Information processing apparatus, information processing method, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a program product. The information processing apparatus includes: a management unit configured to manage an image of a user; a classification unit configured to classify an image matching a rule selected by a user from the managed images; and a display control unit configured to display a first setting screen for a user to select rules, in which the first setting screen includes, as rules, a first rule generated by the user and a second rule for classifying an image that does not match the first rule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a process for classifying a desired image from multiple images. Background Technology

[0002] There exists a method to classify images from multiple images that match a predetermined assignment rule.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-210872 discloses a method that enables users to generate their own assignment rules for desired images to be automatically classified. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The information processing apparatus according to this disclosure includes: a management unit configured to manage images of a user; a classification unit configured to classify images from the managed images that match a rule selected by the user; and a display control unit configured to display a first setting screen for the user to select a rule, wherein the first setting screen includes: a first rule generated by the user and a second rule for classifying images that do not match the first rule, as rules.

[0005] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figures 1A to 1C This is a diagram illustrating an example of system construction;

[0007] Figure 2 It is a flowchart used to describe the overall processing flow of the image management device;

[0008] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an image management table;

[0009] Figure 4 It generates a sending rule management table;

[0010] Figures 5A to 5D This is an example diagram showing the sending rule list screen and the sending rule generation screen;

[0011] Figure 6 It is a flowchart used to describe the process of generating sending rules;

[0012] Figure 7 This is a flowchart describing the process of deleting sending rules;

[0013] Figures 8A to 8F This is a diagram showing an example of a sending settings management table;

[0014] Figures 9A to 9CThis is an example diagram showing the image management service list screen and the image management service settings screen;

[0015] Figure 10 It is a flowchart used to describe the processing of the image management service settings screen;

[0016] Figures 11A to 11D This is an example image showing the sending rule settings screen;

[0017] Figure 12 It is a flowchart used to describe the setting process of sending rules;

[0018] Figure 13A and Figure 13B It is a flowchart used to describe the processing of sending rules display or the processing of completing button settings;

[0019] Figure 14 It is a flowchart used to describe the image sending process;

[0020] Figures 15A to 15C It is a graph used to describe multiple generation and sending rules; and

[0021] Figure 16 This is a flowchart used to describe the process of sending rule deletion. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following, the technology of this disclosure will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the constructions shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the constructions shown.

[0023] <Example 1>

[0024] [System Structure]

[0025] Figure 1A This diagram illustrates an example of the construction of an image management system, which is part of the information processing system of this embodiment. The image management system includes an image management device 101, a terminal 102, and an external device 103. The image management device 101 is connected to one or more external devices 103 and one or more terminals 102 via a network.

[0026] Image management device 101 is an information processing apparatus that provides a service for receiving and saving image data sent from a camera or terminal of an accounted user. The service provided by image management device 101 is, for example, a cloud service that uploads and saves images captured in real-time by a digital camera using a network such as Wi-Fi. Furthermore, image management device 101 is described as having the function of automatically classifying the saved images. Additionally, image management device 101 provides a service for automatically sending the classified images to an external device 103. By automatically sending images to the external device 103 in this way, storage capacity shortages can be mitigated.

[0027] In this embodiment, the user is an account with services provided by the image management device 101. The user can generate an account via a terminal 102 that is owned by the user and connected to the network.

[0028] Terminal 102 is a device that includes a display unit such as a touch panel and an operation unit, and is, for example, a PC, tablet computer, smartphone, camera, etc. Although terminal 102 is assumed to be a terminal that sends images to image management device 101, a user can send images to image management device 101 from a terminal different from terminal 102.

[0029] The image management device 101 can display a screen on the display unit of the terminal 102. Users can issue various commands to the image management device 101 via the screen. The image management device 101 has the function of receiving input operations performed by the user via the terminal 102. For example, users can browse, delete, etc., user images managed by the image management device 101 via the screen displayed on the terminal 102. Furthermore, users can change settings related to services operated by the image management device 101 via the screen.

[0030] Each of the external devices 103a and 103b is, for example, an information processing device or a cloud server providing a service (referred to as an image management service), such as a cloud storage service subscribed to by a user for storing, sharing, and editing images. The services provided by each of the external devices 103a and 103b may be referred to as external services to distinguish them from the services provided by the image management device 101. When referring to either of the external devices 103a and 103b, it may be written as external device 103. The number of external devices 103, i.e., the number of image management services, is unlimited. The image management device 101 sends images specified by the external devices 103. In this embodiment, the description will be given by assuming that the image management service 104 provided by external device 103a is named "Smart In," and the image management service 105 provided by external device 103b is named "Huge Box." When written as “Smart In”, it can refer to image management service 104 or external device 103a, and when written as “Huge Box”, it can refer to image management service 105 or external device 103b.

[0031] The network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The image management device 101, the external device 103, and the user's terminal 102 are connected via the network, enabling communication between these devices.

[0032] Although the image is described as a still image in this embodiment, it can be a moving image. It is assumed that the image management device 101, terminal 102, and external devices 103a and 103b can handle both still and moving images. Unless otherwise stated, the image is described as a concept encompassing both still and moving images.

[0033] [Hardware Structure]

[0034] Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an image management device 101, which is an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. The image management device 101 is implemented, for example, as a server in the cloud.

[0035] The computing unit 113 is a unit that performs data transmission, reception, and storage processing. The computing unit 113 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The computing unit 113 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) instead of a CPU, or may include a GPU in addition to a CPU.

[0036] Storage unit 112 is a unit that stores images, transmission rules, programs executed by computing unit 113, and content received from terminal 102 via communication unit 111. Storage unit 112 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. Assume that computing unit 113 loads the program stored in the ROM or HDD of storage unit 112 into the RAM of storage unit 112 to execute the program. Furthermore, assume that computing unit 113 uses storage unit 112 as a temporary storage area for data.

[0037] The communication unit 111 is a unit connected to the network and performs the sending and receiving of information with the terminal 102 and the external device 103. The communication unit 111 is implemented, for example, by a network interface card (NIC). The bus 114 connects the communication unit 111, the storage unit 112, and the computing unit 113.

[0038] In this embodiment, although the image management device 101 is described as a device for ease of description, the image management device 101 may be a system in which multiple information processing devices operate as one image management device 101.

[0039] [Functional Structure]

[0040] Figure 1C This diagram illustrates an example of the functional structure of an image management device 101. The image management device 101 includes functions for storing images, receiving input from a terminal 102, sending images to the terminal 102, and sending images to an image management service. Specifically, the image management device 101 includes the following functional units.

[0041] Management unit 121 stores and manages user images in storage unit 112. Furthermore, management unit 121 also functions as a rule management unit, storing and managing the generation and transmission rules described later in storage unit 112. Additionally, management unit 121 stores and manages the settings of image management services 104 and 105 in storage unit 112. Management unit 121 retrieves this information from storage unit 112.

[0042] The display control unit 122 performs control for sending screen information to the terminal 102 via the communication unit 111 and displaying the screen on the display unit of the terminal 102. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the process of the display control unit 122 displaying the screen on the terminal 102 is as follows: the display control unit 122 generates screen information and causes the communication unit 111 to send the screen information to the terminal 102, thereby displaying the screen on the terminal 102.

[0043] The setting unit 124 receives user instructions for the screen from the terminal 102 via the communication unit 111. The screen for setting up the image management service includes a UI indicating the transmission of images that match the generated transmission rules and the transmission of images that do not match the generated transmission rules. Details will be described later.

[0044] The transmission control unit 123 transmits images managed by the management unit 121 to the image management services 104 and 105 via the communication unit 111. This will be described by assuming that transmitting images to the image management service refers to sending images to an external device, enabling the external device providing the image management service to receive the images. Additionally, the transmission control unit 123 also functions as a classification unit, performing a process of classifying (categorizing) images to check whether they match transmission rules.

[0045] The image analysis unit 125 performs image recognition on the images managed by the management unit 121. Details will be described later.

[0046] The program stored in the storage unit 112, such as ROM or HDD, is read by a computing unit 113 (e.g., CPU) into the RAM included in the storage unit 112 and then executed. Figure 1C The various functional units shown are illustrated. Furthermore, hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) for accelerating computation can be utilized, for example. Individual functions can be implemented through collaboration between software and hardware such as dedicated ICs, or some or all functions can be implemented solely through hardware. Alternatively, some or all of the aforementioned functions can be implemented through hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits.

[0047] [Overall processing flow]

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the image management device 101 when it receives instructions from a user via terminal 102. The process involves loading program code stored in the ROM or the like of the storage unit 112 into the RAM of the storage unit 112, and then executing the program code by a computing unit 113, such as a CPU, to perform processing according to... Figure 2 The flowchart processing in the process. Furthermore, it can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 2 The steps in the flowchart represent some or all of the functions. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in the flowchart, and this also applies to subsequent flowcharts.

[0049] In S201, the computing unit 113 acquires events such as user operations on the terminal 102. In S202, the computing unit 113 switches to subsequent processing based on the type of event acquired in S201.

[0050] In S202, if the calculation unit 113 determines that it has received an event from the user's terminal 102 indicating the generation or deletion of a transmission rule, then the calculation unit 113 performs the processing in S203 to S206. As a result, a transmission rule is either generated or deleted. Details will be described later. If S205 or S206 ends, the calculation unit 113 returns to S201 to wait for an event again.

[0051] Additionally, in S202, if the calculation unit 113 determines that it has received an event from the user's terminal 102 for associating a sending rule with an image management service, the calculation unit 113 performs the processing in S207 to S212. In S207 to S212, the following processing is performed: a target image management service is selected, and the selected image management service is associated with the sending service. Details will be described later. If S212 ends, the calculation unit 113 returns to S201 to wait for an event again.

[0052] Additionally, in S202, if the computing unit 113 obtains an event that the user's image has been uploaded to the image management device 101, the process proceeds to S213.

[0053] In S213, the computing unit 113 analyzes the uploaded image.

[0054] In S214, the computing unit 113 performs the process of sending the uploaded image to the external device providing image management services 104 and 105. Details will be described later. If S214 ends, the computing unit 113 returns to S201 to wait for events again.

[0055] If the calculation unit 113 obtains an event for ending processing in S202, the processing proceeds to S215. In S215, the calculation unit 113 performs the ending processing, thereby... Figure 2 The flowchart in the document ends here.

