JP6070678B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for determining the display time of sequentially displayed images .

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, services that allow an unspecified number of users to upload and post images taken using a photographing device to an online album site published on the Internet and share the images have become widespread. For example, CANON iMAGE GATEWAY (registered trademark) can be listed as an online album site, and Facebook (registered trademark) can be listed as a social network service.

  In an online album site that enjoys sharing images with a large number of unspecified users, as a part of communication between users, for example, a function of adding a comment caption to an image is common. When comments and captions can be added to an image, a large amount of comments and captions may be added to one image. Therefore, a display time that is easy for the user to view when displaying images in a slide show. A technique for displaying each image in a slide show is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, there are also a large number of photographing apparatuses that can acquire photographing position information (GPS coordinates) indicating a position where an image is photographed, and metadata (for example, data in Exif format) of images photographed by these photographing apparatuses. Is appended with “GPS coordinates”. There has been disclosed a technique of mapping (plotting) an image and displaying it on a place taken on a map provided on the web by using the information of “GPS coordinates” (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-154398 A JP 2011-71736 A

  However, I took an image with GPS coordinates added as metadata, but when viewing the image in a slideshow, it is common to focus on the image and display where it was taken. It was difficult to alert the user to the geographical recognition.

The present invention changes, for each displayed image, the display time of the image according to the distance between the position of the image and the position of the image displayed next to the image, and the map image according to the display time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily check how far the next image is from each other by changing the moving speed of the image.

In order to display a plurality of images in order on the display screen, the present invention includes a display order specifying unit that specifies the display order of the plurality of images, a position specifying unit that specifies a position corresponding to the images, and the display order. Each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen is displayed on the display screen specified by the position specifying means so that the display is switched based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the displayed image and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image, the image corresponding to the first position determining means for determining a display time, wherein the plurality of images, in accordance with the display order specified by said display order specifying means, time period determined by the determining means, and image display means for displaying on the display screen in order, the Image display means Display control means for controlling an object indicating a position corresponding to a displayed image on a map display area which is an area for displaying a map on the display screen; and an image displayed by the image display means. The speed at which the map image from the position to the position of the next image to be displayed is moved and displayed is the speed at which the image display means reaches the position of the next image to be displayed within the time determined by the determining means. A speed changing means for changing, and a moving display control for controlling to move and display the map image to the display position of the next image within the time determined by the determining means at the speed changed by the speed changing means. And means .

According to the present invention, for each displayed image, the display time of the image is changed according to the distance between the position of the image and the position of the image displayed next to the image, and the display time is changed according to the display time. By changing the moving speed of the map image, it is possible to provide a mechanism that allows the user to easily confirm how far the next image is from each image to be displayed.

It is a figure showing the whole information processing system composition concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of each apparatus which comprises the information processing system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data table structure of the image data memorize | stored and managed by the website server 200 concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process outline | summary of the information processing system concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process outline | summary in the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data table structure of the image data memorize | stored and managed by the website server 200 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data table structure of the image data memorize | stored and managed by the website server 200 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data table structure of the image data memorize | stored and managed by the website server 200 concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process outline | summary in the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure displayed on the display part of the client terminal 100 concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the positional information correlation table in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration for realizing the present embodiment. In the information processing system of FIG. 1, the client terminal 100 and the website server 200 are in a state where they can be connected via the network 1.

  In the present embodiment, the client terminal 100 includes an Internet browser for accessing the Internet. Further, in the present embodiment, the website server 200 stores an image uploaded upon accepting selection from the client terminal 100 in a predetermined storage area of a storage unit (for example, HDD), and an album data table created by the user. I remember it. The album data table stored in the website server 200 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client terminal 100 and the website server 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described using FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client terminal 100 and the website server 200.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that 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 an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Stores various programs to be described later.

  A 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 or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A main controller 207 is connected to an HDD, a flexible disk (FD), or a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

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

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

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the website provided by the website server 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration example of a website top screen displayed on the display unit of the client terminal 100 that has accessed the website server 200. The top screen 300 is an online album introduction screen provided by the website server 200, and upon receiving a press of the new album creation button 301, the image data upload screen of FIG. 4 is displayed. Reference numerals 302 and 303 denote display areas for introducing albums created by the online album service provided on this website. In 302 and 303, for example, albums related to topics that are featured on the website are picked up, or albums created by users called “moderators” who are familiar with the industry of each topic are displayed. In the album display areas 302 and 303, a thumbnail image of the cover of each album, an album title, and an album creator (member user name of the website) are displayed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the website server 200 is accessed to create and edit an album. First, the client terminal 100 accesses an Internet site provided from the website server 200 and executes user login. In the user login, when an input of a user ID (for example, a unique character string, an e-mail address, etc.) and a password are accepted and the user ID and password are transmitted to the website server 200, a predetermined of the website server 200 is obtained. In the user data table stored in the storage unit, whether the transmitted user ID is registered in the data table, and whether the password stored in association with the user ID matches the transmitted password. If the user ID and password match the values registered in the user data table, the member top page (FIG. 3) is transmitted to the client terminal 100. Here, the website server 200 does not necessarily store the user data table, and a user authentication server may be prepared separately.

  In S101, when receiving the screen information of the top page (FIG. 3) transmitted from the website server 200, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 reads the screen information (HTML information) with an Internet browser and displays it on the display unit.

