JP2013258636A - Distribution control device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To share a photographed image photographed by an imaging device among a plurality of apparatuses even when sharers sharing the photographed image change depending on situations.SOLUTION: A distribution control device is connected with a first imaging device and a second imaging device via a network, and includes: an acquisition unit that acquires transmission destination information for transmitting a photographed image to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device from the first imaging device; and a transmission control unit that performs control to transmit the photographed image photographed by the second imaging device to the storage device corresponding to the first imaging device by using the transmission destination information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution control apparatus, a distribution control method, and a program for sharing a captured image captured by an imaging apparatus connected to a network.

  Conventionally, a technique for displaying an image captured by a second imaging device connected to the same subnetwork as the first imaging device on a display unit of the first imaging device is known (for example, a patent). Reference 1).

  The imaging device described in Patent Document 1 can be connected to a network. When an image is received from another imaging device via the network, the IP address of the transmission source of the received image is compared with the IP address of the own device. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the received captured image is a captured image captured by an imaging device connected to the same subnet as the own device, the received captured image is displayed on the display unit of the own device.

  Conventionally, an imaging apparatus that automatically transmits a captured image to a predetermined external device such as a home server via a network is known (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-103958 A JP 2006-217526 A

  The imaging device described in Patent Document 1 stores and displays a captured image captured by another imaging device in its own imaging device. However, in order to efficiently use the limited storage capacity of the imaging device, a captured image captured by another imaging device may not be held in the imaging device but transmitted to an external storage device or the like to be stored. desirable.

  The imaging device described in Patent Literature 2 transmits a captured image that has been captured to a predetermined storage device. However, when the sharer who shares the captured image dynamically changes as described in Patent Document 1, the storage device used by the sharer cannot be set in the imaging device in advance.

  Therefore, in the imaging device described in Patent Document 2, the storage device used by the sharer of the captured image cannot be specified, and the captured image cannot be transmitted to the storage device of the sharer.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and enables a captured image captured by an imaging apparatus to be shared among a plurality of devices even when a sharer who shares the captured image changes depending on the situation. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, a distribution control apparatus according to the present invention is a distribution control apparatus that is connected to a first imaging apparatus and a second imaging apparatus via a network, and corresponds to the first imaging apparatus. The second imaging device uses the acquisition unit that acquires transmission destination information for transmitting the captured image to the storage device to be acquired from the first imaging device, and the transmission destination information acquired by the acquisition unit. Transmission control means for performing control to transmit a captured image to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device.

  According to the present invention, a captured image taken by an imaging device can be transmitted to an external device corresponding to each sharer who shares the captured image. Therefore, even when the sharer who shares the captured image changes depending on the situation, the captured image captured by the imaging device can be shared among a plurality of devices.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image sharing system. 1 is a configuration diagram of a distribution server in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home server in Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a distribution server in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging device in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. Processing Flowchart of Distribution Server in Embodiment 1 The figure which shows the table which manages the correspondence of the identification information of an imaging device, and a home server. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating shooting timing of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a processing flowchart of a distribution server according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows the table which manages the response | compatibility with the identification information of imaging device, and setting time. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating shooting timing of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment.

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

Example 1
In the present embodiment, an image sharing system for sharing a plurality of captured images captured by a plurality of imaging devices connected to the same network will be described. Particularly in the present embodiment, when the first imaging device and the second imaging device are connected to the same network, the captured image captured by the first imaging device is associated with the second imaging device. An example of transmission to the storage device will be described.

  A configuration example of the image sharing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the image sharing system according to the present embodiment, a plurality of imaging devices 101 and a distribution server 104 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 103. The LAN 103 may be any communication standard, scale, wired or wireless. The LAN 103 is a sub-network for exchanging information between terminal devices within a range where the terminal location and users are limited.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, an imaging apparatus A and an imaging apparatus B are connected to the LAN 103. In this embodiment, the imaging device A and the imaging device B are used by different users. For example, the user A performs shooting using the imaging device A, and the user B different from the user A performs shooting using the imaging device B. The number of imaging devices 101 connected to the LAN 103 may be three or more.

  A captured image captured by the image capturing apparatus 101 is transmitted to the home server 106 by the distribution server 104 via the LAN 103 and a WAN (World Area Network) 105. The LAN 103 and the WAN 105 are connected via the router 102. The WAN 105 may be any communication standard, scale, wired or wireless. The WAN 105 can be configured by, for example, the Internet.

  A plurality of home servers 106 are connected to the WAN 105. The home server 106 acquires and accumulates captured images captured by the imaging apparatus 101 via the LAN 103 and the WAN 105. The home server 106 is assumed to be associated with the imaging device 101 described above. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a home server A and a home server B are connected to the WAN 105. Home server A and home server B each store captured images owned by different users. In the example of FIG. 1, the imaging device A and the home server A are associated with each other. The user of the imaging device A and the user of the home server A are the same (user A), and the user A transmits the captured image captured using the imaging device A to the home server A via the network for storage. Shall be able to. Similarly, in this embodiment, the imaging device B and the home server B are associated with each other. The association between the imaging apparatus 101 and the home server 106 is managed by the distribution server 104.

  Next, each configuration of the image sharing system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The imaging apparatus 101 converts an analog signal acquired by photographing a subject into digital data and generates a captured image. The imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103 and communicates with the distribution server 104 via the LAN 103. In this embodiment, the case where the imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103 wirelessly will be described. However, the imaging apparatus 101 may be connected to the LAN 103 by wire.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus 101 transmits destination information for transmitting a captured image to the home server 106 corresponding to the imaging apparatus 101 to the distribution server 104. For example, address information such as the IP address of the home server 106 can be transmitted to the distribution server 104 as the destination information.

