JP2004120625A - Image offering system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively provide high quality pictures of scenes that a user wants to take, and at the same time, give satisfaction to the user of imaging device that images are taken by himself. <P>SOLUTION: A business use camera sends business use images continuously photographed to a center server 100, a business use image memory 120 in the center server 100 memories the business use images transmitted. The user imaging device transmits a photographing signal indicating timing to the center server 100 in the timing of the photographing. An image selection part 130 in the center server 100 selects a business use image from the business use image memory part in a photographing timing of the user imaging device indicated by the image signal, and outputs to an image supply part 180. The image supply part 180 supplies the business use image selected by the image selection part 130 to the user by an image supply method registered by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system for providing an image, specifically, an image providing system capable of providing a business image acquired by a business imaging device corresponding to an image obtained by the imaging in response to a user's imaging operation. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Video identification information for identifying each image frame, such as a video program such as a TV broadcast or a video recorded on a video tape, is added to each image frame and played (broadcast). Thus, a system has been proposed in which a desired scene (target frame) is specified, and the target frame is specified based on the identification information of the frame, printed, and provided to the user (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). With such a system, the user can obtain a higher quality print than the print obtained with his home printer.
[0003]
On the other hand, in a theme park or a stadium such as baseball, it is normal for a user to bring his own camera and take an image. However, since the location where the user is is not necessarily a location having an angle suitable for imaging, there is a case where even if a favorite scene is imaged, the image obtained thereby cannot be satisfied. Also, it is not possible to image a scene that is away from the user's location. For example, in the case of theme parks, events are often held in multiple places at different locations, and even if the user knows the details of the events being held in a different place from where they are, It is not possible to image the events of The same applies to stadiums. For example, in the case of a baseball game, a user who is watching in an outfield seat can take a picture of his favorite player defending the outfield, but away from the home base. Therefore, it is difficult to capture a scene where the player hit the home run and obtain a satisfactory image. Also, there may be a problem that you will be absorbed in watching the game and miss the shutter chance.
[0004]
Therefore, the system described above is applied to such a case, and an image of an event or game is recorded on a recording medium such as a video tape or a DVD and supplied to the user so that the user can select the target frame. Can be provided.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-171027
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when editing the video recorded on the above-mentioned video tape, DVD, etc., the imaging target, the imaging time, the imaging angle of the image, etc. are limited depending on the intention of the editor. Not necessarily in it.
[0007]
However, in order to cover all the scenes that the user wants, for example, the theme park events, matches, etc. are continuously captured from a plurality of main imaging angles, and all the captured images are recorded on the recording medium without being edited. This requires a huge amount of recording media and is very inconvenient to transport and send. In addition, many unnecessary images are provided, which is useless.
[0008]
In addition, as long as you are at the site (theme park, stadium, etc.), even if you are not satisfied with the images you have captured, you want to have the satisfaction of releasing the shutter for the scene you want to capture. There is a request.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and gives a user who has an imaging device the satisfaction of imaging a scene he / she wants to image, and also provides high quality of the scene captured by the user or other scenes at the timing of imaging. The present invention relates to an image providing system capable of efficiently providing a simple image.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image providing system according to the present invention is an image providing system including a business imaging device that captures a predetermined subject, a user imaging device that captures the subject at a desired timing, and a server device.
The business imaging device includes business imaging means for continuously capturing the subject and obtaining a business image, and transmission means for transmitting the business image acquired by the business imaging means to the server device,
The user imaging device includes image specifying instruction means capable of imaging at the desired timing and transmitting information indicating the timing to the server device as an image specifying instruction.
From the business image stored in the business image storage unit in accordance with the image specifying instruction from the user imaging device, the server device stores the business image transmitted from the business imaging device. Business image selection means for selecting a business image specified by an image specification instruction; and image supply means for supplying the business image selected by the business image selection means to a user of the user imaging device. It is what.
