JP6508376B2 - Image pickup apparatus, image pickup system, control method thereof and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging system, a control method thereof, and a program.

  When shooting using a camera device, the user holds the camera from the position of the user toward the subject and shoots the subject. When the subject is in front, on the opposite side, on the side, etc., the user has to move the shooting position in accordance with the desired angle for taking a picture.

  On the other hand, in Cited Reference 1, for example, the camera device is installed at a predetermined place, and when the imaging request is received from the remote control device, the camera device performs an imaging process and the remote control device A technology for storing and managing in association with the acquired ID is disclosed.

JP 2000-23015 A

  However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is premised that each camera device is installed in a predetermined place, and in order to capture and acquire a desired image by the user, installation of each camera device It is necessary to know the location and the imaging direction.

  In addition, it is possible to present the user with an image picked up at random after the image pickup and select an image desired by the user from among the images picked up at random, but many unnecessary images are mixed with the presented image. If there is, the operation of the selection is complicated.

The present invention, or obtaining an image of which the angle of a plurality of angles including a angle View daylight around the subject in a direction not directed to the angle and the subject copy the object, can be easily specified with respect to the subject The purpose is to provide a mechanism.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an accepting unit for accepting designation of an object or an angle for imaging the surroundings of the object; and an imaging direction corresponding to an angle at which the accepting unit accepts the designation from a plurality of imaging devices. An imaging device specifying means for specifying an imaging device capable of picking up an image of the surroundings of the subject, and the angle at which the designation can be accepted by the accepting means includes an angle for imaging the surroundings of the subject in a direction not facing the subject I assume. Further, the present invention is a control method of an information processing apparatus, comprising: an accepting step for accepting designation of an object or an angle for imaging the surroundings of the subject; and an angle for accepting designation from the plurality of imaging devices by the accepting step. And an imaging device identifying step of identifying an imaging device capable of imaging the subject or the surroundings of the subject in the imaging direction according to the imaging direction, and the angle at which the designation is accepted in the accepting step Including the following angles. Further, the present invention is a program that can be read and executed by an information processing device, and the information processing device is accepted from among a plurality of imaging devices as a reception unit that receives designation of an object or an angle for imaging the surroundings of the object. It functions as an imaging device specifying means for specifying an imaging device capable of picking up an image of a subject or the surroundings of the subject in an imaging direction according to an angle at which the designation is accepted by the means. It is characterized in that it includes an angle for imaging the surroundings of the subject in the direction.

According to the present invention, or obtaining an image of which the angle of a plurality of angles including a angle View daylight around the subject in a direction not directed to the angle and the subject copy an object, be easily specified with respect to the subject Can provide a mechanism that can

It is a figure showing an example of system configuration in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a server and a client PC in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions of an imaging device in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of the various apparatuses in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of a remote imaging | photography process in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of a remote imaging | photography process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the download process of the image data from a server in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an unreceived image reception process in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of an imaging angle selection screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the extraction method of the apparatus of the remote imaging | photography request destination according to an angle pattern in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the extraction method of the apparatus of the remote imaging | photography request destination according to an angle pattern in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the extraction method of the apparatus of the remote imaging | photography request destination according to an angle pattern in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the extraction method of the apparatus of the remote imaging | photography request destination according to an angle pattern in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the imaging device selection reception screen in embodiment of this invention. It is drawing which shows an example of a structure of the preservation | save image selection reception screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a download image selection reception screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the various data table in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of a system configuration in an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the imaging device 100, the server 200, the remote imaging device 300 (remote imaging device 300-1, remote imaging device 300-2), the client PC 400, the network 101, etc. It is configured.

  The imaging apparatus 100 is an imaging apparatus having a function of transmitting an imaging request to a peripheral imaging apparatus (for example, an imaging apparatus owned by another user) in accordance with an operation instruction from a user and performing remote imaging ( In other words, it has a communication function). In remote imaging, for example, by transmitting an imaging request from the imaging apparatus 100 to the remote imaging apparatus 300, an image being acquired of the remote imaging apparatus 300 is imaged (the image being imaged is converted into image data, This is processing for causing the remote imaging device 300 to execute processing (stored in a storage area).

  The server 200 is an imaging device around the imaging device 100 in response to a request from the imaging device 100, and extracts and captures an imaging device (imaging device 300) for which remote imaging from the imaging device 100 is permitted. Send to device 100. Further, in response to a request for remote imaging from the imaging apparatus 100, the remote imaging apparatus 300 transmits a request for remote imaging to the remote imaging apparatus 300.

  Each remote imaging apparatus 300 has a function of receiving a request for remote imaging from the server 200, executing imaging processing, and transmitting image data acquired by the imaging processing to the server 200.

  The network 101 is a network (for example, a WAN) communicably connecting the devices constituting the imaging system. The above is the description of an example of the system configuration in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an example of a hardware configuration of the server and the client PC in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server and the client PC in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The CPU 201 centrally controls the devices and controllers connected to the system bus 204. The ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is a control program of the CPU 201 and an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS). Furthermore, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores various programs, which will be described later, which are necessary to realize the function executed by the client device 102.

  The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 201. The CPU 201 loads programs necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 202 and executes the loaded programs to realize various operations.

  The input controller 205 controls an input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The video controller 206 controls display on a display such as the display device 210. These are used by the operator as needed.

  The memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211 which stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. The external memory 211 is, for example, a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), or a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter.

  A communication I / F (interface) controller 208 is for connecting and communicating with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  The CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by executing, for example, a process of rasterizing an outline font to a display information area in the RAM 202. In addition, the CPU 201 enables user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like on the display device 210.

  The display device 210 may function as a (multi-touch) touch panel. In this case, the input controller 205 controls not only input from the input device 209 such as a keyboard (KB) and a pointing device, but also touch operation and swipe operation on the display device 210 as input operations.

  The processing of each step shown in the flowchart to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a computer readable and executable program. The program is stored in the external memory 211, and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary. The above is the description of an example of the hardware configuration of the server and the client PC in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of a hardware configuration of the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging device 100 and the remote imaging device 300 are so-called digital cameras, and a lens 301 for imaging, an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "CCD") 302, a camera signal processing unit (hereinafter referred to as "ADC") 303, An image processing unit 304, a system controller 310, a buffer memory 311, a flash ROM 312, an interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as "I / F circuit") 313, a card holder 314, a memory card 315, a display driver 316, and an operation unit 320. .

  The lens 301 is a lens or the like, and includes an objective lens, a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like. The zoom lens and the focus lens are driven in the optical axis direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). The imaging element 302 is formed of a CCD image sensor that forms an image of imaging light incident from the lens 301, converts the image into an electrical signal (analog signal), and outputs the signal.

  The camera signal processing unit (ADC) 303 has a function of performing signal processing such as digital conversion and white balance adjustment on the electric signal received from the imaging element 302 and converting the electric signal into a digital signal. The system controller 310 is connected to the image processing unit 304, buffer memory 311, flash ROM 312, I / F circuit 313, display driver 316, sound driver 318, LED driver 328, and operation unit 320.