  The router 102 manages the connection of the imaging apparatus 101 to the LAN 103. In this embodiment, the router 102 has a function as a wireless access point and mediates connection between the LAN 103 and the WAN 105. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the router 102 has a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server function, and assigns a local IP address to the imaging apparatus 101. When the imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103, the router 102 assigns a local IP address to the imaging apparatus 101.

  The distribution server 104 determines to which home server 106 the plurality of home servers 106 connected to the WAN 105 transmit the captured image captured by the imaging device 101. Further, the distribution server 104 performs distribution control for transmitting the captured image captured by the imaging apparatus 101 to the home server 106 according to the determination result.

  The distribution server 104 acquires transmission destination information for transmission to the home server 106 corresponding to the imaging device 101 from the imaging device 101. In addition, the distribution server 104 manages the association between the imaging device 101 and the home server 106. The distribution server 104 manages identification information for identifying the imaging device 101 and address information such as the IP address of the home server 106 registered in association with the imaging device 101.

  The home server 106 acquires and accumulates captured images captured by the imaging apparatus 101 via the LAN 103 and the WAN 105.

  Next, the configuration of the distribution server 104 will be described with reference to FIG. The display unit 201 displays an operation screen used by the user to operate the distribution server 104.

  The input unit 202 inputs an instruction for operating the distribution server 104. The input unit 202 inputs, for example, a signal input by a user using an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse to the control unit 205 described later.

  As a configuration for inputting a user instruction to the distribution server 104, the display unit 201 and the input unit 202 may be configured integrally. For example, the user may issue an operation instruction on the operation screen displayed on the display screen, such as receiving an operation instruction using a touch panel.

  The main storage unit 203 temporarily stores data acquired from the outside and output data output by the control unit 205 described later. When the control unit 205 described later incorporates a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the main storage unit 203 is used to temporarily save parameters used when the processor executes a program. . The main storage unit 203 is configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The auxiliary storage unit 204 stores a captured image captured by the imaging device 101. The auxiliary storage unit 204 stores the IP address of the distribution server 104. Furthermore, when the control unit 205 described later incorporates a processor such as a CPU, a program to be executed by the processor is recorded. The auxiliary storage unit 204 is configured by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). A removable medium may be used as the auxiliary storage unit 204. The auxiliary storage unit 204 may be configured by an external storage device.

  The communication unit 206 implements input / output of information with an external device via a network. The communication unit 206 is connected to the LAN 103 and connects the imaging device 101 and the router 102 to each other. Further, the communication unit 206 distributes the IP address of the distribution server 104 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 to the external apparatus connected to the LAN 103 by multicast.

  The control unit 205 controls the operation of each component of the distribution server 104 shown in FIG. The control unit 205 is configured by a processor such as a CPU, for example. When the control unit 205 is configured as a processor, the control unit 205 reads out and executes the program stored in the main storage unit 203, thereby controlling the operation of each component of the distribution server 104 illustrated in FIG. Each configuration shown in FIG. 2 is connected by a bus 207.

  A functional block diagram of the control unit 205 is shown in FIG. When the control unit 205 includes a processor, each function shown in each block in FIG. 4 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204. Alternatively, some or all of the functions shown in each block in FIG. 4 may be realized by individual hardware.

  A reception control unit 401 performs control to receive an image transmitted from the imaging apparatus 101 via the LAN 103. The image management unit 402 instructs the storage unit 407 described later to store the image received from the imaging apparatus 101 in the auxiliary storage unit 204. The monitoring unit 403 monitors connection and disconnection of the imaging apparatus 101 to the LAN 103.

  The determination unit 404 determines to which home server 106 the captured image stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 is to be distributed. The determination unit 404 is a second imaging device (for example, the imaging device) that connects the transmission destination of the captured image captured by the first imaging device (for example, the imaging device A) to the same network as the first imaging device. It is determined that the storage device is associated with B) (for example, home server B).

  The address management unit 405 manages setting information transmitted from the imaging device 101 connected to the LAN 103. The address management unit 405 manages an identifier for identifying the imaging apparatus 101 and local IP address as setting information. The address management unit 405 manages the IP address of the home server 106 registered in association with the imaging device 101. The setting information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The transmission control unit 406 performs control to transmit the address information of the distribution server 104 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 to an external device connected to the LAN 103 at regular intervals. In this embodiment, the IP address of the distribution server 104 in the LAN 103 is transmitted as the address information. The transmission control unit 406 performs control to transmit the captured image received from the imaging device 101 or the captured image stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 to the home server 106.

  The storage unit 407 performs control to store the captured image captured by the imaging device 101 in the auxiliary storage unit 204 in association with the identification information of the imaging device that captured the captured image. As the identification information, a captured image identifier 801 or a local IP address of the imaging apparatus 101, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the configuration of the home server 106 will be described with reference to FIG. The display unit 301 displays an operation screen used by the user to operate the home server 106. The display unit 301 displays the captured image stored in the home server 106.

  The input unit 302 inputs an instruction for operating the home server 106. The input unit 302 inputs, for example, a signal input by a user using an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse to the control unit 305 described later.

  The main storage unit 303 temporarily stores data acquired from the outside and data output from the control unit 305 described later. When the control unit 305 described later incorporates a processor such as a CPU, the main storage unit 303 is used for temporarily storing parameters used when the processor executes a program. The main storage unit 303 is configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The auxiliary storage unit 304 stores a captured image captured by the imaging device 101. In addition, when the control unit 305 described later incorporates a processor such as a CPU, a program to be executed by the processor is recorded. The auxiliary storage unit 304 is configured by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). A removable medium may be used as the auxiliary storage unit 304. The auxiliary storage unit 304 may be configured by an external storage device.