[0011]
Here, the “predetermined timing” at which the user imaging device performs imaging means the timing of imaging by the user's intention of the user imaging device. Specifically, for example, the user has depressed the shutter switch of the user imaging device. It can be timing.
[0012]
The predetermined “information indicating timing” transmitted from the user imaging device to the server device may be in any format as long as it is information that can inform the server device of the timing at which the user imaging device has performed imaging. For example, it may be the time when the user imaging apparatus has taken an image, or any signal that has no meaning. In the latter case, if a signal is received from the user imaging device on the server device side, the time of the received moment (preferably an appropriate time before the received moment in consideration of the delay caused by the time required for transmission and reception) is obtained. What is necessary is just to set it as the said predetermined timing which the user imaging device imaged.
[0013]
The “user imaging device” in the present invention means a device that can be imaged by the user himself / herself and can transmit information indicating the timing to the server device at the timing when the imaging is performed. Examples thereof include a camera and a mobile terminal with a camera, such as a mobile phone.
[0014]
The “business image” means an image acquired by the business imaging device, and includes a moving image as well as a still image.
[0015]
Further, the “specified business image” by the image specifying instruction from the user imaging device means an image acquired by the business imaging device at the desired timing as the image specifying instruction. For example, an image group including the image (in the case of a still image, the image and the images before and after the image, or in the case of a moving image, in a predetermined time range centered on the desired timing). Image).
[0016]
In the image providing system of the present invention, it is preferable to install a plurality of the business imaging devices having different imaging conditions. In this case, the business image storage means stores the business images for each business imaging device. The business image selection unit includes a determination unit that determines a business imaging device closest to the user imaging device at the desired timing, and the desired timing acquired by the business imaging device determined by the determination unit. The business image can be selected.
[0017]
Here, the “imaging condition” of the business imaging device means a factor that affects the content and quality of the image captured by the business imaging device, and mainly the installation location and the installed imaging angle. However, it may include imaging setting conditions such as zoom magnification, still image / moving image, wide angle, and the like.
[0018]
Further, “closest to the user imaging device” means that the location is closest, and the “determination means” is anything as long as the business imaging device closest to the user imaging device can be determined. For example, when a user frequently moves like a theme park, the position of each business imaging device is registered in advance, and the position of each user imaging device is detected using a position detection unit such as GPS. May be used to select the closest business imaging device by comparing the positions of the predetermined user imaging device and each registered business imaging device at the desired timing, When the user rarely moves such as watching a game, the user decides each business imaging device and the range of the seat covered by the business imaging device, allows the user to register his / her seat position in advance, and Or it may be previously determined closest imaging apparatus and an imaging apparatus of the user before receiving the information indicating the grayed. In addition, an identification number or the like is clearly specified for each business imaging device so that the user can understand. When transmitting information indicating the predetermined timing to the user, the identification number of the business imaging device close to the location where the user is located is also provided. The user imaging device may be set to transmit, and the business imaging device closest to the user imaging device may be determined according to the transmitted identification number of the business imaging device.
[0019]
In addition, since the business imaging device may be installed at the same place with different imaging angles or different zooms, the business imaging device closest to the user imaging device is not limited to one.
[0020]
In the image providing system of the present invention, a plurality of the business imaging devices having different imaging conditions are installed, and the server device stores the imaging condition information indicating the imaging conditions of the plurality of business imaging devices. Having imaging condition notification means for transmitting to the user imaging device;
Of the imaging condition information notified by the imaging condition notifying means, the image specifying instruction means of the user imaging apparatus also indicates information indicating a business imaging apparatus having a user-desired imaging condition as the image specifying instruction. The business image storage means of the server device stores the business image for each business imaging device,
The business image selection unit may select a business image at the desired timing from the business image acquired by the business imaging device having the user-desired imaging condition.
