Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, image management system, and program

Abstract

To allow a picked-up image and its photographing settings to be opened to the public on an external service without requiring a user to input the photographing settings and perform posting operations.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus provides an image received from an external device to an external service according to a user's posting instruction. The information processing apparatus acquires photographing information attached to an image received from the external device, on the basis of the acquired photographing information and information on the external service that is an image provision destination, composes a message representing the photographing settings of the received image in a format suitable for posting to the external service that is the provision destination, and provides the image and the composed message in association with each other to the external service that is the provision destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, an image management system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, storage services that store data uploaded by users are becoming more widely used. One type of such storage service is a photo storage service that limits storage objects to images and videos (hereinafter collectively referred to as images) and specializes in managing them (Non-Patent Document 1). In this type of photo storage service, if a user's camera is registered in the account of a registered user, images received from the camera can be stored in the storage area of ​​the registered user. Furthermore, in this photo storage service, images sent from the camera can be stored in the storage area of ​​the registered user and can also be automatically transferred to the storage area of ​​the registered user in another storage service (Non-Patent Document 2). In addition, by linking the account of the photo storage service with an account of an external cloud storage service (hereinafter referred to as an external service), images uploaded from the camera to the photo storage service can be transferred to the external service. This can save the user the trouble of uploading images to the external service. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / image.canon / [Non-Patent Document 2] https: / / image.canon / st / ja / features.html Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, when capturing images are published using social media such as social networking services (SNS), it has become common to publish the shooting settings in the posting comments of the captured images. However, external services such as SNS have specifications for deleting some or all of the shooting settings attached to the uploaded captured images before publishing them. For this reason, users are forced to go through the following cumbersome procedure to publish the shooting settings. That is, after transferring the captured images from the camera to the external service via the photo storage service, the user finds an image for which the shooting settings are to be published from among the posted captured images. The user then logs into his / her own account on the external service, and while looking at the shooting settings displayed on the back of the camera, manually enters the shooting settings in the posting comment and posts the image.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that enables a reduction in user operations when publishing shooting settings on an external service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an aspect of the present invention has the following arrangement: An information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, an acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image in a format suitable for distribution in the external service based on the shooting information and information relating to the external service to which the image is to be provided; The image and the message are provided to the external service of the destination in association with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of user operations required when publishing shooting settings on an external service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an image management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an imaging apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image management apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image management system (imaging device and image management device). [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the image management system. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the image management system. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the image management system. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a public setting list. [Figure 11] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing examples of data configurations of various tables. [Figure 12] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing examples of data configurations of various tables. [Figure 13A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a linkage setting screen generating unit. [Figure 13B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a linkage setting screen generating unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a link setting screen. [Figure 15A] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a cooperation request unit. [Figure 15B] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a cooperation request unit. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by an association registration unit. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a public setting screen generating unit. [Figure 18]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a publication setting screen. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a detailed setting screen generating unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen. [Figure 21] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a public setting registration unit. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a confirmation mode setting screen generating unit. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation mode setting screen. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a confirmation mode setting unit. [Diagram 25] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a confirmation mode determination unit. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. [Figure 27] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a posting unit. [Figure 28] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by an auxiliary information acquisition unit. [Figure 29] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a generation unit. [Figure 30A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a transmission unit. [Figure 30B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a transmission unit. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a post is displayed on an external service. [Diagram 32] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of a shooting setting message provided by a posting unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <Overview of Image Management System 100> Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an image management system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the image management system 100 has a camera 101, a mobile terminal 102, a photo storage service 103, a first external service 104, a second external service 105, and various terminals 106 to 109. A user 120 owns the mobile terminal 102 and the camera 101, and has registered accounts with the photo storage service 103, the first external service 104, and the second external service 105. Users 121 to 124 own the terminals 106 to 109, respectively, and can view posts in the first external service or the second external service.

[0011] The storage 131 stores images uploaded to the photo storage service 103 by a user. The database 132 manages various tables 133 used by the photo storage service 103. Details of the various tables 133 managed by the database 132 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. The user 120 uses the mobile terminal 102 to register in advance with the photo storage service 103. The user 120 also uses the mobile terminal 102 to register the camera 101 with the photo storage service 103, and the photo storage service 103 stores the captured image (hereinafter, image) transmitted from the camera 101 in the storage 131. Furthermore, the user 120 uses the mobile terminal 102 to give the photo storage service 103 permission to transmit the image to the first external service 104 and the second external service 105. The user 120 also uses the mobile terminal 102 to enable a public setting for the photo storage service 103 to make the transmitted image public on the external service.

[0012] Next, the flow of operations in the image management system 100 in the above-mentioned state will be described. When the user 120 transmits an image 130 taken by the camera 101 to the photo storage service 103, the photo storage service 103 stores the received image in the storage 131. The photo storage service 103 extracts information on the shooting settings (for example, Exif) attached to the image, and generates a shooting setting message 134 by referring to various tables 133 managed in the database 132. The shooting setting message is a character string representing the shooting settings obtained by processing the shooting settings into a readable format and into a format suitable for the external service to which the image is posted (provided). The photo storage service 103 provides the image and the shooting setting message in association with each other to the first external service 104 and the second external service 105, respectively. In the example of FIG. 1, when the destination is the first external service 104, the image and the shooting setting message are provided separately, and when the destination is the second external service 105, the image and the shooting setting message are provided simultaneously. The difference between these providing methods is based on the difference in the specifications of the external services, and the details thereof will be described later with reference to, for example, Figs. 30A and 30B. The first external service 104 and the second external service 105 each publish an image in which the shooting settings have been deleted from the provided image, and a shooting setting message. Each of the users 121 to 124 can view the shooting settings of the image 130 by accessing the first external service 104 or the second external service 105 via each of the terminals 106 to 109. The above is an overview of the mechanism by which the image management system 100 allows users viewing the external service to view the shooting settings of a captured image even when the shooting settings are accessed via an external service.

[0013] <System Configuration of Image Management System 100> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the device configuration of an image management system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the image management system 100 is composed of a terminal device 200, an imaging device 201, an image management device 202, an information management device 203, and a network 204. The terminal device 200, the imaging device 201, the image management device 202, and the information management device 203 correspond to the mobile terminal 102, the camera 101, the photo storage service 103, and the first external service 104 (or the second external service 105) in Fig. 1, respectively. The terminal device 200, the image management device 202, and the information management device 203 are each composed of an information processing device.

[0014] The terminal device 200, the imaging device 201, the image management device 202, and the information management device 203 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 204. The network 204 is realized, for example, by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, and enables mutual communication between the connected devices. The terminal device 200 is assumed to be a smartphone, tablet, PC (Personal Computer), or the like having a communication function. The imaging device 201 is assumed to be a lens-interchangeable digital camera having a communication function, but is not limited thereto. For example, any device may be used as long as it is a terminal capable of transmitting an image to the image management device 202, such as a compact digital camera having a communication function, a smartphone, tablet, or PC having a communication function and a camera function. The terminal device 200 and the imaging device 201 may be realized by the same device.

[0015] <Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device 200> 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device as a terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 has a CPU 302, a ROM 303, a RAM 304, an input / output device 305, a secondary storage device 306, a network I / F 207, and an imaging device 308, and these components are connected to each other via a bus 309.

[0016] The CPU 302 is an arithmetic processing device that executes programs stored in the ROM 303 and the secondary storage device 306 to control each unit connected via the bus 309. The ROM 303 is a read-only memory that stores an OS and the like. The RAM 304 is a memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 302 executes arithmetic processing and that can be written and read at any time. The input / output device 305 displays and outputs UI screens and the like, and accepts various input operations from the user. The secondary storage device 306 stores various programs, setting value data, and captured image data captured by the imaging device 308. The network I / F 307 is an interface for connecting to a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, or the Internet. The imaging device 308 includes an optical system such as a lens and an imaging element such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD), converts light received by the imaging element into an electrical signal to generate an image, and records the image in the secondary storage device 306.

[0017] <Hardware configuration of the imaging device 201> 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device 201. The imaging device 201 has a CPU 402, a ROM 403, a RAM 404, a display 405, an input device 406, a secondary storage device 407, a network I / F 408, and an imaging device 409, and these components are connected to each other via a bus 410.

[0018] The CPU 402 is an arithmetic processing device that executes programs stored in the ROM 403 and the secondary storage device 407 to control each unit connected via the bus 410. The ROM 403 is a read-only memory that stores an OS and the like. The RAM 404 is a memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 402 executes arithmetic processing and is capable of being written to and read from as needed. The display 405 displays information required by the user, such as captured images and various UI screens. The input device 406 includes buttons and a touch panel, and receives various user operations such as shooting instructions and various setting instructions. The secondary storage device 407 stores various programs, captured image data, and shooting setting values ​​included in the supplementary information. The shooting settings include ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, exposure compensation, F value, and the like. The network I / F 408 is an interface for connecting to a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, or the Internet. The imaging device 409 converts light received by an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS into an electrical signal to generate an image, which is then recorded in the secondary storage device 407.

[0019] <Hardware Configuration of Image Management Device 202> 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device as the image management device 202. The image management device 202 has a CPU 502, a ROM 503, a RAM 504, a display 505, a keyboard 506, a secondary storage device 507, a network I / F 508, and a pointing device 509, and these components are connected to each other via a bus 510.

[0020] The CPU 502 is an arithmetic processing device that executes programs stored in the ROM 503 and the secondary storage device 507 to control each unit connected via the bus 510. The ROM 503 is a read-only memory that stores an OS and the like. The RAM 504 is a memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 502 executes arithmetic processing. The display 505 is a display device that displays a UI screen and the like. The keyboard 506 and the pointing device 509 are input devices for a user to perform various input operations. The secondary storage device 507 stores various programs and setting value data, and also functions as the storage 131 and the database 132, and stores captured images received from the imaging device 201, various tables, and the like. The network I / F 508 is an interface for connecting to a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, or the Internet.

[0021] <Functional configuration of image management system 100> Next, the functional configuration of the image management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0022] <Functional configuration of imaging device 201> 6 are realized by the CPU 402 executing a program stored in the ROM 403 or the secondary storage device 407. Each of the functional units of the imaging device 201 will be described below.