  The communication unit 306 realizes input / output of information with an external device via a network. The communication unit 306 receives a captured image captured by the imaging device 101.

  The control unit 305 controls the operation of each component of the home server 106 shown in FIG. The control unit 305 is configured by a processor such as a CPU, for example. When the control unit 305 is configured as a processor, the control unit 305 controls the operation of each component of the home server 106 illustrated in FIG. 3 by reading and executing a program stored in the main storage unit 303. The components shown in FIG. 3 are connected by a bus 307.

  The control unit 305 includes a reception unit 311 (not shown) and a storage unit 312 (not shown). When the control unit 305 includes a processor, the reception unit 311 and the storage unit 312 may be realized by the processor executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 304.

  The receiving unit 311 performs control to receive the captured image transmitted from the distribution server 104. The storage unit 312 performs control to store the received captured image in the auxiliary storage unit 304.

  Next, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. The display unit 501 displays an operation screen used by the user to operate the imaging apparatus 101. As will be described later in the fourth embodiment, when the distribution server 104 authenticates the imaging apparatus 101, the display unit 501 displays an authentication screen based on the authentication screen information transmitted from the distribution server 104.

  The input unit 502 inputs an instruction for operating the imaging apparatus 101. The input unit 502 inputs, for example, a signal input by a user using an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse to the control unit 505 described later. In addition, the input unit 502 inputs authentication information input by the user on the above-described authentication screen using an input device.

  As a configuration for inputting a user instruction to the imaging apparatus 101, the display unit 501 and the input unit 502 may be configured integrally. For example, the user may issue an operation instruction on the operation screen displayed on the display screen, such as receiving an operation instruction using a touch panel.

  The main storage unit 503 temporarily stores data acquired from the outside and output data output by the control unit 505 described later. When the control unit 505 described later includes a processor such as a CPU, the main storage unit 503 is used for temporarily storing parameters used when the processor executes a program. The main storage unit 503 is configured by a RAM or the like, for example.

  The auxiliary storage unit 504 stores a captured image captured by the imaging device 101. In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 504 stores the IP address of the distribution server 104 multicast-distributed from the distribution server 104. Further, when a control unit 505 described later incorporates a processor such as a CPU, a program for causing the processor to execute is recorded. The auxiliary storage unit 504 is configured by a ROM, for example. A removable medium may be used as the auxiliary storage unit 504. The auxiliary storage unit 504 may be configured by an external storage device.

  The communication unit 506 implements input / output of information with an external device via a network. A communication unit 506 connects to the LAN 103 and connects to the distribution server 104.

  The imaging unit 507 generates a captured image by converting an analog signal acquired by imaging a subject into digital data.

  A control unit 505 controls the operation of each component of the imaging apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG. The control unit 505 is configured by a processor such as a CPU, for example. When the control unit 505 is configured as a processor, the control unit 505 controls the operation of each component of the distribution server 104 illustrated in FIG. 5 by reading and executing a program stored in the main storage unit 503. Each component shown in FIG. 5 is connected by a bus 508.

  Next, processing in the imaging apparatus 101 from when the imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103 to when the captured image is transmitted to the distribution server 104 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the form in which the imaging apparatus 101 includes a processor, the processing flow in FIG. 6 shows a program for causing the processor to execute the procedure shown in FIG. The processor built in the imaging apparatus 101 is a computer, and executes a program read from a memory built in the imaging apparatus 101.

  When connected to the LAN 103, the imaging apparatus 101 receives the IP address information of the distribution server that the communication unit 206 of the distribution server 104 distributes to the LAN 103 by multicast (S601).

Next, the imaging apparatus 101 transmits setting information of the imaging apparatus 101 to the distribution server 104 using the received IP address information of the distribution server 104 (S602).
Here, the setting information of the imaging apparatus 101 includes an identifier for identifying the imaging apparatus 101, address information in the LAN 103 of the imaging apparatus 101, and address information of the home server 106 corresponding to the imaging apparatus 101.

  An example of the setting information is shown in FIG. “Camera_A” in FIG. 8 is an example of an identifier 801 for identifying the imaging apparatus A illustrated in FIG. Further, “Camera_B” in FIG. 8 is an example of an identifier 801 for identifying the imaging apparatus B illustrated in FIG. 1. The identifier 801 of the imaging apparatus 101 is not limited to the above example, and may be, for example, a MAC address (Media Access Control address) of each imaging apparatus. The identifier 801 serves as identification information for identifying the imaging device.

  “192.168.1.10” in FIG. 8 is an example of the local IP address 802 in the LAN 103 of the imaging apparatus A shown in FIG. Further, “192.168.1.11” in FIG. 8 is an example of the local IP address 802 in the LAN 103 of the imaging apparatus B illustrated in FIG.

  “180.11.11.11” in FIG. 8 is the IP address 803 in the WAN 105 of the home server A associated with the imaging apparatus A illustrated in FIG. Further, “180.22.22.22” in FIG. 8 is the IP address 803 in the WAN 105 of the home server B associated with the imaging apparatus B shown in FIG.

  When the image capturing apparatus 101 captures an image (S603), the image capturing apparatus 101 transmits the captured image to the distribution server 104.

  Next, processing in which the distribution server 104 receives a captured image from the imaging device 101 and transmits the received captured image to the home server 106 will be described with reference to FIG. In the form in which the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 incorporates a processor, the processing flow of FIG. 7 shows a program for causing the processor built in the control unit 205 to execute the procedure shown in FIG. The processor built in the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 is a computer, and executes a program read from the auxiliary storage unit 204 built in the distribution server 104.

