JP2016006676A - File management device, file management system, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a document management system which enables user-related image files to be browsed by analyzing the image files when a plurality of users have the image files respectively.SOLUTION: A log-in user uploads an image file obtained by photographing to a file management device (step S100-step S114). After analyzing attribute information such as a photographing date and a photographing location of the uploaded image file (step S116), the file management device acquires correlation between the image file of the log-in user and the image file uploaded to the file management device by a user other than the log-in user from attribute information and performs display control so that the log-in user can browse the image file related to the log-in user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique related to access control to image data, and more particularly to a technique for performing access control by defining a disclosure range according to attribute information of image data.

  Currently, image files obtained by digital still cameras, etc. are stored in file servers that store and manage the files. When appropriate, users can access the image files to view, edit, download, etc. Perform the operation.

  However, file servers handled by groups such as schools and companies are used by a plurality of users, and each user can freely download image files obtained by photographing with a digital still camera owned by the user to the file server. By storing, it is possible to share image files obtained by other users and to share information necessary for each other.

  For example, in trips and ceremonies where participation is made in a group, each user stores an image file obtained by himself / herself in a file server, and each user appropriately refers to the stored image file. Etc. can be performed.

  However, in the file server, by defining the access range to the image file for a specific user, the access right of the image file irrelevant to the user is removed from the user, thereby improving the convenience of the image file. Ingenuity has been made.

  However, when there are a large number of image files, it is necessary to set different access ranges depending on the shooting date and location when granting access rights. Is required.

  Therefore, using image file attribute information (photographing date, position information, exposure information, etc.) and pre-registered user profile, map, seasonal events, calendar, weather, events, etc., information is recorded in the image file. A technique for classifying and organizing image files by estimating and setting a title that characterizes the captured content is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-10178 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since a title is estimated and set for an image file obtained by shooting by a user, the image file obtained by shooting by a plurality of users is used. It is difficult to specify an image file related to the image file.

  For example, when a user wants to view an image file with a story, etc., the user selects an image file obtained by shooting at the same place from all the user's image files, and further chronologically selects these files. You need to rearrange the image files.

  Certainly, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it can be considered to classify and organize these image files by judging the similarity between the image files from the guessed image file title. These aspects are not described or suggested in Patent Document 1, and there are a plurality of image files, and in a situation where the necessity of analyzing the relationship between the image files is questioned, usability is low. It will decline.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, when there are image files owned by a plurality of users, an image file related to the user is provided by performing an analysis between the image files. An object of the present invention is to provide a file management apparatus, a file management system, a control method, and a program that can be used.

  According to a first aspect of the invention for achieving the above object, the first invention for achieving the above object is the file management apparatus for storing an image file obtained by photographing with the photographing apparatus, and possessing the image file. Image file storage means for storing the image file corresponding to the owner information, correspondence information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information, and the correspondence information storage means An image for identifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information based on the stored owner information and different owner information corresponding to the owner information A file specifying unit, an image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying unit, and an image corresponding to the different owner information An analysis unit that performs analysis to identify an image file of the different owner information that is related to the image file of the owner information, and an image of the owner information that is identified by the analysis unit A file management apparatus comprising: determining means for determining an image file having the different owner information related to a file.

  A second invention for achieving the above object is a file management comprising a client terminal that accepts an image file obtained by photographing with a photographing device and a file management device that manages the image file transmitted from the client terminal. In the system, the client terminal includes a transmission unit that transmits the image file together with owner information, and the owner related to the image file of the owner information specified by the analysis unit of the file management apparatus. Display means for displaying an image file of owner information different from the information on a display unit, and the file management device receives the owner information and the image file transmitted by the transmission means, and the reception An image file storage for storing the image file corresponding to the owner information received by the means Corresponding to the owner information, corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information, and corresponding to the owner information and the owner information stored in the correspondence information storage means Based on different owner information, an image file specifying means for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information, and the ownership specified by the image file specifying means The image file corresponding to the owner information and the image file corresponding to the different owner information are analyzed in order to identify the image file of the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information. An analysis unit and an image file of the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information specified by the analysis unit. Determining means for determining the Le is a file management system characterized by comprising a.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a control of a file management apparatus comprising image file storage means for storing the image file in correspondence with owner information of the image file obtained by photographing with the photographing apparatus. The owner information stored in correspondence information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information and different owner information corresponding to the owner information And an image file specifying step for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information, and the owner information specified by the image file specifying step The image file corresponding to the image file of the owner information is different from the image file corresponding to the image file and the different owner information. An analysis step for performing analysis to specify an owner information image file, and a determination to determine the different owner information image file related to the owner information image file specified by the analysis step And a step of executing the file management apparatus.

  A fourth invention for achieving the above object is executed in a file management apparatus comprising image file storage means for storing image files corresponding to owner information of image files obtained by photographing with a photographing apparatus. The owner information stored in correspondence information storage means for storing the owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information and the owner. Based on different owner information corresponding to the information, an image file specifying means for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information, and specifying by the image file specifying means The owner information for the image file corresponding to the owner information and the image file corresponding to the different owner information. Analyzing means for performing analysis to identify an image file of the different owner information related to the image file, and the different owner related to the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing means A program that functions as a determination unit that determines an image file of information.

  A fifth invention for achieving the above object is a file management comprising a client terminal that accepts an image file obtained by photographing with a photographing device and a file management device that manages the image file transmitted from the client terminal. A control method for a system, wherein the client terminal is related to an image file of owner information specified by a transmission step of transmitting the image file together with owner information and an analysis step of the file management device. A display step of displaying an image file of owner information different from the owner information on a display unit, and receiving the owner information and the image file transmitted by the transmission step in the file management device; And owner information received by the receiving step Correspondingly, the image file storing step for storing the image file, the owner information stored in the corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information, and the An image file specifying step for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information based on different owner information corresponding to the owner information; and the image file specifying step The image file of the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information is specified with respect to the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the above and the image file corresponding to the different owner information. An analysis step for performing an analysis, and an image file of the owner information specified by the analysis step. A control method of a file management system, characterized in that to perform a determination step of determining an image file of the different owner information is relevant to.

