Image processing device, operating method for image processing device, and operating program for image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, an operating method for the image processing device, and an operating program for the image processing device, which give priority to presenting an image that is relatively more desirable than a user's image.SOLUTION: A method obtains a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users, obtains a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user among the plurality of users who is different from the first user, identifies an image of the second user corresponding to the second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from shared images shared in a limited manner by the plurality of users, and sets a presentation priority of the identified specific image to the first user higher than other shared images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, a method for operating the image processing apparatus, and an operation program for the image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, in a user group composed of a plurality of users who participated in a common event such as a sports meet, a party, a wedding, a presentation, a concert, or a sports game, a service for sharing captured images has been provided. Specifically, it is a service in which each user transmits an image to an image distribution server on a network, gives access rights to a user group, and permits viewing, photo printing, etc. of the transmitted image.

[0003] In such an image sharing service, there has been a demand to present an image desired by a user from a large number of images transmitted by a plurality of users without bothering the user. In response to such a demand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-182651 describes the following technology.

[0004] That is, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-182651, a period (hereinafter referred to as an important period) that a user values within an event is specified based on operation information of a photographing apparatus that has photographed an image. And, an image photographed by another user during the important period is presented as a recommended image. Examples of the important period include a period in which the user frequently performs a shutter operation, and a period in which the user frequently performs a shutter operation but does not transmit an image to the image distribution server due to reasons such as a failed photographing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-182651, a user can obtain recommended images that he or she would desire from among the images taken by other users without much effort. However, among the recommended images presented to the user, there may be images whose image quality is inferior to that of the images taken by his or her own imaging device and that are familiar in daily life, and they are not necessarily only the images that the user desires. For this reason, a technology for preferentially presenting images that are relatively more desirable for the user's images has been sought.

[0006] An object of the technology of the present disclosure is to provide an image processing apparatus, an operation method of the image processing apparatus, and an operation program of the image processing apparatus that can preferentially present images that are relatively more desirable for the user's images.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes at least one processor. The processor acquires a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users, acquires a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user who is different from the first user among the plurality of users, identifies an image of the second user corresponding to the second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images that are limitedly shared among the plurality of users, and sets the presentation priority of the identified image, which is a specific image, for the first user to be higher than that of other shared images.

[0008] The operation method of the image processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition step of acquiring a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users, and a plurality of users A second acquisition step of acquiring a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user different from the first user among them, a specifying step of specifying an image of the second user corresponding to the second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images limitedly shared by a plurality of users, and a setting step of setting the presentation priority of the specified image, which is the specified image, for the first user to be higher than that of other shared images are executed by the processor.

[0009] The operation program of the image processing apparatus of the present disclosure causes the processor to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users, a second acquisition unit that acquires a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user different from the first user among the plurality of users, a specifying unit that specifies an image of the second user corresponding to the second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images limitedly shared by a plurality of users, and a setting unit that sets the presentation priority of the specified image, which is the specified image, for the first user to be higher than that of other shared images.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] [First Embodiment] In FIG. 1, an imaging device 11 and a user terminal 12 are connected to an image distribution server 10. The image distribution server 10, the imaging device 11, and the user terminal 12 are connected to be mutually communicable via a network 13. The network 13 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet or a public communication network.

[0012] The imaging device 11 is, for example, each held by a plurality of users 17 watching a soccer game being held on a soccer field 15 in a stadium 14 from a spectator seat 16. The user 17 uses the imaging device 11 to capture the state of the soccer game. Then, an image file 27 (see FIG. 2) including an image 28 (see FIG. 2) obtained thereby is transmitted to the image distribution server 10 through the network 13. Some of the imaging devices 11 directly transmit the image file 27 to the image distribution server 10, and some capture the image file 27 into the user terminal 12 and cause the user terminal 12 to transmit the image file 27.

[0013] The user terminal 12 is a terminal associated with each user 17. The user terminal 12 is, for example, a terminal possessed or used by the user 17. In addition to the function of transmitting the image file 27 captured by the imaging device 11 to the image distribution server 10, the user terminal 12 has the function of receiving the image file 27 from the image distribution server 10 and the function of reproducing and displaying the image 28 included in the received image file 27. The user terminal 12 is, for example, a personal computer , a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0014] Among the imaging devices 11, some have the following functions in addition to the imaging function of the image 28 and the transmission function of the image file 27. That is, similar to the user terminal 12, it has the function of receiving the image file 27 from the image distribution server 10 and the function of reproducing and displaying the image 28 included in the received image file 27. In short, among the imaging devices 11, there are those that also function as the user terminal 12. The notation "user terminal 12" in the following description includes the imaging device 11 that also functions as the above-mentioned user terminal 12. The imaging device 11 is a compact digital camera, a digital single-lens reflex camera, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0015] The image distribution server 10 is, for example, a server computer, a workstation, or the like, and is an example of an "image processing device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The image distribution server 10 receives the image file 27 from the imaging device 11 and the user terminal 12 through the network 13. Further, the image distribution server 10 distributes the image file 27 to the user terminal 12 through the network 13.

[0016] An image distribution server 10 is connected to an image database (hereinafter abbreviated as DB (Data Base)) server 18 via a network (not shown) such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The image distribution server 10 transmits an image file 27 from a photographing device 11 or the like to the image DB server 18. The image DB server 18 has an image DB 19. The image DB server 18 stores and manages the image file 27 from the image distribution server 10 in the image DB 19. Further, the image DB server 18 transmits the image file 27 stored in the image DB 19 to the image distribution server 10 in response to a request from the image distribution server 10. In the present embodiment, the network 13 connecting the image distribution server 10, the photographing device 11, and the user terminal 12 is a WAN, and the network connecting the image distribution server 10 and the image DB server 18 is a LAN, but it is not limited thereto. These networks may be at least one of a WAN or a LAN, and the connection method may be either a wired method or a wireless method. Further, the image distribution server 10 and the image DB server 18 may be directly connected by a wired cable or the like.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the image DB 19 is provided with a personal folder 25 and a shared folder 26. The personal folder 25 is a folder unique to one user 17, assigned one by one to each user 17. Therefore, the number of personal folders 25 is provided according to the number of users 17. The personal folder 25 stores image files 27 transmitted from the imaging device 11 etc. of each user 17. The image file 27 includes an image 28. Therefore, the personal folder 25 stores images 28 associated with each user 17. Here, the "image associated with the user" includes, for example, an image associated with a user ID (Identification Data). Also, the "image associated with the user" is, for example, an image 28 associated with the user ID or terminal ID by the user 17 accessing the image distribution server 10 and uploading using the user ID or terminal ID. The "image associated with the user" includes, in addition to the image 28 captured by the user 17 using the imaging device 11, an image 28 read by the user 17 using a scanner. In addition, the "image associated with the user" includes an image 28 received by the user 17 from another user 17 such as a friend or family member, an image 28 downloaded by the user 17 from an Internet site, etc.