  When the distribution server 104 connects to the LAN 103, the transmission control unit 406 of the control unit 205 distributes the IP address of the distribution server 104 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 to the external device connected to the LAN 103 by multicast at regular intervals. Control is performed (S700). However, the distribution timing of the IP address of the distribution server 104 is not limited to the case where it is performed at regular intervals.

  Next, the reception control unit 401 of the control unit 205 acquires the setting information described above from the imaging device 101 connected to the LAN 103 (S701) (acquisition procedure).

  Next, when setting information is received in step S701, the received setting information is stored in the management table 800 as shown in FIG. 8 under the control of the storage unit 407 of the control unit 205, and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 (S702). .

  Subsequently, when a captured image is received from the imaging apparatus 101 that transmitted the setting information, the received captured image is associated with identification information of the imaging apparatus that captured the captured image under the control of the storage unit 407 of the control unit 205 to assist. The data is stored in the storage unit 204 (S703). Here, the identifier 801 of the imaging device can be associated with the captured image as identification information. Alternatively, the local IP address of the imaging apparatus 101 may be associated. For example, when the distribution server 104 receives a captured image from the imaging apparatus A illustrated in FIG. 1, the identifier “Camera_A” illustrated in FIG. 8 or the local IP address “192.168.1.10” is illustrated in the received captured image. Is associated and saved. This identifier or the local IP address serves as identification information for identifying the imaging device.

  Next, the determination unit 404 of the control unit 205 determines the transmission destination of the captured image based on the identification information associated with the received captured image and the management table 800 (S704). Here, the determination unit 404 is configured to connect the transmission destination of the captured image captured by the first imaging device (for example, the imaging device A) to the second imaging device (for example, the first imaging device). The storage device (for example, home server B) associated with the imaging device B) is determined.

  For example, when the identifier “Camera_A” or the local IP address “192.168.1.10” is associated with the received captured image, the determination unit 404 “180.22. "22.22" is determined as the transmission destination.

  Subsequently, the monitoring unit 403 of the control unit 205 confirms whether the imaging device 101 associated with the home server 106 determined as the transmission destination by the determination unit 404 is connected to the LAN 103 (S705). For example, when the determination unit 404 determines that the home server B is the transmission destination, the monitoring unit 403 confirms whether the imaging device B associated with the home server B is connected to the LAN 103.

  When the distribution server 104 transmits a request for connection confirmation to the imaging apparatus 101 and confirms whether there is a response to the request, the distribution server 104 can confirm the connection of the imaging apparatus. The method of confirming the connection is not limited to this, and can be realized by using an existing network command. Further, the distribution server 104 compares the IP addresses of a plurality of imaging devices (for example, the imaging devices A and B) to determine whether the plurality of imaging devices exist within a predetermined network range (for example, the LAN 103). It is good as well.

  When the imaging apparatus 101 corresponding to the transmission destination is connected to the LAN 103 (Yes in S705), the transmission control unit 406 of the control unit 205 controls to transmit the received captured image to the transmission destination determined in step S704. (S706) (transmission control procedure). For example, the transmission control unit 406 transmits the captured image received from the imaging apparatus A illustrated in FIG.

  When the storage unit 312 of the home server 106 receives a captured image from the distribution server 104, the storage unit 312 performs control to store the received captured image in the auxiliary storage unit 304.

  If the imaging apparatus 101 corresponding to the transmission destination is not connected to the LAN 103 (No in S705), the process ends without transmitting the captured image to the transmission destination determined by the determination unit 404.

  According to the configuration described above, when a plurality of imaging devices are connected to the same network, the captured image captured by the first imaging device is transmitted to the storage device associated with the second imaging device. Can do. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the captured image captured by the image capturing apparatus A can be stored in the home server B associated with the image capturing apparatus B. In addition, the captured image captured by the imaging apparatus B can be stored in the home server A associated with the imaging apparatus A.

  The user can store captured images captured by other imaging apparatuses 101 connected to the LAN 103 to which the imaging apparatus 101 used for shooting is stored in his home server 106. In this manner, captured images can be shared between users who connect the imaging device to the same network.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to share a captured image captured by an imaging apparatus connected to a network within a specific range where a LAN is constructed.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the distribution server 104 has been described with respect to the case where the captured image is received from the image capturing apparatus 101, but is not limited thereto. The distribution server 104 receives only a shooting notification indicating that the imaging device 101 has shot, identification information of the imaging device 101 that has shot, and specific information for specifying the shot captured image. Also good.

  The determination unit 404 of the distribution server 104 can determine the transmission destination of the captured image based on the received identification information of the imaging device 101. The determination method can be performed using the management table shown in FIG. 8 as in the processing in step S704 shown in FIG.

  Then, the distribution server 104 performs the process in step S705 illustrated in FIG. 7, and when the imaging device corresponding to the transmission destination is connected to the same LAN, the captured image is transmitted to the imaging device 101 that has issued the shooting notification. Specific information and the determined transmission destination are notified. Then, the imaging apparatus 101 directly transmits the captured image instructed from the distribution server 104 to the designated destination home server 106. As described above, the captured image can be shared.

(Example 2)
In the second embodiment, when the first imaging device and the second imaging device are connected to the same network, the second imaging device captures images within a predetermined period according to the imaging time of the first imaging device. An example in which the captured image is transmitted to the home server associated with the first imaging device will be described.