  A sixth invention for achieving the above object is a file management comprising a client terminal that accepts an image file obtained by photographing with a photographing device and a file management device that manages the image file transmitted from the client terminal. A program executed in a system, wherein the client terminal is related to an image file of owner information specified by transmission means for transmitting the image file together with owner information and analysis means of the file management apparatus. A display means for displaying an image file of owner information different from the owner information on the display unit, and the file management device receives the owner information and the image file transmitted by the transmission means. Corresponding to the owner information received by the receiving means. Corresponding to the owner information and the owner information stored in the image information storage means for storing the file and the corresponding information storage means for storing the owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information Based on different owner information, an image file specifying means for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information, and the ownership specified by the image file specifying means The image file corresponding to the owner information and the image file corresponding to the different owner information are analyzed in order to identify the image file of the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information. And the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing means and the analyzing means Determining means for determining an image file, a program for causing to function with.

  According to the present invention, the relevance between image files is specified using attribute information such as the date and time of the image file and the shooting location, and the access range is added to the related image file to the user. By providing an image file, the user can use image files that are relevant to him / her, thus reducing the labor required for sorting and organizing image files and improving usability. The effect of becoming.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the hardware of the file management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a client terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the screen used when logging in to the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the screen used when uploading an image file to a file management apparatus and referring the uploaded image file in the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. In the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention, when searching an image file, it is a block diagram which shows the structure of the screen for narrowing down the date which image | photographed the image file. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is a lineblock diagram showing composition of a table for storing and managing information about a user. In embodiment of this invention, it is a block diagram which shows the structure of the table used when storing and managing the relationship between a user and a friend user. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is a block diagram showing the configuration of a table for storing and managing the attribute information and the like of the image file. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing for uploading an image file to a file management apparatus and referring to the uploaded image file in the file management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which refers to an gallery file in the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which refers to an gallery file in the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. In embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between users. In embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the analysis result of the relevance of the image file which a user owns. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is a lineblock diagram showing composition of a screen for referring to an image file relevant to a login user. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the screen used when uploading an image file and GPS data to a file management apparatus in the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and referring the uploaded image file and GPS data. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is a block diagram showing the configuration of a table for storing and managing the attribute information of the image file and GPS data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing for uploading an image file and GPS data to a file management apparatus and referring to the uploaded image file and GPS data in the file management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which refers to an gallery file and GPS data in the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which refers to an gallery file and GPS data in the file management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. In embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the analysis result of the relationship between the image file which a user owns, GPS data, and an image file. In embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example which mapped and displayed the image file and GPS data with respect to map data.

[First Embodiment]

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

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a file management system. In the file management system 100, a plurality of client terminals 102 and a file management apparatus 104 are connected via a network 106.

  A user takes in an image file obtained by photographing with a digital still camera or the like using software pre-installed in the client terminal 102 and stores the image file in a predetermined storage area.

  Then, the user selects an image file that needs to be stored and managed by the file management apparatus 104 from the image files stored in the predetermined storage area displayed on the client terminal 102, and the file is transmitted via the network 106. The selected image file is transmitted to the management apparatus 104.

  The file management apparatus 104 stores the transmitted image file in its own predetermined storage area, and according to a request instruction from the client terminal 102, appropriately analyzes between image files and sets an access range to the image file. Etc. are executed.

  Note that the date and time information indicating the shooting date and time and the position information indicating the shooting position are stored in advance in the image file as attribute information of the image file, and are shot with a digital still camera or the like having an existing GPS (global positioning system) function. If the image file is taken with a digital still camera without GPS function, the time and position information is acquired from a device that acquires position information in a time series such as a GPS logger, and stored in the image file. The position information of the photographing time output from the GPS logger corresponding to the recorded time may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the file management apparatus 104 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201 and functions executed by each server or each terminal. Various programs to be described later are stored. The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

  An input controller (input C) 205 controls input from an input unit 209 indicating a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse (not shown).

  A video controller (VC) 206 controls display on a display unit such as the display unit 210. The display device may be a liquid crystal display regardless of the CRT. These are used by the administrator as needed. The present invention is not directly related.

  A memory controller (MC) 207 is a hard disk (HD), floppy disk (registered trademark FD) or PCMCIA card slot for storing boot programs, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 can perform display on the display unit 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display unit 210.

  A program for executing an image file disclosure process for realizing the present invention is recorded in the external memory 211 and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used by the program according to the present invention are stored in the external memory 211, and detailed descriptions thereof will be described later.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the client terminal 102 has the same hardware configuration as that of the file management apparatus 104, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, description will be made using the same reference numerals as necessary.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a login screen 300 used when a user logs in to the file management system 100, and the login screen 300 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102.

  The login screen 300 includes a login ID 302 indicating a user ID input field for uniquely identifying a user, and a password used when the user authenticates whether or not the file management system 100 can be used. A password 304 indicating an input field and a login button 306 to be pressed when instructing start of user authentication are provided.

  In FIG. 4, the user selects an image file received and stored at the client terminal 102 from a digital still camera or the like, and sends (uploads) the image file to the file management apparatus 104, or already manages the file. A configuration of an image registration reference screen 400 for a user to select whether to refer to an image file stored and managed in the device 104 or to perform any processing is shown. The image registration reference screen 400 is a client It is displayed on the display unit 210 of the terminal 102.

  The image registration reference screen 400 includes an image registration button 402 and an image reference button 404. Using the image registration reference screen 400, the user selects an image file acquired from the digital still camera or the like to the client terminal 102, and When uploading the image file to the file management device 104, when the image registration button 402 is pressed via the input unit 209 and an image file already stored and managed in the file management device 104 is referred to, the image file is uploaded. A reference button 404 is pressed via the input unit 209.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a date range selection screen 500 that is used when referring to an image file stored in the file management apparatus 104 on the condition that the image file was shot. The date range selection screen 500 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102.

  The date range selection screen 500 can refer to an image file shot during the specified period by specifying the shooting period. The date range selection screen 500 includes a start date input field 502 indicating a start date input field, a period An end date input field 504 indicating an end date input field, a selection button 506 to be pressed when starting the reference processing of the image file, and a cancel to be pressed when closing the date range selection screen 500 without specifying a period A button 508 is provided.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a user management information table 600 for storing information for the user to set the access range of his / her own image file. The user management information table 600 is stored in the file management apparatus 104. It is stored in a storage medium such as the external memory 211.

  The user management information table 600 includes a user ID 602 for uniquely identifying a user, a password 604 used for authentication when the user logs in to the file management system 100, a name 606 indicating the name of the user, and an email owned by the user. An address 608 is provided.

  In addition, the user management information table 600 includes an icon file path 610. Since the icon for identifying the owner of the image file is displayed along with the image file on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102, the icon is displayed. A path to a predetermined storage area of the stored file is stored in the icon file path 610.