  In S102, when the client terminal 100 accepts the press of the top page album new creation button (301 in FIG. 3), the album containing a screen acquisition request to the website server 200 to acquire a screen for creating a new album. Send creation instructions.

  In S103, when the website server 200 receives the album new creation instruction transmitted from the client terminal 100, the screen information of the album creation screen (FIG. 4) is returned to the client terminal 100 in S104.

  In S105, when the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 receives the screen information of the album creation screen (FIG. 4) transmitted from the website server 200, the CPU 201 reads the screen information (HTML information) with the Internet browser and displays it on the display unit.

  Here, the screen information is displayed on the display unit using the browser function. For example, by storing an application having a screen display function in the client terminal 100 and starting the application. The screen information may be displayed on the display unit.

  In the album creation screen 400 of FIG. 4, selection and upload of images to be posted on the online album are executed. When the user presses a “select from storage” button 401, a list of images that have already been uploaded to the website server 200 with the currently logged-in user name and saved in a predetermined storage unit is displayed on the client terminal 100. An image is displayed on the display unit, and an image is selected for creating an album from an image list screen (not shown) (album posted image selection reception). On the image list screen, images can be selected one by one or a plurality of images can be selected.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the image uploaded to the website server 200 is stored in the data table in a format in which the image name is associated with the name of the album to be posted (the image is used).

  It can be confirmed that the image name 1501, 1502-1 and 1502-2, and the album name in which the image is used are stored in association with each other. For example, it can be seen that “IMG — 00001” is used only for the album “Kyoto trip” and “IMG — 00002” is used for multiple types of albums “Kyoto trip” and “Japanese cherry blossom”. .

  Returning to FIG. 11, in S <b> 106, the client terminal 100 accepts selection of an acquisition source of images to be posted on the album. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, a selection is made to create an album from images that have already been uploaded to the website server 200 and stored in a predetermined storage unit of the website server 200. Or select an image stored in a predetermined storage unit of the client terminal 100 or an external storage device (for example, a USB memory, an external HDD, an SD card, etc.) connected to the client terminal 100 Then, the selection of whether to instruct the website server 200 to upload is accepted.

  When the pressing of the “select from storage” button (401 in FIG. 4) is accepted in S106, the website server 200 advances to the storage image list screen in S108, and is currently logged in to a predetermined storage unit of the website server 200. The image list screen of the images already uploaded to the website server 200 with the user name and stored is returned to the client terminal 100.

  In S109, when the client terminal 100 receives the screen information of the storage image list screen transmitted from the website server 200, the client terminal 100 reads the screen information (HTML information) by the Internet browser and displays it on the display unit. Then, selection of images to be posted on the online album is accepted from the image list screen.

  In S <b> 110, the client terminal 100 transmits an album creation instruction to the website server 200 as an image to be posted on the online album in step S <b> 107 or step S <b> 109 or in both methods. This process is executed by accepting the pressing of the “Create Album” button 404 in FIG. The data structure transmitted from the client terminal 100 to the website server 200 at this time is album creation information shown in FIG.

  The album creation information in FIG. 14 includes album title 1401, image name 1402 selected from S107 or S109, selection source information 1403 indicating which is selected from S107 or S109, and metadata 1404 of the selected image. Information.

  In step S <b> 111, when the website server 200 receives an album creation instruction from the client terminal 100, the website server 200 determines whether the image selected by the client terminal 100 includes a locally uploaded image. If this is an image selected through the processing of S108 and S109, it is an image already stored in a predetermined storage unit of the website server 200, so there is no need to save it again. This is because an image selected from a predetermined storage unit of the terminal 100 or an external storage device and transmitted as an image to be posted on the album needs to be stored in a predetermined storage unit of the website server 200.

  At this time, among the album creation information (FIG. 14) included in the album creation instruction received from the client terminal 100 in S111, the selection source information 1403 is used to determine which data is local (a predetermined storage unit of the client terminal 100 or It is possible to determine whether the image is an image (selected from the external storage device) or the image originally stored in the storage. Save to storage.

  In S112, when there is an image selected from the predetermined storage unit of the client terminal 100 or the external storage device, the process proceeds to S113, and the corresponding image is stored in the predetermined storage unit of the website server 200.

  In S114, when the image transmitted based on the album creation instruction transmitted from the client terminal 100 is stored in the predetermined storage unit of the website server 200 or uploaded successfully, the album editing screen of FIG. 5 is displayed. The screen information is transmitted to the client terminal 100. If the upload is not normally performed (for example, a session timeout or a case where the data capacity per image is too large) is displayed, an error screen is displayed in S116 and the process is terminated.

  When the pressing of the “Upload from PC” button 402 in FIG. 4 is accepted, an image selection screen (not shown) is activated in S107, and selection of an image to be uploaded from the client terminal 100 is accepted. Alternatively, the thumbnail of the image stored in the client terminal 100 or an external storage device connected to the client terminal 100 is moved by drag and drop into the area “403 Drag and drop image” in 403 of FIG. By doing so, it is also possible to start uploading an image for which selection has been accepted. When the image is moved to the area 403 by drag and drop, the upload process starts for each data of the image, and the user can check the processing status with the upload meter 405. For the image for which the upload process has been completed, a thumbnail is generated and displayed in the upload image display area 406. In this case, since the images moved by drag and drop are uploaded one by one, unlike the processing method of each step (S110 to S114) in FIG. 11, a predetermined storage unit of the website server 200 Image storage is performed every time.