  In addition to the processing described with reference to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, the communication unit 206 of the distribution server 104 in the present embodiment receives set time information described later from the imaging device 101. In addition, the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 according to the present exemplary embodiment performs processing for determining whether or not the received captured image is to be distributed to each home server 106. Other configurations of the image sharing system in the present embodiment are the same as the contents described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the image sharing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the imaging device A and the imaging device B connected to the same LAN 103 perform shooting. The vertical axis in FIG. 9 represents time. In the example of FIG. 9, the imaging apparatus A performs shooting 901 and shooting 902 between 9:50 and 10:00. In addition, the imaging apparatus A performs shooting 903 between 11:00 and 11:10, and shooting 904 between 11:20 and 11:30. In the example of FIG. 9, the imaging apparatus B performs shooting 905 at 9:50 and shooting 906 at 11:10.

  Next, in the present embodiment, processing in the imaging apparatus 101 from when the imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103 to when the captured image is transmitted to the distribution server 104 will be described.

  The processing performed by the imaging apparatus 101 in this embodiment is different from the processing described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIG. 6 in that setting time information is transmitted to the distribution server 104 in addition to the setting information in step S602. Other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

  Here, the set time information refers to a captured image captured by another imaging apparatus 101 (for example, the imaging apparatus B) when the imaging apparatus 101 (for example, the imaging apparatus A) captures an image of its own home server (for example, , Time information used for determining whether to transmit to the imaging apparatus A).

  The distribution server 104 can set an acquisition period for acquiring a captured image captured by another imaging apparatus 101 based on the imaging time of the imaging apparatus 101 and the set time information for the imaging apparatus 101. When another image capturing apparatus 101 captures an image during the acquisition period, the captured image captured by the other image capturing apparatus is transmitted to its home server. On the other hand, a captured image captured by another image capturing apparatus 101 during a period other than the acquisition period is not transmitted to its own home server. The set time information is set for each imaging device 101 connected to the LAN 103.

  An example of the set time information is shown in FIG. A management table 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 indicates the correspondence between the identification information of the imaging apparatus 101 and the set time 1101. As identification information of the imaging apparatus 101, a local IP address or the like in the LAN 103 of the imaging apparatus 101 may be used in addition to using the identifier 801 as shown in FIG. The set time information illustrated in FIG. 11 is obtained by capturing images captured by another imaging device (for example, imaging device B) for 30 minutes before and after the imaging time of the imaging device A (identifier “Camera_A”). It means transmitting to the associated home server A. Alternatively, instead of 30 minutes before and after the imaging time of the imaging device A, the acquisition period may be 30 minutes before or after the imaging time of the imaging device A. Similarly, the management table 1100 in FIG. 11 means that captured images captured for 10 minutes before and after the capturing time of the image capturing apparatus B are transmitted to the home server B associated with the image capturing apparatus B. Alternatively, instead of 10 minutes before and after the imaging time of the imaging device B, the acquisition period may be any 10 minutes before or after the imaging time of the imaging device B.

  Next, in this embodiment, a process in which the distribution server 104 receives a captured image from the imaging apparatus 101 and transmits the received captured image to the home server 106 will be described with reference to FIG. In the form in which the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 incorporates a processor, the processing flow of FIG. 10 shows a program for causing the processor built in the control unit 205 to execute the procedure shown in FIG. The processor built in the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 is a computer, and executes a program read from the auxiliary storage unit 204 built in the distribution server 104.

  When the distribution server 104 connects to the LAN 103, the transmission control unit 406 of the control unit 205 distributes the IP address of the distribution server 104 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 to the external device connected to the LAN 103 by multicast at regular intervals. Control is performed (S1001). However, the distribution timing of the IP address of the distribution server 104 is not limited to the case where it is performed at regular intervals.

  Next, when setting information and setting time information are received from the imaging apparatus 101 connected to the LAN 103, the received setting information is stored in a management table 800 as shown in FIG. Save in the storage unit 204. Further, under the control of the storage unit 407, the received set time information is stored in the management table 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 (S1002). In the example of FIG. 11, the time associated with the identifier “Camera_A” is 30 minutes, and the time associated with the identifier “Camera_B” is 10 minutes. In this embodiment, the case where the set time information is received from each imaging apparatus will be described. However, the distribution server 104 may hold a management table as shown in FIG. 11 in advance.

  Subsequently, when a captured image is received from the imaging device 101 that has transmitted the setting information and the setting time information, the received captured image is identified by the control of the storage unit 407 of the control unit 205, and the identification information of the imaging device that captured the captured image. And stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 (S1003). Here, the identifier 801 of the imaging device can be associated with the captured image as identification information. Alternatively, the local IP address of the imaging apparatus 101 may be associated.

  Next, the determination unit 404 of the control unit 205 determines the transmission destination of the captured image based on the identification information associated with the received captured image and the management table 800 (S1004). The determination method of the transmission destination is the same method as that in step S704 in FIG.

  Subsequently, the determination unit 404 of the control unit 205 determines whether or not to distribute the received captured image to each home server 106 (S1205). The determination unit 404 is photographed by the second imaging device 101 (for example, the imaging device B) during an acquisition period corresponding to the imaging time and the set time information of the first imaging device 101 (for example, the imaging device A). The captured image is determined as a distribution target.