[0021]
Here, the “imaging condition information” may be any information as long as it can inform the user of the imaging conditions of each of the plurality of business imaging apparatuses. Rather than describing the imaging conditions described, the installation environment conditions such as each imaging location, imaging angle, zoom magnification, wide angle, etc. It is desirable to be able to intuitively understand imaging setting conditions such as
[0022]
Further, the timing at which information indicating a business imaging device having a user-desired imaging condition is transmitted to the server device by the image specifying instruction unit of the user imaging device is before the business image is selected by the business image selection unit. For example, it may be transmitted in advance before imaging by the user imaging device, or may be transmitted simultaneously with the information indicating the desired timing at which the user imaging device has performed imaging. Furthermore, as long as the business image selection means performs selection immediately before supplying the business image to the user by the image supply means of the server device, any timing up to this time may be used.
[0023]
Further, in the image providing system of the present invention in which a plurality of the business imaging devices having different imaging conditions are installed, a user captured image obtained by the image specifying instruction unit of the user imaging device is captured at the desired timing. The image specifying instruction is transmitted to the server device,
The business image storage means of the server device stores the business image for each business imaging device;
The business image selection means of the server device performs pattern matching between each business image acquired by the plurality of business imaging devices at the desired timing and the user-captured image from each business image. A business image acquired by a business imaging device having substantially the same imaging conditions as the user-captured image can be selected.
[0024]
In the image providing system of the present invention, the image supply unit transmits the business image selected by the image selection unit to the location specified by the user of the user imaging device and / or the user imaging device. An image may be supplied.
[0025]
Here, the “location specified by the user” means a location where the business image transmitted from the image supply means specified by the user of the user imaging apparatus can be received. Examples include an address and URL of an image storage server on the network.
[0026]
In addition, the image supply unit may supply the business image selected by the image selection unit by recording and / or printing out the business image on a removable recording medium.
[0027]
Here, “recording on a recording medium” and “printing out” include not only that performed by the image supply unit itself, but also that a predetermined service store performs.
The image specifying instruction means of the user imaging device in the image system of the present invention is preferably capable of transmitting the imaging time of a user-desired business image as the image specifying instruction. It means an arbitrary timing other than the desired timing at which imaging is performed by the user imaging device.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image providing system of the present invention, at the timing when the user has taken an image, the user imaging device transmits information indicating the timing as an image specifying instruction to the server device, and the server device continues to capture images with the business imaging device. The obtained image is accumulated, and based on the image specifying instruction transmitted from the user imaging device, the image of the timing when the user imaging device acquired by the business imaging device captures the image (the image of this timing, and the timing (Including a group of images composed of images at the same timing) can be selected and supplied to the user, so that the user can be satisfied that he / she has captured the scene he / she wants to capture. Also, a high-quality image acquired by the business imaging device at the timing when the user images can be obtained.
In addition, since the user imaging device selects the business image to be supplied to the user based on the information indicating the timing automatically transmitted at the timing of imaging, the user selects the image himself. There is no need. Further, since the scene at the timing when the user has taken an image is used to provide only the business image at that timing by utilizing the scene that the user wants, the amount of data to be supplied is small and economical. is there.
[0029]
In addition, a determination unit is provided in the server device of the image providing system of the present invention in which a plurality of business imaging devices each having different imaging conditions are installed, and the business closest to the user imaging device at the timing when the user imaging device images By determining the imaging device and selecting and supplying the business image to be supplied to the user from the business image acquired by the determined business imaging device, only the business image of the scene closest to the scene that the user wants to capture is displayed. Therefore, the amount of data to be supplied can be reduced and the efficiency is high.
[0030]
In addition, the server device of the image providing system of the present invention in which a plurality of business imaging devices each having different imaging conditions are installed transmits information indicating the imaging conditions of each business imaging device to the user imaging device. If the business image to be supplied is selected and supplied from the business image acquired by the business imaging device designated by the user via the user imaging device, the imaging location desired by the user, the imaging angle, Zoom can be selected. For example, in the case of watching a baseball game, a user in an outfield seat selects his / her business imaging device capable of imaging the home base under appropriate imaging conditions, and takes an image when his / her favorite player hits a home run. Even if a high-quality image cannot be acquired by the imaging device, a high-quality business image of the scene can be acquired.