[0018] The [U1] after "personal folder" is a user ID for identifying each user 17, which is in common use in the image distribution server 10. "Personal folder [U1]" means the personal folder 25 of the user 17 whose user ID is [U1].

[0019] As also shown in FIG. 3, unlike the personal folder 25, the shared folder 26 is a folder shared by a user group 30 composed of a plurality of users 17. Therefore, user IDs of a plurality of users 17 who share the shared folder 26 are registered in the shared folder 26. Access authority is given only to the users 17 whose user IDs are registered in the shared folder 26. In the shared folder 26, image files 27 of images 28 taken by a plurality of users 17 who participated in a common event are stored. Examples of the event include a soccer game shown in FIG. 1, a sports meet, a party, a wedding ceremony, a presentation, a concert, and the like. In the following description, the image file 27 stored in the shared folder 26 is denoted as image file 27SH, and the image 28 included in the image file 27SH is denoted as image 28SH. The image 28SH is an example of the "shared image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that the images 28 included in the shared folder 26 are not limited to the images 28 specified by the event, and may include the images 28 acquired from a plurality of accessible users 17.

[0020] In FIG. 3, four users 17 with user IDs [U5], [U10], [U15], and [U20], who participated as spectators in the soccer game shown in FIG. 1, store the image files 27SH of the images 28SH they took in a shared folder 26 named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]". The shared folder 26 is created, for example, by one of the plurality of users 17 constituting the user group 30. The shared folder 26 may be created by the organizer of the event. In FIG. 3, although the drawing shows that the image files 27SH stored in the shared folder 26 by each user 17 overlap three by three, this does not mean that each user 17 stores three image files 27SH each. It represents that each user 17 stores some number of image files 27SH, either one or a plurality. In the following figures as well, the image files 27SH drawn as overlapping three by three do not strictly represent that the number of the image files 27SH is three.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the image file 27 includes an image 28, a user ID, and image information 35. The image information 35 is composed of image basic information 36 (see FIG. 5), shooting conditions 37 (see FIG. 6), and device information 38. Thus, for each image 28, the image basic information 36, the shooting conditions 37, and the device information 38 are associated. The device information 38 is information on the imaging device 11 that captured the image 28, and has body information 39 (see FIG. 7) and lens information 40 (see FIG. 8). The body information 39 is information regarding the body of the imaging device 11. The lens information 40 is information regarding the lens built in or attached to the body of the imaging device 11.

[0022] In FIG. 5, the image basic information 36 has items such as an image ID for identifying each image 28, the shooting date and time of the image 28, the shooting location, and tags. In the item of the shooting location, the longitude and latitude detected by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function of the imaging device 11 are recorded. In the item of the tag, a word that simply represents the subject of the image 28 is recorded. The tag is obtained by manual input of the user 17 and / or by analysis of the image 28.

[0023] In FIG. 6, the shooting conditions 37 have items such as the exposure time, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sensitivity, shutter speed, F value, subject distance, focal length, and shooting mode setting when the image 28 was captured. In addition to the exemplary night scene mode, the shooting modes include a sports mode suitable for shooting a subject with large movement, a portrait mode suitable for shooting a stationary person, a landscape mode suitable for shooting a landscape, and the like. The types of shooting modes that can be set differ for each imaging device 11. Note that in addition to these items, the shooting conditions 37 have various items such as luminance value, focusing method, white balance setting, and presence or absence of flash.

[0024] In FIG. 7, the body information 39 includes items such as the manufacturer name, model name, and resolution of the body of the imaging device 11. In the item of resolution, the dpi (dots per inch) in the horizontal and vertical directions of the pixels of the image sensor mounted on the body of the imaging device 11 is recorded.

[0025] In FIG. 8, the lens information 40 includes items such as the manufacturer name, model name, open F value, focal length, and angle of view of the lens built in or attached to the body of the imaging device 11. In the item of focal length, the shortest focal length and the longest focal length are registered. In the item of angle of view, the maximum angle of view and the minimum angle of view are registered. Note that the image basic information 36, the shooting conditions 37, the body information 39, and the lens information 40 are not limited to these information and may include at least a part of the above-described items.

[0026] In FIG. 9, the user terminal 12 transmits an image distribution request 45 to the image distribution server 10. The image distribution request 45 includes the terminal ID of the user terminal 12 and the user ID of the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12. In response to the image distribution request 45, the image distribution server 10 distributes the image file 27 in the personal folder 25 specified by the user ID to the user terminal 12 that is the transmission source of the image distribution request 45 specified by the terminal ID. Further, when there is a shared folder 26 specified by the user ID, the image distribution server 10 distributes the image file 27SH in the shared folder 26 together with the image file 27 in the personal folder 25 to the user terminal 12 that is the transmission source of the image distribution request 45 specified by the terminal ID. FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the user 17 with the user ID [U5] shown in FIG. 3 transmits an image distribution request 45 from his / her own user terminal 12 with the terminal ID [T5] to the image distribution server 10.

[0027] Note that the terminal ID is information for the user terminal 12 that has transmitted the image distribution request 45 to distribute the image file 27 from the image distribution server 10. The terminal ID is the MAC (Media (Access Control) Not limited to addresses, it may also be an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a port number. The user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 may also be described as the user 17 who possesses the user terminal 12 or the user 17 who uses the user terminal 12. Further, the image distribution server 10 may perform user authentication processing for authenticating a user by using a user ID or a password, and associate various requests and the image 28 during the period from when the user is authenticated until the user authentication is released with the authenticated user 17.