  The image processing unit 304 includes a preprocessing unit 305, a YC processing unit 306, an electronic zoom processing unit 307, a compression unit 308, and an expansion unit 309, and generates image data from the digital signal output from the camera signal processing unit 303. , Has a function to perform various image processing.

  The preprocessing unit 305 has a function of performing white balance processing for adjusting the white balance of an image based on input image data, and gamma correction processing of the image. White balance processing is processing for adjusting the hue of an image so as to be close to the hue of a real thing, or adjusting it to an appropriate color suitable for a light source (fluorescent light, sunlight, etc.). The gamma correction process is a process of adjusting the contrast of the image. The preprocessing unit 305 can also execute image processing other than white balance processing and gamma correction processing.

  The YC processing unit 306 has a function of separating an image based on input image data into luminance information “Y”, luminance signal and blue color difference information “Cb”, and luminance signal and red color difference information “Cr”. Have. The electronic zoom processing unit 307 has a function of trimming a part (for example, the central part) of the image to a predetermined size, and enlarging the trimmed image to the size of the original image by signal processing. For example, the electronic zoom processing unit 307 can cut out a central 3024 × 768 dot image from a captured 1600 × 3200 dot image, and can enlarge the image to a 1600 × 3200 dot size while performing data interpolation.

  The compression unit 308 has a function of compressing image data by a compression format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group). The decompression unit 309 has a function of decompressing image data that has been compressed. For example, when compressing image data by the JPEG method, first, discrete cosine transform processing is performed to digitize the ratio of high frequency components and low frequency components of the image data (DCT processing). Next, a quantization process is performed to express the stage of expressing the gradation and gradation of the image with a numerical value (the number of quantization bits). Finally, the image data is compressed by the Huffman coding process.

  Specifically, the signal character string of the image data is divided into fixed bits, and a shorter code is given to the character string having a high appearance frequency. In the case of a method of recording image data without performing compression processing, the compression unit 308 and the decompression unit 309 can be omitted. Further, the compression format of the image data is not limited to the JPEG format, and the same processing can be performed even if it is GIF (Graphical Interchange Format) format or the like.

  The image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 311 when the image processing unit 304 performs image processing. The flash ROM 312 stores various setting information of the photographing apparatus and user authentication information described later. The I / F circuit 313 converts the image data output from the system controller 310 into a data format that can be recorded on the memory card 315. Further, the I / F circuit 313 converts image data or the like read from the memory card 315 into a data format that can be processed by the system controller 310.

  The card holder 314 has a mechanism for making the memory card 315, which is a recording medium, attachable to and detachable from the imaging apparatus, and also has an electrical contact capable of data communication with the memory card 315. Further, the card holder 314 has a structure corresponding to the type of recording medium used in the imaging device. The memory card 315 is a card-type recording medium that incorporates a semiconductor storage element such as a flash memory and is removable from the card holder 314. The memory card 315 can record image data captured by the imaging device.

  The display driver 316 converts the image data output from the system controller 310 into a signal that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 317. Specifically, the display driver 316 performs processing for converting digital image data output from the system controller 310 into an analog image signal, and then the image size is a size suitable for the size of the displayable area of the liquid crystal display 317. Convert to.

  The sound driver 318 converts audio data output from the system controller 310 into a signal that can be played by the speaker 219. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) LED driver 328 controls the lamp 329 in accordance with an instruction output from the system controller 310.

  The operation unit 320 includes a power switch 321, a mode dial 322, a shooting button 323, a cursor key 324, a zoom button 325, and a browse (reproduction) button 326, receives an operation input from the user, and responds to the operation content. Are output to the system controller 310. The operation unit 320 also includes operation buttons other than the illustrated operation buttons, but the description thereof is omitted.

  A mode dial (selection button) 322 is a rotatable dial for switching the mode of the photographing operation. The user can select a plurality of photographing operation modes by operating the mode dial 322. In the embodiment of the present invention, the mode dial is described as a dial type mechanism, but may be a slide type button instead of a dial, for example. That is, the mechanism of the mode dial 322 is not limited to the dial, and it is essential to have a mechanism for switching the mode of the camera.

  The browse button 326 is a button for switching to a browse mode (reproduction mode) for browsing captured image data. When the browse button 326 is pressed, the shooting mode is shifted to the browsing mode. The switching method to the browsing mode is not limited to pressing of the browsing button 326, but may be a transition method using a touch panel (not shown) on the liquid crystal display 317 or the like.

  In the browsing mode, the system controller 310 reads setting information and image data from the memory card 315 mounted on the card holder 314 via the I / F circuit 313. The setting information includes the number of images recorded in the memory card 315 currently mounted and the capacity of the image data recorded. The image data read out is, for example, image data or thumbnail data for one image. The image data read from the memory card 315 is compressed in a predetermined compression format as described above.

  Image data read from the memory card 315 is input to the display driver 316 via the I / F circuit 313 and the system controller 310. The display driver 316 causes the liquid crystal display 317 to display the input image data.

  The cursor key 324 is a key for the user to make a predetermined instruction or function selection to the photographing apparatus. The user can use the cursor key 324 to perform operation input such as various setting information and user authentication information for the photographing apparatus. Further, with the cursor key 324, a menu screen can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 317, and a predetermined function of the photographing apparatus can be selected. Furthermore, with the cursor key 324, the image data captured by the imaging device can be previewed on the liquid crystal display 317. The preview display is a function of causing the liquid crystal display 317 to display an image captured by the imaging device immediately after that.

  The preview display is not limited to a configuration in which only one captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 317, and a plurality of images including thumbnail images may be displayed. In addition, switching of preview display is not limited to pressing of the cursor key 324, and may be switched using a general method such as pressing of another button. Further, the preview display screen may be configured to be able to delete or edit the preview display image.

  A lens control unit 327 controls zoom, focus, an aperture, and the like on the lens of the lens 301. The imaging apparatus also includes an imaging mode for capturing an image of an object to obtain image data, and a browsing (reproduction) mode for displaying image data obtained in the imaging mode.

  In addition, it is possible to record and reproduce sound as in the imaging device by using a microphone and a speaker. Also, at the time of video (moving image) recording, normal audio recording is simultaneously performed, and the video and audio are multiplexed by the compression unit 308 and the decompression unit 309.

  The photographing operation of the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user operates the power switch 321 to turn on the imaging apparatus. Then, power is supplied to each circuit from a battery (not shown) built in the imaging device, and activation processing of the imaging device (operation control for opening the lens barrier, reset processing of the microcomputer, etc.) is performed. The imaging apparatus is configured to be switched on automatically when the power switch 321 is pressed when the power is off, and to automatically enter the imaging mode. In addition, when the browse button is pressed when the power is off, the power is turned on, and the browsing mode is automatically set.

  When the imaging apparatus shifts to the imaging mode, an optical image enters the imaging apparatus through the lens 301 and is imaged on the imaging device (CCD) 302. The CCD 302 converts an incident optical image into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to a camera signal processing unit (ADC) 303. The ADC 303 converts an input electrical signal (analog signal) into a digital signal. The digital signal output from the ADC 303 is input to the image processing unit 304.