  Next, image metadata management / editing processing on the album editing screen in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S201, the client terminal 100 reads the screen information (HTML information) of the album editing screen (FIG. 5) transmitted from the website server 200 in S115 of FIG. 11 with an Internet browser and displays it on the display unit. In S202, selection of the display method of the online album created this time is accepted.

  In the present embodiment, among the metadata of the images to be posted on the album (for example, there is metadata in Exif format), the timeline view arranges the images to be posted on the album in time series using the shooting date / time information. And a display method of “map view” that plots an image to be posted on an album using GPS information on the map. In this application, a metadata management / editing method when displaying an image in “map view” will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an example of an album editing screen displayed in the “map view” format. The album editing screen 500 includes an album title 501 and a thumbnail 502 of the cover image of the album at the upper left of the screen. The album title can be edited by, for example, displaying a command dialog by double-clicking in the area 501 or by right-clicking the mouse and selecting a “edit title” command. Alternatively, a method may be used in which a text box 407 for inputting an album title is provided on the album creation screen of FIG. 4, and when the selection of an image is accepted and an album creation instruction is transmitted in S111, the album title is transmitted at the same time.

  As a thumbnail of the cover image 502, an image having the oldest shooting date and time among images selected as blank or an album posting image is displayed as an initial setting by default. When changing from there, by accepting pressing of “set cover image” in 503, a cover image selection dialog is displayed, and the thumbnail of the cover image in 502 can be changed.

  When an “add image” button 504 is accepted, the image is selected and uploaded in the form of adding to an image already posted in the album. In this case, the album creation screen (FIG. 4) is displayed again, but the “Create Album” button 404 is changed to an “Add Image to Album” button.

  An area 506 displays an image in which no parameter is set in the GPS coordinate item of the metadata. For example, an imaging device that captures an image does not have a function to acquire position information in the first place, or has a function, but the GPS coordinate parameter of an image captured without acquiring position information is not set It becomes. These images are displayed in the display area 506 as images without GPS coordinates.

  Reference numeral 507 denotes a search text box in the map. When the image search button 508 is pressed, an image plotted in the map is searched. For example, if you enter “Kyoto” in the text box and search using the search button 508, the GPS coordinates of the land or building related to Kyoto are set in the metadata in the images posted on the album. Images that use the word “Kyoto” in the image name or image names can be searched and displayed in the map view.

  Reference numerals 509 and 510 denote images plotted on the map display area at the bottom of the album editing screen based on GPS coordinates in the metadata of the image. Reference numeral 509 denotes that one image is plotted, and reference numeral 510 denotes a display method in the case where the GPS coordinates of a plurality of images are close and overlapped. In this case, since the GPS coordinates of the ten images are close, “10” is shown in the thumbnail of the image. When the scale of the map is a wide area, numbers corresponding to the number of overlapping images are displayed on the thumbnail, and as the map scale becomes a more detailed range (narrow range), overlapping of thumbnails is eliminated.

  That is, for example, when images are dense within a certain range on the map display area, all images cannot be displayed on the map display area so that the user can recognize them. A group of dense images is grouped, one representative thumbnail image in the group is displayed on the foreground, and the thumbnail image of the representative or the vicinity of the arrangement location or the image included in the group on the upper surface is displayed. The number of sheets is displayed. As the representative thumbnail, for example, an image taken most recently in the group is extracted based on date information and displayed.

  Reference numeral 511 denotes a map view switching button. By accepting pressing of this button, an album can be displayed in a “map view” format.

  Reference numeral 512 denotes a timeline view switching button. By accepting pressing of this button, an album can be displayed in a “timeline view” format.

  Reference numeral 513 denotes a save button, which is a button for accepting a press to reflect the edited information when the shooting date / time of each image is edited by a shooting date / time editing tool dialog described later.

  Reference numeral 514 denotes a confirmation button. When a specific image is selected and this button is pressed, preview can be performed in a slide show format.

  Reference numeral 515 denotes a completion button, which is a button that accepts pressing when all the editing of the online album being edited on the editing screen is saved and finished.

  Returning to FIG. 12, the display method when the album edit screen is displayed in S201 is a setting performed when the user uses this website, and either “timeline view” or “map view” is selected. Decide by setting whether to use the default (initial setting) display method.

  In S202, the client terminal 100 accepts selection of a display method, and when “map view” display is selected, the process proceeds to S203. If display of “timeline view” is selected, the process proceeds to S212. In the present embodiment, metadata editing and management in the “timeline view” display method will not be described.

  In step S <b> 204, the client terminal 100 accepts selection of a thumbnail image for editing GPS coordinate information from the image metadata. The selection here refers to an instruction to move the mouse over a specific image, move the cursor, and click. For example, in FIG. 6, selection of a specific image is accepted from an area where an image for which a parameter of 506 GPS coordinates is not set is displayed. At this time, the client terminal 100 can simultaneously accept (select) a plurality of images and edit (update) the GPS coordinates.

  In step S205, the selected image is dragged and dropped to another coordinate on the map. In FIG. 6, a thumbnail of “IMAGE G” 601 is selected and dragged and dropped onto a predetermined area of the map. In FIG. 7, “IMAGE G” of 701 already plotted on the map is dragged and dropped to another coordinate of the map. At this time, if a plurality of thumbnail images are simultaneously selected, the simultaneously selected thumbnail images are plotted at the same coordinates in the map.