[0023] The control unit 600 controls the execution of each functional unit of the imaging device 201, the transfer of data between the functional units, etc. The input unit 601 accepts input operations from the user via the input device 406. The display unit 602 presents various information to the user using the display 405. The communication unit 603 uses the network I / F 408 to communicate to exchange data with the image management device 202 via the network 204. The storage unit 604 stores control programs, setting values, and captured images in the secondary storage device 407. The imaging unit 605 performs imaging using the imaging device 409 and generates captured images (hereinafter, also simply referred to as images). The confirmation mode determination unit 606 determines the confirmation mode. The confirmation mode is a setting that controls whether or not to confirm with the user whether or not to transmit a shooting setting message to the information management device 203 when transmitting an image from the imaging device 201 to the image management device 202.

[0024] <Functional configuration of image management device 202> 6 is realized by the CPU 502 executing a program stored in the ROM 503 or the secondary storage device 507. Each of the functional units of the image management device 202 will be described below.

[0025] The control unit 610 controls each functional unit of the image management device 202. The communication unit 611 uses the network I / F 508 to communicate with the terminal device 200, the imaging device 201, and the information management device 203 via the network 204 to exchange data. The link setting screen generation unit 612 generates a link setting screen. The link setting screen is a setting screen that accepts an instruction from a user regarding whether or not to transmit an image or a shooting setting message from the image management device 202 to the information management device 203. Details of the processing of the link setting screen generation unit 612 will be described later with reference to Figs. 13A and 13B, and details of the link setting screen will be described later with reference to Fig. 14. Note that a UI (User Interface) for accepting a link setting by a user is not limited to a screen. For example, any UI that accepts input from a user, such as a CUI (Character User Interface) or voice input, can be applied to the UI for accepting a link setting. Furthermore, the components related to each setting screen, which will be described later, are not limited to the link setting screen, and any UI that accepts input from the user may be used.

[0026] The cooperation request unit 613 requests the information management device 203 to permit cooperation with the user of the terminal device 200 based on the cooperation setting set on the cooperation setting screen of the terminal device 200 (cooperation request). Details of the process in the cooperation request unit 613 will be described later with reference to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. The cooperation registration unit 614 registers information of the information management device 203 that has received the cooperation permission (cooperation with the user has been established). Details of the process by the cooperation registration unit 614 will be described later with reference to FIG. 16. The public setting screen generation unit 615 generates a public setting screen for allowing the user to set an external service for which the shooting setting is to be made public. Details of the process by the public setting screen generation unit 615 will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, and details of the public setting screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 18. The detailed setting screen generation unit 616 generates a detailed setting screen for allowing the user to individually set the shooting setting items to be made public. Details of the process by the detailed setting screen generation unit 616 will be described later with reference to FIG. 19, and details of the detailed setting screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 20. The public setting registration unit 617 registers the public setting of the shooting setting in the link table (FIG. 12(a)). Details of the process by the public setting registration unit will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0027] A confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 generates a confirmation mode setting screen for accepting a confirmation mode setting from a user. Details of the process by the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 will be described later with reference to Fig. 22, and details of the confirmation mode setting screen will be described later with reference to Fig. 23. A confirmation mode setting unit 619 sets the confirmation mode setting accepted from the user in a user table. Details of the process by the confirmation mode setting unit 619 will be described later with reference to Fig. 24.

[0028] The posting unit 620 controls the incidental information acquisition unit 621, the generation unit 622, and the transmission unit 623 to post an image and a shooting setting message indicating the shooting setting of the image to an external service. The incidental information acquisition unit 621 acquires shooting information (shooting setting) included in the incidental information attached to the received image. The generation unit 622 generates a shooting setting message in a format suitable for posting to an external service based on the shooting setting represented by the shooting information and information on the external service of the image provision destination (hereinafter also referred to as the transmission destination). The transmission unit 623 transmits a shooting setting message to the information management device 203 along with the transmission of the image to the information management device 203. In this way, the image and the shooting setting message are provided to the external service. Note that, depending on the user's selection, there are cases where the shooting setting message is not transmitted and only the image is transmitted. Details of the processing by the posting unit 620 will be described later with reference to FIG. 27. Details of the processing by the incidental information acquisition unit 621 will be described later with reference to FIG. 28. The details of the process by the generation unit 622 will be described later with reference to Fig. 29. The details of the process by the transmission unit 623 will be described later with reference to Figs. 30A and 30B.

[0029] The storage unit 624 stores the results of calculations in each processing unit, images received from the imaging device 201, etc. in the secondary storage device 507, etc. The transmission destination storage unit 625 stores information about the transmission destination of the image in the secondary storage device 507, etc. The information about the transmission destination specifically refers to the external service table 1103, the linkage table 1200, and the shooting setting item table 1201, which will be described later in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Note that each functional unit of the image management device 202 may be realized by distributing it among multiple image management devices. When the functions are distributed among multiple image management devices, they are connected by a LAN or the like so as to be able to communicate with each other, and a series of processes, which will be described later, are performed in cooperation with each other.

[0030] <Processing flow of the image management system 100> Next, the flow of processing in the image management system 100 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS.

[0031] The user registration process S701 will be described. In step S702, the terminal device 200 accepts an instruction for user registration from the user along with the email address and password. In step S703, the terminal device 200 requests the image management device 202 to process the user registration. In step S704, the image management device 202 executes the user registration process. Specifically, the image management device 202 issues a user ID for the user, and registers the user ID in the user table 1100 together with user information such as the user's email address and user name. It should be noted that ID is an abbreviation for Identifier.

[0032] Next, the camera registration process S711 will be described. In step S712, the imaging device 201 accepts an instruction to register the camera from the user. In step S713, the imaging device 201 requests the image management device 202 to perform the camera registration process. At this time, the imaging device 201 transmits its own model ID to the image management device 202. In step S714, the image management device 202 generates an authentication code for authenticating the imaging device 201. In step S715, the image management device 202 transmits the authentication code to the imaging device 201. In step S716, the imaging device 201 accepts a request to confirm the authentication code from the user, and displays the authentication code on the display 405. In step S717, the terminal device 200 accepts input of the authentication code from the user. In step S718, the terminal device 200 transmits the input authentication code to the image management device 202. In step S719, the image management device 202 compares the received authentication code with the generated authentication code, and if the two authentication codes match, executes the camera registration process. Specifically, the image management device 202 issues a camera ID, associates the user ID with the received model ID, and registers them in the device table 1102.

[0033] Next, the link setting process S721 will be described. In step S722, the terminal device 200 accepts a link setting instruction from the user together with the designation of the link destination external service. In step S723, the terminal device 200 requests a link setting screen from the image management device 202. In step S724, the image management device 202 generates a link setting screen. Details of the process in step S724 will be described later with reference to Figs. 13A, 13B, and 14. In step S725, the image management device 202 transmits the link setting screen to the terminal device 200. In step S726, the terminal device 200 accepts a link setting instruction from the user. In steps S727 to S733, when a link between the user who has issued the link setting instruction and the external service provided by the information management device 203 is established, the image management device 202 registers the established link. First, in step S727, the terminal device 200 transmits a link setting request to the image management device 202. In step S728, the image management device 202 transmits a request for link setting to the information management device 203. Details of the process in step S728 will be described later with reference to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. In step S729, the information management device 203 transmits a request for authentication information to the terminal device 200. In step S730, the terminal device 200 accepts input of authentication information from the user. In step S731, the terminal device 200 transmits the authentication information accepted in step S730 to the information management device 203. In step S732, the information management device 203 (external service) permits linkage with the user based on the authentication information and notifies the image management device 202 of this. In step S733, the image management device 202 registers linkage information indicating the linkage between the information management device 203 and the user 120 in the linkage table 1200. Details of the process in step S733 will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

[0034] Next, the public setting process S801 of the shooting settings will be described. In the public setting process of the shooting settings, settings related to the public of the information of the shooting settings attached to the image (hereinafter, public setting) are performed. In step S802, the terminal device 200 accepts an instruction of a request for public setting from the user, and in step S803, requests the image management device 202 to process the public setting. In step S804, the image management device 202 generates a public setting screen of the shooting settings. Details of the process in step S804 will be described later with reference to Figs. 17 to 20. In step S805, the image management device 202 transmits the public setting screen to the terminal device 200. In step S806, the terminal device 200 displays the public setting screen, accepts input from the user regarding the public setting, and generates a public setting list. Specifically, the terminal device 200 displays a public setting screen as exemplified in Fig. 18, and generates a public setting list when it accepts a setting completion instruction from the user. Details of the public setting list will be described later with reference to Fig. 10. In step S807, the terminal device 200 transmits the public settings set by the user via the public settings screen to the image management device 202. Specifically, the terminal device 200 sets the public settings list in a request parameter and transmits it. In step S808, the image management device 202 registers the public settings transmitted in step S807 in the linkage table 1200. Details of the process in step S808 will be described later with reference to FIG. 21.

[0035] Next, the confirmation mode setting process S811 will be described. In step S812, the terminal device 200 accepts a confirmation mode setting instruction from the user. In step S813, the terminal device 200 transmits a request for confirmation mode setting to the image management device 202. In step S814, the image management device 202 generates a confirmation mode setting screen. Details of the process in step S814 will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23. In step S815, the image management device 202 transmits the confirmation mode setting screen to the terminal device 200. In step S816, the terminal device 200 accepts the confirmation mode setting from the user. Specifically, the terminal device 200 displays a confirmation mode setting screen 2500 illustrated in FIG. 23 and accepts an instruction from the user regarding the confirmation mode setting. In step S817, the terminal device 200 transmits the confirmation mode setting accepted in step S816 to the image management device 202. In step S818, the image management device 202 registers the received confirmation mode setting. The process in step S818 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0036] Next, the imaging process S821 will be described. In step S822, the imaging device 201 accepts an imaging instruction from a user. In step S823, the imaging unit 605 of the imaging device 201 performs imaging using the imaging device 409, and the storage unit 604 stores the image obtained by imaging in the secondary storage device 407.