[0056] [Image Analysis]

[0057] The image analysis performed in S213 is carried out by the image analysis unit 125. In this embodiment, as an example, object classification processing is assumed to be performed. Object classification processing involves extracting objects included in the image to be analyzed and identifying the category (type) of the extracted objects. In this embodiment, the object category will be described by assuming three values: "food," "animal," and "landscape." The image analysis unit 125 identifies zero or more values ​​for the object category of an image. A value of zero for an object category indicates that the object included in the image does not correspond to any of "food," "animal," or "landscape." The object category identified by the image analysis unit 125 can be any category other than "food," "animal," and "landscape."

[0058] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an image management table 320 used by an image management device 101 to manage images uploaded to the image management device 101 by a specific user A. In the image management table 320, the image ID value, used to uniquely identify the image, is maintained in column 321, and the object category value, determined as a result of the analysis in S213, is maintained in column 322. In the image management table 320, the image ID value and the object category value included in the image are associated with each other. If the analysis in S213 is completed, a record containing information about the images that have undergone the analysis is added. Figure 3 Image management table 320.

[0059] For example, suppose in S213, the object category of the object included in the image indicated by image ID "IMG_101" has been determined to be "animal". In this case, Figure 3 In row 323, which retains information about the image with image ID "IMG_101", "animal" is retained as the object category value in column 322. Similarly, in row 324, which retains information about the image with image ID "IMG_102", "landscape" is retained as the object category value as a result of the analysis. Furthermore, suppose that in S213, the object category of the object included in the image with image ID "IMG_103" does not correspond to any of "food", "animal", or "landscape". In this case, in row 325, which retains information about the image with image ID "IMG_103", "(None)" is retained as the object category value in column 322.

[0060] [Regarding sending rules]

[0061] The image management device 101 of this embodiment can classify images that match the sending rules from the images managed by the management unit 121. This classification process is also called "classification processing". In addition, the sending rules can also be referred to as classification conditions, classification rules, allocation rules, etc.

[0062] In addition, the image management device 101 has the function of automatically sending images that have been classified to match a specific sending rule to the image management service associated with that sending rule. For example, a user associates sending rule 1 with image management service 104 and sending rule 2 with image management service 105. Then, images matching sending rule 1 can be set to be automatically sent to image management service 104, and images matching sending rule 2 can be set to be automatically sent to image management service 105.

[0063] In this embodiment, the description will be given by assuming the existence of generated sending rules and non-corresponding rules as sending rules. Although the generated sending rules can be pre-generated sending rules, this embodiment will describe them by assuming that the generated sending rules are user-generated sending rules.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a generation and transmission rule management table 400 used to manage the generation and transmission of rules. The generation and transmission rule management table 400 includes: a column 401 that holds a transmission rule ID used to uniquely identify the generated transmission rule; a column 402 that holds the transmission rule name, which serves as the name of the generated transmission rule; and a column 403 that holds the values ​​of determination conditions. The values ​​of the determination conditions received from terminal 102 are held in column 403.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, it is assumed that the generated sending rule in this embodiment includes the value of the object category of the image to be classified as a determining condition for classifying the image. For example, a user can generate a new generated sending rule by selecting at least one of "food," "animal," and "landscape" as the determining condition. For example, suppose the user has already selected "animal" as the determining condition to generate the generated sending rule. In this case, images uploaded by a specific user are selected that are already analyzed to include animals. Figure 3 The image corresponding to "IMG_101" in the code is used as the match to generate the sending rule.

[0066] In this embodiment, although the determining conditions constituting the generation and transmission rule are described as including one type of determining condition for determining the object category of the image, the determining conditions can be items other than the object category. Alternatively, multiple types of determining conditions can be included in the generation and transmission rule.

[0067] For example, does the image include the face of a specific person that can be included in the determination criteria? In this case, the management unit 121 associates facial information, such as facial feature values ​​and the person's name, with the image ID and stores the facial information in the storage unit 112. Additionally, the image analysis unit 125 analyzes whether the image includes the corresponding face based on the facial feature values. The display control unit 122 displays the person's name on the screen and determines the facial information to be used as the determination criteria based on input instructions from the user. If the facial information obtained by the image analysis unit 125 matches the facial information indicated by the determination criteria, a match is determined.

[0068] Furthermore, facial expressions (such as whether a person's face is smiling or whether their eyes are closed) can be included in the determination criteria. In this case, the image analysis unit 125 identifies whether the face of a person included in the image is smiling or has closed eyes based on pre-prepared feature quantities indicating smiling or closed eyes.

[0069] Furthermore, there can be defining conditions for classifying images that were not captured. Additionally, these defining conditions can be based on capturing information embedded in the image. For example, defining conditions could be based on information such as the time the image was captured, the image capturing device used to capture the image, and the location of the captured image.

[0070] In addition, the determination conditions included in the generation and transmission rules can be determination conditions that combine the above image analysis results and shooting information.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "non-corresponding rule" is automatically included in the user-selectable sending rules as a sending rule for classifying images that do not correspond to the generated sending rule. Without a "non-corresponding rule," if the user expects to classify images that do not match the generated sending rule, a determination condition must be selected to generate a new sending rule that does not correspond to the generated sending rule. In this embodiment, for the purposes of description, the determination condition is selected from the values ​​"animal," "food," and "landscape." The number of selectable values ​​for selecting the determination condition can be further increased, and generating sending rules for classifying images that do not correspond to the generated sending rule becomes a burden for the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method will be described that enables the classification of images that do not correspond to the generated sending rule by automatically selecting a "non-corresponding rule" when a sending rule exists.

[0072] [Flowchart for generating and deleting sending rules]

[0073] The description will proceed when the image management device 101 receives an instruction from the user's terminal 102 to generate or delete a transmission rule. Figure 2 S203 to S206 in the example.

[0074] exist Figure 2 In S203, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule list screen 501 on the terminal 102 (see reference). Figures 5A to 5D ).

[0075] exist Figure 2 In S204, the display control unit 122 receives the content of the operation performed by the user via the sending rule list screen 501, and determines whether the content of the user's operation is for generating a sending rule or for deleting a sending rule.

[0076] Figure 5A and Figure 5D This is an example diagram of a sending rule list screen 501, which displays a list of sending rules generated. Figure 5A This is the sending rule list screen 501 displayed when no sending rules have been generated.

[0077] The send rule generation button 502 is a button for the user to give instructions for generating new send rules. When the user presses the send rule generation button 502, the terminal 102 sends instructions to the image management device 101 for generating send rules.

[0078] In S204, if the display control unit 122 determines that the operation is for generating a sending rule, the process proceeds to S205. In S205, the sending rule is appended.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a flowchart describing the details of the processing performed by the image management device 101 in S205. This is achieved by the computing unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 6 The process shown can be implemented using hardware (such as ASICs or electronic circuits). Figure 6 The steps in the process may be part or all of the functions.

[0080] In S601, the setting unit 124 receives a generation instruction for generating transmission rules from the terminal 102.

[0081] In S602, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule generation screen 511 (see reference) on the terminal 102. Figure 5B ).

[0082] Figure 5B This is a diagram showing an example of a sending rule generation screen 511 displayed on terminal 102 as a result of S602. The input field 512 included in the sending rule generation screen 511 is an input field for the user to input the name of the sending rule to be generated.

[0083] In S603, the setting unit 124 determines whether text has been entered into the input field 512 of the sending rule generation screen 511. If the setting unit 124 determines that text has been entered into the input field 512 ("yes" in S603), the process proceeds to S604.

[0084] In S604, the display control unit 122 receives the text that has been entered into the input field 512, and displays the sending rule generation screen 511 on the terminal 102, showing the received text. Then, the processing returns to S603.

[0085] On the other hand, if the setting unit 124 determines that the text has not yet been entered into the input field 512 (in S603, it is "No"), then the process proceeds to S605.

[0086] In S605, the setting unit 124 determines whether a determination condition has been specified. If the setting unit 124 determines that a determination condition has been specified ("yes" in S605), the process proceeds to S606.

[0087] The sending rule generation screen 511 includes checkboxes 513 to 515, which are checkboxes used to specify the determining conditions for generating the sending rule. Checkbox 513 is a checkbox for including "food" in the determining conditions. Checkbox 514 is a checkbox for including "animals" in the determining conditions. Checkbox 515 is a checkbox for including "landscape" in the determining conditions. If any of checkboxes 513 to 515 is selected, the setting unit 124 determines that the determining conditions have been specified.

[0088] In S606, the display control unit 122 receives information indicating the determination conditions specified by the user, and displays a sending rule generation screen 511 on the terminal 102, in which the checkbox indicating the received determination conditions is selected. Then, the process returns to S603.

[0089] It should be noted that when any of the checkboxes 513 to 515 is pressed to change from a selected state to a deselected state, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 to cancel the designation of the corresponding one of "food", "animal" and "landscape" as a determination condition of the sending rule.

[0090] On the other hand, if the setting unit 124 determines that no determination condition has been specified ("No" in S605), the process proceeds to S607.

[0091] In S607, the setting unit 124 determines whether it has received an instruction from the terminal 102 indicating that the generation of the sending rule is complete. When the user presses the complete button 516 included in the sending rule generation screen 511, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 indicating that the generation of the sending rule is complete, and the setting unit 124 receives this instruction. If the setting unit 124 determines that it has received the instruction to complete the generation of the sending rule ("Yes" in S607), the process proceeds to S608. If the setting unit 124 determines that it has not received the instruction to complete the generation of the sending rule ("No" in S607), the process returns to S603.

[0092] In S608, management unit 121 generates a value for a transmission rule ID used to identify the generated transmission rule. Then, management unit 121 associates the transmission rule ID value, the transmission rule name received in S604, and the determination condition received in S606, and stores them in storage unit 112. The process then proceeds to S609.

[0093] For example, suppose Figure 6 The flowchart in the example begins when no transmission rules are generated. In S602, it is displayed... Figure 5B The sending rule generation screen 511 is shown. Assume a user operates the terminal to input a "pet photo" into the input field 512 of the sending rule generation screen 511, and presses the checkbox 514 corresponding to the "animal" condition, thus selecting the checkbox 514. In this case, the terminal 102 sends information to the image management device 101 indicating "pet photo" as the sending rule name and "animal" as the condition. Therefore, in the image management device 101, S603 is determined to be "yes," and "pet photo" is received as the sending rule name in S604. Then, S605 is determined to be "yes," and "animal" is received as the condition in S606. Then, it is displayed on the terminal 102. Figure 5C The sending rule generation screen shown is 511.