  In S206, it is determined whether or not the image for which the drag & drop instruction is received has been dropped in the map display area. Specifically, it is determined from the coordinate position information on the browser whether the dropped position is the map display area or the other area. If the coordinate of the dropped position on the browser is a map display area, the process proceeds to S207, and if it is any other area, the image selection is accepted again as an error in S211. In S207, the client terminal 100 displays the editing tool dialog shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a user interface diagram illustrating a display example of a shooting information editing tool dialog displayed when a specific image is selected on the album editing screen of the map view. Reference numeral 801 denotes an editing tool dialog, which is displayed around the dragged and dropped image (upward in FIG. 8). The map view editing tool dialog described in the present embodiment is a dialog for editing GPS coordinate information or tags to be added to an image in image metadata. In this figure, as an example, a tag edit dialog to be added to an image is displayed. The GPS coordinate information is specified, for example, by receiving an input of place name information for the editing dialog by a user operation.

  Reference numeral 802 denotes a tool box for sending various commands to the currently selected image (moved by drag and drop). For example, by accepting the pressing of “Move Confirmation”, the movement to the dropped time zone is confirmed. When the pressing of “set as cover” is accepted, it is set as an album cover thumbnail 502. When pressing of “detail” is received, detailed information of the image (for example, shooting information stored in the metadata) is displayed. When “rotate” is pressed, the selected image is rotated 90 degrees to the right or left. When a press of “exclude from line” is accepted, the selected image is removed from the dropped time zone and returned to the area 506 or the image is returned to the original GPS coordinates of the map display area.

  Returning to FIG. 12, in step S207, the client terminal 100 edits GPS coordinates in the metadata of the image, and receives an instruction to end editing (for example, pressing the Enter key). It is determined that the coordinate editing has been completed, and the editing tool dialog 801 in FIG. 8 is closed. At this time, if a plurality of thumbnail images are plotted at the same coordinates in the map at the same time, the values to be edited on the editing screen of FIG. 8 are reflected in all the selected images.

  In S209, when the selection of an image for editing GPS coordinates next is accepted on the album editing screen (FIG. 5), the process returns to S204 of the flowchart. When the editing of the GPS coordinates is to be ended (NO), by accepting the pressing of the save button 513 in FIG. 5, the edited shooting date / time information in the image metadata is reflected in the image data table of the storage. (S210).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table configuration of image metadata. The image metadata includes, for example, information of “photographing model”, “photographing date / time”, “GPS coordinates”, “photographing mode”, and “image serial number”. For the image whose GPS coordinates have been edited in S207, the “GPS coordinates” parameter in the figure becomes the set parameter when edited, and the parameter is rewritten by accepting pressing of the save button in S209. It is done.

  Here, for the image whose shooting date / time information has been edited in S207 (S207, S208), by pressing the save button in S209 of 513 in FIG. 5, the metadata of the image stored in the website server is received. Of these, the GPS coordinate parameters are rewritten (S210), but the information to be rewritten may not necessarily be metadata.

  That is, for example, an association table of images and position information (GPS coordinates) as shown in FIG. 19 may be provided in the storage area of the website server, and the position information in the association table may be rewritten. .

  Here, the editing tool dialog 801 is displayed around the dragged and dropped image (upward in FIG. 8), and the GPS coordinate information or the tag attached to the image is edited. The coordinate position value in the map display area where the thumbnail image is dropped may be updated as shooting position information.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, an example of the configuration of the position information association table in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the position information association table in the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the position information association table 1900 includes a user ID 1901, an image name 1902, position information 1903, and the like. It is assumed that the position information association table 1900 is stored in a storage area such as the external memory 211 of the website server.

  The user ID 1901 is identification information for identifying which user the image indicated by the image name 1902 belongs to. Here, it is assumed that the user ID 1901 is the same as the user ID used for logging in to the website server.

  An image name 1902 is the name of the image. The position information 1903 is shooting position information associated with an image. The above is an example of the configuration of the position information association table in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  Next, a data configuration example of an online album stored and managed by the website server 200 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a data table showing a data configuration example of an online album stored and managed by the website server 200 in the present embodiment. In the data table of FIG. 13, an album title 1301 is stored with an original image 1302, an original thumbnail image 1303, and image metadata 1304 associated with each other. Note that the thumbnail image 1303 may be an icon other than the thumbnail image as long as the icon can identify the original image 1302.

  Next, a display method for displaying an online album posted on the website server 200 in the present embodiment as a slide show will be described with reference to FIG. In S301, when the client terminal 100 receives an instruction to start an album slide show, the slide show start confirmation screen in FIG. 17 is displayed. In S301, for example, when a confirmation button press 514 in FIG. 5 is accepted, a slide show start confirmation screen is displayed.

  The slide show start confirmation screen in FIG. 17 displays a browse start button 1701 and an album cover image 1702. Reference numeral 1702 denotes an enlarged display of the image set as the album display image 502 in FIG. The album title is the album title set at 501 in FIG. By accepting the pressing of the browsing start button 1701, the album slide show starts. In S302, the client terminal 100 displays a slide show screen in the map view format. That is, by requesting the website server 200 to return information for displaying the screen (reply request / acquisition request) and reading the returned screen information (HTML information), the map Display the slide show screen in view format.