  In addition, the user management information table 600 includes face information 612. When the user's face exists in another user's image file when analyzing the user's image file and another user's image file, the relevance The face information 612 stores a path to a predetermined storage area of a file in which each user's face is recorded.

  The user management information table 600 includes a disclosure range (distance) 614. When the user discloses his / her image file to another user, the position of the image file taken by the other user and his / her own image file are stored. To disclose if the difference from the photographed position is within the distance stored in the disclosure range (distance) 614. A disclosure range (distance) 614 stores a distance that should be permitted to be disclosed.

  Furthermore, the user management information table 600 includes a disclosure range (time) 616, and when a user discloses his / her image file to another user, the date and time of the image file taken by the other user and his / her own image file are stored. The disclosure is made if the difference from the date and time when the image was taken is within the time stored in the disclosure range (time) 616. The disclosure range (time) 616 stores a time at which disclosure should be permitted.

  FIG. 7 shows a friendship information table 700 that stores relationships between users who are friends with the user. The friendship information table 700 stores user IDs 702 and 702 for uniquely identifying the users. A friend ID 704 for uniquely identifying a user having a friendship with the user ID is provided, and the friend information table 700 is stored in a storage medium such as the external memory 211 of the file management apparatus 104.

  FIG. 8 shows an image attribute storage table 800 for managing image file attribute information. The image attribute storage table 800 is stored in a storage medium such as the external memory 211 of the file management apparatus 104.

  The image attribute storage table 800 includes an image ID 802 for uniquely identifying an image file, an image file path 804 indicating a path to a predetermined storage area in which the image file is stored, and a user ID of the owner of the image file. And the face information 808 for storing the user ID of the other user when the face of the other user of the image file exists.

  In addition, the image attribute storage table 800 includes a date and time 810 that indicates the date and time when the image file was shot, a position 812 that indicates the position where the image file was shot, and another user for determining the disclosure range of each image file to another user. An individual image disclosure range 814 indicating the user ID of the user is provided.

  With regard to the individual image disclosure range 814, when an image file can be viewed by a user having a friend ID stored in the friend information table 700, a user-specified disclosure range is set, and the individual image file can be viewed. When setting the user to perform, the user ID of the user who wants to be able to browse is set.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows a flowchart regarding image file disclosure processing executed in the file management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed under the control of the client terminal 102 or the CPU 201 of the file management apparatus 104. The

  First, in step S <b> 100, after starting the client terminal 102, the login screen 300 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102. In the next step S102, it is determined whether or not the login button 306 provided on the login screen 300 has been pressed via the input unit 209. If it is determined that the login button 306 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S104. In S104, the user ID and password input to the login ID 302 and password 304 are acquired as user information, and the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the user information acquired in step S104 is transmitted to the file management apparatus 104 via the network 106. In the file management apparatus 104, the user ID and password included in the received user information are stored in the user management information table 600. It is determined whether or not a record corresponding to the user ID 602 and the password 604 exists. If it is determined that the record exists, an authentication result indicating that the authentication is OK is transmitted to the client terminal 102 that has made the authentication request. When the determination is not made, an authentication result indicating that the authentication is NG is transmitted to the client terminal 102 for which the authentication request has been made.

  In the client terminal 102, based on the authentication result transmitted from the file management apparatus 104, if the authentication is OK, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the authentication is NG, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S108, the image registration reference screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102. In the next step S110, it is determined whether or not the image registration button 402 of the image registration reference screen 400 has been pressed via the input unit 209. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S112. If it is not determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S118.

  In step S112, an image file stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the external memory 211 of the client terminal 102) is displayed on the display unit 210 on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102, and is displayed by the user via the input unit 209. Detects that an image file has been selected.

  In step S114, after the user gives an instruction to upload to the file management apparatus 104 for the image file selected in step S112, the image file and the user information acquired in step S104 are transmitted via the network 106. The file is transmitted to the management device 104, and the file management device 104 stores the image file in a predetermined area.

  As for the upload instruction, the selected image file is moved to a predetermined storage area of the file management apparatus 104 displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102 by a drag and drop operation using the input unit 209 such as a mouse. Alternatively, after a predetermined storage area of the file management apparatus 104 is input via the input unit 209 using a screen (not illustrated), a button (not illustrated) for starting uploading is pressed. The selected image file may be detected and uploaded to the file management apparatus 104.

  The file management apparatus 104 stores the attribute information of the image file in the image attribute storage table 800 when storing the image file transmitted from the client terminal 102 in a predetermined area.

  When storing, an ID is generated so that the image ID 802 stored in the image attribute storage table 800 is unique, and a predetermined area corresponding to the generated ID is stored in the image file path 804 and the user of the received user information The ID is stored in the owner 806.

  In step S116, the file management apparatus 104 stores the result of analyzing the image file stored in the predetermined storage area in step S114 in the image attribute storage table 800.

  First, in the order of the time information and the position information of the attribute information of the image file, the date and time 810 and the position 812 are stored corresponding to the ID generated in step S114, and then the face information 612 stored in the user management information table 600 is stored. A file indicating the user's face stored in a predetermined storage area specified from the above is acquired, and face detection processing is performed to determine whether or not the face stored in the acquired file exists in the image file.

  If it is determined that a face exists, the user ID of the user of the face is acquired from the user ID 602 and stored in the face information 808.

  Note that the face detection process is performed on information stored in all user management information tables 600 for one image file.

  The individual image disclosure range 814 stores a user setting disclosure range indicating that the friend ID 704 corresponding to the user ID of the friend information table 700 corresponding to the user ID of the received user information is used.

  In step S118, it is determined whether or not the image reference button 404 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S120. If it is not determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S120, reference processing of the image file stored and managed in the file management apparatus 104 is performed. Details of the processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that each step of this flowchart is executed under the control of the client terminal 102 or the CPU 201 of the file management apparatus 104.

  In step S200, the date range selection screen 500 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102. In the next step S202, the selection button 506 of the date range selection screen 500 is pressed on the client terminal 102 via the input unit 209. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the client terminal 102 acquires the start date and end date input in the start date input field 502 and end date input field 504 of the date range selection screen 500 as date range information. In the next step S206, the client terminal 102 acquires the client date. In the terminal 102, the date range information acquired in step S204 and the user ID of the user information acquired in step S104 are transmitted to the file management apparatus 104. The file management apparatus 104 uses the transmitted date range information and user ID. The image file or the like is acquired based on the information stored in the image attribute storage table 800.

  Specifically, among the records corresponding to the user ID stored in the owner 806 corresponding to the transmitted user ID, the date and time stored in the date and time 810 within the range from the start date to the end date of the date range information is displayed. Extract the records you have.