  The preprocessing unit 305 in the image processing unit 304 generates image data based on the input digital signal, and performs white balance processing, gamma correction processing, and the like. The YC processing unit 306 in the image processing unit 304 separates the image data into the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb, and performs processing to reduce the amount of information of the color difference signals Cr and Cb. The reduction processing of the information amount of the color difference signals Cr and Cb is performed, for example, by “4: 2: 2 downsampling processing” thinning out color information in the main scanning direction of the image or “4: 1” thinning out color information in the vertical and horizontal directions of the image. 1) Downsampling processing etc. When the pre-processing unit 305 and the YC processing unit 306 perform image processing, the image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 311, and the image processing is performed while reading out the image data stored in the buffer memory 311 as needed. It will be.

  Image data (uncompressed) output from the image processing unit 304 is input to the system controller 310. The system controller 310 outputs the image data output from the image processing unit 304 to the display driver 316. The display driver 316 converts the input image data (digital signal) into an analog image signal, and adjusts the size of the image based on the analog image signal to a size that can be displayed by the liquid crystal display 317.

  The display driver 316 also controls the liquid crystal display 317 to display an image. At this time, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 317 is an image (through image) generated by being continuously signal-processed by the CCD 302, the ADC 303, and the image processing unit 304.

  In the state where the through image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 317, when the user operates the shooting button 323 at a desired timing, the system controller 310 outputs a control signal to the image processing unit 304. When a control signal is input to the image processing unit 304, the compression unit 308 stores the image data subjected to image processing by the preprocessing unit 305 and the YC processing unit 306 in the buffer memory 311 and performs compression processing.

  Specifically, discrete cosine transform processing (DCT processing) that quantifies the ratio of high frequency components and low frequency components of image data, and quantization that represents the stage of expressing the gradation or gradation of an image by the number of quantization bits Processing, Huffman coding processing or the like is performed in which a signal character string of image data is divided into constant bits and a shorter code is given to a character string having a high appearance frequency. The compressed image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display 317 via the system controller 310 and the display driver 316. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 315 via the card holder 314.

  If the zoom button 325 is operated before the shooting button 323 is operated, the system controller 310 can execute optical zoom processing or electronic zoom processing to enlarge or reduce the size of the image. Then, after the zoom button 325 is operated, when the photographing button 323 is operated, the image data of the enlarged or reduced image is recorded in the memory card 315.

  The level 330 detects and measures the tilt of the imaging device. The orientation sensor 332 measures the direction (orientation) to which the imaging device 100 faces. The GPS measuring device 331 is a position information measuring device that detects and measures position information of the imaging device. A communication I / F (interface) controller 340 is for connecting and communicating with external devices via a network, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible. The above is the description of an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of functional configurations of various devices in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional configurations of various devices in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes a sharing mode setting unit 401, an own apparatus information transmission unit 402, an imaging instruction reception unit 403, an imaging request unit 404, an imaging processing unit 405, a selection screen display unit 406, a selection instruction reception unit 407, and selected image information transmission. It comprises a unit 408, an image upload processing unit 409 and the like.

The server 200 includes an imaging device information reception unit 411, a peripheral device information extraction unit 412, a peripheral device information transmission unit 413, an imaging request destination automatic extraction processing unit 414, an imaging request transmission / reception unit 415, an upload request transmission unit 416, and a deletion request transmission unit. An image data storage unit 418 and the like are included.
The remote imaging apparatus 300 includes an imaging request receiving unit 421, an image upload processing unit 422, an image deletion processing unit 423, and the like.
The client PC 400 (corresponding to an information processing apparatus) includes a login request unit 431, an image selection reception unit 432, a download request unit 433, a deletion request unit 434, and the like.

  The sharing mode setting unit 401 causes the image capturing apparatus 100 to perform remote control shooting on another image capturing apparatus other than the sharing mode (not the image capturing apparatus 100 (allowing the other image capturing apparatus to release the shutter and perform an image capturing process). It is a setting unit that performs imaging processing) and performs setting processing of an imaging mode that permits remote imaging from other imaging devices.

  A transmission unit that transmits, to the server 200, identification information of the imaging apparatus 100, position information, azimuth / angle (direction) to which the imaging apparatus 100 is facing, information of the angle of view of the imaging apparatus 100, and the like. It is. The imaging instruction receiving unit 403 is an instruction receiving unit that receives an imaging instruction of an image. When the sharing mode is set in the imaging apparatus 100 in the sharing mode setting unit 401, the imaging instruction is an imaging instruction to the imaging apparatus 100 itself, and to the remote imaging apparatus 300 located around the imaging apparatus 100. It is a reception unit that receives an imaging instruction.

  The imaging request unit 404 is a request unit that transmits an imaging request to the remote imaging apparatus 300 to the server 200. The imaging processing unit 405 is a processing unit that executes imaging processing. The selection screen display unit 406 is a display unit that displays a selection screen of an image captured by the imaging apparatus 100 or the remote imaging apparatus 300 and to be uploaded to the server 200.

  The selection instruction receiving unit 407 is a selection receiving unit that receives selection of an image on the screen displayed by the selection screen display unit 406. The selected image information transmission unit 408 transmits, to the server 200, identification information corresponding to the image selected by the selection instruction reception unit 407, and requests the server to upload the original of the selected image. .

  The image upload processing unit 409 is a processing unit that transmits (uploads) to the server 200 an image that has been selected by the selection instruction reception unit 407 and should be uploaded to the server 200.

  The imaging device information reception unit 411 of the server 200 is a reception unit that receives identification information and position information of an imaging device, azimuth / angle (direction) information, information of an angle of view, and the like from each imaging device. The peripheral device information extraction unit 412 is an extraction unit that extracts the remote imaging device 300 present in a predetermined range from the position of the imaging device 100. For example, using information such as the position, direction, and angle of view of the remote imaging apparatus 300 transmitted from the own apparatus information transmitting unit 424 of the remote imaging apparatus 300, a remote within a predetermined range from the position of the imaging apparatus 100 Identify the imaging device.

  The peripheral device information transmission unit 413 is a transmission unit that transmits information of the remote imaging device 300 present within a predetermined range from the position of the imaging device 100 to the imaging device 100 in order to allow the user to select the imaging device of the remote imaging request destination. is there.

  The imaging request destination automatic extraction processing unit 414 is an extraction unit that automatically extracts the remote imaging device 300 to which the imaging device 100 requests remote imaging. The extraction process is performed, for example, using information on the position and direction of the imaging device 100 and the position and direction of the remote imaging device 300. The method of the extraction will be described later. The imaging request transmission / reception unit 415 receives a remote imaging request from the imaging apparatus 100.

The upload request transmission unit 416 is a transmission unit that transmits a request to transmit an upload instruction of an original image from the imaging device 100 to each imaging device. The deletion request transmission unit 417 is
It is a transmission unit that transmits a deletion request for image data to each imaging device.

  The image data storage unit 418 stores the image data received from each imaging device in association with the device ID of the captured image obtained by capturing the image data, the device ID of the captured image of the imaging request source, the thumbnail image, and the original image. It is a storage unit.

  The imaging request receiving unit 421 of the remote imaging apparatus 300 is a receiving unit that receives an imaging request (a request for remote imaging processing) from the server 200. The image upload processing unit 422 is a transmission unit that transmits an image captured in response to the imaging request to the server 200.

