backing up to an internal recording medium such as a personal computer is determined according to the classification contents, and the burden on the storage area is reduced.

  The image service implementation method of the present invention includes a step of registering an image category, a step of setting a classification condition associated with the registered image category, and a step of setting the content of the image service according to the image category. In accordance with the classification condition of the set image, the step of classifying the image captured from the outside, and the image service is performed on the classified image according to the content of the image service associated with the classified category of the image Including the steps of:

  The content of the image service may include at least one of image printing, recording or storage of an image on a portable recording medium or other desired recording medium, transmission of an image to a desired communication device, and desired image processing. .

  Image categories include group photos, portrait photos, out-of-focus photos, or landscape photos.

  The classification condition may include presence / absence of a face, single or plural faces, presence / absence of out-of-focus, and a light source type related to white balance adjustment.

  The method further includes displaying a preview of each image classified into the specific category and displaying the contents of the image service associated with the specific category.

  The method may further include a step of accepting a change in the contents of the image service associated with a specific category.

  The method may further include a step of setting whether to store an image in a built-in recording medium according to the image category.

  The method may further include a step of confirming with the user whether the image service is permitted or not.

  A program for causing a computer to execute the above image service execution method is also included in the present invention.

  The image service execution apparatus of the present invention includes a category registration unit for registering an image category, a classification condition setting unit for setting a classification condition associated with the registered image category, and the contents of the image service according to the image category. Is classified according to the contents of the image service associated with the classified category of the image and the classification unit for classifying the image captured from the outside according to the set classification condition of the image. A service execution unit that performs an image service on the captured image.

  According to the present invention, when storing a large number of images on a personal computer, the images are classified according to preset contents and a service order is placed. In addition, the classified images can be guided to an image service order. In addition, since the method for storing data in a built-in recording medium such as a personal computer is determined according to the classification contents, the burden of securing a large amount of storage area on the built-in recording medium can be reduced.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 10 includes, for example, a personal computer (PC) personally held by an end user, and classifies, records, saves, corrects images, edits images, and performs various other image processing and print orders. This is a device for performing various image-related services (in the present specification, these are collectively referred to as image services) such as image transmission / reception.

  As shown in the figure, a central processing unit (CPU) 12 is connected to each block in the image processing apparatus 10 via a bus 14 and controls the operation of each block. The main memory 16 includes a storage area for storing the control program and a work area for executing the program.

  The hard disk device (HDD) 18 stores an operating system (OS) of the image processing apparatus 10, various image processing programs such as image trimming, image template composition, color correction, album creation / editing, various application software, and the like. Is done. The CD-ROM device 20 reads data from a CD-ROM (not shown). Various programs can be installed in the image processing apparatus 10 by setting a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded in the CD-ROM device 20.

  The card interface unit (card I / F) 22 reads image data from the memory card 24. The display memory 26 temporarily stores display data. The monitor 28 is, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor or a liquid crystal monitor, and displays images, characters, and the like based on image data, character data, and the like output from the display memory 26.

  The keyboard 30 and the mouse 32 receive an operation input from the operator and input a signal corresponding to the operation input to the CPU 12. The mouse controller 34 detects the state of the mouse 32 and outputs signals such as the position of the mouse pointer on the monitor 28 and the state of the mouse 32 to the CPU 12. The communication interface unit (communication I / F) 36 communicates with the network 38 and can transmit a desired image among the read images to a desired counterpart communication device. A camera connection interface unit (I / F) 40 communicates with an imaging device (electronic camera, digital camera) 42.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, a touch panel, a touch pad, or the like can be used as a pointing device in addition to the mouse 32.

  FIG. 2 shows the flow of the pre-setting process executed by the image processing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 shows a user interface (pre-setting screen) used in the pre-setting process. The pre-setting screen of FIG. 3 is displayed on the monitor 28 when the processing of FIG. A processing program of the CPU 12 that defines the presetting process of FIG. 2 is stored in the CD ROM, the main memory 16 or the HDD 18.

  In S1, first, a category name (category name) for classifying an image is registered. This can be registered by allowing the user to input a new category in the “new category” box on the preset screen or by selecting an existing category from a drop-down list. It is also possible to edit existing categories. If new category registration is selected, the process proceeds to S2. If existing category registration is selected, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S2, a desired category name is input. This category name is a folder name created in the HDD 18 for each category.

  In S3, an existing category name is selected.

  In S4, when an image read from the imaging device 42 or the memory card 24 or acquired via the network 38 is stored in the above-mentioned folder for each category, a point to be classified (classification condition) is selected and set. This is because the user can set a condition for classifying an image into a category to be registered by designating a desired option from each option of “classification points” on the pre-registration screen. Examples of options include “with / without face”, “one / multiple faces”, “with / without blur”, “by mode (landscape / night view / portrait, etc.)”, “white balance determination”, etc. Can be mentioned. Images satisfying the conditions of the designated option are classified into categories to be registered.