  Then, a path to a predetermined storage area stored in the image file path 804 of the extracted record is acquired, and an image file owned by the login user (hereinafter referred to as a login user image file) is acquired using the path. Further, in this step, the data stored in the individual image disclosure range 814 is acquired from the image ID 802 stored in the image attribute storage table 800 regarding the login user image file.

  Next, in step S208, in the file management apparatus 104, the user ID (hereinafter referred to as friend user ID) stored in the friend ID 704 corresponding to the user ID 702 in the friend information table 700 corresponding to the user ID transmitted in step S206 is displayed. get.

  Next, from records corresponding to the user ID stored in the owner 806 corresponding to the friend user ID, a record having the date and time stored in the date and time 810 within the range from the start date to the end date of the date range information is extracted. To do.

  Then, a path to a predetermined storage area stored in the image file path 804 of the extracted record is acquired, and an image file (hereinafter referred to as a friend user image file) owned by the friend user is acquired using the path.

  Furthermore, in this step, the data stored in the image ID 802 to the individual image disclosure range 814 stored in the image attribute storage table 800 related to the friend user image file is acquired.

  In the next step S210, the file management apparatus 104 extracts the friend user image file in which the login user's face exists, the image ID 802, and the owner 806 from the friend user image file extracted in step S208.

  In the next step S212, 1 is set to K in order to initialize the counter K used when the subsequent iterative process is performed. In the subsequent processing from step S216 to step S226, one login user image file is processed, but the processing from step S216 to step S226 is performed by the number of login user image files acquired in step S206. .

  Therefore, K identifies the number of the logged-in user image file that is being processed when sequentially processing the logged-in user image file.

  In the next step S214, the file management apparatus 104 makes a determination to repeat the processing from step S216 to step S226 by the number of login user image files acquired in step S206, so that K is the number of login user image files. It is determined whether or not it is smaller, and if it is determined to be smaller, the process proceeds to step S216, and if not determined to be smaller, the process proceeds to step S230.

  In step S216, the image ID 802, date 810, and position 812 of the login user image file acquired in step S206 are extracted in the file management apparatus 104. In the next step S218, all the friend users acquired in step S208 are extracted. Data of the image ID 802, the date 810, and the position 812 of the image file are extracted.

  In step S220, the file management apparatus 104 calculates the distance and time using the position 812 and date 810 acquired in step S216 and the position 812 and date 810 acquired in step S218.

  In step S222, the file management apparatus 104 acquires a disclosure range (distance) 614 and a disclosure range (time difference) 616 corresponding to the user ID 602 of the user management information table 600 corresponding to the user ID transmitted in step S206.

  In step S224, the file management apparatus 104 determines whether the distance and time calculated in step S220 are within the disclosure range (distance) 614 and the disclosure range (time difference) 616 acquired in step S222. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S226, and if it is not determined that it is within, the process proceeds to step S228. In this step, the distance and time are determined for all of the friend user image files acquired in step S208 with respect to the one log-in user image file acquired in step S206.

  In step S226, the friend user image file, the image ID 802, and the owner 806 that are determined to be within are extracted by the file management apparatus 104. In the next step 228, the counter K is incremented and set to K. The process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S230, the file management apparatus 104 deletes the friend user image file that is duplicated as a result of the extraction in step S226, using the image ID 802.

  Next, in step S232, the file management apparatus 104 compares the friend user image file with the logged-in user extracted in step S210 with the friend user image file extracted in step S226 using the image ID 802.

  In the next step S234, the file management apparatus 104 proceeds to step S236 if it is determined that they match as a result of the comparison in step S232, and proceeds to step S238 if it does not determine that they match.

  In step S236, the file management apparatus 104 deletes one of the friend user image file where the logged-in user extracted in step S210 exists and the friend user image file extracted in step S226.

  In step S238, the file management apparatus 104 stores at least the friend user image file in which the logged-in user extracted in step S210 exists, the friend user image file extracted in step S226, and the result of deleting one of them in step S236. It is determined whether one or more friend user image files satisfy the disclosure condition.

  In order to determine whether or not the disclosure condition is satisfied, the determination is performed using the individual image disclosure range 814. If the disclosure range of the user setting is stored in the individual image disclosure range 814, transmission is performed in step S206. The friend user ID stored in the friend ID 704 corresponding to the user ID 702 in the friend information table 700 corresponding to the user ID obtained is acquired, and whether or not the friend user ID matches the owner 806 acquired in step S226. Judge by.

  Alternatively, when the user ID is stored in the individual image disclosure range 814, the determination is made based on whether or not the user ID matches the owner 806 acquired in step S226.

  As a result of the determination, if the individual disclosure condition is not satisfied, the process is terminated. If it is determined that the individual disclosure condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S240, the friend user image file, the image ID 802, and the owner 806 determined to satisfy the individual disclosure condition in the file management apparatus 104 are extracted. In the next step S242, the file management apparatus 104 extracts in step S240. The next friend image file is converted into a thumbnail image, and in the next step S244, the predetermined file stored in the icon file path 610 corresponding to the user ID 602 of the user management information table 600 corresponding to the owner 806 of the image ID 802 extracted in step S240. The icon file of the user who owns the friend user image file is acquired using the path of the storage area.

  In step S246, the file management apparatus 104 converts the login user image file acquired in step S206 into a thumbnail image, and in the next step S248, the user management information table 600 corresponding to the owner 806 of the image ID 802 extracted in step S206. The icon file of the user who owns the login user image file is acquired using the path of a predetermined storage area stored in the icon file path 610 corresponding to the user ID 602.

  In step S250, the file management apparatus 104 acquires an icon file of a user who can view the login user image file extracted in step S206. If the user ID is stored in the individual image disclosure range 814, the user ID is acquired and the icon file path 610 corresponding to the user ID 602 of the user management information table 600 corresponding to the acquired user ID is acquired. The icon file of the user who owns the login user image file is acquired using the stored path of the predetermined storage area.

  If the disclosure range of the user setting is set in the disclosure range 814 of the individual image, the friend ID 704 corresponding to the user ID 702 of the friend information table 700 corresponding to the user ID stored in the owner 806 is acquired, The icon file of the user who can view the login user image file is acquired using the path of a predetermined storage area stored in the icon file path 610 corresponding to the user ID 602 of the user management information table 600 corresponding to the acquired friend ID 704. To do.