[0031]
Also, in the image providing system of the present invention in which a plurality of business imaging devices each having different imaging conditions are installed, the user imaging device transmits information indicating the timing of imaging to the server device and is acquired at that timing. The user captured image is also transmitted to the server device, and the server device pattern-matches the business image obtained by each business image capturing device at this timing with the user captured image, and imaging conditions (similar to the user captured image) ( If a business image having (scene) is selected and supplied, the business image to be supplied can be automatically narrowed down to a business image of a scene that the user really wants, which is efficient.
[0032]
Further, in the image providing system of the present invention, if the user imaging device can arbitrarily specify the imaging time of the business image as an image specifying instruction as well as the timing when the user imaging device performs imaging, the user can capture the image. A business image of a scene at an arbitrary time can be obtained only at the timing of the execution, so that a business image of a desired scene can be acquired even when a photo opportunity is missed.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image service system of the present embodiment provides an image obtained by taking images with a plurality of business cameras installed in the theme park to the park attendant. As shown in the figure, this image service system. Are a plurality of business cameras 10 installed at each important point (event venue, attraction, etc.) in the theme park, and user imaging devices (such as a camera 20a and a mobile phone with camera 20b) The center server 100, and the service store 50 provided at each exit of the theme park. The business camera 10 and the user imaging device can be connected to the center server 100 via a wireless LAN. Each service store 50 has a center server 100 and a wired LAN (100Base-TX using a category 5 cable, Are connected by 100Base-FX, etc.) 30 by an optical fiber. The user imaging device is given an identification ID (for example, a ticket number of a parked person, a telephone number of a mobile phone in the case of a mobile phone) at the time of admission, and this assigned ID (hereinafter referred to as a user ID) And a system for registering with the center server 100. Further, when registering a user ID, the user is also allowed to select and register a business image supply method to be supplied to the user. Here, the supply method is transmitted to the user imaging device, transmitted to the designated address (in this case, the designated address is also registered), recorded on the CD-ROM, and passed to the desired service store 50 (in this case, The desired service store 50 is also registered), and is printed out and passed to the desired service store 50 (in this case, the desired service store 50 is also registered). The user ID is added to a signal transmitted from the user imaging device 20 to the center server 100. The center server 100 provides services for each user based on the user ID.
[0035]
The business camera 10 is installed at each important point in the theme park at an angle suitable for imaging the subject at that point. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the business camera 10. . As illustrated, the business camera 10 includes an imaging unit 12 that continuously captures an image of a subject, and a transmission unit 14 that transmits a business image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 12 to the center server 100. Each business camera 10 has an identification number, and the identification number is specified on the main body.
[0036]
User imaging devices such as the camera 20a and the camera-equipped mobile phone 20b are possessed by theme park attendants, and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the user imaging device 20. As illustrated, the user imaging device 20 such as the camera 20a or the camera-equipped mobile phone 20b includes a transmission / reception unit 21 for performing transmission / reception with the center server 100, and a user imaging device 20 including a shutter switch (not illustrated). The operation unit 24 for operating (including setting), the imaging unit 22 that captures an image by pressing a shutter switch provided in the operation unit 24, and the user captured image acquired by the imaging unit 22 are stored and saved. The storage unit 23 and a display unit 25 that displays an image in accordance with an operation instruction from the operation unit 24 are provided. The transmission / reception unit 21 transmits the following three signals in addition to transmitting a signal (hereinafter referred to as an imaging signal for short) meaning “captured” at the timing when the shutter switch provided in the operation unit 24 is pressed down. In some cases, information suitable for each case is also transmitted.