[0037] Next, the posting process S901 will be described. In step S902, the imaging device 201 accepts the selection of an image and an instruction to upload the image from the user. In step S903, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 of the imaging device 201 determines the confirmation mode. The process of step S903 by the confirmation mode determination unit 606 includes steps S904 to S909. In step S904, the imaging device 201 requests the confirmation mode from the image management device 202. In step S905, the image management device 202 transmits the value of the confirmation mode of the user from the user table 1100 to the imaging device 201, and the imaging device 201 receives this. In step S906, the imaging device 201 determines the confirmation mode received in step S905. If the confirmation mode is enabled (the value of the confirmation mode is true), in step S907, the imaging device 201 displays a confirmation screen 2600 illustrated in FIG. 26 on the display 405. Then, in step S908, the imaging device 201 accepts input of a confirmation result from the user. The confirmation result is a result of confirmation as to whether or not to post the shooting settings to the information management device 203. On the other hand, if the confirmation mode is disabled (the value of the confirmation mode is false), the confirmation screen is not displayed. In step S909, the imaging device 201 transmits an image to the image management device 202. The above-mentioned processing of step S903 by the confirmation mode determination unit 606 will be described in further detail later with reference to FIG. 25.

[0038] In step S910, the image management device 202 stores the image received from the imaging device 201 in the storage unit 624. In step S911, the image management device 202 provides (posts) the image and a shooting setting message to the information management device 203 that executes the external service. Step S911 includes steps S912 to S914. In step S912, the image management device 202 acquires the shooting setting from the image. In step S913, the image management device 202 generates a shooting setting message in a format suitable for distribution in the external service of the image destination based on the information on the external service of the image destination and the shooting setting. In step S914, the image management device 202 transmits the image and the shooting setting message to the information management device 203. Details of the process in step S911 (steps S912 to S914) will be described later with reference to Figs. 27, 28, 29, 30A, and 30B.

[0039] <Configuration of Public Setting List 1000> Next, the public setting list transmitted from the terminal device 200 in step S807 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an example of the public setting list. The public setting list 1000 stores, in list form, a dictionary in which a camera ID value is associated with a camera ID, an external service ID value is associated with an external service ID, and a shooting setting public flag value is associated with a shooting setting public flag.

[0040] <Various table configurations> Next, various tables managed by the image management device 202 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0041] 11(a) shows an example of the data configuration of a user table 1100 that manages user information of users who use the image management device 202. The user table 1100 stores information for each user, such as an email address and confirmation mode, linked to a user ID for uniquely identifying the user. The user table 1100 makes it possible to refer to user information such as email address and confirmation mode using the user ID as a key. Note that when the confirmation mode value is true, confirmation is made with the user regarding whether or not to send a shooting setting message each time it is sent, and when the value is false, confirmation is not made.

[0042] Fig. 11(b) shows an example of the data configuration of a model table 1101 that manages information related to imaging devices, i.e., cameras. The model table 1101 stores information related to the camera, such as the model name and supported shooting settings, linked to a model ID for uniquely identifying the camera model. The model table 1101 allows the user to refer to information related to the camera, such as the model name and supported shooting settings, using the model ID as a key. The model name is the model name of the camera corresponding to the model ID. Also, the supported shooting settings is a list that stores shooting setting item IDs linked to shooting setting items that the camera can record in Exif. Details of the shooting setting item IDs will be described later with reference to Fig. 12(b).

[0043] 11(c) shows an example of the data configuration of a device table 1102 that manages information about cameras registered in the image management device 202 by a user. The device table 1102 stores information about the user's camera, such as a user ID and model ID, linked to a camera ID for uniquely identifying a camera registered in the image management device 202 by a user. The device table 1102 makes it possible to refer to information about the user's camera, such as a user ID and model ID, using the camera ID as a key. In other words, the device table 1102 can be used to search for cameras registered by a user.

[0044] FIG. 11D shows an example of a data configuration of an external service table 1103 that manages information on an information management device, that is, an external service. The external service table 1103 stores an external service ID for uniquely identifying an external service, for example, an external service display name, which is the display name of the external service, and information on control characters used in the external service, such as a line enclosure character and a line feed character, in association with the external service ID. In this embodiment, Facebook (registered trademark), Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), and Pinterest (registered trademark) are exemplified as external services. In addition, in the following description, the external service IDs of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest are face, twit, inst, and pint. According to the external service table 1103, information on an external service, such as an external service display name, can be referenced using the external service ID as a key. The line enclosure character is a control character that is added before and after a character string of each line when a shooting setting message is sent to an external service. Also, the line feed character is a control character that is added to the end of a line to be changed when a shooting setting message is sent to an external service. For example, according to the external service table 1103, the shooting setting message for sending the character string "ISO sensitivity: 100" and the character string "Exposure compensation: -1.0" to the external service whose external service ID corresponds to inst is ""ISO sensitivity: 100" "Exposure compensation: -1.0".

[0045] FIG. 12(a) shows an example of a data configuration of an association table 1200 that manages association information related to the association between a camera registered in the image management device 202 and an external service. The association table 1200 is generated and managed for each user, and stores information on the camera and its association destination, such as a camera ID, a transmission destination ID, a shooting setting public flag, and a shooting setting item list, in association with an association ID for uniquely identifying the association information. The association table 1200 allows the camera ID, the transmission destination ID, the shooting setting public flag, the shooting setting item list, and the like, to be referenced using the association ID as a key. The transmission destination ID indicates an external service to which an image is to be sent, and coincides with the external service ID in the external service table 1103. The shooting setting public flag is a flag that indicates whether or not to post the shooting setting when posting an image to an external service corresponding to the transmission destination ID. If the value is true, the shooting setting is posted to the linked external service, and if the value is false, the shooting setting is not posted. The shooting setting item list is a list that manages the shooting setting item IDs corresponding to the shooting setting items to be posted to the external service. When the photography setting publication flag is true, the photography setting items corresponding to the photography setting item IDs registered in the photography setting item list are posted to an external service.

[0046] FIG. 12B shows an example of the data configuration of a photography setting item table 1201 that manages photography setting item information related to photography setting items. The photography setting item table 1201 stores information related to photography setting item information, such as a photography setting display name, a prefix dictionary, an Exif tag ID, and a suffix dictionary, in association with a photography setting item ID for uniquely identifying the photography setting item information. The photography setting item table 1201 allows reference to the photography setting display name, the prefix dictionary, the Exif tag ID, the suffix dictionary, and the like, using the photography setting item ID as a key. The photography setting display name refers to a display name when displaying a photography setting item corresponding to the photography setting item ID. The prefix dictionary is a dictionary of formatted character strings that are inserted between the photography setting display name and the setting value of the photography setting item when the photography setting item corresponding to the photography setting item ID is displayed in each external service. In the prefix dictionary, a formatted character string is stored in association with an external service ID, and thus the formatted character string can be referenced using the external service ID as a key. Moreover, the Exif tag ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a tag stored in Exif, and is, for example, a number corresponding to the tag number described in the "Digital Still Camera Image File Format Standard Exif2.3". The value of the Exif tag can be referenced using this Exif tag ID as a key. The suffix dictionary is a dictionary of formatting character strings to be added after the setting value of a shooting setting item when the shooting setting item corresponding to the shooting setting item ID is displayed in each external service. The suffix dictionary stores formatting character strings linked to external service IDs, and thus the formatting character string can be referenced using the external service ID as a key. This formatting character string is mainly used to represent the unit of the setting value of the shooting setting item. As shown in the shooting setting item table 1201, the formatting character string may be formed and the unit displayed using a space character and a character representing the unit. As shown in the external service table 1103 and the shooting setting item table 1201, by holding information that modifies the display of the shooting setting item and / or the setting value, the shooting setting information attached to the image can be processed into a readable shooting setting message.

[0047] <Processing flow by the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612> Next, the flow of processing by the linkage setting screen generating unit 612 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0048] In step S1301, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 acquires a user ID. Hereinafter, the acquired user ID is referred to as user ID 0. In step S1302, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 acquires, in list form, camera IDs whose user ID matches user ID 0 from the device table 1102. Hereinafter, this list of camera IDs acquired in list form is referred to as camera ID list 0. Thereafter, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 repeats the processes shown in steps S1303 to S1317 for all items in the external service table 1103.

[0049] In step S1304, the cooperation setting screen generating unit 612 acquires one external service ID from the external service table 1103. Hereinafter, the acquired external service ID is referred to as external service IDi. In step S1305, the cooperation setting screen generating unit 612 acquires an external service display name associated with the external service IDi from the external service table 1103. In step S1306, the cooperation setting screen generating unit 612 sets the external service display name to the text attribute of the external service name on the cooperation setting screen (for example, label 1401 in FIG. 14). In step S1307, the cooperation setting screen generating unit 612 sets the cooperation switch (for example, switch 1402 in FIG. 14) corresponding to the external service IDi on the cooperation setting screen to disabled. Next, the cooperation setting screen generating unit 612 repeats the processes shown in steps S1308 to S1316 for all elements of the camera ID list 0.

[0050] In step S1309, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 acquires a camera ID from camera ID list 0. Hereinafter, the camera ID acquired from camera ID list 0 is referred to as camera IDj. In step S1310, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 acquires a model name whose model ID matches camera IDj from model table 1101. In step S1311, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 sets the model name to the text attribute of the camera name on the collaboration setting screen (e.g., corresponding to label 1403 in FIG. 14). In step S1312, the collaboration setting screen generating unit 612 sets the collaboration switch corresponding to camera IDj belonging to external service IDi on the collaboration setting screen to disabled (e.g., switch 1404 in FIG. 14).

[0051] In step S1313, the link setting screen generating unit 612 judges whether or not a link ID whose camera ID matches the camera IDj and whose destination ID matches the external service IDi exists in the link table 1200. If it is judged that a link ID exists (YES in step S1313), the process proceeds to step S1314, and if it is judged that a link ID does not exist (NO in step S1313), the process proceeds to step S1316. In step S1314, the link setting screen generating unit 612 sets the link switch corresponding to the external service IDi on the link setting screen (the link switch set to disabled in step S1307) to be enabled. In step S1315, the link setting screen generating unit 612 sets the link switch corresponding to the camera IDj belonging to the external service IDi on the link setting screen (the link switch set to disabled in step S1312) to be enabled. In step S1316, the link setting screen generating unit 612 judges whether or not the process is completed for all elements of the camera ID list 0. If the process is complete, the process proceeds to step S1317. On the other hand, if the process is not complete, the process is repeated from step S1308.

[0052] In step S1317, the link setting screen generating unit 612 determines whether or not the processing for all items in the external service table 1103 has been completed. If it is determined that the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1318. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing has not been completed, the process from step S1303 is repeated. In step S1318, the link setting screen generating unit 612 generates a back button. In this way, the link setting screen as shown in FIG. 14 is generated.