  In step S252, the file management apparatus 104 transmits the friend user image file converted into a thumbnail image in step S242 and the icon file of the owner of the friend user image file acquired in step S244 to the client terminal 102, and the client terminal In 102, the icon file of the owner is displayed alongside the received friend image file converted into a thumbnail image on the display unit 210.

  In step S254, the log-in user image file converted into a thumbnail image in step S246, the owner icon file acquired in step S248, and the login user image data file acquired in step S250 can be viewed by the file management apparatus 104. Are transmitted to the client terminal 102, and the client terminal 102 displays the icon file of the viewable user side by side with the login user image file converted into a thumbnail image received on the display unit 210.

  An example in which an image file and an icon file are displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows a relationship diagram representing user friendship relationships, A, B, C... Indicate users, and arrows connect related users to each other. For example, user A indicates a parent-child relationship with user B, a parent-child relationship with user C, and a friend relationship with user D, and user B has a parent-child relationship with user A and a user C and a couple as described above. Indicates a relationship.

  It is highly likely that users who are related in this way can view image files obtained by photographing themselves, and the relationship shown in this way is stored in the friendship information table 700. In other words, the present invention has been realized.

  Next, FIG. 13 shows a range of image files that can be referred to by user A, where A is the login user to file management system 100.

  In order from the left in FIG. 13, image files (photo A to photo F) obtained by user A (900 in FIG. 13) using a digital still camera or the like are shown, and next to user B (FIG. 13). 13 902) shows an image file obtained by photographing using a digital still camera or the like. However, since the photos C1 and D1 are image files relevant to the user A, the user A Can be referred to, but other image files and rectangles surrounded by dotted lines in the figure are image files that are not related to the user A, and therefore, cannot be referred to by the user A. .

  The image file of user C (904 in FIG. 13) is next to the image file of user B, the image file of user D (906 in FIG. 13) is next to that, and the image file of user E (908 in FIG. 13) is next to it. Among them, an image file relevant to the user A is shown, and an image file not relevant to the user A is displayed in a rectangle surrounded by a dotted line.

  Further, the face D of the user B and the user C exists in the picture D of the image file of the user A, and the image file of the other user is used by using the face existing in the image file and the face information 612 of each user. In the present system, it is possible to refer to the image as a related image file.

  The user C's photo C is related to the user B's photo C1 and the user C's photo C2, and is connected by an arrow 910. This relationship is attribute information of the user A's photo C. It indicates that the image file is related from a certain shooting date / time and shooting location and the shooting date / time and shooting location which is attribute information of the photograph C1 of the user B, and shooting which is attribute information of the photo D of the user A From the date / time and the shooting location and the shooting date / time and the shooting location which are the attribute information of the photograph D1 of the user B, it is indicated that the image file is relevant.

  Next, an arrow 912 is an image file having relevance from the shooting date / time and shooting location that are the attribute information of the user C's photo C and the shooting date / time and shooting location that is the attribute information of the user C's photo C2. It is shown that.

  Regarding the arrow 914, since the face of the user A exists in the photograph C2 of the user C and the photograph G of the user D, the photograph C2 and the photograph G are image files relevant to the user A. Show.

  An arrow 916 is an image file that is related to the shooting date / time and shooting location that are the attribute information of the photo A of the user A and the shooting date and time and shooting location that are the attribute information of the photo E1 and the photo EF of the user D. It shows that there is.

  As for the arrow 918, the photograph H of the user E is related because the face of the user A exists, but the user A and the user E are in a friendship relationship from the friendship relationship shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, it is assumed that the user A exists in the image file of the user E by chance, and is not related. Since user A has friendship with user B, user C, and user D from the friendship relationship shown in FIG. 12, if a relationship occurs between image files, it is regarded as relevant as it is. doing.

  FIG. 14 shows an image browsing screen in which an image file and an icon file are displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102.

  The image browsing screen 1000 displays the result of analyzing the relevance of each user's image file shown in FIG. 13 and can refer to an image file that can be referred to by a user who has logged into the file management system 100. .

  When the owner of the image file displayed in the referenceable photo 1002 and the referenceable photo 1002 that displays the image file that can be referred to by the logged-in user is a friend of the logged-in user, the image browsing screen 1000 identifies and displays the friend. A friend 1004 and a disclosing person 1006 for identifying and displaying which user is allowed to view the image file of the logged-in user displayed in the referenceable photograph 1002 are provided.

  When the relationship between the image browsing screen 1000 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is shown, the aspect in which the friend user image file and the icon file of the owner of the friend user image file are displayed side by side in step S256 is the image browsing screen 1000. A friendship user image file is displayed on the referenceable photograph 1002 and an icon file of the owner of the friendship user image file is displayed on the friend owner 1004.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, for a photo C2 displayed in the referenceable photo 1002, it is determined from the friend owner 1004 that the owner of the photo C2 is the user C, and is displayed on the referenceable photo 1002 For the photograph C1, the friend owner 1004 knows that the owner of the photograph C1 is the user B.

  That is, for the photo C1 and the photo D1 displayed in the referenceable photo 1002, the user B owns from the friend owner 1004, and for the photo C2 displayed in the referenceable photo 1002, the friend owner 1004 displays the user C. The photo G, the photo E1, and the photo EF displayed in the possessed and referenceable photo 1002 are owned by the user D from the friend owner 1004.

  In step S258, the login user image file and the icon file of the user who can view the login user image file are displayed side by side. The reference user 1002 browses the login user image file and the disclosing person 1006 browses the login user image file. The icon file of possible friend users is displayed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, regarding a photo C and a photo D displayed on the referenceable photo 1002, the disclosing person 1006 indicates that the users who can view the photo C and the photo D are the user B and the user C. With regard to the photos E and F that are found and displayed in the referenceable photos 1002, the disclosing person 1006 determines that the user who can view the photos E and F is the user D.

  In step S260, the icon file of the login user is displayed in the icon file 1008 as a mode of displaying the icon file of the login user.

  When the image file displayed on the referenceable photo 1002 is selected via the input unit 209, the image browsing screen 1000 displays the selected image file on the selection target image file 1010.

  Further, when displaying each image file, to which user the login user image file should be disclosed, that is, a disclosure range (individual image) 1012 for changing the disclosure range 814 of the individual image, a login user image file, Disclosure range (user) for changing the disclosure range (distance) 614 and the disclosure range (time) 616 used when analyzing the association using the shooting date and time and shooting location, which are attribute information with the friend user image file 1014.

  The image file to be displayed on the referenceable photo 1002 can be displayed in order of the shooting date and time by using the date and time 810, and the image file can be referred to in time series.