[0037]
1. From the index image (details will be described later) transmitted from the center server 100, the operation unit 24 controls the index desired by the user.
When a box image number is selected.
[0038]
In this case, the transmission unit 21 uses the operation unit 24 to select the index image number.
Send this number when is selected.
[0039]
2. When the operation unit 24 is set to “send business camera identification number”.
[0040]
The business camera identification number in this case is an identification number specified by the user and specified on the body of the business camera closest to the user's user imaging device. At this time, the transmission unit 21 transmits an imaging signal. At this time, the set identification number of the business camera is also transmitted.
[0041]
3. The operation unit 24 is set to “send user captured image”.
If.
[0042]
In this case, when transmitting the imaging signal, the transmission unit 21 also transmits the user captured image captured at this time to the center server 100.
[0043]
4). A case in which the operation unit 24 instructs to transmit the imaging time of a desired business image.
[0044]
In this case, the transmission unit 21 transmits to the center server 100 an arbitrary imaging time that is instructed by the operation unit 24 and is different from the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 indicated by the imaging signal.
[0045]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center server 100 in the image service system shown in FIG. As illustrated, the center server 100 includes a communication unit 102 for performing transmission / reception with each business camera 10, each user imaging device 20, and the service store 50, and a control unit that controls the overall operation of the center server 100. 105, an index image storage unit 110 that stores sample images that can respectively indicate the imaging conditions of each business camera 10, and a business image storage unit that stores business images obtained continuously by each business camera 10 for each business camera 10 120, a business image selection unit 130 that selects a business image to be supplied to the user from the business image storage unit 120, and an image supply unit 180 that supplies the image selected by the business image selection unit 130 to the user. It is. Here, each component of the center server 100 will be specifically described.
[0046]
First, the index image storage unit 110 can indicate an imaging condition (imaging location, imaging angle, zoom, etc.) of each business camera 10 and includes a sample image captured by each business camera 10. This is stored for each identification number of the camera 10, and the number of each sample image and the identification number of the business camera 10 that acquired the sample image correspond one-to-one. The index image is transmitted to the corresponding user imaging device by the control unit 105 when registering the user ID.
The user of the user imaging device 20 displays the index image transmitted from the center server 100 on the display unit 25 of the user imaging device 20, selects a desired sample image number from the index image, and causes the center server 100 to By replying, the desired business camera 10 can be selected. Here, the number of desired business cameras 10 selected by the user is not limited to one, and may be plural.
[0047]
The control unit 105 has a function of transmitting an index image to the user imaging device 20 (that is, a function of the imaging condition notifying unit according to claim 3), and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a user ID of each user imaging device 20. And the storage unit receives a reply designating the number of the desired sample image from the user imaging device 20, the task corresponding to the number of the sample image designated as the user ID of the user imaging device 20 The identification number of the camera 10 is associated and stored. In addition, when the control unit 105 receives an imaging signal from the user imaging device 20, the control unit 105 includes the first image selection unit 140, the second image selection unit 150, and the third image selection unit 160 of the image selection unit 130. One of these is selected and a business image to be supplied to the user is selected. Specifically, when an imaging signal is received from the user imaging device 20, first, the presence or absence of the identification number of the business camera 10 corresponding to the user ID of the user imaging device 20 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) (that is, desired by the user). (If there is a business camera to perform), and if there are, output the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 indicated by the imaging signal and the identification number of the business camera 10 corresponding to the user ID to the first image selection unit 140 If there is no identification number of the business camera 10 corresponding to the user ID of the imaging device 20 that has transmitted the imaging signal while the business image is selected, the identification number of the business camera 10 (the identification number at this time) together with the imaging signal Corresponds to the second case where the transmission contents of the transmission / reception unit 21 of the user imaging device 20 described above are explained, and the business camera 10 closest to the user imaging device 20 Information showing another number becomes) checks whether sent.