[0094] If the user presses Figure 5C If the completion button 516 on the sending rule generation screen 511 is selected, then in the image management device 101, S607 is determined to be "Yes", and the process proceeds to S608. In S608, if... Figure 4As shown, the management unit 121 associates the sent rule ID "R_01" with the sent rule name "pet photo" and the determination condition "animal", and stores them in the generated sent rule management table 400.

[0095] In S609, the display control unit 122 ends the display of the sending rule generation screen 511 and displays the updated sending rule list screen 501 on the terminal 102. Then, Figure 6 The flowchart in the document ends here.

[0096] Figure 5D This is an example diagram showing a list of sending rules displayed on screen 501 when sending rules exist. Label 532 indicates the existence of a sending rule named "Pet Photos". That is, Figure 5D It shows that in the storage such as Figure 4 The sending rule list screen 501 is displayed when the sending rule management table 400 is generated.

[0097] The delete button 533 is a button for the user to instruct the deletion of the generation and transmission rule indicated by the label 532. When the delete button 533 is pressed, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 to delete the generation and transmission rule corresponding to the name displayed in the label 532.

[0098] Next, the handling of the following situations will be described: Figure 2 In step S204, the display control unit 122 determines that the operation performed by the user via the sending rule list screen 501 is an operation to delete the generated sending rule. If it is determined that the operation is to delete the generated sending rule, the process proceeds to step S206. That is, if the delete button 533 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0099] Figure 7 This is a flowchart describing the deletion process of generating and sending rules to be executed in the image management device 101 in S206. This is achieved by the calculation unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 7 The process shown can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 7 Some or all of the functions in the steps.

[0100] In S701, the setting unit 124 receives a deletion instruction for generating a sending rule from the terminal 102. For example, this will be described by assuming the following scenario: the user has pressed... Figure 5DIn the sending rule list screen 501, there is a delete button 533 for the sending rule named "Pet Photos" and with the sending rule ID "R_01". In this case, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to delete the generated sending rule with the sending rule ID "R_01", and the setting unit 124 receives the instruction.

[0101] In S702, management unit 121 deletes the information of the generation and transmission rule specified in S701 from the generation and transmission rule management table 400. For example, in storage Figure 4 In the case of the generation and transmission rule management table 400, the row 404 that holds the transmission rule ID "R_01" in column 401 is deleted. As a result, the number of generation and transmission rules stored in the storage unit 112 by the management unit 121 becomes 0.

[0102] In S703, the display control unit 122 displays a sending rule list screen 501 on the terminal 102. In this sending rule list screen 501, the sending rule name corresponding to the generated sending rule deleted in S702 is not displayed. That is, the terminal 102 displays... Figure 5A The sending rules list is shown in screen 501. Then, the flowchart ends.

[0103] [Selection and processing of image management services associated with sending rules]

[0104] Sending rules (both non-corresponding rules and generated sending rules managed in the generated sending rule management table 400) can be associated with the image management service. By associating sending rules with the image management service, images matching the sending rules can be automatically sent to the image management service associated with the sending rules. Since the sending destination can be changed based on the image content, the burden on users of determining the sending destination while confirming the image can be reduced.

[0105] Figures 8A to 8F This diagram illustrates a send settings management table 800 used to manage settings for each image management service. The send settings management table 800 is stored in storage unit 112. The send settings management table 800 includes: a column 811 holding the name of the image management service; a column 812 holding the Boolean value of the send settings; a column 813 holding the Boolean value of the send rule usage settings; and a column 814 holding the value of the selected send rule ID.

[0106] In the sending settings management table 800, rows (records) are generated for each image management service that has been linked to the image management device 101. For example, suppose a user has registered an image management service named "Smart In" and an image management service named "Huge Box", and the process of linking each of the image management services to the image management device 101 has been performed. In this case, the sending settings management table 800 is stored as follows, including row 801 containing "Smart In" in column 811 and row 802 containing "Huge Box" in column 811.

[0107] This describes the value of the send setting held in column 812. A send setting "True" indicates that the image will be automatically sent to the target image management service. A send setting "False" indicates that the image will not be automatically sent to the target image management service.

[0108] Use the values ​​of the sending rules maintained in column 813. A sending rule setting of "True" indicates that images will be automatically sent to the image management service using a sending rule. A sending rule setting of "False" indicates that all images managed in image management table 320 will be sent to the image management service without using a sending rule.

[0109] When the sending rule is set to "True", the value of the sending rule ID (called the selected sending rule ID) that indicates the sending rule to be used is maintained in column 814.

[0110] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing the sending settings management table 800 after linking to the image management service. Assume the initial values ​​for the sending settings and the initial values ​​for the sending rules are "False".

[0111] First, the methods for changing the values ​​of the sending settings and using those values ​​for the sending rules will be described. Figure 2 In S202, if the calculation unit 113 determines that it has received an instruction from the user's terminal 102 to associate the sending rules with the image management service, the process proceeds to S207.

[0112] exist Figure 2 In S207, the display control unit 122 displays the image management service list screen 900 on the terminal 102 (see reference). Figure 9A ).

[0113] Figure 9AThis diagram illustrates an example of an image management service list screen 900. The image management service list screen 900 includes buttons 902 and 903 corresponding to "Smart In" and "Huge Box," image management services already linked to the image management device 101. Button 902 is used to begin the setup of "Smart In," and when button 902 is pressed, the terminal 102 sends a notification to the image management device 101 that "Smart In" has been selected. Button 903 is used to begin the setup of "Huge Box." When button 903 is pressed, the terminal 102 sends a notification to the image management device 101 that "Huge Box" has been selected.

[0114] exist Figure 2 In S208, if an image management service is selected from the image management service list screen 900, the display control unit 122 displays the image management service setting screen 910 corresponding to the selected image management service on the terminal 102 (see reference). Figure 9B and Figure 9C ).

[0115] Figure 9B This is a diagram showing an example of an image management service settings screen 910 when button 902 on the image management service list screen 900 is pressed and the settings unit 124 receives a specified instruction as "Smart In" for the image management service.

[0116] The image management service settings screen 910 includes checkboxes 912, which are used to enable or disable the automatic sending of images to the selected target image management service. The "Finish" button 914 is used to complete the settings for the target image management service.

[0117] exist Figure 2 In S209, user commands are obtained via the image management service setting screen 910.

[0118] Figure 10 This is a flowchart describing the user instruction acquisition process performed by the image management device 101 in S209. This is achieved by the image management device 101's computing unit 113 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 10 The process shown can be implemented using hardware (such as ASICs or electronic circuits). Figure 10 This refers to some or all of the functions of the steps in the process. The description will assume that the target image management service selected by the user in the image management service list screen 900 is "SmartIn".

[0119] In S1001, the setting unit 124 determines whether an instruction to enable automatic image transmission has been received from the terminal 102. If checkbox 912 in the image management service setting screen 910 is selected, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 to enable automatic image transmission. If the setting unit 124 determines that an instruction to enable automatic image transmission has been given ("Yes" in S1001), the process proceeds to S1002.

[0120] In S1002, the display control unit 122 displays the image management service settings screen 910 on the terminal 102. In the image management service settings screen 910, the checkbox 912 is selected, and the send rule setting button 923 is displayed. Figure 9C As shown. Management unit 121 stores the following transmission setting management table 800, in which the transmission enable value associated with the identifier "Smart In" of the target image management service has been changed to "True". As a result, transmission setting management table 800 is in Figure 8B The state shown. Then, the management unit 121 returns the processing to S1001. If the management unit 121 determines that no instruction for enabling automatic image transmission has been received ("No" in S1001), the processing proceeds to S1003.

[0121] In S1003, the setting unit 124 determines whether an instruction to disable automatic image transmission has been received from the terminal 102. If the user cancels the selection state of checkbox 912 in the image management service setting screen 910, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to disable automatic image transmission to the image management device 101. If the setting unit 124 determines that an instruction to disable automatic image transmission has been given ("Yes" in S1003), the process proceeds to S1004.

[0122] In S1004, the display control unit 122 displays the following image management service settings screen 910 on the terminal 102, where checkbox 912 is unselected and the send rule setting button 923 is not displayed, as shown below. Figure 9B As shown. Management unit 121 stores the following transmission setting management table 800, in which the transmission enable value associated with the identifier "Smart In" of the target image management service has been changed to "False". As a result, transmission setting management table 800 is in Figure 8A The state shown is then returned to S1001 by the management unit 121. If the management unit 121 determines that no instruction for disabling automatic image transmission has been received ("No" in S1003), the process proceeds to S1005.

[0123] In S1005, the setting unit 124 determines whether a command to send rule settings has been received from the terminal 102. If the command to send rule settings 923 in the image management service setting screen 910 is pressed, the terminal 102 sends the command to send rule settings to the image management device 101. If the setting unit 124 determines that a command to send rule settings has been received ("Yes" in S1005), the process proceeds to S1006.

[0124] In S1006, the setting unit 124 recognizes that the user's instruction is "set sending rules". Then, Figure 10 The flowchart in the process ends, and the processing continues. Figure 2 In step S210. If setting unit 124 determines that no instruction for sending rules has been received ("No" in S1005), the process proceeds to S1007.

[0125] In S1007, the setting unit 124 determines whether it has received a command indicating that the image management service setting is complete from the terminal 102. If the complete button 914 in the image management service setting screen 910 is pressed, the terminal 102 sends a command indicating that the image management service setting is complete to the image management device 101. If the setting unit 124 determines that it has received a command indicating that the image management service setting is complete ("Yes" in S1007), the process proceeds to S1008.

[0126] In S1008, the setting unit 124 recognizes that the user's instruction is "complete". Then, Figure 10 The flowchart in the process ends, and the processing continues. Figure 2 In S210. If the management unit 121 determines that it has not received an instruction to complete the setting of the image management service ("No" in S1007), the process returns to S1001.

[0127] exist Figure 2 In step S210, the display control unit 122 determines whether the user instruction via the image management service setting screen 910 is "complete" or "set sending rules". If the display control unit 122 determines that the user instruction is "complete", the process returns to step S207. Then, the display control unit 122 ends the display of the image management service setting screen 910 and displays on the terminal 102. Figure 9A The image management service list screen is 900.

[0128] exist Figure 2 In step S210, if the display control unit 122 determines that the user instruction is "set sending rules", the process proceeds to step S211. In step S211, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule setting screen 1100 on the terminal 102 (see reference). Figures 11A to 11D ).