  FIG. 18 shows a slide show screen (map view format). Reference numeral 1801 denotes an original image displayed in a slide show. Reference numeral 1802 denotes a button for accepting a press when the original image displayed in the slide show is switched to the next original image. A notification button 1803 notifies the administrator of the website server 200 about the original image when the viewer feels that the original image currently displayed in the slide show is not suitable for public display. It is possible. Reference numeral 1804 denotes a display switching button. When this button is pressed, the slide show is switched from the map view format to the timeline view format, which is another display method in the present embodiment. A map display area 1805 is displayed in a state where thumbnail images are plotted on the map. Reference numeral 1806 denotes a button for ending the slide show display of the album. When the pressing of this button is accepted while the original image is being displayed in the slide show, the display of the slide show screen in FIG. 18 is terminated, and the top screen of the album or the slide show start confirmation screen in FIG. 17 is displayed.

  When the map view slide show screen (FIG. 18) is displayed in S302, the client terminal 100 acquires the GPS coordinates of the images to be posted in the slide show, and sends a command for determining the map display scale to the website server 200. Send.

  When the website server 200 acquires the GPS coordinates of the images to be posted in the slide show, the website server 200 determines the scale of the map so that all the images are displayed in the map display area based on the GPS coordinates of the respective images. At this time, the scale is determined so that the images can be displayed so as not to overlap each other.

  In step S303, the client terminal 100 starts a slide show of images included in the album. As the display order of the images, for example, by using (acquiring) information of “shooting date / time” in the metadata of the image, the images are switched in order from the oldest shooting date / time (shooting time order) (displayed sequentially). ) That is, information on the shooting date and time is acquired from the metadata of each image posted in the album (time information acquisition), and the display order is determined in the order of the shooting date and time.

  At this time, the position displayed at the center of the map display area 1805 is changed in correspondence with the GPS coordinates of the image displayed on the slide display screen 1801 (FIG. 18). For example, during the display of the image currently displayed in the slide show, the display of the map display area is slid and shifted toward the position of the GPS coordinate of the image to be displayed next in the slide show. In this way, after the image currently displayed in the slide show is shot, the user can see how far the user has moved in which direction while the next image to be displayed in the slide show is shot. Can be recognized. Further, for example, after the image currently displayed in the slide show is switched to the next image and displayed, the image is slid toward the position (shooting position) indicated by the position information of the next image. Good.

  At this time, the speed of the screen transition (map slide) of the map display area is changed at any time so that the GPS coordinates of the next image can be reached within a predetermined time when the image is displayed as a slide show. And For example, when the shooting position interval (distance) between the image A currently displayed in the slide show and the image B to be displayed next is close, the map slides slowly, and the shooting positions of the image A and the image B If the distance (distance) is far, the map will slide quickly. The definition data that is the reference for changing the speed is stored in, for example, the external memory 211 of the website server 200, and the CPU 201 of the website server 200 uses the transition of the screen (map of the map) based on the definition data. (Slide) speed shall be changed.

  Specifically, if the GPS coordinates of the image “IMG_00001” displayed at 1801 in FIG. 18 are values (N: 34.985691, E: 135.757835) as shown in FIG. A request for displaying the GPS coordinates of the value in the center of the map display area is transmitted to the website server 200. When the website server 200 receives a request “displaying“ N: 34.985691, E: 135.757835 ”in the center” from the client terminal 100, the coordinate of “N: 34.985691, E: 135.757835” is set in the center of the map display area. Display. At this time, it is possible to display the place name of the position displayed at the center position of the map display area based on the GPS coordinates (place name information display), and to show the shooting location information more clearly to the user. For example, the place name is displayed in a separate window.

  As a result, “IMG — 00001” is displayed in the center of the map in the map display area of the client terminal 100 (object display control). Reference numeral 1807 in FIG. 18 is a display example when the center position of the map display area is determined after the GPS coordinate command “IMG — 00001” is sent. Since the GPS coordinates “N: 34.985691, E: 135.757835” are displayed in the center of the map display area, “IMG_00001” having the GPS coordinates as metadata is displayed in the center of the map display area. Indicates. Further, when a tag is attached to the metadata 1807, the character string displayed on the tag is displayed. For example, in this figure, “IMG_00001” is tagged with “Kyoto Station”, so “Kyoto Station” is also displayed in 1807. In this example, “IMG_00001” is arranged and displayed in the map display area. For example, by arranging a mark such as an arrow on the map display area, position information corresponding to the image being displayed in the slide show format is displayed. May be made recognizable. That is, when a thumbnail image, a mark, or an image obtained by overlapping a thumbnail image with a mark is used as an object for specifying the position indicated by the position information corresponding to the image being displayed in the slide show format, the object is displayed on the map display area. It is only necessary that the position indicated by the position information can be recognized by arranging the position information.

  Here, the GPS coordinates of the images displayed in the slide show are acquired from the metadata of the original images of the images displayed in the slide show. However, for example, the position information 1903 of the position information association table 1900 shown in FIG. 19 may be acquired and displayed in the map display area as the GPS coordinates (shooting position information) of the images displayed in the slide show. .

  In addition, although it has been described here that the client terminal 100 sends a request for displaying the GPS coordinates of the images displayed in the slide show to the center of the map to the website server, It doesn't have to be a request. For example, a request for switching the map display may be transmitted so that the GPS coordinates of the images displayed in the slide show are displayed at least in the map.