[0028] In FIG. 10, the user terminal 12 transmits a recommended image distribution request 46 to the image distribution server 10. The recommended image distribution request 46 includes the terminal ID of the user terminal 12, the user ID of the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12, and the name of the shared folder 26 that requests the recommended image. The recommended image distribution request 46 is a request for the image distribution server 10 to present the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 that is the source of the recommended image distribution request 46 with the recommended image among the images 28SH in the shared folder 26 specified by the name. In response to the recommended image distribution request 46, the image distribution server 10 distributes the recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12 that is the source of the recommended image distribution request 46 specified by the terminal ID. In FIG. 10, similar to the case of FIG. 9, an example is shown where the user 17 with the user ID [U5] transmits a recommended image distribution request 46 for the shared folder 26 named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" to the image distribution server 10 from his own user terminal 12 with the terminal ID [T5]. Note that the recommended image distribution request 46 includes information specifying the shared folder 26 accessible by the user 17 himself. Further, the recommended image information 47 includes the images 28 of other users 17 having device information 38 or more than the device information 38 of the user 17 who made the recommended image distribution request 46 in the shared folder 26 specified by the recommended image distribution request 46. Note that the terminal ID is information for the image distribution server 10 to distribute the recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12 that transmitted the recommended image distribution request 46. The terminal ID may be not limited to the MAC address, but may also be an IP address or a port number.

[0029] Here, among the plurality of users 17 that make up the user group 30, the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image distribution request 46, which requests a recommended image that the user likes, is an example of the "first user" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In this example, it is the user 17 with the user ID [U5]. Also, among the plurality of users 17 that make up the user group 30, the users 17 other than the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image distribution request 46 (in this example, the users 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20]) are examples of the "second users different from the first user" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the first user will be denoted by the reference numeral 17F (see FIG. 17), and the second user will be denoted by the reference numeral 17S (see FIG. 17) for distinction. Also, the imaging device 11 corresponding to the first user 17F will be denoted as the first imaging device 11F (see FIG. 17), and the imaging device 11 corresponding to the second user 17S will be denoted as the second imaging device 11S (see FIG. 17). The device information 38 of the first imaging device 11F will be denoted as the first device information 38F (see FIG. 14), and the device information 38 of the second imaging device 11S will be denoted as the second device information 38S (see FIG. 14). Also, the main body information 39 and lens information 40 of the first device information 38F will be denoted as the first main body information 39F (see FIG. 14) and the first lens information 40F (see FIG. 14), respectively, and the main body information 39 and lens information 40 of the second device information 38S will be denoted as the second main body information 39S (see FIG. 14) and the second lens information 40S (see FIG. 14), respectively.

[0030] In FIG. 11, the computers constituting the image distribution server 10 and the user terminal 12 basically have the same configuration, and include a storage device 55, a memory 56, a processor 57, a communication unit 58, a display 59, and an input device 60. These are interconnected via a bus line 61.

[0031] The storage device 55 is a hard disk drive built into the computers that make up the image distribution server 10 and the user terminal 12, or is connected through a cable or network. Alternatively, the storage device 55 is a disk array with multiple hard disk drives installed. The storage device 55 stores control programs such as an operating system, various application programs (hereinafter abbreviated as AP (Application Program)), and various data associated with these programs. Note that a solid state drive may be used instead of the hard disk drive.

[0032] The memory 56 is a work memory for the processor 57 to execute processing. The processor 57 loads the programs stored in the storage device 55 into the memory 56 and executes the processing according to the programs, thereby comprehensively controlling each part of the computer. The processor 57 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0033] The communication unit 58 is a network interface that controls the transmission of various information via the network 13 and the like. The display 59 displays various screens. The various screens are provided with an operation function by a GUI ( Graphical User Interface). The computers that make up the image distribution server 10 and the user terminal 12 receive the input of operation instructions from the input device 60 through the various screens. The input device 60 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. In the following description, each part of the computer that makes up the image distribution server 10 is assigned the subscript "A" as a symbol, and each part of the computer that makes up the user terminal 12 is assigned the subscript "B" as a symbol for distinction.

[0034]

[0035] In FIG. 12, the storage device 55A of the image distribution server 10 stores the operation program The operation program 65 is stored. The operation program 65 is an AP for causing the computer constituting the image distribution server 10 to function as an "image processing apparatus" according to the technology of the present disclosure. That is, the operation program 65 is an example of an "operation program of an image processing apparatus" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In addition to the operation program 65, an evaluation value table set 66 is also stored in the storage device 55A.

[0036] When the operation program 65 is started, the processor 57A of the image distribution server 10 functions as a request reception unit 70, an image acquisition unit 71, a classification unit 72, a read / write (hereinafter abbreviated as RW) control unit 73, an evaluation value derivation unit 74, a specification unit 75, a setting unit 76, and a distribution control unit 77 in cooperation with the memory 56 and the like.

[0037] The request reception unit 70 receives various requests from the user terminal 12. For example, the request reception unit 70 receives an image distribution request 45. The request reception unit 70 outputs the image distribution request 45 to the image acquisition unit 71. In addition, the request reception unit 70 receives a recommended image distribution request 46. The request reception unit 70 outputs the recommended image distribution request 46 to the classification unit 72.

[0038] When the image distribution request 45 is input from the request reception unit 70, the image acquisition unit 71 transmits an image acquisition request 80 to the image DB server 18. The image acquisition request 80 is a copy of the image distribution request 45 and requests the acquisition of the image file 27 in the personal folder 25 and the image file 27SH in the shared folder 26 specified by the user ID of the image distribution request 45.

[0039] The image DB server 18 reads the image files 27 in the personal folder 25 and the image files 27SH in the shared folder 26 corresponding to the image acquisition request 80 from the image DB 19, and transmits the read image files 27 and image files 27SH to the image distribution server 10. The image acquisition unit 71 acquires the image files 27 and image files 27SH transmitted from the image DB server 18 in response to the image acquisition request 80. The image acquisition unit 71 outputs the acquired image files 27 and image files 27SH to the distribution control unit 77. Further, the image acquisition unit 71 outputs the acquired image file 27SH to the classification unit 72. When there is no shared folder 26 designated by the user ID of the image distribution request 45, only the image file 27 in the personal folder 25 is acquired by the image acquisition unit 71.

[0040] When the recommended image distribution request 46 is input from the request reception unit 70, the classification unit 72 classifies the device information 38 included in the image file 27SH in the shared folder 26 (hereinafter referred to as the recommended designated shared folder 26SP, see FIG. 13 etc.) designated by the recommended image distribution request 46 into the first device information 38F and the second device information 38S. The classification unit 72 outputs the classification result 81 to the evaluation value derivation unit 74.