[0129] It should be noted that if checkbox 912 is selected and the sending settings are enabled ("Yes" in S1001), the process can proceed to S1006, and the sending rule setting screen 1100 can be displayed on terminal 102 (see reference). Figures 11A to 11D ).

[0130] [Specify the processing of the sending rules to be used for image management services]

[0131] Figures 11A to 11D This is an example image showing the sending rule settings screen. Figure 11A It is pressed Figure 9C An example of the sending rule setting screen 1100 displayed in S211 after the sending rule setting button 923 in the image management service setting screen 910.

[0132] The first radio button 1132 is used to indicate whether the sending rule is disabled. The second radio button 1133 is used to indicate whether the sending rule is enabled. The control screen is configured such that if one of the first radio button 1132 and the second radio button 1133 is selected, the other is deselected.

[0133] The "Complete" button 1134 is used to indicate the completion of settings in the sending rule settings screen 1100. It is displayed in S211. Figure 11A In the sending rule setting screen 1100 shown, the complete button 1134 is displayed in a state where the user can press the complete button 1134 (referred to as the enabled state).

[0134] If in Figure 2 S211 shows Figure 11A If the user's operation on the sending rule setting screen 1100 is completed, the process proceeds to S212. In S212, processing is performed based on the user's operation on the sending rule setting screen 1100, and processing is performed to associate the target image management service with the sending rule selected by the user.

[0135] Figure 12 This is a flowchart describing the details of the processing performed by the image management device 101 in S212. This is achieved by the computing unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 12 The process shown can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 12 The steps in the process may be part or all of the functions.

[0136] In S1201, the setting unit 124 determines whether an instruction for enabling the use of the sending rule has been received from the terminal 102. If the user presses... Figures 11A to 11D If the second radio button 1133 is pressed on the sending rule setting screen 1100, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 to enable the use of sending rules. If the setting unit 124 of the image management device 101 determines that the instruction to enable the use of sending rules has been received ("Yes" in S1201), the process proceeds to S1202. In S1202 and S1209, the display control unit 122 performs the process of updating the sending rule setting screen 1100.

[0137] Figure 13A This is a flowchart illustrating the details of the processing in S1202. It is implemented by the computing unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 13A The process shown can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 13A Some or all of the functions in the steps.

[0138] In S1301, the display control unit 122 retrieves the generation and transmission rule management table 400 managed by the management unit 121.

[0139] In S1302, the display control unit 122 determines whether one or more generation and transmission rules exist in the generation and transmission rule management table 400 obtained in S1301. If one or more generation and transmission rules are found to exist ("Yes" in S1302), the process proceeds to S1303. If no generation and transmission rules exist ("No" in S1302), the flowchart ends.

[0140] In S1303, the display control unit 122 is configured such that the second radio button 1133 in the sending rule setting screen 1100 is selected, while the first radio button 1132 is deselected. Furthermore, the display control unit 122 is configured such that a sending rule list 1101, including areas for selecting sending rules included in the sending rule management table 400 and the aforementioned non-corresponding rules, is included in the sending rule setting screen 1100. Non-corresponding rules are sending rules used to indicate sending images that do not match the sending rules. Then, the flowchart ends, and processing proceeds to... Figure 12 S1209 in the middle.

[0141] In S1209, the display control unit 122 determines the status of the completion button 1134, and the terminal 102 displays the sending rule setting screen 1100 reflecting the settings from the previous steps.

[0142] Figure 13BThis is a flowchart describing the details of S1209. It is implemented by the computing unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 13B The process shown can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 13B The steps in the process may be part or all of the functions.

[0143] In S1311, the display control unit 122 determines whether an instruction to enable the use of the transmission rule has been given. If an instruction to enable the use of the transmission rule has been given ("Yes" in S1311), the process proceeds to S1312. If no instruction to enable the use of the transmission rule has been given ("No" in S1311), the process proceeds to S1314.

[0144] In S1312, the display control unit 122 determines whether one or more sending rules (generating sending rules or non-corresponding rules) have been selected from the sending rule list 1101 in the sending rule setting screen 1100. If one or more sending rules have been selected ("Yes" in S1312), the process proceeds to S1314. If no sending rule has been selected ("No" in S1312), the process proceeds to S1313.

[0145] In S1313, the display control unit 122 sets the complete button 1134 to a disabled state, so that even if the complete button 1134 in the send rule setting screen 1100 is pressed, the complete button 1134 will not be accepted.

[0146] In S1314, the display control unit 122 sets the complete button 1134 in the send rule setting screen 1100 to the enabled state.

[0147] In step S1315, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule setting screen 1100 on the terminal 102, showing the content that has been set in the previous steps. Then, the flowchart ends, and processing returns to... Figure 12 S1201 in the middle.

[0148] The sending rule setting screen 1100, displayed as a result of navigating to S1202 and S1209, includes checkboxes 1102 and 1103 for selecting sending rules, such as... Figure 11B As shown. As described above, in this embodiment, since non-corresponding rules are automatically included in the sending rules, a checkbox 1103 for selecting non-corresponding rules is included. Additionally, the complete button 1134 is displayed in a disabled state. Figure 11B In the diagram, the black finish button 1134 indicates a finish button that is disabled, while the white finish button 1134 indicates a finish button that is enabled.

[0149] On the other hand, if the setting unit 124 determines that it has not yet received an instruction for enabling the use of the sending rule ("No" in S1201), the process proceeds to S1203.

[0150] In S1203, the setting unit 124 determines whether a selection of a transmission rule has been received from the terminal 102. If the transmission rule list 1101 is included in the transmission rule setting screen 1100, and either checkbox 1102 or 1103 is selected, the terminal 102 sends the selected transmission rule to the image management device 101. If the setting unit 124 determines that a selection of a transmission rule has been received ("Yes" in S1203), the process proceeds to S1204. If the setting unit 124 determines that a selection of a transmission rule has not been received ("No" in S1203), the process proceeds to S1205.

[0151] In S1204, the display control unit 122 sets the checkboxes pressed by the user in checkboxes 1102 and 1103 included in the sending rule setting screen 1100 to the selected state, and the process proceeds to S1209.

[0152] This was carried out in the case of transitioning from S1204 to S1209. Figure 13B In the flowchart, proceed to S1314, and the control unit 122 is shown to set the complete button 1134 to the enabled state. Then, in S1315, the control unit 122 is shown to display the sending rule setting screen 1100 on the terminal 102, which has the content already set in the previous step. Then, the process returns to... Figure 12 S1201 in the middle.

[0153] In S1205, the setting unit 124 determines whether a cancellation of the selection status of the sending rule has been received from the terminal 102. If the selection status of checkboxes 1102 and 1103 in the sending rule setting screen 1100 has been cancelled, the terminal 102 sends the sending rule whose selection status has been cancelled to the image management device 101. If the setting unit 124 determines that a cancellation of the selection status of the sending rule has been received ("Yes" in S1205), the process proceeds to S1206. If the setting unit 124 determines that a cancellation of the selection status of the sending rule has not been received ("No" in S1205), the process proceeds to S1207.

[0154] In S1206, the display control unit 122 performs the following settings: cancels the selection state of the checkbox that was pressed by the user in the selection state of the checkbox included in the sending rule setting screen 1100, and the process proceeds to S1209.

[0155] During the transition from S1206 to S1209 Figure 13B In the flowchart, if all selection states of checkboxes 1102 and 1103 are deselected, the process proceeds to S1313 since it was determined to be "No" in S1312. In S1313, the Complete button 1134 is set to the disabled state. If checkboxes 1102 and 1103 are selected, the process proceeds to S1314 since it was determined to be "Yes" in S1312, and the Complete button 1134 is set to the enabled state. In S1315, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule setting screen 1100 with the content already set in the previous step on the terminal 102. Then, the process returns to... Figure 12 S1201 in the middle.

[0156] In S1207, the setting unit 124 determines whether an instruction for disabling the use of the sending rule has been received from the terminal 102. If pressed... Figures 11A to 11D If the first radio button 1132 is pressed on the sending rule setting screen 1100, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 to disable the use of the sending rule. If the setting unit 124 of the image management device 101 determines that it has received the instruction to disable the use of the sending rule ("Yes" in S1207), the process proceeds to S1208. If the setting unit 124 determines that it has not yet received the instruction to disable the use of the sending rule ("No" in S1207), the process proceeds to S1210.

[0157] In S1208, the display control unit 122 sets the first radio button 1132 included in the sending rule setting screen 1100 to the selection state, and performs the setting that does not include the sending rule list 1101, and the process proceeds to S1209.

[0158] If the transition is from S1208 to S1209, then... Figure 13B In the flowchart, since the sending rule usage is selected as disabled, S1311 is determined to be "No", and therefore proceeds to S1314, and the completion button 1134 is set to the enabled state. Then, in S1315, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule setting screen 1100 on the terminal 102, which has the content already set in the previous step. Then, the process returns to... Figure 12 S1201 in the middle.

[0159] For example, if the first radio button 1132 is pressed, the display control unit 122 displays the following on the terminal 102: Figure 11A The sending rule setting screen 1100 shown has the first radio button 1132 in the selection state and the completion button 1134 in the enabled state.

[0160] In S1210, the setting unit 124 determines whether it has received an instruction from the terminal 102 to complete the specified sending rule. If pressed Figure 11A If the "Complete" button 1134 is enabled on the sending rule setting screen 1100, the terminal 102 sends an instruction to the image management device 101 to complete the specified sending rule. If the setting unit 124 of the image management device 101 determines that it has received the instruction to complete the specified sending rule ("Yes" in S1210), the process proceeds to S1211. If the setting unit 124 determines that it has not yet received the instruction to complete the specified sending rule ("No" in S1210), the process returns to S1201.

[0161] In S1211, the management unit 121 uses the content of the sending rule setting screen 1100 to update the sending rule usage settings and the selected sending rule ID value associated with the target image management service in the sending setting management table 800.

[0162] For example, assuming in Figure 11C or Figure 11D When the second radio button 1133 in the sending rule setting screen 1100 is in the selected state, press the finish button 1134. In this case, the management unit 121 will keep "True" enabled. Figures 8A to 8F The sending rule usage setting value in column 813 of the sending settings management table 800, associated with the identifier of the target image management service, is used. If the complete button 1134 is pressed while the first radio button 1132 is in the selected state, the value of the sending rule usage setting in column 813 of the sending settings management table 800 associated with the identifier of the target image management service is retained as "False". If the value of the sending rule usage setting is "False", then the selected sending rule ID in column 814 of the sending settings management table 800 is retained as "Empty".