  The image deletion processing unit 423 is a deletion processing unit that receives the deletion request from the server 200 and deletes the image data in the memory card.

  The login request unit 431 of the client PC 400 is a request unit for performing a login request to the client PC 400 (the server 200 using the user ID and password) from the user. The image selection receiving unit 432 receives a selection of an image uploaded to the server 200 and downloaded to the client PC 400 or an image to be deleted.

  The download request unit 433 is a transmission unit that transmits a download request of the image selected by the user to the client PC 400 to each imaging device. The deletion request unit 434 is a transmission unit that transmits a deletion request for the image selected by the user from the remote imaging device 300. The above is the description of an example of the functional configuration of various devices in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 4.

  Next, the flow of the remote imaging process in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams showing an example of the flow of remote imaging processing in the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the processing executed by each imaging device is assumed to be processing executed by the CPU of each imaging device.

  The imaging apparatus 100 receives an operation instruction from the user (step S501), and sets the imaging mode of the imaging apparatus 100 to the sharing mode (step S502). For example, by setting a mode setting dial for setting an imaging mode installed in an imaging device to the position of the sharing mode, the setting of the sharing mode is received.

  Here, in the sharing mode, the remote imaging to another imaging apparatus other than the imaging apparatus 100 (imaging processing for causing the other imaging apparatus to release the shutter by remote control and performing an imaging process) is performed. , An imaging mode for permitting the remote imaging from another imaging apparatus.

  When the imaging apparatus 100 receives the setting of the sharing mode, the imaging apparatus 100 displays an imaging angle selection screen as shown in FIG. 9 on the display screen (step S503).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of the configuration of the imaging angle selection screen in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging angle selection screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging angle selection screen 900 includes an imaging angle 901, an “OK” button 902, a “cancel” button 903 and the like. The imaging angles 901 each indicate an angle for determining which peripheral device is to be instructed to perform remote imaging.

  When a selection operation from the user with respect to the angle 901 is received, the imaging angle 901 is selected (for example, as shown in angle B, the angle 901 being selected is enclosed by a thick frame and identified and displayed).

  An “OK” button 902 is a button for requesting remote imaging (via the server 200) to peripheral imaging devices along the currently-selected angle 901. The “cancel” button 903 is a screen for ending the imaging angle selection screen 900.

  That is, for example, when pressing of the “OK” button 902 is accepted in a state where the angle A is selected, the imaging apparatus 100 performs remote imaging (via the server 200) to the remote imaging apparatus 300 facing the same direction as the own apparatus. Make a request.

  Here, the term “periphery” is assumed to be an imaging device existing within a predetermined range stored in the external memory of the server 200 from the position of the imaging device 100. It is assumed that the server 200 determines which of the remote imaging devices 300 the remote imaging request is to be made for the angles A to D.

  Also, when pressing of the “OK” button 902 is accepted in a state in which the angle B is selected, the imaging device 100 faces the subject itself, or when the subject device is the front of the subject, the subject device A remote imaging request (through the server 200) is issued to the remote imaging apparatus 300 facing the direction of the subject from the side of the subject to be imaged.

  When the pressing of the “OK” button 902 is accepted in a state where the angle C is selected, the imaging device 100 is a remote facing outward from the central position with respect to the position away from the back of the own device by a predetermined distance. A remote imaging request is issued to the imaging device 300 (via the server 200). Note that the value of the predetermined distance is stored in advance in the external memory of the imaging apparatus 100, and can be appropriately changed by user operation.

  When the pressing of the “OK” button 902 is accepted in a state in which the angle D is selected, the imaging apparatus 100 requests the remote imaging apparatus 300 facing the apparatus itself (via the server 200) to perform remote imaging. I do.

  When the pressing of the “OK” button 902 is accepted in a state in which the angle D is selected, the imaging device 100 displays a screen on the server 200 displaying the remote imaging device 300 around the imaging device 100 on a map (on the map) Request. Then, the selection of the remote imaging device 300 displayed on the display screen of the imaging device 100 from the user is accepted, and a remote imaging request (through the server 200) is issued to the remote imaging device 300 that has received the selection. The above is the description of an example of the configuration of the imaging angle selection screen in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. The imaging apparatus 100 receives an angle selection instruction from the user (step S504 / angle pattern selection acceptance), and for example, receives the pressing instruction of the “OK” button 902, the imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. The device information 1700 is transmitted to the server 200 (step S505).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 17, an example of the configuration of various data tables in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of various data tables in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The own device information 1700 includes a device ID 1701 which is identification information of the imaging device 100, position information 1702 indicating the position of the imaging device 100, orientation information 1703 indicating the direction (orientation) to which the imaging device 100 is facing, Angle information 1704 indicating the information of the angle for which the selection was accepted in S504 (which was the selected state when the “OK” button was pressed), and the subject distance indicating the current focal length (distance to the subject) of the imaging device 100 It comprises 1705 and so on. The position information 1702 is measured at any time by the CPU of each imaging device using the GPS function provided in each imaging device (corresponding to the first position specifying unit). In addition, the azimuth information 1703 is measured as needed by the CPU of each imaging device using the function of the azimuth sensor provided in each imaging device (corresponding to a first direction specifying unit).

  Here, the direction indicated by the heading information is 0 ° in the direction of the true north. The own device information 1700 is stored in the external memory of the imaging device 100, and is also stored in the external memory of the server 200 by being transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the server 200. The subject distance 1705 is, for example, the distance to the in-focus position measured by the function of the imaging device 100. The method of measuring the subject distance is not limited to this.

  Peripheral device information 1710 indicates information of the device of the remote imaging device 300 in the embodiment of the present invention. The description of each piece of information included in the peripheral device information 1710 is substantially the same as the own device information 1700, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In addition, in the remote imaging device 300, when the sharing mode is set, the server 200 receives peripheral device information 1710 of the peripheral device information 1710 from the remote imaging device 300 and stores it in the external memory. Therefore, although angle information designated by another user in the remote imaging apparatus 300 is attached to the peripheral device information 1710, it is omitted here because it is not used in the description of the embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging request information 1720 is information that the server 200 receives a remote imaging request from the imaging device 100 and transmits to the remote imaging device 300 (imaging device at the imaging request destination (imaging request destination)).

  The request source device ID 1721 is a device ID of the request source imaging device (here, the imaging device 100) that has transmitted the remote imaging request. When the angle selected by the imaging device 100 is the angles A to D, the request destination device ID 1722 is the device of the remote imaging request destination specified by the server 200 according to the type (angle pattern) of the angle (here Here, it is the ID of the remote imaging device 300).

  A thumbnail reply destination 1723 indicates an address (URL) on the server 200 to which a thumbnail image of an image (original image) acquired by the remote imaging apparatus 300 by remote photographing is to be replied. The remote imaging device 300 returns the thumbnail image of the remotely captured image to the address.

  Further, when the angle selected by the imaging device 100 is the angle E, the requested device ID 1722 is the ID of the remote imaging device 300 selected on the display screen of the imaging device 100.

  The imaging request response information 1730 is information to be returned to the server 200 as a result of the remote imaging device 300 performing remote imaging. The request source device ID 1721 is an ID of the imaging device 100, and the device ID 1732 is a device ID of the remote imaging device 300 that transmits the imaging request response information 1730.