[0053] <Configuration of the linkage setting screen 1500> Next, the link setting screen will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is an example of the link setting screen. In the link setting screen 1400, a label 1401 indicates the name of an external service that can be linked. A switch 1402 indicates a link state with an external service (when there is at least one image capturing device in a linked state among the image capturing devices registered by the user, the link state is enabled). When the round object of the switch 1402 is located on the right side, the switch 1402 indicates a link state, and when the round object is located on the left side, the switch 1402 indicates a link state. When the CPU 302 detects a user's pressing operation on the switch 1402 by the above-mentioned process, the CPU 302 sets the state of the switch 1402 to the opposite state. That is, if the switch 1402 is in a valid state, the switch 1402 is set to an invalid state, and if the switch 1402 is in an invalid state, the switch 1402 is set to an valid state. In the example of FIG. 14, the switch 1402 indicates an invalid state, indicating that the switch 1402 is not linked to the external service Facebook. A label 1403 indicates the name of a camera that the user has registered in the image management device 202 for each external service. A switch 1404 is a switch indicating whether or not to transmit an image from the camera to the external service. When switch 1404 is enabled, images are sent from the camera to the corresponding external service, and when it is disabled, images are not sent from the camera to the corresponding external service. Button 1430 is a "back button" for transitioning to the screen from which the call originated.

[0054] <Processing flow in the cooperation request unit 613> Next, the flow of processing in the cooperation request unit 613 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B.

[0055] In step S1501, the cooperation request unit 613 judges whether or not a switch (for example, switch 1402) corresponding to an external service on the cooperation setting screen 1400 has been pressed. If it is judged that the switch corresponding to the external service has been pressed (YES in step S1501), the process proceeds to step S1502, and if it is judged that the switch has not been pressed (NO in step S1501), the process proceeds to step S1508. In step S1502, the cooperation request unit 613 acquires an external service ID of an external service corresponding to the pressed switch. Hereinafter, the acquired external service ID is referred to as external service ID0. In step S1503, the cooperation request unit 613 judges the state of the pressed switch. If the state is judged to be true (YES in step S1503), the process proceeds to step S1504, and if it is judged to be false (NO in step S1503), the process proceeds to step S1515. In step S1515, the cooperation request unit 613 transmits a cooperation permission request to the external service corresponding to the switch. Then, in step S1516, the cooperation request unit 613 sets the state of the switch corresponding to the external service ID 0 to enabled. After that, the process returns to step S1501.

[0056] On the other hand, if the pressed switch is in a valid state, in step S1504, the cooperation request unit 613 sets the states of the switches corresponding to all cameras that are cooperated with the external service ID0 to invalid, i.e., false. In step S1505, the cooperation request unit 613 deletes an item in the cooperation table 1200 that is a camera registered by the user and whose destination ID matches the external service ID0. In step S1506, the cooperation request unit 613 sets the state of the switch corresponding to the external service ID0 to invalid, i.e., false. In step S1507, the cooperation request unit 613 requests the external service corresponding to the external service ID0 to cancel cooperation. After that, the process returns to step S1501.

[0057] In step S1508, the cooperation request unit 613 determines whether or not a switch corresponding to the camera (for example, the switch 1411) has been pressed. If it is determined that the switch has been pressed (YES in step S1508), the process proceeds to step S1509, and if it is determined that the switch has not been pressed (NO in step S1508), the process proceeds to step S1523. In step S1523, the cooperation request unit 613 determines whether or not the back button has been pressed. If the back button has been pressed (YES in step S1523), the process proceeds to S1524. In step S1524, the cooperation request unit 613 returns the screen to the previous screen and ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the back button has not been pressed (NO in step S1523), the process returns to S1501.

[0058] In step S1509, the collaboration request unit 613 determines the state of the pressed switch. If the state is true (YES in step S1509), the process proceeds to step S1510, and if the state is false, the process proceeds to S1517. In step S1510, the collaboration request unit 613 sets the state of the pressed switch to invalid. In step S1511, the collaboration request unit 613 acquires the camera ID of the camera corresponding to the pressed switch. Hereinafter, the acquired camera ID is referred to as camera ID0. In step S1512, the collaboration request unit 613 acquires the external service ID of the external service to which the camera (camera ID0) corresponding to the pressed switch on the collaboration setting screen 1400 belongs. For example, when the switch 1411 is pressed, the external service ID of the external service indicated in the label 1412 is acquired. Hereinafter, the acquired external service ID is referred to as external service ID0. In step S1513, the collaboration request unit 613 deletes an item in the collaboration table 1200 whose camera ID matches camera ID0 and whose destination ID matches external service ID0. In step S1514, the collaboration request unit 613 determines the state of the switch corresponding to the camera ID of the camera belonging to external service ID0 on the collaboration setting screen 1400. If the state of all the switches corresponding to the camera IDs is false (YES in step S1514), the process proceeds to step S1506. The process from S1506 onwards is as described above. On the other hand, if there is even one switch whose state is true (NO in step S1514), the process returns to step S1501.

[0059] In step S1517, the collaboration request unit 613 acquires the camera ID of the camera corresponding to the pressed switch. Hereinafter, the acquired camera ID is referred to as camera ID0. In step S1518, the collaboration request unit 613 acquires the external service ID of the external service to which the camera (camera ID0) corresponding to the pressed switch belongs. Hereinafter, the acquired external service ID is referred to as external service ID0. In step S1519, the collaboration request unit 613 determines the state of the switch corresponding to external service ID0. If the state of the switch is true (YES in step S1519), the process proceeds to S1520. In step S1520, the collaboration request unit 613 adds an item to the collaboration table 1200. As values ​​to be set in the item, the camera ID is set to camera ID0, the destination ID is set to external service ID0, and the shooting setting public flag is set to false. After these settings, the process returns to step S1501. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1519 that the state of the switch is false (NO in step S1519), the process proceeds to step S1521. In step S1521, the cooperation request unit 613 transmits a cooperation permission request to the external service corresponding to the switch. Then, in S1522, the cooperation request unit 613 sets the state of the switch corresponding to external service ID0 to enabled. After that, the process proceeds to step S1520.

[0060] <Processing flow in the link registration unit 614> Next, the flow of the linked registration process by the linked registration unit 614 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] In step S1601, the link registration unit 614 acquires the user ID of the user to be linked. Hereinafter, the acquired user ID is referred to as user ID 0. In step S1602, the link registration unit 614 acquires an external service ID corresponding to the external service to be linked (the external service that has sent link permission). In steps S1603 to S1609, the link registration unit 614 repeats the subsequent processes for all items in the device table 1102.

[0062] In step S1604, the link registration unit 614 judges whether the user ID in the device table 1102 matches the user ID0. If it is judged that they match (YES in step S1604), the process proceeds to step S1605, and if it is judged that they do not match (NO in step S1604), the process proceeds to step S1609. In step S1605, the link registration unit 614 issues a link ID. In step S1606, the link registration unit 614 generates a temporary dictionary to be written to an item in the link table 1200. In step S1607, the link registration unit 614 sets values ​​to each attribute of the temporary dictionary. Specifically, the link ID is set to the link ID attribute, the camera ID is set to the camera ID attribute, the external service ID is set to the destination ID attribute, and false is set to the shooting setting public flag attribute. In step S1608, the link registration unit 614 registers the contents of the temporary dictionary in the link table 1200. In step S1609, the link registration unit 614 determines whether or not the process is complete for all items in the device table 1102. If it is determined that the process is complete, the link registration unit 614 ends this process, and if it is determined that the process is not complete, the process returns to step S1803, and the above-mentioned process is repeated.

[0063] <Processing flow in the public setting screen generating unit 615> Next, the flow of processing in the public setting screen generating unit 615 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] In step S1701, the public setting screen generating unit 615 acquires a user ID for which settings related to the public setting of the shooting settings are to be made. Hereinafter, the acquired user ID is referred to as user ID 0. The processes of steps S1702 to S1717 are repeated by the public setting screen generating unit 615 for all items registered in the device table 1102.

[0065] In step S1703, the public setting screen generating unit 615 judges whether or not the user ID of one item (hereinafter, the target item) registered in the device table 1102 matches user ID0. If it is judged that they match (YES in step S1703), the process proceeds to step S1704, and if it is judged that they do not match (NO in step S1703), the process proceeds to step S1717. In step S1704, the public setting screen generating unit 615 acquires a camera ID from the target item in the device table 1102. Hereinafter, the acquired camera ID is referred to as camera ID0. In step S1705, the public setting screen generating unit 615 acquires a model ID from the target item in the device table 1102. Hereinafter, the acquired model ID is referred to as model ID0. In step S1706, the public setting screen generating unit 615 acquires a model name corresponding to model ID0 from the target item in the model table 1101. In step S1707, the public setting screen generating unit 615 sets the obtained model name in the model name label on the public setting screen.

[0066] Next, the public setting screen generating unit 615 repeats the process from step S1708 to step S1716 for all items in the linkage table 1200 of the user (user whose user ID is user ID0). In step S1709, the public setting screen generating unit 615 judges whether the camera ID of one item (hereinafter, the target item) in the linkage table 1200 matches camera ID0. If it is judged that they match (YES in step S1709), the process proceeds to step S1710, and if it is judged that they do not match (NO in step S1709), the process proceeds to step S1716. In step S1710, the public setting screen generating unit 615 acquires a destination ID from the target item in the linkage table 1200. In step S1711, the public setting screen generating unit 615 acquires an external service display name corresponding to the destination ID (external service ID) acquired in S1711 from the target item in the external service table 1103. In step S1712, the public settings screen generating unit 615 sets the external service display name in the external service name label on the public settings screen. In step S1713, the public settings screen generating unit 615 acquires the photography settings public flag from the target item in the linkage table 1200. In step S1714, the public settings screen generating unit 615 sets the photography settings public switch on the public settings screen based on the value of the photography settings public flag. That is, if the state of the photography settings public switch is valid, the public settings screen generating unit 615 sets the photography settings public flag to true, and if the state is invalid, the public settings screen generating unit 615 sets the photography settings public flag to false. In step S1715, the public settings screen generating unit 615 generates a detailed settings button.