  In S5, what image service is scheduled to be ordered for the image stored in the folder corresponding to the category to be registered is selected and set for each folder according to the user operation. Examples of contents that can be selected and set as the order schedule contents include “print order”, “media output order”, “no order”, and the like. The “print order” is an order for printing an image with a desired size and number. The “media output order” is an order for recording an image on an external recording medium such as a DVD. “No order” means that neither a print order nor a media output order is placed.

  In S6, it is selected based on the user operation whether or not to switch the initial setting of image storage in accordance with the order contents selected in S5. If the method of switching the initial setting is selected, the process proceeds to S7, and if the method of not switching is selected, the process proceeds to S8. Note that the initial setting according to the order content is, for example, that all acquired images are stored in the HDD 18 when “print order” is set, and all acquired images are stored in the HDD 18 when “media output order” is set. If not set, or “do not order” is set, it is stored in the HDD 18, or the image is transmitted to a file server connected to the network 38 and stored. Note that a reduced image of the saved image may be created, and a list of reduced images of the saved image may be created. This initial setting is performed in advance with contents suitable for ordering.

  In S7, the necessity of image storage in the HDD 18 is changed to a setting according to the user's selection operation. That is, when the user does not select a storage destination (HDD 18) according to the initial setting, the user selects not to save the image on various media other than the HDD 18, or the user selects not to save the image itself. To do.

  In S8, the arrangement priority order of each folder corresponding to each category is set. This is set by selecting a desired storage order from the “ordering priority” drop-down list on the pre-registration screen.

  In S9, it is set whether or not an image classified into the category is automatically previewed on an image reading / ordering screen (FIG. 6) described later. This is set by selecting “display” or “not display” from the “preview display” radio button on the pre-registration screen. If “display” is selected, the process proceeds to S10, and if “not display” is selected, the process proceeds to S11.

  In S10, a setting for automatically previewing images classified into categories is performed. In addition, the order of images to be displayed for preview (order of frame number, date order, etc.) is also set.

  In S11, a setting is made so that an image classified into the category is not automatically previewed.

  In S12, the category registration is completed. Of course, even at this stage, it is possible to cancel the setting contents and finish the process without completing the registration.

  FIG. 4 is a category definition table that stores the result of the presetting process. The category definition table shows the correspondence between registered categories and their category names (same as folder names), classification conditions (classification methods), order contents (orders), storage locations (storage areas), and organization priority. Show. The category definition table is stored in the HDD 18.

  For example, it is assumed that images of “group photo” in category “A” are often printed by the user to others, and images classified in the category are stored in the HDD 18 at the same time as “print order” is performed. Saved in.

  It is assumed that an image of “person photograph” of category “B” is taken only by the user himself, and does not make “print order” but makes “DVD backup”, that is, “media output order”. For this reason, it is not stored in the HDD 18.

  The image of “out-of-focus photo” in category “C” is a failed image that is a person but out of focus, and “does not order”, that is, neither print order nor DVD backup order.

  In this way, by setting various image classification conditions and order contents individually for each category, images are automatically classified at the time of image acquisition, and the classified images are transferred to a print ordering dealer. An increase in print orders is expected. Further, if the “media output order” is made, the acquired image does not remain stored in the HDD 18, so that the capacity of the HDD 18 can be prevented from being limited.

  FIG. 5 shows the flow of image capture / order processing executed by the image processing apparatus 10. FIG. 6 shows a user interface (image capture / order screen) used in image capture / order processing. The image capture / order screen of FIG. 6 is displayed on the monitor 28 when the processing of FIG. 5 starts. In this process, it is assumed that an image capture destination such as the imaging device 42 is connected to the image processing apparatus 10. Note that the processing program of the CPU 12 that defines the image capture / order processing of FIG. 5 is stored in the main memory 16 or the HDD 18.

  In S21, images captured from the imaging device 42, the memory card 24, and the like are classified into categories according to the classification conditions registered in the preset process.

  The classification is performed according to the preset order of arrangement priority. In other words, each image is classified according to the classification condition corresponding to the category to which the highest storage order is assigned, and if there is an image that has not been classified even by the classification according to the classification condition, The remaining images are classified according to the classification condition corresponding to the category. If there is still an unclassified image, the image classification corresponding to the classification condition corresponding to the next rank category is repeated in the same manner. Images classified into each category are moved and stored in folders corresponding to the respective categories.

  Then, in the “preview image” field on the image capture / order screen on the monitor 28, images classified into each folder corresponding to each category are sequentially displayed according to the order of each category. The preview display of each image is automatically switched if the preview display is selected in the previous S9. If preview display is not selected in the previous S9, the user manually switches the image display. In that case, the previous and next images and the previous and next categories are manually switched.