  Returning to FIG. 11, in step S <b> 262, it is determined whether or not the client terminal 102 has made an input to the individual disclosure conditions. If it is determined that an input has been made, the client terminal 102 can refer to the file management apparatus 104. An instruction to update the disclosure range 814 of the individual image corresponding to the image ID 802 of the image attribute storage table 800 corresponding to the image ID of the image file selected in step S104 is performed, and after the disclosure range 814 is updated in the file management apparatus 104, the step If the process proceeds to S242 and it is not determined that an input has been made, the process proceeds to step S244.

  Note that this determination method determines that an input has been made when there is a change in the disclosure range (individual image) 1012 of the image browsing screen 1000. Specifically, for example, the disclosure range (individual image) 1012 is determined. When there is a difference in input data before and after the movement at the timing when the focus is moved, it is determined that an input has been made.

  In step S264, the client terminal 102 determines whether or not an input has been made to the distance field of the disclosure range (user) 1014. If it is determined that an input has been made, the login user from the client terminal 102 to the file management apparatus 104 An instruction to update the disclosure range (distance) 614 corresponding to the user ID 602 of the user management information table 600 corresponding to the user ID of the user ID is issued, and the disclosure range (distance) 614 is updated in the file management apparatus 104, and then step S224 is performed. If it is not determined that an input has been made, the process proceeds to step S266.

  In step S266, it is determined whether or not an input has been made to the time column of the disclosure range (user) 1014 at the client terminal 102. If it is determined that an input has been made, the login user from the client terminal 102 to the file management apparatus 104 An instruction to update the disclosure range (time) 616 corresponding to the user ID 602 of the user management information table 600 corresponding to the user ID is issued, and after the disclosure range (time) 616 is updated in the file management apparatus 104, step S224 is performed. If the process proceeds to step S3 and it is not determined that an input has been made, the process ends.

  In addition, the determination method in step S264 and step S266 can be implemented by taking the aspect of the same content as the aspect demonstrated in step S262.

  Alternatively, after the disclosure range (individual image) 1012 and the disclosure range (user) 1014 are input, it may be determined that an input button 209 has been pressed by detecting that an update button (not illustrated) has been pressed.

  In step S116, a predetermined friend user is stored in the individual image disclosure range 814, but it is not always necessary to take such a correspondence, and the related image file obtained in steps S234 and S236. It is also possible to take an aspect in which the ID of the owner is stored in the individual image disclosure range 814 and each step is executed.

  This makes it possible to refer to related image files without predetermining and storing and managing friend user information.

As described above, according to the present invention, the relationship between image files is specified using the attribute information such as the date and time of the image file and the shooting location, and the access range is added to the related image file to the user. By providing an image file, the user can use an image file that is relevant to him / her, so that the effort required for sorting and organizing the image file can be reduced and usability can be improved. It becomes possible.
[Second Embodiment]

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

  In addition, about each structure of the system, hardware, a screen, a table, etc. in 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and each flowchart, about the part which is the same as the structure and flowchart in 1st Embodiment of this invention. The description will be omitted, and only the configuration different from the configuration and flowchart in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, in FIG. 15, the image registration button 402 is changed to an image / trajectory registration button 406 with respect to the image registration reference screen 400 shown in FIG.

  The image / trajectory registration button 406 is not limited to the image file or digital still camera acquired by the user from the digital still camera or the like to the client terminal 102, but can be transferred from the handy GPS (Global Positioning System) or GPS logger to the client terminal 102. When GPS data indicating the acquired route information of the user is selected and the image file or GPS data is uploaded to the file management apparatus 104, the button is pressed.

  FIG. 16 shows the image attribute storage table 800 shown in FIG. 8, but the configuration itself is not changed, the data to be recorded is changed, and the GPS data is uniquely identified in the image ID 802. The ID for the user, the user ID of the owner of the GPS data, the date and time 810, the date and time when the GPS data was recorded, and the position 812 contains the position included in the GPS data.

  FIG. 17 shows a flowchart relating to an image file disclosure process executed in the file management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed under the control of the client terminal 102 or the CPU 201 of the file management apparatus 104. .

  Steps S100 to S108, step S118, and step S120 are the same as the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S122, it is determined whether or not the image / trajectory registration button 406 on the image registration reference screen 400 shown in FIG. 15 has been pressed via the input unit 209. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S124. If it is not determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S118.

  In step S122, the image file and GPS data stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the external memory 211 of the client terminal 102) are displayed on the display unit 210 on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102, and the input unit 209 is displayed by the user. It is detected that an image file and GPS data have been selected via.

  In step S124, after the user gives an upload instruction to the file management apparatus 104 for the image file and GPS data selected in step S122, the image file and the GPS data and the user information acquired in step S104 are displayed. The file management apparatus 104 transmits the file via the network 106, and the file management apparatus 104 stores the image file and GPS data in a predetermined area.

  For upload instructions, drag and drop the selected image file and GPS data into a predetermined storage area of the file management device 104 displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102 using the input unit 209 such as a mouse. Or after a predetermined storage area of the file management apparatus 104 is input via the input unit 209 using a screen (not shown), a button (not shown) for starting uploading is pressed. And the selected image file and GPS data may be uploaded to the file management device 104.

  The file management device 104 stores the image file and attribute information of the GPS data in the image attribute storage table 800 when storing the image file and GPS data transmitted from the client terminal 102 in a predetermined area.

  When storing, an ID is generated so that the image ID 802 stored in the image attribute storage table 800 is unique, and for the image file, a predetermined area of the image file path 804 and reception are received for the image file. When the user ID of the user information is stored in the owner 806 and GPS data is stored in a predetermined path with respect to a predetermined area, storage in the image file path 804 is not necessary, but is free. If the path is stored, the path is stored in the image file path 804 and the user ID is stored in the owner 806.

  In step S128, the file management apparatus 104 stores the image file stored in the predetermined storage area in step S126 and the result of analyzing the GPS data in the image attribute storage table 800.

  First, the date and time 810 and the position 812 are stored corresponding to the ID generated in step S126 in the order of the time information and the position information of the attribute information of the image file and the GPS data, and then the user management for the image file is performed. A file indicating the user's face stored in a predetermined storage area specified from the face information 612 stored in the information table 600 is acquired, and whether or not the face stored in the acquired file exists in the image file. Perform face detection processing.

  If it is determined that a face exists, the user ID of the user of the face is acquired from the user ID 602 and stored in the face information 808.

  Note that the face detection process is performed on information stored in all user management information tables 600 for one image file.