  The thumbnail image 1733 is a thumbnail image of an image captured in response to a remote imaging request (from the server 200) from the imaging device 100. The server 200 stores the imaging request response information 1730 received from each device in a storage area such as an external memory of the server 200.

  The mode setting information 1740 is setting information of the imaging mode of each imaging device, and is stored in a storage area such as an external memory of each imaging device. Mode setting 1741 is information of an imaging mode being set in the imaging apparatus. Here, it is assumed that the mode setting 1741 = 0 is the imaging mode for auto shooting, and the mode setting 1741 = 1 is the sharing mode described above.

  The shared communication permission flag 1742 is information indicating permission of transmission of the own device information (peripheral device information in the case of the remote imaging apparatus 300) to the server 200, and permission of remote imaging permission. When the shared communication permission flag 1742 = 0, transmission of the own device information and reception of the remote imaging are not permitted, and when the shared communication permission flag 1742 = 1, transmission of the own device information and reception of the remote imaging are performed. It shall be permitted.

  If the mode setting 1741 = 1 (if the sharing mode is being set), the sharing communication permission flag 1742 = 1, and if the mode setting 1741 = 0 (if the sharing mode is not being set), the sharing communication permission flag 1742 It shall be = 0.

  The stored image information 1750 includes the original image 1754 uploaded from each imaging device to the server 200 in response to the upload request from the server 200, and the device of the imaging device 100 that has made a photographing request (remote photographing request) of the original image. It is a data table in which an ID (request source device ID 1751), a device ID (request destination device ID 1752) of an imaging device of an upload source of the original image, and a thumbnail image 1753 of the original image 1754 are stored in association. The stored image information 1750 is generated and stored in the external memory of the server 200 when the server 200 receives a storage request for the original image from the imaging device 100 described later (see step S 608 in FIG. 6). Ru. The user ID 1755 is identification information of the user corresponding to the request source device ID 1751. The information in which the user ID and the device ID are associated with each other is stored in advance in the external memory of the server 200.

  When the stored image information 1750 is generated, the original image 1754 is not uploaded, so the value is generated as “null”, and the upload of the original image is actually received (see step S 612 in FIG. 6). The original image data (identification information of the original image data) is registered in the original image 1754 (that is, the acquisition situation of the original image is stored / the acquisition situation storage). The above is the description of an example of the configuration of the various data tables in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. The server 200 receives the own device information 1700 from the imaging device 100 (step S506). Further, the peripheral device information 1710 (the own device information of the remote imaging device 300-1 and the remote imaging device 300-2) transmitted from the remote imaging device 300-1 and the remote imaging device 300-2 (steps S531 and S541) To receive.

  The server 200 extracts peripheral device information including position information within a predetermined distance (within a predetermined range) from the position of the imaging device 100 (step S507), and the angle information 1704 of the imaging device 100 is an angle of manual selection (angle) E) It is determined (step S508), and if the angle information 1704 of the imaging device 100 is a manually selected angle (YES in step S508), the position and direction of the peripheral device and the imaging device 100 extracted in step S507 The map screen (map) in which the objects indicating the are arranged on the map is generated and transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 (step S509).

  Also, for example, the object of the peripheral device arranged on the map screen is associated with the device ID of each peripheral device and transmitted to the imaging device 100. The map screen here is, for example, a screen such as the imaging apparatus selection acceptance screen 1400 of FIG.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus selection acceptance screen according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus selection acceptance screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging device selection acceptance screen 1400 includes an own device 1401 indicating the imaging device 100, a peripheral device 1402 which is a remote imaging device 300 in the vicinity, and a subject 1403 indicating a subject position specified from the subject distance 1705 of the imaging device 100. There is.

  When the imaging device 100 receives selection of the peripheral device 1402 from the user on the imaging device selection reception screen 1400, as shown in the imaging device selection reception screen 1450, the display of the peripheral device 1402 is changed like the peripheral device 1451. , And displays an unselected peripheral device 1402. The above is the description of an example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus selection acceptance screen in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. The imaging apparatus 100 receives the information transmitted from the server 200 in step S509 (step S510 / second position specification / second direction specification), and the imaging apparatus selection acceptance screen 1400 received from the server 200 is displayed on the display screen. It displays (step S511 / map display), and receives the selection of (the object of) the peripheral device on the imaging device selection reception screen 1400 (step S512 / object selection reception). Then, an imaging instruction (for example, an instruction to press the release button) is received (step S513), and a remote imaging request to the peripheral device being selected is transmitted to the server 200 (step S514). That is, the peripheral device currently selected transmits a determination request for determining to acquire the captured image by performing remote imaging (corresponding to the determination control unit).

  That is, the device ID of the imaging device 100 and the device ID of the peripheral device being selected are included in the request for remote imaging and transmitted to the server 200. Also, the imaging apparatus 100 itself performs imaging processing (step S517).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the angle information 1704 of the imaging device 100 is not the manually selected angle (angle E) (NO in step S508), the server 200 does not transmit the imaging device selection acceptance screen 1400 to the imaging device 100. It waits until it receives a request for remote imaging from the device 100. When the imaging apparatus 100 in which the angles A to D are set receives an imaging instruction (step S515), the server 200 transmits to the server 200 a request for automatic selection imaging in which the peripheral apparatus is automatically selected and remote imaging is performed (step (Corresponding to S516 / determination control means) and the own apparatus also execute an imaging process (step S517).

  The server 200 receives the remote imaging request (step S518), and determines whether the peripheral apparatus (remote imaging apparatus 300) to which remote imaging is requested has already been specified in the received remote imaging request (step S519). For example, it is determined whether the received remote imaging request includes the device ID of the peripheral device selected by the imaging device 100), and the peripheral imaging request destination has already been designated (step S519). YES) transmits a remote imaging request to the imaging device of the request destination (step S 521 / remote imaging request / imaging instruction transmission).

  When the peripheral device of the remote imaging request destination is not specified (NO in step S519), the imaging device of the remote imaging request destination is automatically selected according to the angle information 1704 of the imaging device 100 received in step S506. Then (step S520), a request for remote imaging is transmitted to the automatically selected imaging device (step S521).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, a method of extracting a remote imaging request destination according to an angle pattern in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 10 to 13 are diagrams showing an example of a method for extracting a remote imaging request destination according to an angle pattern in the embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the position of the subject in FIGS. 10 to 13 is calculated from the position information 1702 of the imaging apparatus 100, the direction information 1703, and the subject distance 1705.

  FIG. 10 shows the extraction method of the remote imaging device 300 when the angle A is selected in the imaging device 100. At angle A, a position where the subject is directed in the same direction as the imaging apparatus 100 is the request destination for remote imaging, so a position farther from the imaging apparatus 100 than a line 1002 perpendicular to the straight line from the imaging apparatus 100 to the subject The remote imaging apparatus 300 in the above is excluded from the target of automatic selection, and the remote imaging apparatus 300 facing in the direction of the area 1003 (indicated in a direction different from the subject) grayed out is also excluded from the target of automatic selection.