[0041] The RW control unit 73 controls the storage of various information in the storage device 55A and the reading of various information in the storage device 55A. For example, the RW control unit 73 reads the evaluation value table set 66 from the storage device 55A, and outputs the read evaluation value table set 66 to the evaluation value derivation unit 74. The evaluation value table set 66 is composed of a main body evaluation value table 82 and a lens evaluation value table 83.

[0042] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives a performance evaluation value regarding the performance of the imaging device 11 based on the device information 38 included in the image file 27SH in the recommended specified shared folder 26SP, the classification result 81 from the classification unit 72, and the evaluation value table set 66 from the RW control unit 73. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 outputs the derivation result 84 of the performance evaluation value to the specifying unit 75. Hereinafter, the performance evaluation value of the first imaging device 11F is referred to as the first performance evaluation value, and the performance evaluation value of the second imaging device 11S is referred to as the second performance evaluation value.

[0043] Based on the derivation result 84 from the evaluation value derivation unit 74, the specifying unit 75 specifies the second device information 38S of the second imaging device 11S having a second performance evaluation value equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value (hereinafter referred to as high-performance second device information 38SS, see Fig. 15 etc.). Since the second device information 38S is associated with the image 28SH, by specifying the high-performance second device information 38SS, the specifying unit 75 specifies the image 28SH of the second user 17S corresponding to the second imaging device 11S having a second performance evaluation value equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value (hereinafter referred to as the specified image 90, see Fig. 16 and Fig. 21 etc.). The specifying unit 75 outputs the specification result 85 of the high-performance second device information 38SS to the setting unit 76.

[0044] The setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH for the first user 17F. More specifically, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS specified by the specifying unit 75, that is, the specified image 90, higher than that of other images 28SH. The setting unit 76 outputs the setting result 86 of the presentation priority to the distribution control unit 77.

[0045] The distribution control unit 77 controls the distribution of the image file 27 and the image file 27SH from the image acquisition unit 71 to the user terminal 12 that is the source of the image distribution request 45. At this time, the distribution control unit 77 distributes the image file 27SH in a manner that enables identification of the shared folder 26 to which it belongs. Further, the distribution control unit 77 generates recommended image information 47 based on the setting result 86 from the setting unit 76, and controls the distribution of the generated recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12 that is the source of the recommended image distribution request 46. Note that the recommended image information 47 is information including, for example, the display priority based on the image 28 and the high-performance second device information 38SS.

[0046] Hereinafter, in the user group 30 shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user 17 with the user ID [U5] sends a recommended image distribution request 46 for the shared folder 26 named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]", various processes executed by each processing unit of the processor 57A will be described. For this reason, in the following example, the user 17 with the user ID [U5] becomes the first user 17F. Also, the imaging device 11 corresponding to the user 17 with the user ID [U5] becomes the first imaging device 11F. And the device information 38 of the imaging device 11 corresponding to the user 17 with the user ID [U5] becomes the first device information 38F. On the other hand, the users 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] become the second users 17S. Also, the imaging devices 11 corresponding to the users 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] become the second imaging devices 11S. And the device information 38 of the imaging devices 11 corresponding to the users 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] becomes the second device information 38S. Further, the shared folder 26 named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" becomes the recommended designated shared folder 26SP. Note that in the following example, it is assumed that each user 17 uses one imaging device 11 for shooting at the event.

[0047] Figure 13 shows the classification process executed in the classification unit 72. In this case, since the user ID specified in the recommended image distribution request 46 is [U5], the classification unit 72 recognizes the user 17 with the user ID [U5] as the first user 17F. Then, the classification unit 72 classifies the type of the device information 38[U5] included in the image file 27SH with the user ID [U5] into the first device information 38F.

[0048] On the other hand, the classification unit 72 recognizes the users 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20], other than the user 17 with the user ID [U5], as the second user 17S. Then, the classification unit 72 classifies the types of the device information 38[U10], 38[U15], and 38[U20] included in the image files 27SH with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] into the second device information 38S. The classification unit 72 generates a classification result 81 in which the device information 38 and its type are registered for each user ID, and outputs the generated classification result 81 to the evaluation value derivation unit 74.

[0049] Figure 14 shows the evaluation value derivation process executed in the evaluation value derivation unit 74. First, the main body evaluation value table 82 and the lens evaluation value table 83 will be described. In the main body evaluation value table 82, the main body performance evaluation values corresponding to the model names of the main bodies of the imaging devices 11 are registered. Also, in the lens evaluation value table 83, the lens performance evaluation values corresponding to the model names of the lenses are registered. The main body performance evaluation value is an evaluation value regarding the performance of the main body of the imaging device 11. The lens performance evaluation value is an evaluation value regarding the performance of the lens. The higher the main body performance evaluation value of the imaging device 11, the better the performance. Similarly, for the lens, the higher the lens performance evaluation value, the better the performance. For this reason, for example, "FD2a" with a main body performance evaluation value of 180 has better performance than "FD1a" with a main body performance evaluation value of 100 and "FD1b" with a main body performance evaluation value of 150.

[0050] In FIG. 14, the case where the model name registered in the first main body information 39F of the first device information 38F[U5] is "FD1a" and the model name registered in the first lens information 40F is "FL1b" is illustrated. According to the main body evaluation value table 82, the main body performance evaluation value of "FD1a" is 100. Also, according to the lens evaluation value table 83, the lens performance evaluation value of "FL1b" is 65. Therefore, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value of the first imaging device 11F represented by the first device information 38F[U5] as 100 + 65 = 165.

[0051] Also, in FIG. 14, the case where the model name registered in the second main body information 39S of the second device information 38S[U20] is "FD2a" and the model name registered in the second lens information 40S is "FL1a" is illustrated. According to the main body evaluation value table 82, the main body performance evaluation value of "FD2a" is 180. Also, according to the lens evaluation value table 83, the lens performance evaluation value of "FL1a" is 50. Therefore, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the second performance evaluation value of the second imaging device 11S represented by the second device information 38S[U20] as 180 + 50 = 230.