  For the image file, the individual image disclosure range 814 indicates that the friend ID 704 corresponding to the user ID of the friend information table 700 corresponding to the user ID of the received user information is used. Remember.

  Next, details of the reference processing of the image file and GPS data stored and managed in the file management apparatus 104 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that each step of this flowchart is executed under the control of the client terminal 102 or the CPU 201 of the file management apparatus 104.

  Step S200 to step S204, step S208 to step S212, step S222 to step S240, and step S242 to step S262 are the same as the respective steps in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. To do.

  In the next step S264, the client terminal 102 transmits the date range information acquired in step S204 and the user ID of the user information acquired in step S104 to the file management apparatus 104, and the file management apparatus 104 transmits the date range transmitted. Using the information and the user ID, an image file, GPS data, and the like are acquired based on the information stored in the image attribute storage table 800.

  Specifically, among the records corresponding to the user ID stored in the owner 806 corresponding to the transmitted user ID, the date and time stored in the date and time 810 within the range from the start date to the end date of the date range information is displayed. Extract the records you have.

  Then, a path to a predetermined storage area stored in the image file path 804 of the extracted record (if a path is to be stored, a path to a predetermined storage area determined in advance) is acquired, and the path is used. An image file owned by the login user (hereinafter referred to as a login user image file) and GPS data are acquired. Further, in this step, the data stored in the individual image disclosure range 814 is acquired from the image ID 802 stored in the image attribute storage table 800 regarding the login user image file.

  In the next step S212, 1 is set to K in order to initialize the counter K used when the subsequent iterative process is performed. In the subsequent processing in step S218, step S222 to step S226, step S268, and step S270, processing for one login user image file and GPS data is performed. That is, the processes from step S216 to step S226 are performed by the number of login user image files and GPS data acquired in step S264.

  Therefore, K identifies the number of the logged-in user image file and the GPS data that are being processed when sequentially processing the logged-in user image file and the GPS data.

  In the next step S214, the file management apparatus 104 determines to repeat the processes in step S218, step S222 to step S226, step S268, and step S270 by the number of login user image files and GPS data acquired in step S264. Therefore, it is determined whether or not K is smaller than the number of the logged-in user image file and GPS data. If it is determined that K is smaller, the process proceeds to step S268. If not, the process proceeds to step S230.

  In step S268, the file management apparatus 104 extracts the log-in user image file and GPS data image ID 802, date and time 810, and position 812 data acquired in step S264, and in the next step S218, all the data acquired in step S208 are extracted. The data of the image ID 802, the date 810, and the position 812 of the friend user image file is extracted.

  In step S270, the file management apparatus 104 calculates the distance and time using the position 812 and date 810 acquired in step S268 and the position 812 and date 810 acquired in step S218.

  In step S272, when displaying each image file to the login user in the file management apparatus 104, whether to display time-sequentially or display on map data using map data, Select one of them.

  In step S200, the date range selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a check box (not shown) or the like for selecting whether to display in time series or on the map data. A mode in which the logged-in user selects is assumed.

  In step S272, if display is performed in time series, the process proceeds to step S252. If display is performed on the map, the process proceeds to step S274.

  In step S274, the map data acquired in the file management apparatus 104 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102. In step S276, the GPS data acquired in step S264 is acquired in the file management apparatus 104, and the client terminal 102 The latitude and longitude information of the map data displayed on the display unit 210 and the latitude and longitude information of the GPS data are mapped and displayed. This makes it possible to clearly indicate the locus of travel of the logged-in user.

  In step S278, the file management apparatus 104 transmits the friend user image file converted into a thumbnail image in step S242 and the icon file of the owner of the friend user image file acquired in step S244 to the client terminal 102, and the client terminal In 102, the icon file of the owner is mapped using the latitude and longitude information of the map data and the latitude and longitude information of the friend user image file side by side with the friend user image file converted into a thumbnail image received in the display unit 210. indicate.

  In step S280, the log-in user image file converted into a thumbnail image in step S246, the owner icon file acquired in step S248, and the log-in user image data file acquired in step S250 are viewable user icon files in the file management apparatus 104. Are transmitted to the client terminal 102, and the client terminal 102 displays the icon file of the user that can be viewed alongside the login user image file converted into the thumbnail image received in the display unit 210, the latitude and longitude information of the map data, and the login user. Mapping and display using the latitude and longitude information of the image file.

  In addition, about the process from step S274 to step S280, although mapping was performed in the client terminal 102, after mapping in the file management apparatus 104, the mode which displays the mapping result in the client terminal 102 may be sufficient. .

  An example in which an image file and an icon file are displayed on the display unit 210 of the client terminal 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 shows a range of image files that can be referred to by user A, where A is the login user to file management system 100. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part demonstrated using FIG. 13, and only a changed part is demonstrated.

  In order from the left in FIG. 20, image files (photo A to photo F) obtained by user A (900 in FIG. 13) using a digital still camera or the like are shown, and next to user B (FIG. 20). 13 902) shows an image file obtained by photographing using a digital still camera or the like.

  For the user A, his / her own GPS data is also displayed as a target. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the portion indicated by G indicates that the GPS data is the target.

  An arrow 920 is an image file that is related to the shooting date / time and shooting location, which are attribute information of the GPS data of the user A, and the recording date / time and recording location, which are attribute information of the user E's photo E1 and photo EF. It is shown that.

  FIG. 21 shows an example in which map data, GPS data, and each image file are mapped and displayed. The GPS data is displayed as a bold line as shown in FIG. I understand that there is.

  Further, as an example of mapping map data and image file, as shown in photo C, the owner of photo C is a logged-in user, so a user ID for indicating the owner is displayed inside the triangle. Furthermore, since the photograph C can be referred to by the user B and the user C, the ID of the referable user is displayed inside the hexagon.

  Such a display method is merely shown as an example, and such an aspect may be adopted as long as the owner or a referable user can be identified.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the relationship between the image file and the GPS data and the image file is specified using the attribute information such as the shooting / recording date and time and the shooting / recording location of the image file and the GPS data. By providing an image file to the user with an access range for a certain image file, it becomes possible for the user to use an image file that is relevant to him / her. It is possible to reduce labor and improve usability.

  In addition, if the user forgets to take a picture with a digital still camera, it is assumed that the user cannot obtain his own image file, and it is difficult to refer to the relevant image file. By using it, even if the user forgets to take a picture, it is possible to refer to an image file of another user related to the user himself / herself.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a method, a program, a storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of one device.