  The server 200 is positioned closer to the imaging apparatus 100 than the line 1002, and the remote imaging apparatus 300 facing the direction of the subject (the direction not included in the area 1003) is ordered in order of distance to the subject closer to the subject distance 1705 (range Automatic selection is made up to a predetermined number in the order of 1001) Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number used for the automatic selection is stored in advance in the external memory of the server 200. If the number of automatically selected remote imaging devices 300 is smaller than a predetermined number, the small number of remote imaging devices 300 is automatically selected.

  When automatic selection is performed according to the angle A from the automatic selection situation 1000 of FIG. 10, as shown in the automatic selection situation 1050, the peripheral device 1051 is automatically selected.

  Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows the extraction method of the remote imaging device 300 when the angle B is selected in the imaging device 100. At angle B, the remote imaging device 300 faces the subject in a direction opposite to the subject device, or when the subject device is facing the subject, the remote imaging device 300 faces the direction of the subject from the side of the subject imaged by the subject device. To the request of

  Therefore, for example, as shown in line 1102 of the automatic selection situation 1100, the regions are divided in four directions centering on the position of the subject 1101, and the distance to the subject from the respective regions to the predetermined number is the subject distance 1705. The remote imaging apparatus 300 is automatically selected in the order of closeness (order close to the range 1001).

  When automatic selection is performed according to the angle B from the automatic selection situation 1100 of FIG. 11, the peripheral device 1151 is automatically selected as shown in the automatic selection situation 1150.

  Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows the extraction method of the remote imaging device 300 when the angle C is selected in the imaging device 100. At the angle C, the remote imaging device 300 facing outward from the center position is automatically selected as a remote imaging request destination centering on a position away from the back surface of the imaging device 100 by a predetermined distance.

  Therefore, the server 200 divides the area around the imaging device 100 into four as indicated by a line 1201 around the point 1202 separated by a predetermined distance in the back direction of the imaging device 100. Then, the remote imaging apparatus 300 is automatically selected in order of proximity to the subject distance 1705 (in order of proximity to the range 1001) from each area to a predetermined number.

  When automatic selection is performed according to the angle C from the automatic selection situation 1200 of FIG. 12, as shown in the automatic selection situation 1250, the peripheral device 1251 is automatically selected.

  Next, it demonstrates using FIG. FIG. 13 shows the extraction method of the remote imaging device 300 when the angle D is selected in the imaging device 100. At the angle C, the other 0 remote imaging device 300 of the subject facing the direction facing the imaging device 100 is specified as the remote imaging request destination.

  Therefore, the server 200 excludes the remote imaging device 300 located near the imaging device 100 from the line 1302 perpendicular to the straight line from the imaging device 100 toward the subject as a target for automatic selection, and grays out. The remote imaging apparatus 300 directed to the direction of the area 1303 (a direction different from the facing direction of the imaging apparatus 100) is also excluded from the automatic selection.

  That is, when automatic selection is performed according to the angle D from the automatic selection situation 1300 of FIG. 13, as shown in the automatic selection situation 1350, the peripheral device 1351 is automatically selected. The above is the description of the method of extracting the remote imaging request destination device according to the angle pattern in the embodiment of the present invention in FIGS.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. The server 200 transmits a remote imaging request to the remote imaging device 300 (here, two remote imaging devices 300-1 and 300-2) selected (identified) as a remote imaging request destination (step In step S521, the remote imaging apparatus 300-1 and the remote imaging apparatus 300-2 receive the remote imaging request (steps S532 and S542), and execute imaging processing (steps S533 and S543).

  The description will be continued with reference to FIG. The imaging apparatus 100 generates a thumbnail image of image data acquired by imaging (step S601). Identification information (thumbnail image ID) is added to the thumbnail image (for example, stored in Exif information of the thumbnail image). The thumbnail image ID is stored in the storage area of the server 200 in association with identification information (original image ID) of original image data that is image data of the generation source of the thumbnail image, and the thumbnail image ID The original image of the thumbnail image indicated by the thumbnail image ID can be specified.

  Furthermore, although the thumbnail image ID and the original image ID are stored in association with the storage area of the server 200 here, for example, the Exif information of the thumbnail image and the Exif information of the original image are respectively stored. By storing both the thumbnail image ID and the original image ID, it may be possible to specify an image having one ID with one ID.

  The remote imaging device 300-1 and the remote imaging device 300-2 respectively generate thumbnail images of the image data acquired by imaging (step S631, step S641), and transmit the thumbnail images to the server 200 (step S632, Step S642).

  The server 200 receives the thumbnail image (step S602), and transmits the thumbnail image to the imaging device 100 (step S603). The imaging device 100 receives the thumbnail image (step S604 / image acquisition), and displays it on the display screen together with the thumbnail image generated in step S601 (step S605). The screen displayed here is, for example, a screen such as the stored image selection acceptance screen 1500 of FIG.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 15, an example of the configuration of the stored image selection acceptance screen in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of the configuration of a stored image selection acceptance screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The stored image selection acceptance screen 1500 is composed of a thumbnail image 1501, a check box 1502, a "save" button 1503, and the like. The thumbnail image 1501 includes the thumbnail image received by the imaging device 100 from the server 200, the thumbnail image received in step S604 in FIG. 6, and the image data acquired by the imaging device 100 performing imaging processing in step S517 in FIG. It is a thumbnail image.

  The check box 1502 is a check box for selecting the thumbnail image. A “save” button 1503 is a button for storing (saving) original image data, which is image data of a generation source of the selected thumbnail image, in the storage area of the server 200. The above is the description of an example of the configuration of the stored image selection acceptance screen in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. The imaging apparatus 100 receives selection of a thumbnail image on the storage image selection reception screen 1500 displayed on the display screen (step S 606 / storage image selection reception), and receives pressing of the “save” button 1503 (selected Identification information of the currently selected thumbnail image so as to store the original image data of the currently selected thumbnail image in the storage area of the server 200 (when an instruction to save the original image of the selected thumbnail image is received) A request for saving the image including the thumbnail image ID is transmitted to the server 200 (step S 607). Here, when an image captured by the imaging device 100 itself is selected, a thumbnail image and a thumbnail image ID of an image captured by the imaging device 100 itself are transmitted to the server 200.

  In addition, when the pressing of the “save” button 1503 is accepted, a deletion request for deleting the original image indicated by the thumbnail image not selected at the time of accepting the pressing of the “save” button 1503 is transmitted to the server 200 I assume. The deletion request includes the thumbnail image ID of the thumbnail image not selected.

  The server 200 receives the storage request and the deletion request (step S 608), and captures an image of the transmission source of the thumbnail image so as to upload the original image data of the thumbnail image indicated by the thumbnail image ID included in the storage request to the server 200 An upload request is sent to the device (step S609).

  Further, the deletion request is transmitted to the imaging device that is the transmission source of the thumbnail image so as to delete the original image data of the thumbnail image indicated by the thumbnail image ID included in the received deletion request (step S609).

  The imaging device of the transmission destination of the upload request and the transmission destination of the deletion request is specified from the device ID of the imaging request response information 1730 of FIG. 17 stored in the storage area of the server 200.

  Here, the server 200 transmits an upload request for the original image to the imaging device 100 and the remote imaging device 300-1, and transmits a deletion request for the original image to the remote imaging device 300-2.