[0163] Assume that the "Complete" button 1134 is pressed while either checkbox 1102 or 1103 in the sending rule setting screen 1100 is selected. In this case, the management unit 121 retains the value of the sending rule ID corresponding to the selected checkbox in column 814 of the sending setting management table 800, which is associated with the identifier of the target image management service.

[0164] In S1212, the display control unit 122 ends the display of the sending rule setting screen 1100, and the image management service setting screen 910 is displayed on the terminal 102, and the flowchart ends.

[0165] (The process of associating the generation and sending rules with the image management service)

[0166] Will be described in storage Figure 4 The processing flow is as follows: when the generated sending rule management table 400 in the image management system is associated with the generated sending rule with the sending rule ID "R_01", the process flow is as follows.

[0167] The user pressed on Figure 2 S207 shows Figure 9A The button 902 on the image management service list screen 900 allows selection of "Smart In" as the target image management service. As a result, in S208, the display control unit 122 displays on the terminal 102. Figure 9B The image management service settings screen 910, corresponding to "Smart In," is shown below. The user presses the checkbox 912 and the send rule settings button 923 in the image management service settings screen 910. As a result, processing in the image management device 101 proceeds to... Figure 2 S211 in the middle, and the display control unit 122 displays on the terminal 102. Figure 11A The sending rule settings screen 1100 for setting "Smart In" is used in the middle.

[0168] User presses Figure 11A The second radio button 1133 in the sending rule setting screen 1100 is used to enable sending rule usage. Thus, in the image management device 101, [the following is performed / performed]... Figure 2 The processing in S212. Details of S212 are shown below. Figure 12 In the flowchart, setting unit 124 is determined to be "yes" in S1201, and the process proceeds to S1202. Details of S1202 are shown below. Figure 13A In, due to the existence of such Figure 4 The generated sending rules are shown, so the setting unit 124 is set to "yes" in S1302, and the display control unit 122 sets the display sending rule list 1101 in S1303.

[0169] Then, if the process transitions from S1202 to S1209, details of S1209 will be shown in the following section. Figure 13B In step S1311, since the display control unit 122 determines that an instruction to enable the use of the sending rule has been given ("Yes" in S1311), the process proceeds to S1312. Because in Figure 11A If no sending rule has been selected in the sending rule setting screen 1100, the display control unit 122 determines "No" in S1312, the process proceeds to S1313, and the display control unit 122 sets the completion button 1134 to the disabled state.

[0170] As a result, in S1315, the display control unit 122 displays on the terminal 102. Figure 11B In the sending rule settings screen 1100, the second radio button 1133 is in the selection state, the sending rule list 1101 is included, and the completion button 1134 is disabled. The checkbox 1102 in the sending rule list 1101 is a checkbox for selecting the generating sending rule with the sending rule ID "R_01".

[0171] User presses Figure 11B The sending rule setting screen 1100 displays checkbox 1102 to associate the generated sending rule with the target image management service. In this case, during the processing of the image management device 101, the setting unit 124 determines "No" in S1201 and "Yes" in S1203, the processing proceeds to S1204, and in S1204, the display control unit 122 sets checkbox 1102 to the selected state.

[0172] Then, if the processing switches from S1204 to S1209, then in Figure 13B In step S1311, since the display control unit 122 determines that an instruction to enable the sending rule has been given ("Yes" in S1311), the process proceeds to S1312. Since the user has selected the sending rule, the display control unit 122 determines "Yes" in S1312, the process proceeds to S1314, and the completion button 1134 is set to the enabled state.

[0173] As a result, in S1315, the display control unit 122 displays the following on the terminal 102: Figure 11C In the sending rule settings screen 1100, the checkbox 1102 of the sending rule list 1101 is selected and the finish button 1134 is enabled.

[0174] If the user is Figure 11C If the "Complete" button 1134 is pressed in the "Send Rule Setting Screen 1100" state, then the processing in the image management device 101 will proceed to the next step. Figure 12 In S1210, it is determined to be "yes", and the process proceeds to S1211.

[0175] In S1211, management unit 121 maintains "True" in column 813 of row 801 of the sending settings management table 800, which maintains the sending rule usage settings associated with the target image management service "Smart In". Additionally, "R_01", indicating the selected sending rule, is maintained in column 814 of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service "Smart In". As a result, the sending settings management table 800 stored in storage unit 112 becomes as follows: Figure 8D As shown.

[0176] (The process of associating non-matching rules with image management services)

[0177] This section describes the processing flow when a non-matching rule is associated with the image management service "Huge Box". As an example, the description will be given by assuming the value of the sending rule ID for the non-matching rule is "Other". It is assumed that the following is stored: Figure 4 The generation and sending rule management table 400 in the middle stores the... Figure 8D The sending settings management table 800 is shown.

[0178] The user pressed on Figure 2 S207 shows Figure 9A The user selects "Huge Box" as the target image management service by clicking button 903 on the image management service list screen 900. As a result, in S208, the display control unit 122 displays the image management service settings screen 910 corresponding to "Huge Box". The user presses checkbox 912 and send rule setting button 923 on the image management service settings screen 910. As a result, processing in the image management device 101 proceeds to... Figure 2 In S211, the display control unit 122 displays the sending rule setting screen 1100 for setting "Huge Box" on the terminal 102.

[0179] The user presses the second radio button 1133 on the sending rule setting screen 1100 to enable sending rule usage. As a result, the image management device 101 performs... Figure 2 The process in S212 is described below. Since the flow of this process is the same as that in "the flow of the process of associating the generation and transmission rules with the image management service," its description will be omitted.

[0180] In order to associate the non-corresponding rule with the target image management service "Huge Box", the user presses the checkbox 1103 in the rule setting screen 1100 to select the non-corresponding rule. In this case, in the processing of the image management device 101, the setting unit 124 determines "No" in S1201 and "Yes" in S1203, the processing proceeds to S1204, and the display control unit 122 sets the checkbox 1103 to the selected state in S1204.

[0181] Then, if the processing switches from S1204 to S1209, in Figure 13B In S1311, since the display control unit 122 determines that an instruction to enable the sending rule has been given ("Yes" in S1311), the process proceeds to S1312. Because the user has already selected a sending rule, the display control unit 122 determines "Yes" in S1312, the process proceeds to S1314, and the display controller sets the completion button 1134 to the enabled state. As a result, in S1315, the display control unit 122 displays the following on the terminal 102: Figure 11D The sending rule settings screen 1100 shown has checkbox 1103 in the sending rule list 1101 in the selected state, and the complete button 1134 is enabled.

[0182] If the user is Figure 11D If the "Complete" button 1134 is pressed in the "Send Rule Setting Screen 1100" state, the processing in the image management device 101 will proceed to the next step. Figure 12 In S1210, it is determined to be "yes", and the process proceeds to S1211.

[0183] In S1211, management unit 121 maintains "True" in column 813 of row 802 of the maintained sending settings management table 800, indicating the setting used by the sending rule associated with the target image management service "Huge Box". Additionally, in column 814 of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service "Huge Box", it maintains "Other", indicating a non-corresponding rule selected. As a result, the sending settings management table 800 stored in storage unit 112 becomes as follows: Figure 8E As shown.

[0184] [Image transmission processing]

[0185] Figure 14 This is a flowchart describing the image transmission process to be performed in the image management device 101 in S214. This is achieved by the computing unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 14The processing shown can be implemented by hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 14 Some or all of the functions in the steps.

[0186] exist Figure 14 In the flowchart description, it is assumed that the management unit 121 stores... Figure 4 The generated sending rule management table 400 is shown. Additionally, it is assumed that it stores... Figure 8E The transmission settings management table 800 is shown. Furthermore, it is assumed that the image information managed by the management unit 121 is like... Figure 3 As shown in the image management table 320.

[0187] (The process of sending and generating images that match the sending rules)

[0188] Perform on target image Figure 14 The flowchart in the document describes the process. First, it will be described by assuming that the target image is an image with the image ID "IMG_101".

[0189] S1401 to S1412 constitute the first loop process. In S1401, the transmission control unit 123 selects the image management service for the image transmission destination from the linked image management services. Then, the transmission control unit 123 performs the processing of S1402 to S1411 on the image management service for the transmission destination. If it is determined in S1412 that there is an image management service that has not yet been selected, the process returns to S1401, the image management service for the transmission destination is selected from the unselected image management services, and the processing of S1402 to S1411 is repeated. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the transmission destination is selected from "SmartIn" and "Huge Box" which are linked image management services. First, the description will be given by assuming that "SmartIn" has been selected as the image management service for the transmission destination.

[0190] In S1402, the transmission control unit 123 obtains the value associated with the image management service of the transmission destination from the transmission setting management table 800 managed by the management unit 121.

[0191] If "Smart In" is selected as the destination, the transmission control unit 123 will then transmit from... Figure 8E In the sending settings management table 800, row 801 retrieves the value associated with the image management service "Smart In" for the sending destination.

[0192] In S1403, the transmission control unit 123 determines whether the value of the transmission setting associated with the image management service of the transmission destination is "True," which indicates that the transmission setting is enabled. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the transmission setting is "True" ("Yes" in S1403), the process proceeds to S1404. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the transmission setting is "False" ("No" in S1403), the process proceeds to S1412 because the image is not sent to the image management service of the transmission destination.

[0193] For image management services like "Smart In", such as Figure 8E As shown, the value of the transmission setting associated with "SmartIn" in column 812 of row 801 is "True". Therefore, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the transmission setting is "True", and the process proceeds to S1404.

[0194] In S1404, the transmission control unit 123 determines whether the value of the transmission rule usage setting associated with the image management service of the transmission destination is "True", indicating that it is enabled. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the transmission rule usage is set to "True" ("Yes" in S1404), the process proceeds to S1405. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the transmission rule usage is set to "False" ("No" in S1404), since it is a setting to transmit all images, the process proceeds to S1410, and the target image is sent to the image management service of the transmission destination.

[0195] Regarding "Smart In", such as Figure 8E As shown, the value of the sending rule usage setting associated with "Smart In" in column 813 of row 801 is "True". Therefore, the sending control unit 123 determines that the sending rule usage setting is enabled, and the process proceeds to S1405.