If the identification number of the business camera 10 is also transmitted, the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 indicated by the imaging signal and the identification number are output to the first image selection unit 140 and the business image is selected. If the identification number of the business camera 10 has not been transmitted, it is further confirmed whether or not a user-captured image has been transmitted together with the imaging signal. If there is a user captured image, the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 indicated by the imaging signal and the user captured image are output to the second image selection unit 150 and the business image is selected. If there is no, only the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 indicated by the imaging signal is output to the third image selection unit 160 to select the business image. When receiving a signal designating an arbitrary time different from the imaging signal from the user imaging device 20, the control unit 105 identifies the business camera 10 corresponding to the user ID of the user imaging device 20 in a storage unit (not shown). The presence / absence of a number (that is, the presence / absence of a business camera desired by the user) is confirmed. If there is, the first image selection unit 140 displays information indicating this arbitrary time and the identification number of the business camera 10 corresponding to the user ID. If there is no identification number of the business camera 10 corresponding to the user ID of the imaging device 20 that has transmitted the arbitrary time, the information indicating the arbitrary time is displayed as the third information. The image is output to the image selection unit 160 and the business image is selected.
[0048]
The image selection unit 130 includes a first image selection unit 140, a second image selection unit 150, and a third image selection unit 160, and selects business images to be supplied to the user by different methods. is there.
[0049]
The first image selection unit 140 outputs the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 output from the control unit 105 and the identification number of the business camera 10 (the identification of the business camera 10 corresponding to the number of the sample image previously selected from the index image). The business image is selected based on the number or the identification number of the nearest business camera 10 set by the user at the time of imaging by the user imaging device 20. Specifically, out of the business images stored in the business image storage unit 120, the business image acquired by the business camera 10 having the identification number of the business camera 10 output from the control unit 105 is used. The business image at the imaging time is selected and output to the image supply unit 180.
[0050]
The second image selection unit 150 selects a business image based on the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 output from the control unit 105 and the user captured image. Specifically, first, a business image acquired by each business camera 10 at the imaging time of the user imaging device 20 is selected from the business images stored in the business image storage unit 120, each selected business image, and user imaging Pattern matching is performed on the image, and a business image having imaging conditions substantially the same as the user-captured image (that is, the pattern closest as a result of pattern matching) is selected and output to the image supply unit 180. is there.
[0051]
The third image selection unit 160 outputs the time output from the control unit 105 from the business image stored in the business image storage unit 120 (the time indicated by the imaging signal of the user imaging device 20 or the user selects the user imaging device). The business image acquired by each business camera 10 at an arbitrary time designated via the network) is selected and output to the image supply unit 180.
[0052]
The image supply unit 180 includes an image supply method storage unit (not shown) that stores, for each user ID, a user-desired business image supply method registered when the user ID of the user imaging device 20 is registered. The business image selected by the image selection unit 130 is supplied to the user in accordance with the stored image supply method for each user ID. Specifically, if “send to user imaging device” is specified, the image supply unit 180 transmits the business image selected by the image selection unit 130 to the user imaging device having the corresponding user ID, If “send to the selected address” is designated, the business image selected by the image selection unit 130 is sent to the designated address. If “record on CD-ROM” or “print-out” is designated, the image supply unit 180 “records on CD-ROM” or “print-out” together with the business image selected by the image selection unit 130. Is sent to the designated service store 50.
[0053]
The service store 50 provided at each exit of the theme park is “recorded on a CD-ROM” or “printed out” transmitted from the center server 100 (specifically, from the image supply unit 180 of the center server 100). According to the instruction, the corresponding business image is recorded on a CD-ROM or printed out and prepared for delivery to a user who has received it later.