[0067] In step S1716, the public setting screen generating unit 615 determines whether or not the processes of steps S1709 to S1715 have been completed for all items in the linkage table 1200. If it is determined that the processes have been completed, the process proceeds to step S1717, and if it is determined that the processes have not been completed, the process returns to step S1708. In step S1717, the public setting screen generating unit 615 determines whether or not the processes of steps S1703 to S1716 have been completed for all items in the device table 1102. If it is determined that the processes have been completed, the process ends, and if it is determined that the processes have not been completed, the process returns to step S1702.

[0068] <Configuration of the publishing settings screen 1800> Next, the public setting screen generated by the public setting screen generating unit 615 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the public setting screen. In the public setting screen 1800 for shooting settings, a label 1801 indicates the name of the camera registered in the image management device 202 by the user, and a label 1802 indicates the name of the external service. A switch 1803 indicates the state of cooperation with the external service. A detailed setting button 1804 is a button for calling up a detailed setting screen for the shooting settings to be made public. A back button 1805 is a button for transitioning to the screen from which it was called.

[0069] <Processing flow in the detailed setting screen generating unit 616> Next, the flow of processing by the detail setting screen generating unit 616 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. The detail setting screen is generated and displayed in response to pressing of the detail setting button 1804. On the detail setting screen, details of the shooting settings to be made public are set for the external service of the camera corresponding to the pressed detail setting button 1804.

[0070] In step S1901, the detail setting screen generating unit 616 acquires the user ID of the user corresponding to the pressed detail setting button 1804. Hereinafter, the acquired user ID is referred to as user ID0. In step S1902, the detail setting screen generating unit 616 acquires the camera ID corresponding to the pressed detail setting button 1804. Hereinafter, the acquired camera ID is referred to as camera ID0. In step S1903, the detail setting screen generating unit 616 acquires the external service ID corresponding to the pressed detail setting button 1804. Hereinafter, the acquired external service ID is referred to as external service ID0. In step S1904, the detail setting screen generating unit 616 acquires, from the device table 1102, a model ID whose camera ID matches the camera ID0 and whose user ID matches the user ID0. Hereinafter, the acquired model ID is referred to as model ID0. In step S1905, the detail setting screen generating unit 616 acquires, from the model table 1101, a compatible shooting setting list whose model ID matches the model ID0. Hereinafter, the acquired corresponding shooting setting list is referred to as corresponding list 0. In step S1906, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 acquires, from the linkage table 1200, a shooting setting item list whose camera ID matches camera ID 0 and whose destination ID matches external service ID 0. Hereinafter, the acquired shooting setting item list is referred to as item list 0.

[0071] Next, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 repeats the processes of steps S1907 to S1913 for all shooting setting item IDs listed in the correspondence list 0. Hereinafter, the i-th shooting setting item ID is referred to as IDi. In step S1908, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 acquires a shooting setting display name whose shooting setting item ID matches IDi from the shooting setting item table 1201. Hereinafter, the acquired shooting setting display name is referred to as name. In step S1909, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 sets name to the label of the shooting setting display name of IDi. In step S1910, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 determines whether or not IDi is included in the item list 0. If it is determined that IDi is included (YES in step S1910), the process proceeds to step S1911, and if it is determined that IDi is not included (NO in step S1910), the process proceeds to step S1912. In step S1911, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 sets the state of the switch for public setting of IDi to enabled. On the other hand, in step S1912, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 sets the state of the switch for public setting of IDi to disabled. In step S1913, the detailed setting screen generating unit 616 determines whether or not all processing has been completed for all shooting setting item IDs in the correspondence list 0. If it is determined that it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1914, and if it is determined that it has not been completed, the process returns to S1907.

[0072] In step S1914, the details setting screen generating unit 616 generates an OK button, and in step S1915, the details setting screen generating unit 616 generates a cancel button.

[0073] <Configuration of the detailed settings screen 2000> Next, a detailed setting screen generated by the process shown in Fig. 19 will be described with reference to Fig. 20(a) to (c). Fig. 20(a) to (c) are examples of the detailed setting screen.

[0074] In FIG. 20(a), a detailed setting screen 2000 is a screen that accepts input from a user regarding detailed settings of the photography settings to be made public. A container 2001 stores an icon 2002, a label 2003, a switch 2004, and a hamburger menu 2005, which will be described later. The icon 2002 indicates the type of photography setting. The label 2003 indicates the name of the photography setting. The switch 2004 indicates whether or not the photography setting item is to be sent to an external service. When the switch 2004 is enabled, it indicates that the photography setting item is to be sent to the external service, and when the switch 2004 is disabled, it indicates that the photography setting item is not to be sent. A user can switch between enabled and disabled states of the switch 2004 by pressing the switch 2004. The hamburger menu 2005 accepts an instruction from a user regarding the order of the container 2001. An OK button 2006 is a button that accepts an instruction from a user to complete the settings. A cancel button 2007 is a button that accepts an instruction from a user to cancel the settings.

[0075] Next, a method for changing the display order of the shooting setting items will be described with reference to Figs. 20(b) and (c). In Figs. 20(b) and (c), a container 2010 corresponds to the shooting setting item of ISO sensitivity, and a container 2011 corresponds to the shooting setting item of shutter speed, and includes a hamburger menu 2012. For example, assume that the shooting setting items are displayed in the order of ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, but the user desires to display them in the order of shutter speed and ISO sensitivity. The user presses the hamburger menu 2012 and maintains the pressed state. When the CPU 302 detects that the hamburger menu 2012 has been pressed for a predetermined time, it sets the floating attribute of the shutter speed container 2011 to be valid. The floating attribute is a binary attribute that indicates whether or not the coordinates of the container can be freely changed. If it is true, the coordinates of the container itself are updated following the coordinates pressed by the user. If it is false, the coordinates of the container are not updated even if the coordinates pressed by the user change.

[0076] Next, as shown in FIG. 20B, the user moves the coordinates of the container 2011 for shutter speed to a position higher on the screen than the original coordinates. The user continues the movement and positions the coordinates of the container 2011 higher on the screen than the coordinates of the container 2010 for ISO sensitivity. After that, the user removes his finger from the screen surface and releases the container 2011 from its pressed state. When the CPU 302 detects that the container 2011 has been released from its pressed state, the CPU 302 sets the floating attribute of the container 2011 to false. Then, the CPU 302 compares the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the container 2011 with those of the container 2010, and if the coordinates of the container 2011 are higher on the screen than those of the container 2210, the CPU 302 switches the order of the container 2211 and the container 2210. That is, the CPU 302 switches the order of the shooting setting item ID corresponding to the ISO sensitivity and the shooting setting item ID corresponding to the shutter speed in the shooting setting item list of the linkage table 1200. FIG. 20C shows the state after the order of the ISO sensitivity container 2210 and the shutter speed container 2211 has been swapped.

[0077] <Processing flow in the public setting registration unit 617> Next, the flow of processing in the public setting registration unit 617 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. The public setting registration unit 617 performs registration in the linkage table 1200 based on the public setting list received from the terminal device 200 (S807 (send public setting) in Fig. 8, Fig. 10). The public setting list includes the contents of the public setting set by the user on the terminal device 200 using the public setting screen 1800 and the detailed setting screen 2000.

[0078] In step S2101, the public setting registration unit 617 acquires a public setting list from the terminal device 200. Next, the public setting registration unit 617 repeats the processes of steps S2102 to S2108 for all elements in the acquired public setting list.

[0079] In step S2103, the public setting registration unit 617 acquires an element Pi from the public setting list. In step S2104, the public setting registration unit 617 determines whether or not an item exists in the linkage table 1200, whose camera ID matches the camera ID of the element Pi and whose destination ID matches the external service ID of the element Pi. If it is determined that such an item exists (YES in step S2104), the process proceeds to step S2105, and if it is determined that such an item does not exist, the process proceeds to step S2106.

[0080] In step S2105, the public setting registration unit 617 sets the value of the photographing setting public flag of the element Pi to the photographing setting public flag of the item. Meanwhile, in step S2106, the public setting registration unit 617 adds a new item to the association table 1200. The public setting registration unit 617 sets attribute values ​​for the new item as follows. That is, it sets the newly issued association ID to the association ID, sets the value of the camera ID of the element Pi to the camera ID, sets the value of the external service ID of the element Pi to the destination ID, and sets the value of the photographing setting public flag of the element Pi to the photographing setting public flag. Here, the public setting list includes "photography settings to be published" set by the detailed setting screen as exemplified in FIG. 20. In S2107, the public setting registration unit 617 acquires the photographing settings that are enabled by the detailed setting screen from among the supported photographing settings linked to the model ID corresponding to the camera ID of the element Pi in the model table 1101. Then, the public setting registration unit 617 updates the contents of the shooting setting item list linked to the corresponding association ID in the association table 1200 with the acquired shooting settings. In step S2108, the public setting registration unit 617 determines whether or not the processing is completed for all elements of the public setting list. If it is determined that the processing is completed, this processing ends, and if it is determined that the processing is not completed, the processing returns to step S2102.

[0081] <Processing flow in confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618> Next, the flow of processing in the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] In step S2201, the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 acquires a user ID from the confirmation mode setting request (S813) transmitted from the terminal device 200. Hereinafter, the acquired user ID is referred to as user ID 0. In step S2202, the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 acquires a confirmation mode of an item whose user ID matches user ID 0 from the user table 1100. Hereinafter, the acquired confirmation mode is referred to as confirmation mode 0. In step S2203, the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 generates a confirmation mode setting screen. In step S2204, the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 generates a confirmation mode switch and associates it with the confirmation mode setting screen. In step S2205, the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 judges the confirmation mode. Specifically, it is judged whether or not confirmation mode 0 is true. If it is determined to be true (YES in step S2205), the process proceeds to step S2206, and if it is determined to be not true (NO in step S2205), the process proceeds to step S2207. In step S2206, the confirmation mode setting screen generation unit 618 sets the confirmation mode switch to enabled, i.e., true. On the other hand, in step S2207, the confirmation mode setting screen generation unit 618 sets the confirmation mode switch to disabled, i.e., false. In step S2208, the confirmation mode setting screen generation unit 618 generates a close button and links it to the confirmation mode setting screen.