  For example, in the management table 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11, the setting time of the imaging apparatus B (identifier “Camera_B”) is 10 minutes. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the determination unit 404 determines that a captured image captured by the imaging apparatus A is a distribution target for 10 minutes before and after each time when the imaging apparatus B performs the capturing 905 and the capturing 906. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the photographing 901 and 902 performed by the imaging device A during the acquisition period from 9:40 to 10:00, which is 10 minutes before and after the time 9:50 when the imaging device B performed the photographing 905. It is determined that the captured image is a distribution target. The determination unit 404 also captures a captured image taken by the imaging apparatus A during the acquisition period from 11:00 to 11:20, which is 10 minutes before and after the time 11:10 when the imaging apparatus B performs the imaging 906. It is determined as a delivery target.

  For example, in the management table 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11, the setting time of the imaging apparatus A (identifier “Camera_A”) is 30 minutes. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the determination unit 404 determines that the captured image captured by the image capturing apparatus B is a distribution target for 30 minutes before and after each time when the image capturing apparatus A performs capturing 901, 902, 903, and 904. To do.

  If the received captured image is a captured image captured during the acquisition period (Yes in S1006), the transmission control unit 406 of the control unit 205 transmits the received captured image to the transmission destination determined in step S1004. (S1006).

  When the storage unit 312 of the home server 106 receives a captured image from the distribution server 104, the storage unit 312 performs control to store the received captured image in the auxiliary storage unit 304.

  If the received captured image is not a captured image captured during the acquisition period (No in S1006), the process ends without transmitting the captured image to the transmission destination determined by the determination unit 404.

  As described above, it is possible to store and acquire in the home server an image close to the timing when the photographer photographed among the images photographed by another person's imaging device connected to the same network as the photographer's imaging device. In this way, a photographed image taken by another imaging device at a timing desired by the photographer can be stored in his home server.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the distribution server 104 has been described with respect to the case where the captured image is received from the image capturing apparatus 101, but is not limited thereto. As in the first embodiment, the distribution server 104 includes a shooting notification indicating that the imaging device 101 has performed shooting, identification information of the imaging device 101 that has performed shooting, specific information for specifying a shot captured image, And it is good also as receiving only setting time information.

(Example 3)
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a second captured image related to the first captured image is transmitted to the home server 106 in addition to the first captured image captured by another imaging device during the acquisition period. In the present embodiment, an example in which a series of captured images continuously captured by the imaging apparatus 101 is transmitted to the home server 106 as a plurality of related captured images will be described.

  Since the configuration of the image sharing system in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the image sharing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the imaging device A and the imaging device B connected to the same LAN 103 perform shooting. The vertical axis in FIG. 12 represents time. In the example of FIG. 12, the imaging apparatus A continuously performs shooting 1201, shooting 1202, shooting 1203, and shooting 1204. In the example of FIG. 12, shooting 1203 is performed at 10:00. In the example of FIG. 12, in the imaging apparatus B, shooting 1205 is performed at 9:50.

  Next, in the present embodiment, processing in the imaging apparatus 101 from when the imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the LAN 103 to when the captured image is transmitted to the distribution server 104 will be described.

  The processing performed by the imaging apparatus 101 in this embodiment is different from the processing described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIG. 6 in that setting time information is transmitted to the distribution server 104 in addition to the setting information in step S602. Further, in the processing performed by the imaging apparatus 101 in this embodiment, when continuous shooting is performed in step S603, continuous shooting information indicating that continuous shooting has been performed is added to the distribution server 104 in addition to the captured image in step S604. The point of sending is different. For example, when the photographer performs processing for executing continuous shooting in the imaging apparatus 101, the imaging apparatus 101 can transmit continuous shooting information to the distribution server 104 in association with continuously shot captured images. . The process for executing continuous shooting includes, for example, a process of long-pressing a release button of the imaging apparatus and a process of instructing the imaging apparatus 101 to shoot a moving image. When moving image shooting is performed in the imaging apparatus 101, for example, the start time and end time of moving image shooting may be transmitted to the distribution server 104 as continuous shooting information. Alternatively, when the imaging interval is less than the threshold, the imaging apparatus 101 may transmit the continuous imaging information to the distribution server 104 in association with the captured image obtained by the imaging. The imaging device 101 is not limited to continuous shooting information, and can transmit related information indicating that captured images are related to the distribution server 104. Other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

  Next, in the present embodiment, a process in which the distribution server 104 receives a captured image from the imaging device 101 and transmits the received captured image to the home server 106 will be described.

  The processing performed by the imaging apparatus 101 in the present embodiment is the auxiliary storage unit that stores the continuous shooting information in step S1003 when the continuous shooting information is received from the imaging apparatus 101 in the processing described with reference to FIG. The difference is that it is stored in 304.

  Further, among the processes described with reference to FIG. 10 in the second embodiment, the determination process in step S1005 when the distribution server 104 receives continuous shooting information is different.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the shootings performed by the imaging apparatus camera A during the 10 minutes before and after the shooting 1205 performed by the imaging apparatus B are the shootings 1201, 1202, and 1203. However, the determination unit 404 in this embodiment determines that the shootings 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 are continuous shootings with reference to the continuous shooting information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204. In step S <b> 1005, it is determined that the captured images captured by the capturing 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 are images to be distributed to the home server 106.

  When related information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204, processing can be performed in the same manner. That is, when the related information indicates that the shootings 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 are related shootings, the determination unit 404 sends the captured images captured by the shootings 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 to the home server 106. The image to be distributed is determined.

  When related information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204, processing can be performed in the same manner. That is, when the related information indicates that the shootings 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 are related shootings, the determination unit 404 sends the captured images captured by the shootings 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 to the home server 106. The image to be distributed is determined. The other processes are the same as those described in the second embodiment with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that a part of a plurality of continuously captured images is a captured image to be transmitted to the home server 106, the entire continuously captured images are Transmit to home server 106. Therefore, it is possible to prevent only a part of the series of captured images from being transmitted to the home server 106.