[0054]
As described above, in the image service system according to the present embodiment, the user imaging device 20 such as the user camera 20a or the user's mobile phone 20b transmits an imaging signal to the center server 100 at the timing when imaging is performed. Stores the images obtained by continuing to be captured by the business camera 20 for each business camera 10, and the user imaging device 20 acquired by the business camera 10 captures an image based on the imaging signal transmitted from the user imaging device 20. By selecting an image at the timing when it was performed and supplying it to the user, it is possible to give satisfaction that the user has captured the scene he / she wants to capture, and at the timing when the user has captured the job It is also possible to supply high-quality images acquired by the above. Further, the image selection unit 130 of the center server 100 selects a business image to be supplied to the user based on the imaging signal automatically transmitted at the timing when the user imaging device 20 performs imaging. This is convenient because the user does not have to select a business image by himself. Further, since the scene at the timing when the user has taken an image is used to provide only the business image at that timing by utilizing the scene that the user wants, the amount of data to be supplied is small and economical. is there.
[0055]
In the above description, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the image providing system of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes, changes, and modifications can be made without changing the gist of the present invention. Can do.
[0056]
For example, in the image service system shown in FIG. 1, the image selection unit 130 of the center server 100 includes first, second, and third image selection units that select business images to be provided to users by different methods. However, only one or two may be used depending on the application environment of the image providing system.
[0057]
The image selection unit 130 of the center server 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 has only one image each time an imaging signal is received from the user imaging device 20 among the first, second, and third image selection units. A business image is selected using the selection unit. For example, when the user selects a desired business camera 10 by selecting an index image number and sends it back to the center server 100, and transmits an imaging signal. If the user-captured image is transmitted, the business image acquired by the business camera 10 designated by the user by the first image selection unit 140 is selected, and the user-captured image is patterned by the second image selection unit 150. If the center server 100 is configured so as to select and supply substantially the same business image, it is substantially the same as the user image capturing apparatus at the timing when the user performs image capturing by himself / herself. The business image acquired by the business camera 10 having the imaging conditions can be obtained, and the business image acquired by the business camera having the imaging conditions such as other desired imaging location and imaging angle can also be supplied. Yes, it is more convenient.
[0058]
Further, the image supply unit 180 of the center server 100 is not limited to one supply method, and may supply business images to the user using a plurality of supply methods.
[0059]
Further, the image supply unit 180 may supply not only the business image but also the on-site audio data acquired at the same time as the selected business image is captured, commentary narration, and the like as additional information. . Furthermore, a composite image combining a user captured image and a business image may be created and supplied. For example, it is possible to improve the entertainment by supplying continuous scenes of business images (sequential frames acquired by the same business camera) or images captured from multiple angles at the same timing on the lower side of the user captured image. You may make it plan.
[0060]
In addition, when a business image is transmitted to the user imaging device, the original business image is encrypted, and the thumbnail image of the business image and the encrypted business image are transmitted as a set to the user imaging device and decrypted only at the affiliated store. Thus, if it is possible to print out, processing such as billing can be ensured.
[0061]
In the image service system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the user imaging device 20 transmits an imaging signal to the center server 100 every time an image is captured. Information indicating timing may be temporarily stored in the user imaging device 20 and may be collectively transmitted to the center server 100 when desired by the user. In the case of a system that selects a business image to be provided to the user by pattern matching between the image acquired by the user imaging device and the business image, as described above, the user captured image is directly transmitted from the user imaging device to the center server. However, a recording medium on which the user-captured image is recorded may be submitted to a service store and the user-captured image may be transmitted to the center server via the service store.
[0062]
Further, in the image service system shown in FIG. 1, in order to make the gist of the present invention easier to understand, an imaging signal is transmitted to the center server every time the user imaging apparatus takes an image so as to obtain business images at all imaging timings. However, for example, the user imaging apparatus is provided with three imaging modes of “user captured image only”, “business image only”, and “both”, and any one of these three imaging modes is set. When the shutter button is pressed, “takes an image on the user imaging device and does not send an imaging signal to the center server” or “takes an image on the user imaging device and takes an image on the center server, corresponding to each imaging mode. "Send a signal as well as information indicating that a business image is not required", "The shutter button is pressed on the user imaging device side." However, the imaging is not performed and only the imaging signal is transmitted to the center server ”and“ the imaging is performed and the imaging signal is transmitted to the center server ”(similar to the user imaging device 20 in the image service system of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1). In other words, the user may be able to take an image reflecting the user's intention.