  In addition, for example, in order to make the location and place name indicated by the GPS coordinates easier to understand, the GPS coordinates of the images displayed in the slide show (objects arranged at the GPS coordinates) and a certain station or more such as the nearest station of the GPS coordinates. A request for displaying an object of size, a building, that is, a landmark in the map display area may be transmitted to the website server 200. The place name information is displayed in a separate window, for example.

  In this case, the CPU 201 of the website server 200 converts the landmark information existing around the position indicated by the position information of the image displayed in the map display area from the map information to the map information provider. It is acquired from an external server (not shown) (landmark information acquisition) and displayed in the map display area. To what extent the landmark information is acquired from the position indicated by the position information is based on, for example, a table defining the distance stored in the external memory 211 of the website server 200 or the like. The CPU 201 of the website server 200 makes a determination. If there are a plurality of pieces of landmark information that can be acquired, the CPU 201 of the website server 200 identifies landmarks to be displayed in the map display area based on a predetermined condition. For example, the information of the landmark closest to the position indicated by the position information is acquired and displayed.

  In other words, the relative position between the image capture position and the landmarks around the image capture position can be identified on the map so that it is possible to recognize what was captured in the surrounding location. To. For example, a landmark such as a station is arranged at the center of the map, and a thumbnail image (object) is displayed so as to be arranged around it. Further, for example, landmarks may be arranged and displayed around a thumbnail image. Furthermore, the map size is adjusted to an optimum scale in which the thumbnail image and the landmark fit, and each is displayed.

  Further, only the images displayed in the slide show format may be displayed in the map display area so that the positions of the images displayed in the slide show can be recognized. In this case, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits to the website server 200 a request for displaying only the images displayed in the slide show format in the map display area, and the information received from the website server 200 is stored. And a display screen is displayed on the display unit.

  Further, the position of the image displayed in the slide show may be displayed in a recognizable manner by highlighting the thumbnail of the image displayed in the slide show format. For example, the thumbnails of the images displayed in the slide show format are surrounded by a colored frame and displayed on the map display area. In this case, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits a request for highlighting thumbnails of images displayed in the slide show format to the website server 200, and based on the information received from the website server 200, A display screen is displayed on the display unit.

  In addition, thumbnails corresponding to images already displayed in the slide show format are displayed on the map display area so that images already displayed in the slide show format and undisplayed images can be recognized in the map display area. You may do it. That is, every time an image is displayed in the slide show format, an image displayed on the map display area is added. For example, every time the image displayed in the slide show format is switched, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays a thumbnail corresponding to the image already displayed in the slide show format on the map display area on the website server 200. The request is transmitted, and a display screen is displayed on the display unit based on the information received from the website server 200.

  For example, when an instruction to start an album slide show is received, the website server 200 temporarily stores a table of image data as shown in FIG. 19 for the images of the album. The determination is made by providing a flag item indicating whether or not each image has been displayed in the slide show. For example, flag = 0 is not displayed in the slide show, flag = 1 is displayed in the slide show, and so on.

  Furthermore, in order to make it possible to recognize the order in which the images are taken in the map display area, for example, thumbnails may be connected by lines such as arrows using time information. In this case, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits a request for connecting the thumbnail images on the map display area with a line to the website server 200 based on the time information, and based on the information received from the website server 200. Then, a display screen in which thumbnail images are connected with lines is displayed.

  In step S <b> 304, the client terminal 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the slideshow of the image currently displayed on the 1801 has been displayed, or whether a next image display instruction has been received by accepting a press of 1802. The client terminal 100 can determine the display time per image in advance as a slide show display setting. For example, if the setting of “display next image automatically after 10 seconds” is set, the image can be automatically switched after 10 seconds have elapsed since the image was displayed. At this time, the client terminal 100 internally acquires the display time after displaying the image (for example, by a module such as a display time management unit) and manages the display time.

  Further, for example, according to the length of time between time information (for example, shooting date and time) corresponding to the image displayed in the slide show and time information corresponding to the image to be displayed next in the slide show, the images are displayed in the slide show. You may change the time to display. For example, in the case where images A, B, and C are displayed as a slide show, the time between the shooting date and time of image A and the shooting date and time of image B is 5 minutes, the shooting date and time of image B and image C If the time between the shooting date and time is 10 minutes, the image A is displayed for 5 seconds, the image B is displayed for 10 seconds, the image C is displayed for a predetermined time, and the image A is displayed again. .

  At this time, the speed of the transition of the screen in the map display area (map slide) is set as needed so that the GPS coordinates of the next image can be reached during the time during which the image being displayed in the slide show is switched to the next image. Shall be changed. For example, the display transition of the map display area (slide of the map) that is executed until the image B is switched to the image C is more than the display transition of the map display area that is performed before the image B is switched to the image C. Is also done slowly. The definition data that is the reference for changing the speed is stored in, for example, the external memory 211 of the website server 200, and the CPU 201 of the website server 200 uses the transition of the screen (map of the map) based on the definition data. (Slide) speed shall be changed.

  Further, for example, according to the length of the distance between the position information (for example, GPS coordinates) corresponding to the image displayed in the slide show and the position information corresponding to the image to be displayed next, the images are displayed in the slide show. You may change the time to display.