[0052] Similarly, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the second performance evaluation value of the second imaging device 11S represented by the second device information 38S[U10] as 165, and the second performance evaluation value of the second imaging device 11S represented by the second device information 38S[U15] as 110. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 generates a derivation result 84 in which the device information 38, the type of the device information 38, and the performance evaluation value are registered for each user ID, and outputs the generated derivation result 84 to the specifying unit 75. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 is an example of the "first acquisition unit" and the "second acquisition unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 15 shows the specific process executed in the specific part 75. In this case, according to the derivation result 84, the second performance evaluation value of 165 or more, which is the first performance evaluation value, corresponds to the second performance evaluation value of 165 corresponding to the user ID [U10] and the second performance evaluation value of 230 corresponding to the user ID [U20]. Therefore, the specific part 75 specifies the second device information 38S[U10] and the second device information 38S[U20] as the high-performance second device information 38SS. By thus specifying the high-performance second device information 38SS in the specific part 75, the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S, that is, the specific image 90 is specified. The specific part 75 generates a specific result 85 in which the specified high-performance second device information 38SS and the second performance evaluation value are associated, and outputs the generated specific result 85 to the setting part 76.

[0054] Figure 16 shows the setting process executed in the setting part 76. In this case, the setting part 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U20], whose second performance evaluation value is relatively high at 230, to the first place. Also, the setting part 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U10], whose second performance evaluation value is relatively low at 165, to the second place.

[0055] Furthermore, the setting part 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U15], whose second performance evaluation value is less than the first performance evaluation value, to the third place. And the setting part 76 sets not to present the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U15] as a recommended image. The image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U15] is an example of the "other shared image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The setting part 76 generates a setting result 86 in which the thus set presentation priority is associated with each image file 27SH, and outputs the generated setting result 86 to the distribution control part 77.

[0056] FIG. 17 summarizes the series of processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. That is, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 165, which is the first performance evaluation value, based on the first device information 38F regarding the first imaging device 11F of the first user 17F. Further, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 165, 110, and 230, which are the second performance evaluation values, based on the second device information 38S regarding the second imaging device 11S of the second user 17S. Thereby, the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value are obtained.

[0057] The first device information 38F that the evaluation value derivation unit 74 refers to for deriving the first performance evaluation value is the information of the first imaging device 11F that captured the image 28SH. In other words, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value based only on the first device information 38F of the first imaging device 11F associated with the image 28SH. Similarly, the second device information 38S that the evaluation value derivation unit 74 refers to for deriving the second performance evaluation value is the information of the second imaging device 11S that captured the image 28SH. In other words, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the second performance evaluation value based only on the second device information 38S of the second imaging device 11S associated with the image 28SH.

[0058] Based on the derivation result 84, the specifying unit 75 specifies the second device information 38S[U10] and the second device information 38S[U20] as the high-performance second device information 38SS.

[0059] Based on the specifying result 85, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U10] to the second place. Further, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U20] to the first place. Furthermore, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U15] to the third place and sets not to present it.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 18, the distribution control unit 77 generates recommended image information 47 in which the image ID and user ID of the specific image 90 are registered for each presentation priority. As described above, in this example, since the setting unit 76 is set not to present the image 28SH whose presentation priority is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (for example, the third place), the image ID etc. of the image 28SH with the third presentation priority are not registered. Note that the setting unit 76 is set not to present an image 28 other than the specific image 90 associated with the second device information 38S having lower performance than the first device information 38F, and the distribution control unit 77 may not transmit an image 28 other than the specific image 90 to the user terminal 12 as the recommended image information 47.

[0061] In FIG. 19, an image viewing AP 95 is stored in the storage device 55B of the user terminal 12. When the image viewing AP 95 is executed and a web browser dedicated to the image viewing AP 95 is launched, the processor 57B of the imaging device 11 functions as a browser control unit 100 in cooperation with the memory 56 and the like. The browser control unit 100 controls the operation of the web browser. The browser control unit 100 receives the image file 27 and the image file 27SH from the image distribution server 10, as well as the recommended image information 47 and the like. The browser control unit 100 generates various screens such as an image display screen 105 (see FIG. 20) for displaying the image 28 of the image file 27 and the image 28SH of the image file 27SH, and a recommended image display screen 110 (see FIG. 21) for displaying the specific image 90 as a recommended image, and presents them on the display 59B. Shown.

[0062] In addition, the browser control unit 100 receives various operation instructions input from the input device 60B by the user 17 through various screens. The operation instructions include an image distribution instruction to the image distribution server 10, a recommended image distribution instruction, and the like. The image distribution instruction also serves as, for example, an instruction to start the image viewing AP 95. The browser control unit 100 transmits a request corresponding to the operation instruction to the image distribution server 10. Specifically, the browser control unit 100 transmits an image distribution request 45 to the image distribution server 10 in response to the image distribution instruction to the image distribution server 10. In addition, the browser control unit 100 transmits a recommended image distribution request 46 to the image distribution server 10 in response to the recommended image distribution instruction to the image distribution server 10.

[0063] FIG. 20 shows an image display screen 105 displaying an image 28SH included in the image file 27SH in the shared folder 26. A plurality of images 28SH are listed on the image display screen 105, for example, in the order of shooting date and time. When the shared folder selection button 106 is selected on the image display screen 105, a context menu 107 is pop-up displayed. The shared folder selection button 106 is displayed corresponding to each of one or more shared folders 26 on the image display screen 105. In addition, the shared folder selection button 106 is star-shaped, but is not limited thereto, and any button that allows the user 17 to select a specific shared folder 26 from among the plurality of shared folders 26 may be used.

[0064] The context menu 107 displays a recommended image distribution instruction button 108 and a cancel button 109. When the recommended image distribution instruction button 108 is selected, a recommended image distribution instruction is input to the browser control unit 100, and a recommended image distribution request 46 is sent from the browser control unit 100 to the image distribution server 10. When the cancel button 109 is selected, the display of the context menu 107 is canceled. In this embodiment, when the recommended image distribution instruction button 108 is selected after the shared folder selection button 106 is selected, a recommended image distribution request 46 specifying the shared folder 26 is sent, but it is not limited to this. By selecting the shared folder selection button 106, a recommended image distribution request 46 may be made for the selected shared folder 26 without displaying the context menu 107.