[0083] <Configuration of confirmation mode setting screen 2300> Next, the confirmation mode setting screen generated by the confirmation mode setting screen generating unit 618 (processing of FIG. 22) will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is an example of the confirmation mode setting screen. In the confirmation mode setting screen 2300, a label 2301 is a confirmation message for confirming with the user whether or not to display the confirmation screen before transmitting an image to an external service. A confirmation mode switch 2302 accepts an instruction from the user as to whether or not to display the confirmation screen (confirmation mode setting input, S816). A label 2303 indicates an explanatory message of the operation when the confirmation mode switch 2302 is set to active. A close button 2504 accepts the completion of the setting from the user.

[0084] <Processing flow in confirmation mode setting unit 619> Next, the flow of processing in confirmation mode setting unit 619 that has accepted a confirmation mode setting transmission (S817) from terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. In step S2401, confirmation mode setting unit 619 acquires a user ID. Hereinafter, the acquired user ID will be referred to as user ID 0. In step S2402, confirmation mode setting unit 619 acquires a confirmation mode. The acquired confirmation mode will be referred to as confirmation mode 0. In step S2403, confirmation mode setting unit 619 sets confirmation mode 0 as the confirmation mode for an item whose user ID in user table 1100 matches user ID 0.

[0085] <Processing flow in confirmation mode determination unit 606> Next, the process by the confirmation mode determination unit 606 of the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 25. In step S2501, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 obtains the confirmation mode from the image management device 202 (S905) by making a confirmation mode request to the image management device 202 (S904). In step S2502, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 sets the shooting setting posting permission flag of the transmission parameters to posting permission. In step S2503, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 determines whether the confirmation mode is true. If it is determined to be true (YES in step S2503), the process proceeds to step S2504, and if it is determined to be false (NO in step S2503), the process proceeds to step S2508.

[0086] In step S2504, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 displays the confirmation screen 2600 (FIG. 26) on the display 405. In step S2505, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 determines whether or not the posting permission button 2603 has been pressed. If it is determined that the posting permission button 2603 has been pressed (YES in step S2505), the process proceeds to step S2508, and if it is determined that the posting permission button 2603 has not been pressed (NO in step S2505), the process proceeds to step S2506. In step S2506, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 determines whether or not the posting refusal button 2604 has been pressed. If it is determined that the posting permission button 2603 has been pressed (YES in step S2506), the process proceeds to step S2507, and if it is determined that the posting refusal button 2604 has not been pressed (NO in step S2506), the process returns to step S2505. In step S2507, the confirmation mode determination unit 606 sets the posting refusal flag to the shooting setting permission flag in the image transmission parameters. In step S 2508 , the confirmation mode determination unit 606 transmits the image to the image management device 202 .

[0087] <Configuration of confirmation screen 2600> Next, a confirmation screen presented by the confirmation mode determination unit 606 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is an example of the confirmation screen. The confirmation screen 2600 is a screen that accepts a confirmation result regarding a shooting setting message from a user. The label 2601 is a notation that notifies a user to confirm whether or not to post the shooting setting message shown in the text box 2602. The text box 2602 displays the shooting setting message to be posted to an external service. The post permission button 2603 accepts an instruction from the user to permit posting. The post rejection button 2604 accepts an instruction from the user to reject posting.

[0088] <Processing flow in posting unit 620> Next, the flow of processing in the posting unit 620 will be described with reference to FIG. 27. In step S2701, the posting unit 620 acquires the camera ID of the camera that is the upload source. Hereinafter, the acquired camera ID is referred to as camera ID0. The posting unit 620 repeats the processing in steps S2702 to S2709 for all items in the linkage table 1200 of the user who instructed the posting. In step S2703, the posting unit 620 determines whether or not the camera ID0 matches the camera ID in the target item in the linkage table 1200. If it is determined that they match (YES in step S2703), the processing proceeds to step S2704, and if it is determined that they do not match (NO in step S2703), the processing proceeds to step S2709. In step S2704, the posting unit 620 determines whether or not the shooting setting public flag is true. If it is determined to be true (YES in step S2704), the process proceeds to step S2705, and if it is determined to be false (NO in step S2704), the process proceeds to step S2708. In step S2708, posting unit 620 performs normal posting processing of the uploaded image to the external service indicated by the destination ID. Therefore, a shooting setting message is not provided.

[0089] In step S2705, the posting unit 620 acquires the shooting settings. Details of the process of step S2705 will be described later with reference to FIG. 28. In step S2706, the posting unit 620 generates a shooting setting message based on the association ID. Details of the process of step S2706 will be described later with reference to FIG. 29. In step S2707, the posting unit 620 transmits an image to the information management device 203 based on the destination ID. Details of the process of step S2707 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 30A and 30B. In step S2709, the posting unit 620 determines whether or not the process is completed for all items in the association table 1200. If it is determined that the process is completed, this process ends, and if it is determined that the process is not completed, the process returns to step S2702.

[0090] <Processing flow in the additional information acquisition unit 621> Next, the flow of processing in the incidental information acquisition unit 621 will be described with reference to FIG. 28. In step S2801, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 acquires a shooting setting posting permission flag from the transmission parameters. In step S2802, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 judges whether the shooting setting posting permission flag is true or not. If it is judged to be true (YES in step S2802), the processing proceeds to step S2803, and if it is judged to be false (NO in step S2802), this processing by the incidental information acquisition unit 621 is terminated. In step S2803, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 acquires an image received from the imaging device 201. In step S2804, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 acquires a header area of ​​the acquired image. In step S2805, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 generates and initializes a shooting setting dictionary for storing shooting settings in a dictionary format.

[0091] The incidental information acquisition unit 621 repeats the process of steps S2806 to S2810 for all items in the shooting setting item table 1201. In step S2807, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 acquires the value of the Exif tag ID of the target item from the shooting setting item table 1201. Hereinafter, the acquired Exif tag ID is referred to as Exif tag ID0. In step S2808, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 acquires the value of the Exif tag ID whose Exif tag ID matches Exif tag ID0 from the header area of ​​the uploaded image. In step S2809, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 refers to the shooting setting item table 1201 and adds the value of the Exif tag ID corresponding to the target item to the shooting setting dictionary. Specifically, an item whose key is the Exif tag ID and whose value is the Exif tag ID is added to the shooting setting dictionary. In step S2810, the incidental information acquisition unit 621 determines whether or not the process is completed for all items in the shooting setting item table 1201. If it is determined that the process is completed, this process ends, and if it is determined that the process is not completed, the process returns to step S2806.

[0092] <Processing flow in the generation unit 622> Next, the flow of processing (generation processing of a photography setting message) in the generation unit 622 will be described with reference to Fig. 29. In step S2901, the generation unit 622 acquires a photography setting posting permission flag from the transmission parameters. In step S2902, the generation unit 622 determines whether the photography setting posting permission flag is true. If it is determined to be true (YES in step S2902), the processing proceeds to step S2903, and if it is determined to be false, this processing ends.

[0093] In step S2903, the generation unit 622 acquires the association ID of the target item and the photography setting dictionary generated by the processing in FIG. 28. Hereinafter, the acquired association ID is referred to as association ID0. In step S2904, the generation unit 622 acquires a photography setting item list of an item whose association ID matches association ID0 from the association table 1200. Hereinafter, the acquired photography setting item list is referred to as item list 0. In step S2905, the generation unit 622 acquires a destination ID from the association table 1200. Hereinafter, the acquired destination ID is referred to as destination ID0. In step S2906, the generation unit 622 generates and initializes a temporary photography setting item list. Hereinafter, this photography setting item list is referred to as item list T.

[0094] The generating unit 622 repeats the processes of steps S2907 to S2922 for all the shooting setting items in the item list 0. In step S2908, the generating unit 622 generates and initializes a shooting setting item string. In step S2909, the generating unit 622 acquires a line surrounding character of an item whose external service ID matches the transmission destination ID 0 from the external service table 1103. In step S2910, the generating unit 622 adds the line surrounding character to the end of the shooting setting item string. In step S2911, the generating unit 622 acquires a shooting setting display name from the shooting setting item table 1201. In step S2912, the generating unit 622 adds the shooting setting display name to the end of the shooting setting item string. In step S2913, the generating unit 622 acquires a value associated with the transmission destination ID 0 from the prefix dictionary of the shooting setting item table 1201. In step S2914, the generation unit 622 adds the value of the prefix dictionary to the end of the shooting setting item string.

[0095] In step S2915, the generation unit 622 obtains an Exif tag ID from the shooting setting item table 1201. In step S2916, the generation unit 622 obtains a value associated with the Exif tag ID from the shooting setting dictionary. In step S2917, the generation unit 622 adds a value associated with the Exif tag ID to the end of the shooting setting item string. In step S2918, the generation unit 622 obtains a value associated with the destination ID from the suffix dictionary of the shooting setting item table 1201. In step S2919, the generation unit 622 adds the value of the suffix dictionary to the end of the shooting setting item string. In step S2920, the generation unit 622 adds a line enclosure character to the end of the shooting setting item string. In step S2921, the generation unit 622 adds the shooting setting item string to the end of the item list T.

[0096] In step S2922, the generation unit 622 determines whether or not processing has been completed for all shooting setting items in item list 0. If it is determined that processing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S2923, and if it is determined that processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S2907. In step S2923, the generation unit 622 obtains a line feed character for an item whose external service ID matches destination ID 0 from the external service table 1103. In step S2924, the generation unit 622 combines each element of item list T with a line feed character.

[0097] The shooting setting display name is a character string representing the contents of the shooting setting items such as "manufacturer" and "ISO sensitivity", but is not limited to this and may be a path or link to a storage destination where an image, sound, video, etc. representing the contents of the shooting setting items are stored. Furthermore, any information may be used as long as it allows the user to uniquely identify the contents of the shooting setting items.

[0098] In this embodiment, the photographing setting display name and the prefix dictionary are separately stored in the photographing setting item table 1201 and are combined in the generating unit 622, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the prefix dictionary may be described as {"face":"manufacturer:",...}, and the photographing setting display name may be included in the value of the prefix dictionary. In this case, the photographing setting display name attribute may be eliminated from the photographing setting item table 1201, and reference to the photographing setting display name attribute in the generating unit 622 may be eliminated. With this configuration, the photographing setting display name can be changed for each destination. This can be used in cases where the expected viewers are different for each destination, such as Facebook being in the native language for domestic viewers and Instagram being in English for worldwide viewers.