  In S <b> 22, the image is temporarily stored in the HDD 18 in accordance with a preset arrangement priority order.

  In S23, an image preview of each folder is displayed according to a preset display order. That is, images in a plurality of folders are not previewed at the same time, but are previewed with priority given to each image in the folder in the prior order among the orders set in S8 or S9. The order contents corresponding to the classified folder of the image displayed in the preview are read from the category definition table and displayed in the “Order Registration” column of the image capture / order screen. In FIG. 6, the radio button corresponding to “print order” is selected in advance as the contents of the preset order registration. In addition, the “Save to HDD” check box is checked in advance. However, as will be described later, this selection can be changed.

  In S24, whether or not to change the preset order contents is selected according to the user operation. If it is selected that the contents of the presetting are not changed, the process proceeds to S26, and if the person who changes the contents of the presetting is selected, the process proceeds to S25.

  In S25, the order details are changed according to the user operation. For example, the preset “print order” can be changed to “media output order” or “no order” from the image capture / order screen, or saving to the HDD 18 can be canceled.

  In S26, it is determined whether or not the display of all the images in the classified folder of the preview displayed image is completed. If the display of all the images is completed, the process proceeds to S27. If not completed, the process returns to S23 and is not displayed.

  In S27, an order confirmation screen is displayed on the monitor 28. The order confirmation screen illustrated in FIG. 7 displays a message indicating that the classification of an image of a certain category in accordance with the arrangement order has been completed, and a message prompting permission for whether or not the order of the registered content can be executed, and A button for accepting whether or not to execute the order is also displayed. If the “Cancel” button is pressed on the order confirmation screen, the process proceeds to S28. If the “Order” button is pressed, the process proceeds to S29. If the “Order later” button is pressed, the process proceeds to S30.

  In S28, the order registration is not changed, and the process proceeds to S31 while retaining the preset content.

  In S29, the order registration is changed and the order according to the preset content is executed. The order may be arranged in any manner. For example, image print order information or image DVD record order information is sent to an order reception server (not shown) via the network 38.

  In S30, the order registration is changed, and the process proceeds to S31 without placing an order. Note that only the order can be executed later.

  In S31, it is determined whether preview display of all categories of images has been completed. If completed, the process ends. If not completed, the process proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the category that is the subject of the preview display is set as the category of the next rearrangement order. Then, the process returns to S23, and preview display of an image related to the next category in the arrangement order is started.

  As described above, when storing a large amount of images on a personal computer, the images are classified according to preset contents (category definition table), and the image service is implemented according to the classification. Image classification is efficiently performed according to the classification contents, and classification by a user's manual work can be reduced. In addition, by guiding the classified images to the execution of the image service, it is possible to reduce the number of images processed manually by the user, and the order of the image service such as a print order is promoted. In addition, since a method of saving data in the HDD 18 is automatically selected according to the classification content, it is possible to reduce the waste of storage resources that keep a large amount of images stored on the HDD 18.

Schematic configuration diagram of an image processing device Pre-setting process flowchart Figure showing an example of the preset screen Conceptual illustration of category definition table Flow chart of image reading / order processing Figure showing an example of the image reading / ordering screen Figure showing an example of the order confirmation screen

Explanation of symbols

  10: Image processing device, 12: CPU, 18: Hard disk device, 24: Memory card, 42: Imaging device

Claims (10)

Registering image categories,
Setting a classification condition associated with the category of the registered image;
Setting the content of the image service according to the category of the image;
Classifying an externally captured image according to the set image classification condition;
Performing an image service on the classified image according to the content of the image service associated with the classified category of the image;
An image service implementation method including:   The content of the image service includes at least one of image printing, recording or storage of an image on a portable recording medium or other desired recording medium, transmission of an image to a desired communication device, and desired image processing. Item 2. The image service implementation method according to Item 1.   The image service implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the image category includes a group photo, a portrait photo, a out-of-focus photo, or a landscape photo.   The image classification method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the classification condition includes the presence / absence of a face, single or plural faces, presence / absence of out-of-focus, and a light source type relating to white balance adjustment.   5. The image service implementation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of displaying a preview of each image classified into a specific category and displaying the contents of the image service associated with the specific category. .   The image service implementation method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of accepting a change in the content of the image service associated with the specific category.   The image service implementation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of setting whether to store an image in a built-in recording medium according to the image category.   The image service execution method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of confirming with a user whether or not the image service is permitted.   The program which makes a computer perform the image service implementation method in any one of Claims 1-8. A category registration unit for registering image categories;
A classification condition setting unit for setting a classification condition to be associated with the category of the registered image;
A service content setting unit for setting the content of an image service according to the category of the image;
In accordance with the set image classification conditions, a classification unit for classifying images captured from outside,
A service execution unit that performs an image service on the classified image according to the content of the image service associated with the classified category of the image;
An image service execution apparatus comprising:

Images