[0065] FIG. 21 shows a recommended image display screen 110 that displays a specific image 90 as a recommended image. The recommended image display screen 110 has a recommended image display area 111. A plurality of specific images 90 are displayed in a horizontally long strip in the recommended image display area 111. At this time, the specific images 90 are displayed according to the presentation priority set by the setting unit 76. In the case of the example shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, as shown in the figure, the specific image 90 [U20] with the highest presentation priority, which is associated with the second device information 38S [U20], is arranged together on the left side with a relatively high recommendation degree. And the specific image 90 [U10] with the second highest presentation priority, which is associated with the second device information 38S [U10], is arranged together on the right side with a relatively low recommendation degree. That is, the specific images 90 are rearranged and displayed according to the presentation priority.

[0066] In the specific image 90 in the recommended image display area 111, a mark 112 indicating that it is a recommended image is displayed. Inside the mark 112, a number indicating the presentation priority is displayed. The specific image 90 in the recommended image display area 111 is arranged on the left side, for example, the older the shooting date and time. The specific image 90 in the recommended image display area 111 is scrolled and displayed by a horizontal scroll operation. Also, the specific images 90 in the recommended image display area 111 can each be selected and enlarged for display.

[0067] FIG. 22 shows a recommended image display screen 110 in which one of the specific images 90 in the recommended image display area 111 is selected and enlarged for display. In this case, on the recommended image display screen 110, the high-performance second device information 38SS associated with the enlarged specific image 90 is displayed. Specifically, among the high-performance second device information 38SS, the manufacturer name (denoted as the camera manufacturer in FIG. 22) and the model name (denoted as the camera model in FIG. 22) of the main body of the second imaging device 11S included in the second main body information 39S are displayed. Also, among the high-performance second device information 38SS, the manufacturer name (denoted as the lens manufacturer in FIG. 22) and the model name (denoted as the lens model in FIG. 22) of the lens included in the second lens information 40S are displayed. A link 115 to the product introduction web page of the main body of the second imaging device 11S is attached to the model name of the main body of the second imaging device 11S. Similarly, a link 116 to the product introduction web page of the lens is attached to the model name of the lens. Below the high-performance second device information 38SS, a display switching button 117 is provided. When the display switching button 117 is selected, as shown in FIG. 23, instead of the high-performance second device information 38SS, the shooting conditions 37 are displayed. These shooting conditions 37 are the shooting conditions 37 of the second imaging device 11S associated with the enlarged specific image 90 and are the shooting conditions 37 set when the enlarged specific image 90 was shot.

[0068]

[0069] ​Below the shooting condition 37, a display switching button 117 is also provided. When the display switching button 117 is selected, the display of the shooting condition 37 is switched to the display of the high-performance second device information 38SS, and the recommended image display screen 110 is returned to the display state shown in FIG. 22.

[0070] Next to the display switching button 117, a print order button 118 is provided. When the print order button 118 is selected, it becomes possible to order a photo print of the specific image 90 that is enlarged and displayed.

[0071] Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 24 and 25. When the operation program 65 is started, the processor 57A of the image distribution server 10 functions as a request reception unit 70, an image acquisition unit 71, a classification unit 72, an RW control unit 73, an evaluation value derivation unit 74, a specification unit 75, a setting unit 76, and a distribution control unit 77, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 24, when an image distribution request 45 is received by the request reception unit 70 (YES in step ST100), an image acquisition request 80 is transmitted from the image acquisition unit 71 to the image DB server 18 (step ST110). Then, the image files 27 in the personal folder 25 and the image files 27SH in the shared folder 26 transmitted from the image DB server 18 in response to the image acquisition request 80 are acquired by the image acquisition unit 71 (step ST120).

[0073] The image file 27 and the image file 27SH are output from the image acquisition unit 71 to the distribution control unit 77. The image file 27 and the image file 27SH are distributed by the distribution control unit 77 to the user terminal 12 that is the transmission source of the image distribution request 45 (step ST130).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 25, when the recommended image distribution request 46 is received in the request reception unit 70 (YES in step ST200), the classification process shown in FIG. 13 is executed in the classification unit 72 (step ST210). As a result, the device information 38 included in the image file 27SH in the recommended designated shared folder 26SP is classified into the first device information 38F and the second device information 38S. The classification result 81 generated by the classification unit 72 by this classification process is output to the evaluation value derivation unit 74.

[0075] Next, in the evaluation value derivation unit 74, the evaluation value derivation process shown in FIG. 14 is executed (step ST220). As a result, a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of the first imaging device 11F, and a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of the second imaging device 11S are derived. The derivation result 84 generated by the evaluation value derivation unit 74 by this evaluation value derivation process is output to the specifying unit 75. Step ST220 is an example of the "first acquisition step" and the "second acquisition step" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0076] In the specifying unit 75, the specifying process shown in FIG. 15 is executed (step ST230). As a result, the high-performance second device information 38SS is specified. The specifying result 85 generated by the specifying unit 75 by this specifying process is output to the setting unit 76. Step ST230 is an example of the "specifying step" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0077] Subsequently, in the setting unit 76, the setting process shown in FIG. 16 is executed (step ST240). As a result, the presentation priority of the image 28SH for the first user 17F is set, and the presentation priority of the specific image 90 is set higher than that of the other images 28SH. The setting result 86 generated by the setting unit 76 by this setting process is output to the distribution control unit 77. Step ST240 is an example of the "setting step" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 18, in the distribution control unit 77, recommended image information 47 that follows the content of the setting result 86 is generated. The recommended image information 47 is distributed by the distribution control unit 77 to the user terminal 12 that is the transmission source of the recommended image distribution request 46 (step ST250).

[0079] On the user terminal 12, based on the recommended image information 47, the recommended image display screen 110 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. Also, in response to the operation of the first user 17F, the high-performance second device information 38SS associated with the specific image 90 is displayed as shown in FIG. 22, and the shooting conditions 37 associated with the specific image 90 are displayed as shown in FIG. 23.

[0080] As described above, the processor 57A of the image distribution server 10 includes an evaluation value derivation unit 74, a specification unit 75, and a setting unit 76. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives and acquires a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of the first imaging device 11F of the first user 17F, who is one of the plurality of users 17 constituting the user group 30. Also, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives and acquires a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of the second imaging device 11S of the second user 17S, who is different from the first user 17F, among the plurality of users 17 constituting the user group 30. The specification unit 75 specifies the image 28SH (specific image 90) of the second user 17S corresponding to the second imaging device 11S having a second performance evaluation value equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value from among the images 28SH in the recommended designated shared folder 26SP. The setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 for the first user 17F to be higher than that of other images 28SH. In short, the image distribution server 10 preferentially presents the image 28SH captured by the second imaging device 11S having a performance equal to or higher than that of the first imaging device 11F to the first user 17F. Therefore, it becomes possible to preferentially present images that are relatively more desirable for the image 28F of the first user 17F.