  That is, in the imaging apparatus 100, the thumbnail image of the original image captured by the imaging apparatus 100, the thumbnail image of the original image captured by the remote imaging apparatus 300-1, and the thumbnail image of the original image captured by the remote imaging apparatus 300-2. Is displayed on the display screen, and the “Save” button 1503 is displayed in a state where the thumbnail image of the original image captured by the imaging device 100 and the thumbnail image of the original image captured by the remote imaging device 300-1 are selected. It is assumed that it has been pressed.

  The imaging apparatus 100 and the remote imaging apparatus 300-1 that have received the upload request for the original image (steps S610 and S633) transmit the original image data specified from the thumbnail image ID included in the upload request to the server 200. (Step S611, step S634). The CPU 201 of the server 200 receives this (step S612).

  After that, the remote imaging apparatus (remote imaging apparatus 300-1), which is the remote imaging request destination, deletes the original image data transmitted (uploaded) in step S634 and its thumbnail image from the storage area (step S635). In addition, the imaging apparatus 100, which has been a request source of remote imaging, transmits information indicating that uploading has been completed to the uploaded image data stored in the external memory of the imaging apparatus 100 or a storage medium such as a memory card. It grants (step S613).

  Also, the remote imaging apparatus 300-2 that has received the deletion request (step S643) deletes the original image data that is the target of the deletion request and its thumbnail image from the storage area (step S644).

  By doing this, it is possible to delete from the storage area of the imaging device the image data not based on the instruction of the user of each imaging device, and to reduce the pressure on the unnecessary storage area. The above is the description of the flow of the remote imaging process in the embodiment of the present invention in FIGS. 5 and 6.

  Next, the flow of download processing of image data from the server in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of download processing of image data from the server according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The client PC 400 activates the browser software in accordance with the user's operation instruction, accepts specification of the URL of the download service of the image data provided by the server 200, and transmits a login request to the download service (server 200) ( Step S701).

  The login request is transmitted to the client PC 400 when the server 200 accepts the access to the above-described URL, and the user ID and password input by the user on the login screen displayed on the display screen of the client PC 400. Shall be included.

  The server 200 performs user authentication using the user ID and password, and the user ID and password stored in a storage area such as the external memory of the server 200. It is assumed that the external memory 211 of the server 200 stores the device ID of the imaging device (here, the imaging device 100) owned by the user in association with the user ID.

  The server 200 receives a login request from the client PC 400 (step S702). Here, it is assumed that the user ID and password included in the received login request are correct. In response to the received login request, the server 200 executes login processing of the user to the server 200 using the user ID and password included in the login request (step S703).

  Whether the server 200 is an original image 1754 corresponding to the same request source device ID 1751 as the imaging device (device ID) corresponding to the user ID used for login and has not been uploaded (value is “null”) Is determined (step S704).

  If it is determined that there is an unuploaded original image 1754 (YES in step S704), the process proceeds to step S705 to execute an unreceived image reception process (step S705). If it is determined that the unuploaded original image 1754 does not exist (NO in step S704), the process proceeds to step S706.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the flow of the unreceived image reception process in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of unreceived image reception processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The server 200 acquires one non-upload image (the original image 1754 having a value of “null”) (step S801), and specifies the requested device ID 1752 (the upload request destination of the original image 1754) corresponding to the non-upload image. (Step S802).

  The server 200 sends a communication request (response request) to the imaging device indicated by the request receiving device ID 1752 (step S 803), and determines whether there is a response to the communication (step S 804).

  When it is determined that there is no response (NO in step S804), the original image data has not been uploaded to the original image 1754 of the saved image information 1750 having the device ID of the imaging device without the response in the request destination device ID 1752 A value indicating the effect (for example, "Unrecied") is inserted (step S812), and the process proceeds to step S811.

  If it is determined that there is a response (YES in step S804), an upload request for the unuploaded original image data is transmitted to the imaging device that has received the response (step S805). The upload request is the same as that described above with reference to FIG.

  The imaging apparatus (here, the remote imaging apparatus 300-1) that has received the upload request (step S806) transmits, to the server 200, the original image data specified from the upload request to the server 200 (step S807). If the original image data specified from the upload request is deleted by, for example, the user of the remote imaging apparatus 300-1, the server 200 responds that the original image to be uploaded is deleted. (Step S807). The information of the response includes identification information of the thumbnail image of the deleted original image.

  The server 200 receives response data from the remote imaging apparatus 300-1 (step S808), and determines whether the received data is original image data for which an upload request has been made (step S809).

  If it is determined that the received data is the original image data for which the upload request has been made (YES in step S809), the original image data is registered as the original image 1754 in the saved image information 1750 (step S813).

  When it is determined that the received data is not the original image data for which the upload request has been made (NO in step S809), that is, the server 200 receives the information indicating that the original image data for which the upload request has been performed has been deleted. The thumbnail image 1753 is specified from the identification information (thumbnail image ID) of the thumbnail image included in the finished information, and the saved image information 1750 including the thumbnail image 1753 is deleted (step S810).

  The server 200 determines whether or not the processes of steps S801 to S813 have been executed for all the unuploaded images (step S811), and returns the process to step S801 if it is not executed (NO in step S811). If completed (YES in step S811), the process ends. The above is the description of the flow of the unreceived image reception process in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. In step S706, the server 200 generates a list screen displaying a list of uploaded images (original image 1754) corresponding to the imaging device (request source device ID 1751) corresponding to the user ID of the login user (step S706 / screen Generation). The list screen is, for example, a screen such as a download image selection acceptance screen 1600 (identification screen) shown in FIG.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 16, an example of the configuration of the download image selection acceptance screen according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the download image selection acceptance screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The download image selection acceptance screen 1600 is a screen generated by the server 200, transmitted to the client PC 400, and displayed on the display screen of the client PC 400.

  The thumbnail image 1601 is a thumbnail image showing the original image 1754 uploaded (stored) on the server 200. The unuploaded image 1602 is a thumbnail image showing the original image 1754 not uploaded to the server. In the download image selection acceptance screen 1600, the thumbnail image 1601 and the unuploaded image 1602 are displayed in an identified manner.

  For example, the thumbnail image 1601 normally displays an image, and the image is grayed out for the unuploaded image 1602 or the like to make the user confirm the downloadable image and the non-uploadable image (unuploaded image).

  A “download” button 1603 is a button for downloading the image selected by the user to the client PC 400. The “delete” button 1604 is a button for deleting the image (original image) selected by the user from the storage area of the server 200. That is, the stored image information 1750 having the thumbnail image 1601 being selected and the unuploaded image 1602 in the thumbnail image 1753 is deleted.

  It is assumed that the display of the check is inserted in the check box 1607 of the selected image. In addition, when the pressing of the “download” button 1603 is accepted, it is assumed that the download (the transmission process of the original image) to the client PC 400 is not performed for the selected non-uploaded image 1602.