The "user image only" mode allows the user to capture normal images, and the "business image only" mode allows the user to capture satisfactory photos due to inappropriate imaging position or insufficient imaging device magnification capability. When it is predicted that the user cannot be performed, or when the memory capacity of the user imaging device is insufficient, it is possible to acquire only the business image without acquiring the user captured image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a business camera 10 and a user imaging device in the image service system shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a center server 100 in the image service system shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Business camera
12 Imaging unit
14 Transmitter
20a, 20b User imaging device
21 Transceiver
22 Imaging unit
23 Memory unit
24 Operation unit
25 Display section
50 Service stores
100 Center server
102 Communication Department
105 Control unit
110 Index image storage unit
120 Business image storage unit
130 Image selector
140 First image selection unit
150 Second image selection unit
160 Third image selection unit
180 Image supply unit

Claims (7)

An image providing system comprising a business imaging device that captures a predetermined subject, a user imaging device that captures the subject at a desired timing, and a server device,
The business imaging device includes business imaging means for continuously capturing the subject and obtaining a business image, and transmission means for transmitting the business image acquired by the business imaging means to the server device,
The user imaging device includes image specifying instruction means capable of imaging at the desired timing and transmitting information indicating the timing to the server device as an image specifying instruction.
From the business image stored in the business image storage unit in accordance with the image specifying instruction from the user imaging device, the server device stores the business image transmitted from the business imaging device. Business image selection means for selecting a business image specified by an image specification instruction; and image supply means for supplying the business image selected by the business image selection means to a user of the user imaging device. Image providing system. A plurality of the business imaging devices having different imaging conditions are installed,
The business image storage means stores the business image for each business imaging device;
The business image selection unit includes a determination unit that determines a business imaging device that is closest to the user imaging device at the desired timing, and the desired timing acquired by the business imaging device determined by the determination unit. 2. The image providing system according to claim 1, wherein a business image is selected. A plurality of the business imaging devices having different imaging conditions are installed,
The server device has imaging condition notification means for transmitting imaging condition information indicating the imaging conditions of each of the plurality of business imaging devices to the user imaging device;
Of the imaging condition information notified by the imaging condition notifying means, the image specifying instruction means of the user imaging apparatus also indicates information indicating a business imaging apparatus having a user-desired imaging condition as the image specifying instruction. The business image storage means of the server device stores the business image for each business imaging device,
The image according to claim 1, wherein the business image selection unit is configured to select a business image at the desired timing from the business image acquired by the business imaging apparatus having the imaging condition desired by the user. Offer system. A plurality of the business imaging devices having different imaging conditions are installed,
The image specifying instruction means of the user imaging device also transmits a user-captured image obtained by imaging at the desired timing to the server device as the image specifying instruction;
The business image storage means of the server device stores the business image for each business imaging device;
The business image selection means of the server device performs pattern matching between each business image acquired by the plurality of business imaging devices at the desired timing and the user-captured image from each business image. The image providing system according to claim 1, wherein a business image acquired by a business imaging device having imaging conditions substantially similar to a user-captured image is selected. The image supply means supplies the business image by transmitting the business image selected by the image selection means to the user imaging device and / or a location designated by a user of the user imaging device. The image providing system according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The image supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the business image selected by the image selection unit is recorded and / or printed out on a detachable recording medium. The image providing system according to claim 1. The image providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image specifying instruction means is capable of transmitting a capturing time of a business image desired by a user as the image specifying instruction.

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