[0081] The distribution control unit 77 distributes the recommended image information 47 with the presentation priority registered to the user terminal 12 of the first user 17F. As a result, the images 28SH are presented on the user terminal 12 after being sorted according to the presentation priority. Therefore, the first user 17F can understand the presentation priority of the images 28SH from the order of the images 28SH. The images 28SH with relatively high presentation priority can be easily found.

[0082] The distribution control unit 77 presents the shooting conditions 37 of the second imaging device 11S associated with the specific image 90 by distributing the image file 27SH to the user terminal 12 of the first user 17F. Therefore, the first user 17F can know how to set the shooting conditions 37 to obtain the presented specific image 90, and it can be a useful clue when setting the shooting conditions 37 in the next shooting. Therefore, it can contribute to the improvement of the shooting skills of the first user 17F can be contributed.

[0083] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives a first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F regarding the first imaging device 11F, and derives a second performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S regarding the second imaging device 11S. Therefore, the first performance evaluation value corresponding to the first imaging device 11F and the second performance evaluation value corresponding to the second imaging device 11S can be surely derived.

[0084] The distribution control unit 77 presents the high-performance second device information 38SS of the second imaging device 11S associated with the specific image 90 by distributing the image file 27S to the user terminal 12 of the first user 17F. Therefore, the first user 17F can know what kind of the second imaging device 11S was used for shooting the specific image 90. Also, it can be a trigger to direct the interest of the first user 17F to the second imaging device 11S. It can lead to more effective promotion of the second imaging device 11S than presenting the advertisement of the second imaging device 11S abruptly to the first user 17F who is not interested in the second imaging device 11S.

[0085] The first device information 38F is composed of first body information 39F regarding the body of the first imaging device 11F and first lens information 40F regarding the lens built in or attached to the body of the first imaging device 11F. Also, the second device information 38S is composed of second body information 39S regarding the body of the second imaging device 11S and second lens information 40S regarding the lens built in or attached to the body of the second imaging device 11S. Therefore, even when the combination of the body and the lens of the imaging device 11 is changed, such as in the case of an interchangeable-lens camera, the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value can be derived without problems.

[0086] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value based only on the first device information 38F of the first imaging device 11F associated with the image 28SH, and derives the second performance evaluation value based only on the second device information 38S of the second imaging device 11S associated with the image 28SH. Therefore, the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value can be derived without much effort.

[0087] In addition, when the first user 17F uses a plurality of first imaging devices 11F for shooting at an event, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value for each of the plurality of first imaging devices 11F. Then, the maximum value among the first performance evaluation values derived for each of the plurality of first imaging devices 11F is used as the final first performance evaluation value for the identification process in the identification unit 75. Alternatively, the first performance evaluation value derived for one first imaging device 11F with the largest number of captured images of the image 28SH among the plurality of first imaging devices 11F may be used as the final first performance evaluation value. The average value of the first performance evaluation values derived for each of the plurality of first imaging devices 11F may also be used as the final first performance evaluation value.

[0088] The same applies when the first imaging device 11F is an interchangeable-lens camera and the first user 17F changes the lens and shoots during the event. For example, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value for each of a plurality of combinations of the body and the lens of the first imaging device 11F, and uses the maximum value among them as the final first performance evaluation value.

[0089] Even when the second user 17F uses a plurality of second imaging devices 11S for imaging at an event, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives a second performance evaluation value for each of the plurality of second imaging devices 11S. The specifying unit 75 compares the magnitude of the second performance evaluation value derived for each of the plurality of second imaging devices 11S with the first performance evaluation value, and specifies the high-performance second device information 38SS. Alternatively, similar to the case of the above first performance evaluation value, the second performance evaluation value derived for one second imaging device 11S with the largest number of captured images 28SH among the plurality of second imaging devices 11S may be used as the final second performance evaluation value in the specifying process in the specifying unit 75. Also, the average value of the second performance evaluation values derived for each of the plurality of second imaging devices 11S may be used as the final second performance evaluation value. Note that the same applies when the second imaging device 11S is an interchangeable-lens camera and the second user 17S replaces the lens during the event for imaging.

[0090] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, the images 28SH are classified into a plurality of attribute groups based on the attribute information of each of the plurality of images 28SH. Then, the images 28SH are presented to the first user 17F for each attribute group.

[0091] FIGS. 26 and 27 are examples in which the attribute information is the subject of the image 28SH. First, as shown in FIG. 26, in addition to each processing unit 70 to 77 (only the distribution control unit 77 is shown in FIG. 26) of the first embodiment, the processor 57A of the image distribution server 10 functions as an image classification unit 120. The image classification unit 120 performs a subject recognition process on a specific image 90 among the images 28SH included in the image file 27SH in the recommended designated shared folder 26SP. The subject to be recognized is specifically a person. Then, the specific image 90 is classified into one of the plurality of subject groups 121. When two or more persons are shown in the specific image 90, the image classification unit 120 classifies the specific image 90 into the subject group 121 corresponding to one person shown in the center, for example.

[0092] The image classification unit 120 generates a classification result 122 in which the image ID and user ID of the specific image 90 are registered for each subject group 121, and outputs the generated classification result 122 to the distribution control unit 77. In FIG. 26, the state of classifying the specific image 90 of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" into the first subject group 121A, the second subject group 121B, the third subject group 121C, ··· is shown. The subject group 121 is an example of the "attribute group" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0093] In addition to the setting result 86 from the setting unit 76, the distribution control unit 77 also copies the classification result 122 from the image classification unit 120 to generate recommended image information 123. The distribution control unit 77 distributes the generated recommended image information 123 to the user terminal 12 that is the transmission source of the recommended image distribution request 46.