  In this embodiment, the case where the imaging apparatus 101 transmits continuous shooting information to the distribution server 104 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the distribution server 104 continuously captures images by the same image capturing device 101 within a predetermined time based on the image capturing time information of the captured image or the time when the captured image is received, or the captured image received from the same image capturing device 101. May be determined as a series of captured images. When it is determined as a series of captured images, continuous shooting information is associated with the captured images and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204.

Example 4
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which setting information can be transmitted to the distribution server 104 only by the imaging apparatus 101 authenticated by the distribution server 104.

  In this embodiment, the communication unit 206 of the distribution server 104 transmits authentication screen information for authenticating the imaging apparatus 101 to the imaging apparatus 101. In addition, when the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 receives the authentication information input on the authentication screen displayed by the imaging device 101 based on the authentication screen information, the control unit 205 receives setting information from the imaging device 101 that transmitted the authentication information. It is determined whether or not to permit this. The other configuration of the image sharing system in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the operation of the image sharing system according to the present embodiment will be described. The imaging apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment receives image sharing service URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information that the distribution server 104 multicasts to an apparatus connected to the LAN 103. Then, the received image sharing service URI is used to connect to the distribution server 104, and authentication screen information is acquired from the distribution server 104. The imaging apparatus 101 displays an authentication screen on the display unit 501 based on the received authentication screen information. The user of the imaging device 101 inputs authentication information on the authentication screen displayed on the display unit via the input unit 502 of the imaging device 101. When the input of authentication information is completed, the communication unit 506 of the imaging apparatus 101 transmits the input authentication information to the distribution server 104. For example, a user account or a password can be used as the authentication information.

  When authenticated by the distribution server 104, the imaging apparatus 101 performs the processing of steps S601 to S604 described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the distribution server 104 according to the present exemplary embodiment is an apparatus that connects the image sharing service URL information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 204 to the LAN 103 in the process of step S700 described with reference to FIG. Is distributed by multicast.

  When the imaging apparatus 101 connects to the distribution server 104 using the image sharing service URL information, the communication unit 206 of the distribution server 104 transmits authentication screen information to the imaging apparatus 101.

  When the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 receives the authentication information from the imaging device 101 in response to the transmission of the authentication screen information, the control unit 205 authenticates the imaging device 101 based on the authentication information. For example, when user account and password information is transmitted as authentication information from the imaging apparatus 101, it is determined whether or not the user account information and password information stored in advance in the distribution server 104 match, and authentication can be performed when they match. . However, the authentication method is not limited to the above-described method. In this way, the control unit 205 of the distribution server 104 authenticates that the imaging device connected to the distribution server 104 is an imaging device operated by a predetermined photographer.

  If the authentication of the imaging apparatus 101 is successful, the distribution server 104 executes the processing from step S702 to step S704 in FIG. On the other hand, if the authentication of the imaging apparatus 101 fails, an error is notified to the imaging apparatus 101, and setting information and captured image transmission from the imaging apparatus 101 are not accepted.

  In this way, only the setting information transmitted from the authenticated imaging device 101 is stored in the management table 800. Therefore, the captured image is shared only between the home servers 106 associated with the authenticated imaging device 101. In this way, the user can share only the captured image captured by the authenticated imaging apparatus.

  According to the present embodiment, since only the captured image captured by the authenticated specific imaging apparatus 101 is shared, when the user needs only the captured image of a specific group, an unnecessary captured image is obtained. You can avoid getting. Further, according to the present embodiment, the captured image transmitted to the distribution server 104 is transmitted only to the home server 106 associated with the authenticated imaging apparatus 101, so that the image is shared only between authenticated users. It can be performed. The processing performed in the present embodiment can be applied to any of the first to third embodiments described above.

(Other examples)
In the first to fourth embodiments, a user using the imaging apparatus 101 may be able to restrict transmission of a captured image to another person's home server 106.

  For example, an instruction for permitting or prohibiting sharing of a captured image can be input to the input unit 502 of the imaging apparatus 101. For example, the user can instruct whether to permit sharing of the captured image by pressing an instruction button provided on the imaging apparatus 101 or an instruction button displayed on the display unit 501 of the imaging apparatus 101. .

  When the photographer presses the instruction button before shooting, the captured image captured by the imaging apparatus 101 is transmitted to the distribution server 104. When the user presses the instruction button again, the captured image captured by the imaging apparatus 101 is subsequently distributed to the distribution server 104. Can be prevented from being sent to.

  Alternatively, the photographer may be able to give an instruction to share the image after shooting. In this case, when the user presses the instruction button after shooting, the shot image is transmitted to the distribution server 104.

  As described above, the photographer can restrict the sharing of the image, and the image that the photographer does not want to share can be prevented from being shared with other photographers.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the distribution server 104 is connected to the LAN 103 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is only necessary that the distribution server 104 can be connected to the imaging device 101 and the home server 106 via a network, and the distribution server 104 can determine whether a plurality of imaging devices are connected to the same network. When such a condition is satisfied, the image sharing system described in the first to fourth embodiments can be realized even when the distribution server 104 is connected to a network different from the LAN 103.

  As a method for determining whether or not the distribution server 104 is connected to the same network, for example, it is determined whether the distribution server 104 is connected to the same network by acquiring IP addresses from the plurality of imaging devices and comparing them. can do.

  In addition, even when the imaging apparatus 101 performs the distribution control process of the distribution server 104 described in the first to fourth embodiments, the same effects as described above can be obtained. That is, one of the imaging devices 101 may function as the distribution server 104. In this case, the imaging apparatus 101 functioning as the distribution server 104 executes an imaging procedure in which imaging is performed by the imaging unit, in addition to the processing described with reference to FIG.