  For example, when the images A, B, and C are displayed as a slide show, the distance between the position indicated by the position information of the image A and the position indicated by the position information of the image B is 500 m, and the position information of the image B When the distance between the position indicated by and the position indicated by the position information of image C is 1 km, image A is displayed for 5 seconds, image B is displayed for 10 seconds, image C is displayed for a predetermined time, The image A is displayed again. In addition, during the display of the image currently displayed in the slide show, the display of the map display area is slid toward the position of the GPS coordinate of the image to be displayed next in the slide show so that the screen is changed. Good. In other words, when the shooting locations are far apart and the map is transitioned at a predetermined time, the transition from the transition source location to the transition destination location is performed by performing the map transition at high speed. The trajectory solves an event that is difficult for the user to recognize. For example, if the screen is transitioned from Hokkaido to Okinawa in a time of 1 second, it is difficult to recognize the transition locus, but the transition can be easily recognized by making the transition in a time of 10 seconds.

  By doing this, the user moved how much distance and how much time between taking the image currently displayed in the slideshow and taking the next image to be displayed in the slideshow. Compared with the display interval of the slide show display between other images and the screen transition in the map display area, the user can be made to recognize them relatively.

  When the preset display time has elapsed in S304, or when pressing of 1802 is accepted (YES), the process returns to S303 to display the next image. At the same time, the center position of the map display area 1805 is changed in correspondence with the GPS coordinates of the image to be displayed next. For example, if the next image to be displayed is “IMG_00002” and the GPS coordinates are “N: 34.994769, E: 135.785047” (Kiyomizu-dera GPS coordinate values), the GPS coordinates are displayed at the center of the map display area. The request is transmitted to the website server 200. When the website server 200 receives a request “display“ N: 34.994769, E: 135.785047 ”in the center” from the client terminal 100, the coordinate value transitions to the center of the map display area, and “IMG_00002” is displayed. It is displayed in the center of the map display area (1808 in FIG. 18). At this time, if a tag is attached to the metadata of “IMG_00002”, the character string displayed on the tag is displayed. For example, in this figure, “IMG_00002” is tagged with “Kiyomizu-dera”, and therefore, “Kiyomizu-dera” is also displayed in 1808.

  In S305, it is determined whether the image displayed in the slide show is the last image displayed in the album or whether an instruction to end the slide show is received by pressing the end button 1806. When any of the above cases is satisfied (YES), the client terminal 100 ends the slide show display and displays the album top screen again. If none of the above cases apply (NO), the process returns to S304 and enters a standby state for an instruction to switch to the next image.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for dynamically updating map information in order to display the position where an image is taken in a visually easy-to-understand manner.

  That is, according to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a website server that stores an image having shooting position information as metadata, an instruction is given to display the image in a slide show format including a map display area in which the shooting position of the image can be identified. Acquired by the slide show display instruction receiving means, the shooting position information acquiring means for acquiring the shooting position information of the image for which the instruction to display in the slide show format is received by the slide show display instruction receiving means, and acquired by the shooting position information acquiring means. Display control means for transmitting an instruction to the website server to display the shooting position of the image at the center of the map display area based on the shooting position information.

  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. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  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 each device, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing a part or all of the process and the process is 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 by 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.

  In addition, each process realized by the above-described software can be realized as firmware or hardware configuration, and each process can be realized as each means. The technical scope of the present invention is realized by such firmware or hardware configuration. Is also included.

1 Network 100 Client terminal 200 Website server 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 Device (KB)
210 Display (CRT)
211 External memory

Claims (10)