  Although an embodiment in the file management system is described, the function of the file management device is provided in the client terminal, and the configuration can be implemented by a single client terminal.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute (read) each processing method, and the storage medium according to the present invention stores a program that allows the computer to execute each processing method.

  The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. You can also read and execute

It goes without saying that the purpose of the light is achieved.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing or It goes without saying that the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing all of the above processing is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.

  In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 File management system 102 Client terminal 104 File management system 106 Network 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 System bus 205 Input controller 206 Video controller 207 Memory controller 208 Communication I / F controller 209 Input unit 210 Display unit 211 External memory

Claims (14)

In a file management device for storing image files obtained by photographing with a photographing device,
Image file storage means for storing the image file corresponding to owner information of the image file;
Corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information;
Based on the owner information stored in the correspondence information storage means and different owner information corresponding to the owner information, an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image corresponding to the different owner information Image file specifying means for specifying a file;
For the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying means and the image file corresponding to the different owner information, the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information An analysis means for performing analysis to identify an image file;
Determining means for determining an image file of the different owner information relevant to the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing means;
A file management apparatus comprising:   The determining means determines the image file of the different owner information where the face information of the owner information specified by the analyzing means exists as an image file related to the image file of the owner information. The file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The determination unit is configured to convert the image file of the different owner information to the image file of the owner information whose difference from the shooting date and time of the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing unit is a shooting date and time within a predetermined range. 3. The file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file management apparatus is determined as an image file related to the file.   The determination unit is configured to change the image file of the owner information to the image file of the different owner information, which is a shooting position within a predetermined range of the owner information image file specified by the analysis unit. 4. The file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file management apparatus is determined as an image file related to the file.   5. The file management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to control display of an image file of the different owner information determined by the determination unit.   The file management apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display unit performs display control by arranging owner specifying information for specifying owner information of the image file in an image file of the owner information.   The display means performs display control by arranging owner specifying information for specifying the different owner information that can refer to the image file of the owner information in the image file of the owner information. Item 7. The file management device according to Item 5 or 6. It further comprises acquisition means for acquiring route information indicating the position of the route of the owner information,
The determination unit is configured to convert the owner information to an image file of the different owner information whose distance from the path information of the owner information acquired by the acquisition unit specified by the analysis unit is a shooting position within a predetermined range. The file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file management apparatus is determined as an image file related to the image file. An acquisition means for acquiring route information including the position of the route of the owner information and the date and time at the position;
The determination unit is configured to convert the owner information to an image file of the different owner information whose distance from the path information of the owner information acquired by the acquisition unit specified by the analysis unit is a shooting position within a predetermined range. As an image file related to
The display means displays the respective image files in accordance with the map data by using the path information and the position information of the image files related to the owner information image file determined by the determining means. Alternatively, by using the date and time of the route information and the shooting date and time of the image file related to the image file of the owner information, each image file is selected to be displayed in time series and displayed. The file management apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7. A file management system comprising a client terminal that accepts an image file obtained by photographing with a photographing device and a file management device that manages the image file transmitted from the client terminal,
The client terminal is
Transmission means for transmitting the image file together with owner information;
Display means for displaying an image file of owner information different from the owner information related to the image file of owner information specified by the analysis means of the file management device on a display unit;
With
The file management device includes:
Receiving means for receiving the owner information and the image file transmitted by the transmitting means;
Image file storage means for storing the image file corresponding to the owner information received by the receiving means;
Corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information;
Based on the owner information stored in the correspondence information storage means and different owner information corresponding to the owner information, an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image corresponding to the different owner information Image file specifying means for specifying a file;
For the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying means and the image file corresponding to the different owner information, the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information An analysis means for performing analysis to identify an image file;
Determining means for determining an image file of the different owner information relevant to the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing means;
A file management system characterized by comprising: A method for controlling a file management device comprising image file storage means for storing image files corresponding to owner information of image files obtained by photographing with a photographing device,
Based on the owner information stored in the corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information and different owner information corresponding to the owner information, An image file specifying step for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information;
For the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying step and the image file corresponding to the different owner information, the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information. An analysis step for performing analysis to identify an image file;
A determination step of determining an image file of the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information specified by the analysis step;
A method for controlling a file management apparatus, comprising: A program that is executed in a file management device including an image file storage unit that stores image files corresponding to owner information of image files obtained by photographing with a photographing device,
The file management device;
Based on the owner information stored in the corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information and different owner information corresponding to the owner information, Image file specifying means for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information;
For the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying means and the image file corresponding to the different owner information, the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information An analysis means for performing analysis to identify an image file;
Determining means for determining an image file of the different owner information relevant to the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing means;
A program characterized by making it function. A control method of a file management system comprising a client terminal that accepts an image file obtained by photographing with a photographing device and a file management device that manages the image file transmitted from the client terminal,
In the client terminal,
A transmission step of transmitting the image file together with owner information;
A display step of displaying an image file of owner information different from the owner information related to the image file of owner information specified by the analysis step of the file management device on a display unit;
And run
In the file management device,
A receiving step of receiving the owner information and the image file transmitted by the transmitting step;
An image file storing step for storing the image file corresponding to the owner information received by the receiving step;
Based on the owner information stored in the corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information and different owner information corresponding to the owner information, An image file specifying step for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information;
For the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying step and the image file corresponding to the different owner information, the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information. An analysis step for performing analysis to identify an image file;
A determination step of determining an image file of the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information specified by the analysis step;
A method for controlling a file management system, comprising: A program executed in a file management system comprising a client terminal that accepts an image file obtained by photographing with a photographing device and a file management device that manages the image file transmitted from the client terminal,
The client terminal is
Transmission means for transmitting the image file together with owner information;
Display means for displaying an image file of owner information different from the owner information related to the image file of owner information specified by the analysis means of the file management device on a display unit;
To function,
The file management device;
Receiving means for receiving the owner information and the image file transmitted by the transmitting means;
Image file storage means for storing the image file corresponding to the owner information received by the receiving means;
Based on the owner information stored in the corresponding information storage means for storing owner information different from the owner information corresponding to the owner information and different owner information corresponding to the owner information, Image file specifying means for specifying an image file corresponding to the owner information and an image file corresponding to the different owner information;
For the image file corresponding to the owner information specified by the image file specifying means and the image file corresponding to the different owner information, the different owner information related to the image file of the owner information An analysis means for performing analysis to identify an image file;
Determining means for determining an image file of the different owner information relevant to the image file of the owner information specified by the analyzing means;
A program characterized by making it function.

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