  In this case, the imaging apparatus 101 does not receive the captured image from the other imaging apparatus 101, the imaging notification indicating that the other imaging apparatus 101 has performed imaging, the identification information of the imaging apparatus 101 that has performed imaging, and the imaging Only specific information for specifying the captured image may be received.

  The imaging device 101 can determine the transmission destination of the captured image based on the received identification information of the other imaging device 101. The determination method can be performed using the management table shown in FIG. 8 as in the processing in step S704 shown in FIG.

  The imaging apparatus 101 performs the process in step S705 illustrated in FIG. 7, and when the imaging apparatus corresponding to the transmission destination is connected to the same LAN, the captured image is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 101 that has performed the imaging notification. Specific information and the determined transmission destination are notified. The imaging apparatus 101 that has issued the shooting notification directly transmits the specified captured image to the home server 106 that is the designated transmission destination. In this way, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the own device from being reduced by receiving the captured image captured by the other imaging apparatus 101.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Image pick-up device 104 Distribution server 106 Home server 205 Control part 206 Communication part 401 Reception control part 404 Judgment part 405 Address management part 406 Transmission control part

Claims (15)

A distribution control device connected to a first imaging device and a second imaging device via a network,
Acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information for transmitting a captured image to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device from the first imaging device;
Transmission control means for performing control to transmit the captured image captured by the second imaging device to the storage device corresponding to the first imaging device, using the transmission destination information acquired by the acquisition means. A distribution control device.   The transmission control means, when the first imaging device and the second imaging device exist within a range of a predetermined network, captures an image captured by the second imaging device. The distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to transmit to a storage device corresponding to the. Receiving means for receiving a captured image captured by the second imaging device;
The distribution control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the received captured image captured by the second imaging apparatus to a storage apparatus corresponding to the first imaging apparatus.   The transmission control unit is configured to store a captured image captured by the second imaging device in a predetermined period corresponding to a capturing time when the first imaging device performs capturing in a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device. The distribution control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmission control is performed. The acquisition means acquires time information for setting the predetermined period from the first imaging device,
The transmission control unit is configured to capture a captured image captured by the second imaging device during a predetermined period according to a photographing time when the first imaging device performs photographing and time information obtained by the obtaining unit. The distribution control device according to claim 4, wherein control is performed to transmit to a storage device corresponding to one imaging device. The acquisition means acquires related information indicating that a plurality of captured images captured by the second imaging device are related from the second imaging device,
The transmission control means includes a first captured image captured by the second imaging device during the predetermined period and a second captured image indicated by the related information that is related to the first captured image. The distribution control device according to claim 4, wherein control is performed to transmit to a storage device corresponding to one imaging device. Authentication means for authenticating that an imaging device connected to the distribution control device is an imaging device operated by a predetermined photographer;
The acquisition unit acquires the transmission destination information from the first imaging device authenticated by the authentication unit,
The transmission control unit performs control to transmit a captured image captured by the second imaging device authenticated by the authentication unit to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device authenticated by the authentication unit. The distribution control device according to claim 1. A distribution control device connected to an imaging device via a network,
Imaging means for taking pictures;
Acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information for transmitting a captured image to a storage device corresponding to the imaging device from the imaging device;
A distribution control device comprising: a transmission control unit configured to control transmission of a captured image captured by the imaging unit to a storage device corresponding to the imaging device, using the transmission destination information acquired by the acquisition unit. . A control method for a distribution control device for connecting a first imaging device and a second imaging device via a network,
An acquisition step of acquiring transmission destination information for transmitting a captured image to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device from the first imaging device;
A transmission control step for performing control to transmit a captured image captured by the second imaging device to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device, using the transmission destination information acquired in the acquisition step. Characteristic control method.   In the transmission control step, when the first imaging device and the second imaging device exist within a predetermined network range, the first imaging device captures an image captured by the second imaging device. The control method according to claim 9, wherein control is performed to transmit to a storage device corresponding to.   In the transmission control step, the captured image captured by the second imaging device during a predetermined period corresponding to the imaging time when the first imaging device performed imaging is stored in a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device. The control method according to claim 9, wherein transmission control is performed. A control method of a distribution control device connected to an imaging device via a network,
An imaging step for shooting,
An acquisition step of acquiring from the imaging device transmission destination information for transmitting a captured image to a storage device corresponding to the imaging device;
And a transmission control step for performing control to transmit the captured image captured in the imaging step to a storage device corresponding to the imaging device using the transmission destination information acquired in the acquisition step. A computer connected to the first imaging device and the second imaging device via a network;
An acquisition procedure for acquiring transmission destination information for transmitting a captured image from the first imaging device to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device;
To execute a transmission control procedure for performing control to transmit a captured image captured by the second imaging device to a storage device corresponding to the first imaging device, using the transmission destination information acquired in the acquisition procedure. Program.   In the transmission control procedure, when the first imaging device and the second imaging device exist within a predetermined network range, the first imaging device captures a captured image captured by the second imaging device. The program according to claim 13, for causing the computer to execute control to be transmitted to a storage device corresponding to. To a computer connected to the imaging device via a network,
An imaging procedure for shooting, and
An acquisition procedure for acquiring transmission destination information for transmitting a captured image to the storage device corresponding to the imaging device from the imaging device;
A program for executing a transmission control procedure for performing control to transmit a captured image captured in the imaging procedure to a storage device corresponding to the imaging device, using the transmission destination information acquired in the acquisition procedure.

Images