[0196] S1405 to S1411 constitute the second cycle of processing. In S1405, the transmission control unit 123 selects the ID value to be processed from the values ​​of the selected transmission rule ID associated with the image management service of the transmission destination. Then, the ID value to be processed is processed from S1406 to S1410. In S1411, if it is determined that there is a value of the selected transmission rule ID that has not yet been selected, the processing returns to S1405, the ID value to be processed is selected from the value of the selected transmission rule ID that has not yet been selected, and the processing in S1406 to S1410 is repeated.

[0197] For "SmartIn", such as Figure 8EAs shown, the value of the selected transmission rule ID associated with "SmartIn" held in column 814 of row 801 is "R_01". Therefore, the transmission control unit 123 selects "R_01" as the ID value to be processed.

[0198] In S1406, the transmission control unit 123 determines whether the ID value to be processed indicates the generation of a transmission rule. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the generation of a transmission rule is indicated ("Yes" in S1406), the process proceeds to S1407. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the generation of a transmission rule is not indicated ("No" in S1406), the process proceeds to S1408.

[0199] In S1407, the transmission control unit 123 determines whether the target image matches the generation and transmission rule indicated by the ID value to be processed. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the target image meets the determination conditions of the generation and transmission rule ("Yes" in S1407), the process proceeds to S1410. If the transmission control unit 123 determines that the target image does not meet the determination conditions of the generation and transmission rule ("No" in S1407), the process proceeds to S1408.

[0200] The process for determining whether a target image matches a transmission rule will be described. First, the transmission control unit 123 retrieves the value of the object category, which is a determination condition associated with the generation of a transmission rule, from the generation transmission rule management table 400. Next, the transmission control unit 123 retrieves the value of the object category associated with the image ID value of the target image from the image management table 320. Then, the transmission control unit 123 determines whether the value of the object category of the target image is included in the value of the object category of the transmission rule. For example, if the object category of the target image is equal to the object category of the generation transmission rule, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the target image matches the generation transmission rule indicated by the ID value to be processed.

[0201] If the ID value to be processed is "R_01", then "R_01" is kept in the memory. Figure 4 The sending rule management table 400 is used for generating and sending rules. Therefore, the sending control unit 123 determines that the sending rule indicated by the ID value "R_01" to be processed is a generating and sending rule ("Yes" in S1406). Next, the sending control unit 123 retrieves the sending rule from the table. Figure 4 The "animal" is obtained, which is a determination condition associated with the ID value "R_01" to be processed. Additionally, if the image ID of the target image is "IMG_101", the control unit 123 sends a message from... Figure 3The image management table 320 retrieves "animal," which is the value of the object category associated with the image ID "IMG_101." The value of the object category indicated by the determination condition and the value of the object category of the target image are the same, "animal." Therefore, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the target image matches the transmission rule ("Yes" in S1407), and the process proceeds to S1410.

[0202] In S1410, the transmission control unit 123 sends the target image to the image management service at the transmission destination. Then, the processing proceeds to S1412.

[0203] If the image management service of the destination is "Smart In", then the sending control unit 123 sends the target image with image ID "IMG_101" to the image management service "Smart In".

[0204] In S1412, since the sending control unit 123 has not yet completed the processing for all image management services, the processing returns to S1401.

[0205] In S1401, the sending control unit 123 selects the unselected "HugeBox" as the sending destination from the linked image management service, and repeats the processes of S1402 to S1411. In the following text, descriptions of the steps already described will be omitted.

[0206] In S1402, the sending control unit 123 is from Figure 8E The value associated with the image management service "Huge Box" for the destination is obtained from the sending settings management table 800.

[0207] like Figure 8E As shown, the value of the transmission setting associated with "Huge Box" in column 812 of row 802 is "True". Therefore, in S1403, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the transmission setting is enabled, and the process proceeds to S1404.

[0208] like Figure 8E As shown, the value of the sending rule usage setting associated with "Huge Box" in column 813 of row 802 is "True". Therefore, in S1404, the sending control unit 123 determines that the sending rule usage setting is enabled, and the process proceeds to S1405.

[0209] In S1405, such as Figure 8E As shown, the sending control unit 123 selects the value "Other" of the selected sending rule ID associated with "HugeBox" held in column 814 of row 802 as the ID value to be processed.

[0210] In S1406, since the ID value to be processed, "Other," is not included... Figure 4 Since the generation and transmission rule management table 400 is in the system, the transmission control unit 123 determines that "Other" is not a generation and transmission rule ("No" in S1406). Therefore, the transmission control unit 123 causes the processing to proceed to S1408.

[0211] In S1408, the sending control unit 123 determines whether the ID value to be processed indicates a non-corresponding rule. If the ID value to be processed is "other", the sending control unit 123 determines that the ID value to be processed is a value indicating a non-corresponding rule. If the sending control unit 123 determines that the ID value to be processed indicates a non-corresponding rule ("Yes" in S1408), the process proceeds to S1409. If the sending control unit 123 determines that the ID value to be processed does not indicate a non-corresponding rule ("No" in S1408), the process proceeds to S1411.

[0212] In S1409, the transmission control unit 123 determines whether the target image matches any of the generation and transmission rules included in the generation and transmission rule management table 400.

[0213] The process in S1409 is a step used to check whether the target image matches a non-matching rule. To determine whether the target image matches a non-matching rule, the control unit 123 checks whether the target image matches... Figure 4 If any generation and transmission rule included in the generation and transmission rule management table 400 is not matched, then the target image is determined to match a non-matching rule if it is determined that the target image does not match any generation and transmission rule ("No" in S1409).

[0214] In this case, the target image is determined to match the generated transmission rule with transmission rule ID "R_01". Therefore, the transmission control unit 123 determines S1409 to be "yes" and the process proceeds to S1411 without going to S1410. That is, because the target image does not match the non-matching rule, the control prevents the target image from being sent to the "Huge Box" associated with the non-matching rule.

[0215] In S1411, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the values ​​of all selected transmission rule IDs associated with the image management service of the transmission destination have been processed, and the processing proceeds to S1412.

[0216] In S1412, the sending control unit 123 determines that all image management services have been processed and the flowchart ends.

[0217] (Process for sending images that do not match the rules)

[0218] Next, we will assume that the target image is an image with the image ID "IMG_102" to give... Figure 14 The flowchart is described in the document.

[0219] In S1401, the sending control unit 123 selects "SmartIn" as the image management service for sending the target image from the linked image management services "SmartIn" and "Huge Box".

[0220] Since it was determined to be "yes" in S1403 and S1404 as described above, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0221] In S1405, the transmission control unit 123 selects the value "R_01" of the selected transmission rule ID associated with "Smart In" as the ID value to be processed.

[0222] In S1406, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the ID value “R_01” to be processed indicates the generation of a transmission rule (“Yes” in S1406), and the processing proceeds to S1407.

[0223] In S1407, the sending control unit 123 is from Figure 4 The "animal" is obtained, which is a determined condition associated with the ID value "R_01" to be processed. Additionally, the control unit 123 sends data from... Figure 3 The image management table 320 retrieves "landscape," which is the value of the object category associated with the image ID "IMG_102" indicated by the target image. Since the value of the object category indicated by the determination condition is different from the value of the object category of the target image, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the target image does not match and generates a transmission rule ("No" in S1407), and the process proceeds to S1408.

[0224] In S1408, the transmission control unit 123 determines that "R_01" as the ID value to be processed is not a value indicating a non-corresponding rule ("No" in S1408), and the processing proceeds to S1411. That is, the image with image ID "IMG_102" (in this case, the target image) is controlled not to be sent to the "Smart In" associated with the generation of the transmission rule.

[0225] In S1411, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the values ​​of all selected transmission rule IDs associated with the image management service of the transmission destination have been processed, and the processing proceeds to S1412.

[0226] In S1412, since the sending control unit 123 has not yet completed the processing for all image management services, the processing returns to S1401.

[0227] In S1401, the sending control unit 123 selects the unselected "Huge Box" as the sending destination from the linked image management service, and repeats the processing from S1402 to S1411.

[0228] In S1402, the sending control unit 123 is from Figure 8E Retrieve the value associated with the image management service "Huge Box" for the destination from the sending settings management table 800.

[0229] Since it was determined to be "yes" in S1403 and S1404 as described above, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0230] In S1405, such as Figure 8E As shown, the sending control unit 123 selects the value "Other" of the selected sending rule ID associated with "HugeBox" held in column 814 of row 802 as the ID value to be processed.

[0231] In S1406, the sending control unit 123 determines that the ID value "Other" to be processed is not a generated sending rule ("No" in S1406), and the processing proceeds to S1408.

[0232] In S1408, the sending control unit 123 determines that "Other" as the ID value to be processed is a value indicating that it does not correspond to the rule ("Yes" in S1408), and the processing proceeds to S1409.

[0233] In S1409, in order to determine whether the target image matches the non-matching rule, the control unit 123 is sent to check whether the target image does not match the rule. Figure 4 Match any generation and sending rule included in the generation and sending rule management table 400.

[0234] Figure 4 The generation and transmission rule management table 400 only includes generation and transmission rules with transmission rule ID "R_01". The target image is determined not to match this generation and transmission rule. Therefore, the transmission control unit 123 determines that the image with image ID "IMG_102" as the target image does not match any generation and transmission rule ("No" in S1409). That is, in this case, the target image is determined to match a non-corresponding rule. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1410.

[0235] In S1410, the transmission control unit 123 sends the target image with image ID "IMG_102" to the image management service "Huge Box" at the transmission destination.

[0236] In S1412, the sending control unit 123 determines that all image management services have been processed and the flowchart ends.

[0237] As described above, in this embodiment, non-matching rules can be displayed on the screen where the user selects sending rules, and the user can select non-matching rules. Therefore, images that do not match other sending rules can be categorized, and the categorized images can be sent. This increases user convenience.

[0238] It should be noted that the timing for image transmission processing may differ from the time the management unit 121 stores the image. For example, an image capturing unit may be included in the image management device 101, and image transmission processing may be performed at the timing when the image capturing unit captures an image to obtain the image. Alternatively, an image generation unit may be included in the image management device 101, and transmission processing may be performed at the timing when the generation unit generates the image.

[0239] Additionally, the display control unit 122 can display a UI screen on the terminal 102 for deleting images stored in the management unit 121, and the user-specified image can be deletable.