[0099] In this embodiment, the generating unit 622 records the setting value corresponding to the Exif tag ID in the shooting setting message, but the present invention is not limited to this. A processed value of the setting value may be recorded, or a value obtained by combining a plurality of setting values ​​may be recorded. In addition, when a plurality of values ​​are expressed as the setting value of the shooting setting item, a character string to be inserted between the first value and the second value may be defined, and the first value, the character string to be inserted, and the second value may be concatenated and recorded in the shooting setting message. In addition, the setting value may be changed to a path or link to a storage destination where an image, sound, video, etc. representing the value of the setting value are stored, such as displaying an icon in the shape of "1" when the value of the setting value is "1", and recorded in the shooting setting message. In other words, any information may be used as long as the setting value can be uniquely identified by the user. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to provide the user with more freedom of expression on the posting list screen of the transmission destination.

[0100] In this embodiment, the photography setting item table 1201 holds the prefix dictionary and the suffix dictionary in dictionary format, and the generation unit 622 records the prefix character string and the suffix character string according to the destination in the photography setting message, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of the dictionary format, one value may be held regardless of the destination. This is because, for example, when the image management device 202 operates a service with a policy of linking with only one external service, there is no need to hold multiple destinations. In other words, the prefix dictionary and the suffix dictionary do not need to be in dictionary format. In such a case, the amount of database usage can be reduced by using a configuration that holds one value.

[0101] <Processing flow in the transmission unit 623> Next, the flow of processing in the transmission unit 623 will be described with reference to FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B. In step S3001, the transmission unit 623 acquires a destination ID of a target item in the linkage table 1200. In step S3002, the transmission unit 623 acquires a shooting setting posting permission flag from the transmission message. In step S3003, the transmission unit 623 judges whether the shooting setting posting permission flag is true or not. If it is judged to be true (YES in step S3003), the processing proceeds to step S3004, and if it is judged to be false (NO in step S3003), the processing proceeds to step S3005. In step S3004, the transmission unit 623 acquires the shooting setting message generated in step S2706. In step S3005, the transmission unit 623 branches the processing according to the destination ID. If the destination ID is "inst", the process proceeds to step S3206, and if it is "pint", the process proceeds to step S3014. If the destination ID is "face", the process proceeds to step S3021, and if it is "twit", the process proceeds to step S3031.

[0102] First, the case where the destination ID is inst will be described. In step S3006, the transmission unit 623 acquires the user ID of the user at the destination. In step S3007, the transmission unit 623 judges whether the number of uploads at the destination is less than the upload upper limit. If the number of uploads is less than the upload upper limit (YES in step S3007), the process proceeds to step S3209, and if the number of uploads is equal to or greater than the upload upper limit (NO in step S3007), the process proceeds to step S3008. In step S3008, the transmission unit 623 notifies the user that upload is not possible, and this process ends. In step S3009, the transmission unit 623 acquires an image path indicating the storage destination of the image in the storage unit 624. In step S3010, the transmission unit 623 judges whether the shooting setting posting permission flag is true or not. If the result is determined to be true (YES in step S3010), processing proceeds to step S3011; if the result is determined to be false (NO in step S3010), processing proceeds to step S3012. In step S3011, the transmission unit 623 sets the image path and the shooting setting message as transmission parameters and transmits them to the information management device 203, instructing the generation of an image storage area. In step S3012, the transmission unit 623 transmits the image path to the information management device 203, instructing the generation of an image storage area. In step S3013, the transmission unit 623 instructs the information management device 203 to enable the public setting of the image storage area, and this processing ends.

[0103] Next, a case where the destination ID is pint will be described. In step S3014, the transmission unit 623 acquires a token from the destination, that is, the information management device 203. In step S3015, the transmission unit 623 generates a payload area in the storage unit 624. In step S3016, the transmission unit 623 acquires an image path indicating the storage destination of the image in the storage unit 624. In step S3017, the transmission unit 623 stores the image path in the payload area. In step S3018, the transmission unit 623 determines whether the shooting setting posting permission flag is true. If it is determined to be true (YES in step S3018), the process proceeds to step S3219, and if it is determined to be false (NO in step S3018), the process proceeds to step S3020. In step S3019, the transmission unit 623 stores the shooting setting message in the payload area. In step S3020, the transmitting unit 623 transmits the information in the payload area to the destination, and the process ends.

[0104] Next, a case where the destination ID is face will be described. In step S3021, the transmission unit 623 acquires a token from the destination. In step S3022, the transmission unit 623 calculates the file size of the image. In step S3023, the transmission unit 623 acquires the type of image. In step S3024, the transmission unit 623 transmits the token, the file size of the image, and the type of the image, and generates an image storage area in the storage unit 624. In step S3025, the transmission unit 623 acquires the image path of the image in the storage unit 624. In step S3026, the transmission unit 623 transmits the token and the image path to the information management device 203. In step S3027, the transmission unit 623 determines whether or not the shooting setting posting permission flag is true. If it is determined to be true (YES in step S3027), the process proceeds to step S3028, and if it is determined to be false (NO in step S3027), this process ends. In step S3028, the transmission unit 623 judges whether the upload is complete. If it is judged to be complete (YES in step S3028), the process proceeds to step S3029, and if it is judged to be not complete (NO in step S3028), the process returns to step S3028 (waiting for completion of the upload). In step S3029, the transmission unit 623 acquires information for identifying an image in the information management device 203, that is, a reference destination of the image, from the information management device 203. In step S3030, the transmission unit 623 transmits a shooting setting message to the information management device 203 as a comment on the reference destination of the image. That is, the shooting setting message is transmitted in association with the information for identifying the image in the information management device 203. Thereafter, this process ends.

[0105] Next, a case where the destination ID is twit will be described. In step S3031, the transmission unit 623 calculates the file size of the image. In step S3032, the transmission unit 623 acquires the type of image. In step S3033, the transmission unit 623 transmits the file size and type of the image, and acquires the image ID at the destination. In step S3034, the transmission unit 623 transmits the image ID and the image to the information management device 203. In step S3035, the transmission unit 623 determines whether the upload is complete. If it is determined that the upload is complete (YES in step S3035), the process proceeds to step S3036, and if it is determined that the upload is not complete (NO in step S3035), the process returns to step S3315 (waits for the upload to be completed). In step S3036, the transmission unit 623 designates the image ID and transmits a termination instruction to the information management device 203. In step S3037, the transmission unit 623 determines whether the shooting setting posting permission flag is true. If it is determined to be true, the process proceeds to step S3038, and if it is determined to be false (NO in step S3317), this process ends. In step S3038, the transmission unit 623 specifies an image ID and transmits a shooting setting message to the information management device 203.

[0106] <Example of display on external services after posting> Next, an example of display in an external service after posting will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31(a) is an example of a post viewing screen displayed on a client of a user viewing the external service Twitter. Fig. 31(a) shows a post list screen 3100 for Twitter. In the post list screen 3100, a post 3101 is a post of an image sent from the image management device 202. A post 3102 is a post of a shooting setting message sent from the image management device 202 as a comment on the image post. According to this embodiment, it is possible to display the shooting setting message in association with the posted comment on the image post in this manner.

[0107] 31(b) is an example of a post viewing screen displayed on a client of a user viewing the external service Facebook. In a Facebook post list screen 3110, a post 3111 is a post including an image and a shooting setting message transmitted from the image management device 202, and includes an image 3112 and a shooting setting message 3113. According to this embodiment, the shooting setting message can be displayed in association with the image as an explanation thereof.

[0108] <Modifications of the Generation Unit 622 and the Transmission Unit 623> Next, a modified example of the generating unit 622 and the transmitting unit 623 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0109] Variation 1 In the process shown in FIG. 30B, the posting unit 620 transmits an image to an external service, and then obtains information identifying the image from the external service, and transmits a shooting setting message to the external service in association with the information. In response to this, the shooting setting message may be transmitted first. That is, the posting unit 620 transmits a shooting setting message to an external service, and then obtains information identifying the message from the external service, and transmits an image to the external service in association with the information. In addition, in this way, when transmitting an image in association with a shooting setting message after transmitting the shooting setting message, one shooting setting message can be associated with multiple images. For example, when the generating unit 622 receives multiple images, if the shooting settings of those images are the same, it generates a shooting setting message based on the shooting settings of one image. The transmitting unit 623 transmits the shooting setting message to the transmission destination, and obtains a posting ID identifying the posting. Then, the transmitting unit 623 transmits the image in association with the posting ID. An example of the display of the shooting setting message and the image posted in this way at the transmission destination is shown in FIG. 32(a). FIG. 32(a) shows a posting list screen 3200 at the transmission destination. Post 3201 is a posting of a shooting setting message generated from the shooting settings of one image. Post 3202 is a posting of a first image sent as a comment to the posting of the shooting setting message. Post 3203 is a posting of a second image sent as a comment to the posting of the shooting setting message. According to the above embodiment, a shooting setting message generated from the shooting settings of one image is posted, and an image is posted as a comment to that post, so that example images captured with the same shooting settings can be displayed in association with each other.

[0110] Variation 2 Next, a second modified example will be described. When the generating unit 622 receives a plurality of images, it compares the setting values ​​of the shooting setting items of the images and generates a common shooting setting message from the shooting setting items having matching setting values. It also generates individual shooting setting messages from the shooting setting items having non-matching setting values. The transmitting unit 623 posts the common shooting setting message and acquires a posting ID that identifies the posting. Then, it posts the images and the individual shooting setting items in association with the posting ID.

[0111] FIG. 32B shows an example of the display of the thus posted shooting setting message and image at the destination. In FIG. 32B, a posting list screen 3210 at the destination is shown. Post 3211 is a posting of a common shooting setting message. Post 3212 is a posting of a first image posted as a comment to the posting of the common shooting setting message. Post 3213 is a posting of an individual shooting setting message for the first image posted as a comment to the posting of the common shooting setting message. Post 3214 is a posting of a second image posted as a comment to the posting of the common shooting setting message. Post 3215 is a posting of an individual shooting setting message for the second image posted as a comment to the posting of the common shooting setting message. According to the above embodiment, the common shooting setting message, the image, and the individual shooting setting message are posted separately and associated with each other, so that the common shooting settings are displayed together, while the difference in the shooting settings for each image can be easily distinguished.

[0112] Variation 3 Next, a third modified example will be described. The transmission unit 623 embeds a character string of a shooting setting message as readable characters in the image data area, not in the header area of ​​the image, and transmits the image with the embedded shooting setting message to the destination. According to this embodiment, since the shooting setting message is embedded in the image as readable characters, the shooting settings can be displayed together with the image at the destination.