  A “page switching” button 1605 is a button for switching pages. The "home" button is a button for switching the screen being displayed to the top screen (home screen) (not shown) of the service provided by the server 200. The above is the description of an example of the configuration of the download image selection acceptance screen in the embodiment of the present invention in FIG.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. The server 200 transmits the download image selection acceptance screen 1600 to the client PC 400 (step S 707), and the client PC 400 receives the information of the download image selection acceptance screen 1600 (step S 708 / screen acquisition).

  The client PC 400 displays the download image selection acceptance screen 1600 on the display screen (step S709), and accepts an operation instruction from the user (step S710).

  The client PC 400 determines whether the received instruction is an instruction to select an image (thumbnail image 1601 or unuploaded image 1602) displayed on the display screen (step S711), and determines that the instruction is an image selection instruction (step S711) In step S711, the image is selected (step S712), and the process returns to step S710.

  If it is determined that the received instruction is not an image selection instruction (NO in step S711), it is determined whether the received instruction is a deletion instruction of the image being selected (step S713).

  When it is determined that the received instruction is the deletion instruction of the image being selected (YES in step S713), the original image 1754 of the image under selection (thumbnail image 1601, unuploaded image 1602) and the original image 1754 are included. A deletion instruction to delete stored image information is transmitted to the server 200 (step S714), and the process returns to the step S710.

  The server 200 receives the deletion request (step S719), and deletes the saved image information including the original image 1754 and the original image 1754 corresponding to the deletion request (step S720).

  If it is determined in step S713 that the received instruction is not the deletion instruction of the image being selected (NO in step S713), it is determined whether the received instruction is the download instruction of the image being selected (step S715).

  If it is determined that the received instruction is the download instruction of the image being selected (YES in step S 715), client PC 400 transmits a download request of the original image of the image (thumbnail image 1601) being selected to server 200. (Step S716). The download request includes identification information (thumbnail image ID) of the thumbnail image 1601 selected by the user's operation instruction.

  The server 200 receives the download request (step S 721), specifies the original image 1754 to be downloaded using the thumbnail image included in the download request (the thumbnail image = stored image information 1750 including the thumbnail image 1753). Original image 1754) is transmitted to the client PC 400 (step S722).

  The client PC 400 receives the original image from the server 200 (step S717), stores it in a predetermined storage area of the client PC 400 (step S718), and returns the process to step S710.

  The original image storage destination may be selectable by the user. For example, when pressing of the “download” button 1603 is accepted, a screen for specifying the storage destination of the downloaded image may be displayed on the display screen to allow the user to specify.

  If it is determined in step S715 that the received instruction is not the download instruction of the image being selected (NO in step S715), the client PC 400 determines that the received instruction is the end instruction of the download image selection acceptance screen 1600, End the process.

  For example, when pressing of the “home” button 1606 is received, it is determined that an instruction to end the download image selection reception screen 1600 is received. The above is the description of the flow of the process of downloading image data from the server in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism capable of acquiring an image in the imaging direction desired by the user from another imaging device using position information of the imaging device.

  In addition, even if it is difficult to move for changing the shooting location, for example, in a tourist spot where there are many people, or in a place such as an event hall, an image of a desired angle of view can be acquired without moving. .

  Further, a recording medium recording a program for realizing 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 reads and executes the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by this as well.

  In this case, the program itself read out 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, non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk etc. can be used.

  Also, by executing the program read by each device, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) or the like operating on a computer is actually based on the instructions of the program. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes cases where part or all of the processing of are performed to realize the functions of the embodiments described above.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided to the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is read based on the instruction 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 embodiment are realized by the processing.

  Further, as described above, the present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus comprising a single device. For example, in the above-described embodiment, both the processing described as being performed by the imaging device 100 and the processing described as being performed by the server 200 may be performed by the imaging device 100. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the case where it 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 receive the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server on a network, a database or the like by a communication program, the system or apparatus can receive the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, the structure which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification is also contained in this invention altogether.

  It is also possible to implement each process realized by the above software in firmware or hardware configuration and realize each process as each means, and the technical scope of the present invention is realized by such firmware or hardware configuration. Is also included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 101 Network 200 server 300-1 Remote imaging device 300-2 Remote imaging device 400 Client PC

Claims (12)

Accepting means for accepting designation of a desired pattern from a plurality of patterns based on the subject, including an angle pattern for capturing the subject from the periphery of the subject and an angle pattern for capturing the periphery of the subject in a direction not facing the subject ; ,
An acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of an angle specified by the pattern whose specification has been received by the reception unit from among a plurality of angles ;
The information processing apparatus characterized by Ru with a. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the angle is an angle of an imaging device. Subject specifying means for specifying a subject
And further
Direction not directed to the subject, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the object identified by the object identification unit is a direction toward the outside. Identification display means for identifiably displaying the angle specified by the pattern for which specification has been received by the reception means among a plurality of angles;
Selection receiving means for receiving a selection of an angle for acquiring an image by the acquisition means from among the plurality of angles displayed by the identification display means;
Equipped with
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an image of an angle whose selection has been received by the selection reception unit . Pattern View daylight subject from around the subject, criteria bets and pattern copy an object from the same direction as the equipment ing a pattern in device facing made with the reference copy the object, and the reference device The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, including any one of a pattern in which the subject is photographed in a direction intersecting the direction of . Wherein the pattern View daylight around the subject in a direction not directed to the subject, around a predetermined distance away in the back of the criteria preparative ing equipment, from said position from the position in a predetermined direction The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a pattern for photographing the periphery of a subject. Image display means for displaying an image acquired by the acquisition means
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A control method of the information processing apparatus,
Accepting a specification of a desired pattern from a plurality of patterns based on the subject, including an angle pattern for capturing the subject from the periphery of the subject and an angle pattern for capturing the periphery of the subject in a direction not facing the subject ; ,
An acquisition step of acquiring an image of an angle specified by a pattern whose specification has been received by the reception step among a plurality of angles ;
That control how to be characterized in that it comprises a. The information processing apparatus,
Accepting means for accepting designation of a desired pattern from a plurality of patterns based on the subject, including an angle pattern for capturing the subject from the periphery of the subject and an angle pattern for capturing the periphery of the subject in a direction not facing the subject ; ,
From a plurality of angles, because of the program may function as an acquiring means for acquiring an image of the angle specified by the pattern that has received the designation by said reception means. Accepting means for accepting designation of a desired pattern from a plurality of patterns based on the subject, including an angle pattern for capturing the subject from the periphery of the subject and an angle pattern for capturing the periphery of the subject in a direction not facing the subject; ,
An acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of an angle specified by the pattern whose specification has been received by the reception unit from among a plurality of angles;
An information processing system comprising: Accepting a specification of a desired pattern from a plurality of patterns based on the subject, including an angle pattern for capturing the subject from the periphery of the subject and an angle pattern for capturing the periphery of the subject in a direction not facing the subject; ,
An acquisition step of acquiring an image of an angle specified by a pattern whose specification has been received by the reception step among a plurality of angles;
Control method for an information processing system including: Information processing system
Accepting means for accepting designation of a desired pattern from a plurality of patterns based on the subject, including an angle pattern for capturing the subject from the periphery of the subject and an angle pattern for capturing the periphery of the subject in a direction not facing the subject; ,
A program for causing an image of an angle specified by a pattern whose specification has been received by the reception unit to function as an acquisition unit among a plurality of angles.

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