[0240] Additionally, the image analysis unit 125 can cache the results of image analysis in the management unit 121. If it is necessary to analyze an image again, the results cached in the management unit 121 can be returned instead of performing image analysis and returning the results.

[0241] It should be noted that a sent image can be deleted from the image management table 320 so that it will no longer be sent, or a flag indicating that it has been sent can be provided, and the value of the flag can be changed to indicate that it has been sent.

[0242] Figures 15A to 15C This is a diagram used to describe the processing when two generation and transmission rules exist. For example... Figure 15B As shown, in order to classify images that include landscapes, it is assumed that a generated sending rule is added with the determination condition of "landscape", the sending rule name of "scene photo" and the sending rule ID of "R_02".

[0243] If stored Figure 15B If the sending rule management table 400 is generated, then when the second radio button 1133 in the sending rule setting screen 1100 is pressed, the sending rule setting screen 1100 will be in the following state: Figure 15AThe status in the text. In this way, checkboxes 1501 and 1502 for selecting two or more generate sending rules and checkbox 1503 for selecting non-corresponding rules are displayed.

[0244] For example, although not shown, it is assumed that checkboxes 1501 and 1502 for selecting the sending rules are both set to the selected state, and the finish button 1134 is pressed. In this case, in the sending settings management table 800, the "Huge Box" as the target image management service is associated with "R_01" indicating the sending rules for classifying animal images and "R_02" indicating the sending rules for classifying landscape images. In this case, Figure 2 In the image transmission process of S214, images including animals or images including landscapes are classified, and the classified images are sent to the "Huge Box".

[0245] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 15A As shown, assume that checkbox 1502 for selecting the sending rule is set to the selected state, and checkbox 1503 corresponding to the non-corresponding rule is set to the selected state, and the finish button 1134 is pressed. In this case, as... Figure 15C As shown, in the sending settings management table 800, "Huge Box" is associated with "R_02," which indicates the sending rule used to classify landscape images, and "Other," which indicates a rule that does not correspond to the specified rule. In this case, during the image sending process in S214, images that include landscapes or images that do not include either landscapes or animals are classified, and the classified images are sent to "Huge Box." That is, even if a sending rule other than the one with the definite condition "animals" is generated, settings can be made to send images other than those including animals to the target image management service.

[0246] There exists a situation where a user wants to send a specific image from a plurality of images acquired through image capture to external memory A, and to send all other images to external memory B. In this case, according to the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-45352, the user needs to generate allocation rule 1 for allocating the specific image, and also needs to generate allocation rule 2 for allocating the images other than the specific image. If allocation rule 1 is a rule for classifying images with an animal object category, then to generate allocation rule 2, it is necessary to specify conditions to select all object categories other than animals, thereby generating the allocation rule. In particular, if allocation rule 1 is a rule for allocating images based on multiple conditions, then to generate allocation rule 2, the user needs to specify multiple conditions one by one, which is complex. As described above, generating rules for classifying images other than the specific image becomes a burden for the user.

[0247] According to the technology disclosed herein, the burden on users when classifying images can be reduced.

[0248] <Example 2>

[0249] In this embodiment, the process of updating the value of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service when a sending rule is deleted will be described. The main differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 will be described. The construction and processing in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1, unless otherwise specified.

[0250] [Flowchart for deleting generated sending rules]

[0251] Figure 16 This illustrates the image management device 101 in this embodiment. Figure 2 A flowchart detailing the deletion process for generating and sending rules to be performed in S206. This is achieved by the computing unit 113 of the image management device 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 112. Figure 16 The process shown can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Figure 16 The steps in the process may be part or all of the functions.

[0252] exist Figure 16 In the description of the flowchart, it is assumed that at the beginning of the flowchart, Figure 4 The generated sending rule management table 400 shown is stored in the management unit 121. Figure 16 In the flowchart, the same as in Example 1 Figure 7 The same steps in the flowchart are also made by Figure 16 The same label in the text indicates the same meaning.

[0253] Assuming in Figure 16The flowchart in the diagram begins and is displayed on terminal 102. Figure 5D The sending rules list screen 501. The user presses... Figure 5D The deletion button 533 in the sending rule list screen 501 corresponds to the generated sending rule with sending rule ID "R_01". In this case, in S701, the setting unit 124 receives an instruction from the terminal 102 to delete the generated sending rule with sending rule ID "R_01".

[0254] In S702, the management unit 121 from Figure 4 The generation and transmission rule with transmission rule ID "R_01" is deleted from the generation and transmission rule management table 400 stored in storage unit 112. This is because... Figure 4 Since there is only one generating and sending rule, the number of generating and sending rules stored in storage unit 112 is zero after the generating and sending rule is deleted.

[0255] In S703, the display control unit 122 performs the display on the terminal 102. Figure 5A The processing of the sending rule list screen 501, which does not include sending rules with sending rule ID "R_01".

[0256] (Scenario 1)

[0257] In this embodiment, when a generated sending rule is deleted, the value of the sending rule ID indicating the deleted generated sending rule is deleted from column 814 of the sending setting management table 800 stored in storage unit 112, which holds the selected sending rule ID. In Case 1, a description of the processing flow of S1601 to S1611 in this case will be given. In Case 1, it will be assumed that... Figure 16 Store at the beginning of the flowchart in Figure 8C The sending settings management table 800 shown provides a description.

[0258] S1601 to S1611 constitute a cyclical process. In S1601, management unit 121 selects an image management service to be processed from the linked image management services. Then, management unit 121 performs the processing of the image management service to be processed in S1602 to S1610. In S1611, if it is determined that there is an image management service that has not yet been selected, the processing returns to S1601, a new image management service to be processed is selected from the unselected image management services, and the processing of S1602 to S1610 is repeated. In this embodiment, the processing target is selected from "Smart In" and "Huge Box" which are linked image management services. First, the description will be given by assuming that "Smart In" has been selected as the image management service to be processed.

[0259] In S1602, the management unit 121 retrieves the value associated with the image management service to be processed from the sending settings management table 800.

[0260] If the image management service to be processed is "SmartIn", then management unit 121 will... Figure 8C The value is obtained from row 801 associated with "Smart In" in the sending settings management table 800.

[0261] In S1603, management unit 121 determines whether the value of the sending rule usage setting associated with the image management service to be processed is "True", indicating that it is enabled. If management unit 121 determines that the value of the sending rule usage setting is "True" ("Yes" in S1603), the process proceeds to S1604. If management unit 121 determines that the value of the sending rule usage setting is "False" ("No" in S1603), the process proceeds to S1611.

[0262] For image management services like "Smart In", such as Figure 8C As shown, the value of the sending rule used in column 813 of row 801 is "True". Therefore, management unit 121 determines "Yes" in S1603, and the process proceeds to S1604.

[0263] In S1604, management unit 121 determines whether the value of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service to be processed includes the value of the sending rule ID that generated the sending rule and was deleted in S702. If management unit 121 determines that the value of the sending rule ID that generated the deleted sending rule and is included ("Yes" in S1604), the process proceeds to S1605. If it determines that the value of the sending rule ID that generated the deleted sending rule and is not included ("No" in S1604), S1605 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S1606.

[0264] In S1605, management unit 121 removes the value of the sending rule ID that indicated the deletion of the sending rule in S702 from the value of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service to be processed in the sending settings management table 800. The sending settings management table 800, which reflects this result, is stored in storage unit 112. Then, processing proceeds to S1606.

[0265] For image management services like "Smart In", such as Figure 8CAs shown, the value of the selected sending rule ID held in column 814 of row 801 is "R_01". Additionally, as described above, the value of the sending rule ID that indicates deletion of the sending rule in this case is "R_01". Therefore, in S1604, management unit 121 determines "Yes", and the process proceeds to S1605. In S1605, management unit 121 deletes "R_01" from the value of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service "Smart In", which is held... Figure 8C In the sending settings management table 800 shown, in row 801, column 814, the value of the selected sending rule ID held in row 801, column 814 of the sending settings management table 800 becomes "empty". The management unit 121 stores the sending settings management table 800, in which the value of the selected sending rule ID in row 801 is kept "empty".

[0266] In S1606, management unit 121 determines whether the number of sending rules remaining in the sending rule management table 400 after the sending rule is deleted is 0. If the number of sending rules is determined to be 0 ("Yes" in S1606), the process proceeds to S1607. If one or more sending rules exist in the sending rule management table 400 ("No" in S1606), the process proceeds to S1609.

[0267] In S1607, management unit 121 determines whether the value of the selected transmission rule ID associated with the image management service to be processed in the transmission setting management table 800 includes "Other," indicating a non-corresponding rule. If management unit 121 determines that a non-corresponding rule is included ("Yes" in S1607), the process proceeds to S1608. If management unit 121 determines that a non-corresponding rule is not included ("No" in S1607), the process proceeds to S1609.

[0268] Generate a sending rule management table 400 at the beginning of the flowchart. Figure 4 As shown, if a generation and transmission rule is deleted from the generation and transmission rule management table 400, the number of generation and transmission rules becomes 0. In this case, management unit 121 determines "yes" in S1606, and the process proceeds to S1607. For the image management service "Smart In", as shown... Figure 8C As shown, "Other" is not included in the value of the selected sending rule ID held in column 814 of row 801. Therefore, if Figure 8C If the sending settings management table 800 is stored, then the management unit 121 determines "no" in S1607, and the process proceeds to S1609.

[0269] In S1609, management unit 121 determines whether the selected transmission rule ID associated with the image management service to be processed in the transmission setting management table 800 is "empty". If management unit 121 determines that the selected transmission rule ID is "empty" ("yes" in S1609), the process proceeds to S1610. If management unit 121 determines that the selected transmission rule ID is not "empty" ("no" in S1609), S1610 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S1611.

[0270] In S1610, management unit 121 changes the value of the sending rule associated with the image management service to be processed in sending setting management table 800 to "False". The sending setting management table 800, which reflects the result, is stored in storage unit 112. Then, processing proceeds to S1611.

[0271] Before starting the flowchart Figure 8C In the current state, as a result of performing S1605 as described above, the value of column 814 in row 801 of the transmission settings management table 800 associated with the image management service "Smart In" has been changed to "empty". Therefore, in S1609, the management unit 121 determines "yes", and the process proceeds to S1610. As a result of S1610, the value of column 813 in row 801 associated with the image management service "Smart In" is changed to "False". As a result, the stored transmission settings management table 800 is in a state of... Figure 8B The state shown.