[0113] According to the technology described above, a shooting setting message is also posted when an image is posted to an external service, so that the shooting settings can be made public on the external service without forcing the user to input and post the shooting settings on the external service.

[0114] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiment has been described above in detail, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a recording medium (storage medium), etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, an imaging device, a Web application, etc.), or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

[0115] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0116] The disclosure of this specification includes the following information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, an image management system, and a program. (Item 1) An information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, An acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image in a format suitable for posting to the external service of the destination based on the shooting information and information regarding the external service of the destination of the image; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising: a providing unit that provides the image and the message in association with each other to the external service of the providing destination. (Item 2) 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the information relating to the external service to which the message is to be provided includes a control character used by the external service in processing a message. (Item 3) 3. The information processing device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the information relating to the external service of the destination includes information for modifying the display of shooting setting items and setting values ​​included in the shooting information. (Item 4) The information processing device described in item 3, characterized in that the information for modification includes information that enables a user to identify the contents of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information and / or the setting values ​​of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information. (Item 5) The information processing device according to item 3 or 4, characterized in that the information for modification includes the contents of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information, and / or a character string, image, audio, or video representing the setting values ​​of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information. (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the providing means includes the message in transmission parameters that are transmitted in association with the provision of the image. (Item 7) 7. The information processing device according to item 6, wherein the transmission parameters include an image path used by the destination external service to acquire the image. (Item 8) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the providing means transmits the image to the external service of the destination, and then transmits a message of the shooting settings to the external service of the destination. (Item 9) The information processing device described in item 8, characterized in that after the providing means transmits the image to the external service of the destination, it obtains information identifying the image from the external service of the destination, and transmits the message to the external service of the destination in association with the identifying information. (Item 10) The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the providing means sends the image or an image path indicating a storage location of the image to the external service of the destination after sending the message to the external service of the destination. (Item 11) The information processing device described in item 10, characterized in that after the providing means sends the message to the external service of the destination, it obtains information identifying the message from the external service of the destination, and sends the image or an image path indicating a storage location of the image in association with the identifying information to the external service of the destination. (Item 12) a first setting means for providing a predetermined UI screen on the terminal device of the user and allowing the user to set whether or not to link with an external service; an establishment unit for establishing a link between the user and the external service by requesting the external service to be linked in the link setting; 12. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the external service to which the information is provided is an external service with which a link has been established for the user. (Item 13) the first setting means sets whether or not a link between each of a plurality of external services and the user is possible; Item 13. The information processing device according to item 12, wherein the establishing means establishes a link between each of the plurality of external services and the user. (Item 14) Item 14. The information processing device according to item 13, wherein the first setting means further sets whether or not to link with an external service for each external device registered in association with the user. (Item 15) A second setting means is further provided for providing a predetermined UI screen to the terminal device of the user, and allowing the user to set whether or not to make the photographing information public; 15. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the providing means does not provide the message to the external service when the publication of the photographing information is not permitted. (Item 16) the second setting means sets whether or not to allow the public access of photographing information for each external device registered in association with the user; Item 16. The information processing device according to item 15, wherein the providing means does not provide the message if the external device that transmitted the image is not permitted to disclose photographic information. (Item 17) The second setting means sets whether or not the photographing information is to be made public to each of a plurality of external services for the user; 17. The information processing device according to item 15 or 16, wherein the providing means does not provide the message when the disclosure of the photographed information is not permitted for the external service of the destination. (Item 18) a third setting means for providing a predetermined UI screen to the terminal device of the user and allowing the user to set whether or not to make public each of a plurality of setting items included in the shooting information; 18. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the generating means generates the message excluding setting items that are not permitted to be made public. (Item 19) Item 19. The information processing device according to item 18, wherein the UI screen provided by the third setting means changes a display order of the shooting setting items in response to a user operation. (Item 20) A confirmation means for providing a predetermined UI screen to the terminal device of the user and confirming whether or not the message is to be provided, 20. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 19, wherein the providing means provides the message to the external service when provision of the message is permitted. (Item 21) The information processing device described in item 20, characterized in that the confirmation means accepts a setting from the user as to whether or not to perform the confirmation, and if the setting is made to perform the confirmation, confirms with the user whether or not to provide the message. (Item 22) the generating means receives a plurality of images from the external device, and if the shooting settings indicated by the auxiliary information of the plurality of images are the same, generates one message for the plurality of images; 12. The information processing device according to item 10 or 11, wherein the providing means provides the one message in association with the plurality of images. (Item 23) the generating means, when receiving a plurality of images from the external device, generates a first message indicating a shooting setting for a setting item having the same setting value for the plurality of images, and a plurality of second messages indicating a shooting setting for a setting item having different setting values ​​for the plurality of images; 12. The information processing device according to item 10 or 11, characterized in that the providing means provides the first message in association with the plurality of images, and provides each of the plurality of second messages in association with each of the plurality of images. (Item 24) An information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, An acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image based on the shooting information; providing means for providing an image obtained by embedding the message in the image to the external service. (Item 25) A method for controlling an information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating step of generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image in a format suitable for posting to the external service of the destination based on the shooting information and information regarding the external service of the destination of the image; a providing step of providing the image and the message to the external service of the providing destination in association with each other. (Item 26) A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 24. (Item 27) 1. An image management system comprising: a terminal device; an image management device that holds and manages images received from the terminal device; and an information management device that executes an external service that accepts images posted by the image management device, The image management device, An acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with an image received from the terminal device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the received image in a format suitable for posting to the external service based on the shooting information and information regarding the external service; and providing means for providing the received image and the message in association with each other to the external service in response to an instruction to post the received image.

[0117] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100: image management system, 200: terminal device, 201: imaging device, 202: image management device, 203: information management device, 204: network

Claims

1. An information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, An acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image in a format suitable for posting to the external service of the destination based on the shooting information and information regarding the external service of the destination of the image; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising: a providing unit that provides the image and the message in association with each other to the external service of the providing destination.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information about the external service of the destination includes a control character used by the external service in processing a message.

3. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information on the external service of the destination includes information for modifying a display of shooting setting items and setting values ​​included in the shooting information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the information for modification includes information that enables a user to identify the contents of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information and / or the setting values ​​of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the information for modification includes the contents of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information, and / or a character string, image, audio, or video representing the setting values ​​of the shooting setting items included in the shooting information.

6. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the providing means includes the message in a transmission parameter that is transmitted in association with the provision of the image.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the transmission parameters include an image path used by the destination external service to acquire the image.

8. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit transmits the image to the external service as the destination, and then transmits a message of the image capture settings to the external service as the destination.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the providing means, after transmitting the image to the external service of the destination, obtains information identifying the image from the external service of the destination, and transmits the message to the external service of the destination in association with the identifying information.

10. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit transmits the image or an image path indicating a storage location of the image to the external service of the destination after transmitting the message to the external service of the destination.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that after the providing means sends the message to the external service of the destination, it obtains information identifying the message from the external service of the destination, and sends the image or an image path indicating a storage location of the image in association with the identifying information to the external service of the destination.

12. a first setting means for providing a predetermined UI screen on the terminal device of the user and allowing the user to set whether or not to link with an external service; an establishment unit for establishing a link between the user and the external service by requesting the external service to be linked in the link setting; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the external service to which the information is provided is an external service with which a link has been established for the user.

13. the first setting means sets whether or not a link between each of a plurality of external services and the user is possible; 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said establishing means establishes links between each of said plurality of external services and said user.

14. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first setting means further sets whether or not to link with an external service for each external apparatus registered in association with the user.

15. A second setting means for providing a predetermined UI screen to the terminal device of the user and allowing the user to set whether or not to make the photographed information public; 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit does not provide the message to the external service when the publication of the photographic information is not permitted.

16. the second setting means sets whether or not to allow the public access of photographing information for each external device registered in association with the user; 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said providing means does not provide said message when the external device that transmitted said image has not been permitted to disclose photographic information.

17. The second setting means sets whether or not photographing information is to be made public to each of a plurality of external services for the user; 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said providing means does not provide said message when the disclosure of the photographed information is not permitted for said external service of said providing destination.

18. a third setting means for providing a predetermined UI screen to the terminal device of the user and allowing the user to set whether or not to make public each of a plurality of setting items included in the shooting information; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said generating means generates said message by excluding setting items that are not permitted to be made public.

19. 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the UI screen provided by the third setting means changes a display order of the photography setting items in response to a user operation.

20. The method further comprises: providing a predetermined UI screen on the terminal device of the user, and confirming whether or not the message can be provided; 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the message to the external service when provision of the message is permitted.

21. 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the confirmation means receives a setting from the user as to whether or not to perform the confirmation, and when the setting is made to perform the confirmation, confirms with the user whether or not to provide the message.

22. the generating means receives a plurality of images from the external device, and if the shooting settings indicated by the auxiliary information of the plurality of images are the same, generates one message for the plurality of images; 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said providing means provides said one message in association with said plurality of images.

23. the generating means, when receiving a plurality of images from the external device, generates a first message indicating shooting settings for setting items having the same setting value for the plurality of images, and a plurality of second messages indicating shooting settings for setting items having different setting values ​​for the plurality of images; 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the providing means provides the first message in association with the plurality of images, and provides each of the plurality of second messages in association with each of the plurality of images.

24. An information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, An acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image based on the shooting information; providing means for providing an image obtained by embedding the message in the image to the external service.

25. A method for controlling an information processing device that provides an image received from an external device to an external service in response to a posting instruction from a user, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring photographing information associated with the image received from the external device; a generating step of generating a message representing a shooting setting of the image in a format suitable for posting to the external service of the destination based on the shooting information and information regarding the external service of the destination of the image; a providing step of providing the image and the message to the external service of the providing destination in association with each other.

26. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 1.

27. 1. An image management system comprising: a terminal device; an image management device that holds and manages images received from the terminal device; and an information management device that executes an external service that accepts images posted by the image management device, The image management device, An acquisition means for acquiring photographing information associated with an image received from the terminal device; a generating means for generating a message representing a shooting setting of the received image in a format suitable for posting to the external service based on the shooting information and information regarding the external service; and providing means for providing the received image and the message in association with each other to the external service in response to an instruction to post the received image.

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