Display order specifying means for specifying the display order of the plurality of images in order to sequentially display the plurality of images on the display screen;
Position specifying means for specifying a position corresponding to the image;
Each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen in the display order is specified by the position specifying means so that the display is switched based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image, the first position is set. Determining means for determining the display time of the corresponding image;
Image display means for sequentially displaying the plurality of images on a display screen in accordance with the display order specified by the display order specifying means for the time determined by the determining means;
Display control means for controlling an object indicating a position corresponding to an image displayed by the image display means to be displayed on a map display area which is an area for displaying a map on the display screen;
The speed at which the map image is moved and displayed from the position of the image currently displayed by the image display means to the position of the next image to be displayed is displayed by the image display means within the time determined by the determination means. Speed changing means for changing to the speed at which the position of the image to be displayed is reached,
Moving display control means for controlling to move and display the map image to the display position of the next image within the time determined by the determining means at the speed changed by the speed changing means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The display control means does not display an object corresponding to an image not displayed by the image display means in the map display area, and displays an object corresponding to an image already displayed by the image display means in the map display area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled to display the information processing apparatus. The image, position information corresponding to the image, and a website server storing the object corresponding to the image can be communicated,
The display control means arranges the object on the map display area by transmitting a screen reply request for arranging and displaying the object on the map display area on the display screen to the website server. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus is displayed. Landmark information acquisition means for acquiring information of landmarks in the vicinity of the position where the object is arranged;
With
Wherein the display control unit, and said object, and said landmark information of the landmark acquired by acquisition means the information, any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that arranging and displaying on the map display area The information processing apparatus according to item 1. The determination means increases the display time of the image corresponding to the first position as the distance between the first position and the second position is longer, and the distance between the first position and the second position. the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that determines to decrease the display time of the image corresponding to the first position shorter. A display order specifying step for specifying a display order of the plurality of images so that the display order specifying means sequentially displays the plurality of images on the display screen;
A position specifying step in which a position specifying means specifies a position corresponding to the image;
The position specifying step is such that the determining means switches the display of each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen in the display order based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen specified by the above and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image. A determination step of determining a display time of an image corresponding to the position of 1;
An image display step in which the image display means displays the plurality of images on the display screen in order for the time determined in the determination step according to the display order specified in the display order specification step;
A display control step for controlling the display control means to display an object indicating a position corresponding to the image displayed in the image display step on a map display region which is a region for displaying a map on the display screen;
The speed changing means moves the map image from the position of the image being displayed by the image display step to the position of the image to be displayed next and displays the speed within the time determined by the determination step. A speed changing step for changing to a speed at which the image to be displayed next is reached by the image displaying step;
A moving display control step in which the moving display control means controls to move and display the map image to the display position of the next image within the time determined by the determining step at the speed changed by the speed changing step. When,
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: A program that can be executed by an information processing device,
The information processing apparatus;
Display order specifying means for specifying the display order of the plurality of images in order to sequentially display the plurality of images on the display screen;
Position specifying means for specifying a position corresponding to the image;
Each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen in the display order is specified by the position specifying means so that the display is switched based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image, the first position is set. Determining means for determining the display time of the corresponding image;
Image display means for sequentially displaying the plurality of images on a display screen in accordance with the display order specified by the display order specifying means for the time determined by the determining means ;
Display control means for controlling an object indicating a position corresponding to an image displayed by the image display means to be displayed on a map display area which is an area for displaying a map on the display screen;
The speed at which the map image is moved and displayed from the position of the image currently displayed by the image display means to the position of the next image to be displayed is displayed by the image display means within the time determined by the determination means. Speed changing means for changing to the speed at which the position of the image to be displayed is reached,
At a rate which is changed by said speed changing means, be made to function as a moving display control means for controlling so as to display by moving the map image in the determined time to the display position of the next image by the determining means An information processing apparatus program characterized by the above. An information processing system including a website server storing a plurality of images, and an information processing apparatus including a display unit that displays a display screen,
Display order specifying means for specifying the display order of the plurality of images in order to sequentially display the plurality of images on a display screen;
Position specifying means for specifying a position corresponding to the image;
Each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen in the display order is specified by the position specifying means so that the display is switched based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image, the first position is set. Determining means for determining the display time of the corresponding image;
Image display means for sequentially displaying the plurality of images on a display screen in accordance with the display order specified by the display order specifying means for the time determined by the determining means;
Display control means for controlling an object indicating a position corresponding to an image displayed by the image display means to be displayed on a map display area which is an area for displaying a map on the display screen;
The speed at which the map image is moved and displayed from the position of the image currently displayed by the image display means to the position of the next image to be displayed is displayed by the image display means within the time determined by the determination means. Speed changing means for changing to the speed at which the position of the image to be displayed is reached,
Moving display control means for controlling to move and display the map image to the display position of the next image within the time determined by the determining means at the speed changed by the speed changing means;
An information processing system comprising: A control method of an information processing system including a website server storing a plurality of images and an information processing device including a display unit for displaying a display screen,
A display order specifying step for specifying a display order of the plurality of images so that the display order specifying means sequentially displays the plurality of images on the display screen;
A position specifying step in which a position specifying means specifies a position corresponding to the image;
The position specifying step is such that the determining means switches the display of each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen in the display order based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen specified by the above and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image. A determination step of determining a display time of an image corresponding to the position of 1;
An image display step in which the image display means displays the plurality of images on the display screen in order for the time determined in the determination step according to the display order specified in the display order specification step;
A display control step for controlling the display control means to display an object indicating a position corresponding to the image displayed in the image display step on a map display region which is a region for displaying a map on the display screen;
The speed changing means moves the map image from the position of the image being displayed by the image display step to the position of the image to be displayed next and displays the speed within the time determined by the determination step. A speed changing step for changing to a speed at which the image to be displayed next is reached by the image displaying step;
A moving display control step in which the moving display control means controls to move and display the map image to the display position of the next image within the time determined by the determining step at the speed changed by the speed changing step. When,
A method for controlling an information processing system comprising: A program for controlling an information processing system including a website server storing a plurality of images and an information processing apparatus including a display unit for displaying a display screen,
The information processing system;
Display order specifying means for specifying the display order of the plurality of images in order to sequentially display the plurality of images on a display screen;
Position specifying means for specifying a position corresponding to the image;
Each of the plurality of images displayed on the display screen in the display order is specified by the position specifying means so that the display is switched based on the time corresponding to the distance to the position corresponding to the image to be displayed next. Based on the distance between the first position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen and the second position corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen next to the image, the first position is set. Determining means for determining the display time of the corresponding image;
Image display means for sequentially displaying the plurality of images on a display screen in accordance with the display order specified by the display order specifying means for the time determined by the determining means ;
Display control means for controlling an object indicating a position corresponding to an image displayed by the image display means to be displayed on a map display area which is an area for displaying a map on the display screen;
The speed at which the map image is moved and displayed from the position of the image currently displayed by the image display means to the position of the next image to be displayed is displayed by the image display means within the time determined by the determination means. Speed changing means for changing to the speed at which the position of the image to be displayed is reached,
At a rate which is changed by said speed changing means, be made to function as a moving display control means for controlling so as to display by moving the map image in the determined time to the display position of the next image by the determining means An information processing system program characterized by

Images