[0272] In S1611, since the management unit 121 has not yet completed the processing for all image management services, the processing returns to S1601.

[0273] In S1601, the sending control unit 123 selects the unselected "Huge Box" as the processing target from the linked image management service, and repeats the processing from S1602 to S1610.

[0274] In S1602, management unit 121 from Figure 8B The settings for the image management service "Huge Box" are retrieved from the transmission settings management table 800 stored in storage unit 112. Figure 8B In the sending settings management table 800, since the sending rule associated with the image management service "Huge Box" has a setting value of "False", it is determined to be "No" in S1603, and the process proceeds to S1611.

[0275] In S1611, the flowchart ends because processing has been completed for all image management services.

[0276] (Scenario 2)

[0277] In Case 2, the process of deleting the value indicating the sending rule ID that does not correspond to the rule from column 814 of the sending settings management table 800 stored in storage unit 112 if the generated sending rule is deleted will be described. In Case 2, the process will be described by assuming that in Figure 16 Store at the beginning of the flowchart in Figure 8F The sending settings management table 800 shown provides a description.

[0278] Assume that the processing in S701 to S703 is similar to that in Case 1.

[0279] In S1601, the management unit 121 selects "Smart In" as the image management service to be processed.

[0280] In S1602, management unit 121 from Figure 8F The value is obtained from row 801 associated with "SmartIn" in the sending settings management table 800.

[0281] like Figure 8F As shown, for the image management service "SmartIn", the value of the sending rule setting maintained in column 813 of row 801 is "True". Therefore, management unit 121 determines "Yes" in S1603, and the process proceeds to S1604.

[0282] like Figure 8F As shown, for the image management service "Smart In", the value of the selected sending rule ID held in column 814 of row 801 is "Other". Additionally, as mentioned above, the value of the sending rule ID indicating that the generated sending rule is deleted in this case is "R_01". In case 2, since the deleted generated sending rule is different from the sending rule associated with the image management service to be processed, management unit 121 determines "No" in S1604, and the process proceeds to S1606.

[0283] Similar to Case 1, since the current number of generated sending rules is 0, the management unit 121 determines "yes" in S1606, and the process proceeds to S1607.

[0284] like Figure 8F As shown, for the image management service "Smart In", the value of the selected sending rule ID held in column 814 of row 801 includes "Other". Therefore, in case 2, management unit 121 determines "Yes" in S1607, and the process proceeds to S1608.

[0285] In S1608, management unit 121 removes "Other" indicating a non-corresponding rule from the selected transmission rule ID associated with the image management service to be processed in transmission setting management table 800. The transmission setting management table 800, reflecting this result, is stored in storage unit 112. Then, processing proceeds to S1609.

[0286] exist Figure 8F In the case of the sending settings management table 800 shown, "Other" is deleted from the value of the selected sending rule ID associated with the image management service "Smart In" held in column 814 of row 801. As a result, the value of the selected sending rule ID held in column 814 of row 801 in the sending settings management table 800 is "empty". The management unit 121 stores the sending settings management table 800, in which the value of the selected sending rule ID in row 801 is kept "empty".

[0287] Since the selected sending rule ID of the image management service "Smart In" is "empty", the management unit 121 determines it as "yes" in S1609, and the process proceeds to S1610.

[0288] In S1610, management unit 121 changes the value of the sending rule associated with the image management service to be processed in sending setting management table 800 to "False". The sending setting management table 800, which reflects the result, is stored in storage unit 112. Then, processing proceeds to S1611.

[0289] As a result of S1610, the value in column 813 of row 801 associated with the image management service "Smart In" is changed to "False". Consequently, the stored send settings management table 800 is in... Figure 8B The state shown.

[0290] In S1611, since the management unit 121 has not yet completed the processing for all image management services, the processing returns to S1601.

[0291] In S1601, the sending control unit 123 selects the unselected "Huge Box" as the processing target from the linked image management service, and repeats the processing from S1602 to S1610.

[0292] Since the sending rule associated with the image management service "Huge Box" uses the value of "False" in the setting, it is determined to be "No" in S1603, and the process proceeds to S1611.

[0293] In S1611, processing is completed for all image management services, and the flowchart ends.

[0294] As described above, in this embodiment, when a user deletes a generated sending rule, the generated sending rules associated with the image management service and any non-corresponding rules are automatically deleted based on the deleted rule. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user does not need to check the sending rules associated with the image management service, nor does the user need to delete unusable generated sending rules and non-corresponding rules. Thus, user convenience is improved according to this embodiment.

[0295] It should be noted that in the above description, in Figures 8A to 8F In the sending settings management table 800, column 814, where the selected sending rule ID is kept "empty," and the value of the sending rule usage setting is set to "False," the value of the sending setting in column 812 remains "True." A setting where the sending is "True" in column 812 and the sending rule usage setting in column 813 is "False" means unconditionally sending all images uploaded by the user and managed by management unit 121 to the target image management service. To prevent the sending of images the user does not intend to send, in... Figure 16 In S1610, the management unit 121 can change the value of the transmission setting held in column 812 of the transmission setting management table 800 to "False". Therefore, even if column 814 holding the selected transmission rule ID becomes "empty", the transmission control unit 123 will not transmit all images.

[0296] Additionally, the setting unit 124 allows the user to confirm the operation while keeping column 814 of the selected sending rule ID "empty", and can receive the confirmed content from the terminal 102. Based on the received confirmed content, in S1610, the management unit 121 can determine whether to change the value of the sending setting in column 812 of the sending setting management table 800 to "False".

[0297] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, non-corresponding rules may not be automatically displayed in the sending rule setting screen 1100. Even when the user only selects sending rules to be associated with the image management service from the generated sending rules, the deletion method for generated sending rules in Embodiment 2 can still be applied. That is, when the number of generated sending rules becomes 0, the setting value is automatically changed to either a setting value that does not send images to the image management service or a setting value that sends all images to the image management service. Therefore, user convenience is improved by reducing the burden on the user to change the setting value.

[0298] <Other Embodiments>

[0299] While examples of processing in the image management device 101 have been described in the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, some of the above embodiments can be appropriately combined. Although information management in tabular format has been described, the method of managing information is not limited to tabular format and can be managed in other formats such as JSON.

[0300] The image management device 101 may include an authentication system, and the communication unit 111 may add a user ID and password to the communication content with the terminal 102. Furthermore, the communication content with the terminal 102 may be encrypted before being sent and received.

[0301] The embodiments disclosed herein can also be implemented as follows: a computer of a system or apparatus that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and / or, the system or apparatus includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments; and a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus, for example, reading and executing the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and / or, controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include separate computers or a network of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), the memory of a distributed computing system, or an optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile optical disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD)). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices and memory cards.

[0302] Other embodiments

[0303] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0304] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: The management unit is configured as an image for managing users; A classification unit is configured to classify images from the managed images that match the rules selected by the user. as well as The display control unit is configured to display a first settings screen for the user to select the rules. The first settings screen includes: a first rule generated by the user and a second rule for classifying images that do not match the first rule, as the rules.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A transmission control unit is configured to transmit a target image from the managed images to an external device as the transmission destination.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The transmission control unit: The target image matching the first rule is sent to the external device selected in the first settings screen where the user selects the first rule, and The target image that matches the second rule is sent to the external device selected in the first settings screen where the user selects the second rule.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The display control unit: A second settings screen is displayed, allowing the user to choose whether to enable or disable the sending setting for automatically sending target images from the managed images to an external device as the sending destination. When the user selects to enable the sending settings, the first settings screen is displayed.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, In response to enabling the selection of sending settings in the second settings screen, the display control unit displays a button for displaying the first settings screen in the second settings screen, and in response to the button being pressed, displays the first settings screen.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, When the sending setting is enabled, the sending control unit sends the target image from the managed images to the external device without the user's instruction.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The first settings screen is used to select the first rule or the second rule to be associated with the external device, and When the first rule is associated with a first external device, the sending control unit sends the target image that matches the first rule to the first external device; and when the second rule is associated with a second external device, the sending control unit sends the target image that matches the second rule to the second external device.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A rule management unit is configured to manage rules generated by the user, wherein the first rule is the rule generated by the user. When the sending setting is enabled and the number of the first rules managed by the rule management unit is one or more, the display control unit displays the first setting screen, in which the user can select the first rule and the second rule.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: A rule management unit is configured to manage rules generated by the user, wherein the first rule is the rule generated by the user. The deletion unit is configured to delete the first rule managed by the rule management unit.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: The setting unit is configured to set one of the following: a first setting value for not sending the managed images to the external device; a second setting value for sending all the managed images to the external device; and a third setting value for sending the managed images that match the rule to the external device. The transmission control unit controls the transmission of images to the external device based on the settings of the setting unit. When the third setting value is set and the number of the first rules managed by the rule management unit becomes 0 due to the deletion of the first rule managed by the rule management unit, the setting unit sets either the first setting value or the second setting value.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In cases where the first rule includes multiple first rules generated by the user, the classification unit classifies an image that does not match any of the multiple first rules as an image that matches the second rule.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The display control unit controls the display of the first setting screen on the terminal via the network.

13. An information processing apparatus, comprising: The management unit is configured as an image for managing users; The rule management unit is configured to manage user-generated rules. A classification unit is configured to classify images from the managed images that match the rules selected by the user. The display control unit is configured to display a settings screen for the user to select rules; The setting unit is configured to set one of the following: a first setting value for not sending the managed images to an external device, a second setting value for sending all the managed images to the external device, and a third setting value for sending the managed images that match the rule to the external device. A deletion unit is configured to delete rules managed by the rule management unit; as well as A transmission control unit, configured to transmit a target image from the managed images to the external device based on settings of the setting unit. In the case where the third setting value is set and the number of rules managed by the rule management unit becomes 0 due to the deletion of the rules managed by the rule management unit, the setting unit sets the first setting value or the second setting value.

14. An information processing method, comprising: Manage user images; From the managed images, images that match the rules selected by the user are classified; as well as The first settings screen is displayed so that the user can select rules. The first settings screen includes: a first rule generated by the user and a second rule for classifying images that do not match the first rule, as the rules.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform an information processing method, the information processing method comprising: Manage user images; From the managed images, images that match the rules selected by the user are classified; as well as The first settings screen is displayed so that the user can select rules. The first settings screen includes: a first rule generated by the user and a second rule for classifying images that do not match the first rule, as the rules.

16. A program product for causing a computer to execute the units of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images