[0094] FIG. 27 shows a recommended image display screen 110 displayed on the display 59B of the user terminal 12 when the recommended image information 123 is received. In this case, the recommended image display area 111 is divided into a plurality of areas 125. Each area 125 is an area corresponding to each subject group 121. For example, the area 125A is an area corresponding to the first subject group 121A. At the left end of each area 125, a face image 126 of a person recognized as a subject is displayed. For example, in the area 125B, a face image 126B of a person recognized as the second subject is displayed. The face image 126 is extracted from, for example, one representative specific image 90. In each area 125, the specific images 90 belonging to each subject group 121 are displayed in a horizontally long strip shape. For example, in the area 125C, the specific images 90 belonging to the third subject group 121C are displayed. That is, the specific image 90 is presented for each subject group 121.

[0095] In FIGS. 26 and 27, an example is shown where the presentation priority of specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0012(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)", ···) corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U20" is set to the first place, and the presentation priority of specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ···) corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" is set to the second place. Also, specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ··· are classified into the first subject group 121A, specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0012(U20)", ··· are classified into the second subject group 121B, and specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "I MG0016(U20)", ··· are classified into the third subject group 121C, respectively. And only specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" are classified into the first subject group 121A. In this case, in the region 125A corresponding to the first subject group 121A, as shown in FIG. 27, although the presentation priority is the second place, the specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)") corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" and having the highest presentation priority within the first subject group 121A are preferentially displayed. Also, in the region 125B corresponding to the second subject group 121B, specific images 90 are displayed in the order of "IMG0012(U20)" with the first presentation priority and "IMG0003(U10)" with the second presentation priority. In addition, when the presentation priorities of all specific images 90 classified into one subject group 121 are the same, such as in the case of the first subject group 121A, they may be arranged and displayed in order from the oldest shooting date.

[0096] Figures 28 and 29 show an example in which the attribute information is the shooting date and time of the image 28SH. First, as shown in FIG. 28, the processor 57A of the image distribution server 10 functions as an image classification unit 130 in the same manner as in the case of FIG. 26. The image classification unit 130 classifies a specific image 90 among the images 28SH included in the image file 27SH in the recommended designated shared folder 26SP into one of a plurality of time zone groups 131 based on the shooting date and time.

[0097] The image classification unit 130 generates a classification result 132 in which the image ID and user ID of the specific image 90 are registered for each time zone group 131, and outputs the generated classification result 132 to the distribution control unit 77. In FIG. 28, the state of classifying the specific image 90 of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" into the first time zone group 131A, the second time zone group 131B, the third time zone group 131C, etc. is shown. The time zone group 131 is an example of an "attribute group" according to the technology of the present disclosure, similar to the subject group 121.

[0098] In addition to the setting result 86 from the setting unit 76, the distribution control unit 77 also copies the classification result 132 from the image classification unit 130 to generate recommended image information 133. The distribution control unit 77 distributes the generated recommended image information 133 to the user terminal 12 that is the transmission source of the recommended image distribution request 46.

[0099] FIG. 29 shows a recommended image display screen 110 that is displayed on the display 59B of the user terminal 12 when the recommended image information 133 is received. In this case, similar to the case of FIG. 27, the recommended image display area 111 is divided into a plurality of areas 135. Each area 135 is an area corresponding to each time zone group 131. For example, area 135A is an area corresponding to the first time zone group 131A. At the left end of each area 135, a character 136 indicating each time zone is displayed. For example, in area 135B, the character 136B indicating the second time zone, "09:31~10:00", is displayed. In each area 135, specific images 90 belonging to each time zone group 131 are displayed in a horizontally long strip shape in succession. For example, in area 135C, specific images 90 belonging to the third time zone group 131C are displayed. That is, the specific images 90 are presented for each time zone group 131.

[0100] In FIGS. 28 and 29, similar to the cases of FIGS. 26 and 27, the presentation priority of the specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0012(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)", ···) corresponding to the second user 17S with the user ID "U20" is set to the first place, and the presentation priority of the specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ···) corresponding to the second user 17S with the user ID "U10" is set to the second place. Also, the specific images 90 of the image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ··· For example, when specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0012(U20)",... are classified into the first time - zone group 131A, specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)",... are classified into the second time - zone group 131B, and specific images 90 are classified into the third time - zone group 131C respectively. And in the first time - zone group 131A, only specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" are classified. In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, in the region 135A corresponding to the first time - zone group 131A, although the presentation priority is the second, the specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)") with the highest presentation priority within the first time - zone group 131A are preferentially displayed. Also, in the region 135B corresponding to the second time - zone group 131B, specific images 90 are displayed in the order of "IMG0012(U20)" with the first presentation priority and "IMG0003(U10)" with the second presentation priority. In addition, when the presentation priorities of all specific images 90 classified into one time - zone group 131 are the same, as in the first time - zone group 131A, they may be arranged and displayed in order from the oldest shooting date and time, for example.

[0101] In this way, based on the attribute information of each of the plurality of images 28SH, if the images 28SH are classified into a plurality of attribute groups (subject group 121, time - zone group 131) and the images 28SH are presented for each attribute group, the first user 17F can more easily find the specific image 90 he / she is looking for.

[0102] In the aspect where the attribute information is the subject as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, in an event such as a sports meet where an unspecified number of people are photographed as the subject, the first user 17F can easily find the specific image 90 including the subject he / she is looking for, such as his / her own child. In the aspect where the attribute information is the shooting date and time as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, in an event such as a sports meet where the subject changes every time - zone, for example, the specific image 90 of the time - zone of the event in which his / her own child participated can be easily found.

[0103] Note that the attribute information is not limited to the exemplified subject and shooting date and time. The shooting location may be adopted as the attribute information. In this case, for example, in the soccer game shown in FIG. 1, the specific image 90 is classified into the location group of the spectator seats 16 where the second user 17S is located, such as the main stand, the back stand, and the side stand, and the specific image 90 is presented for each location group. In this way, the first user 17F can easily find the specific image 90 and the like at a location different from the spectator seat 16 where he himself is located, for example.

[0104] The image 28SH may be classified based on a plurality of attribute information, such as further classifying the subject group 121 into the time zone group 131. Also, only the subject group 121 of one or more subjects designated by the user 17 may be displayed. Similarly, only the time zone group 131 of one or more time zones designated by the user 17 may be displayed.

[0105] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 of the second user 17S corresponding to the second imaging device 11S in which the second device information 38S matches or is similar to the first device information 38F is set higher than that of other specific images 90.

[0106] In FIG. 30, the setting unit 76 is provided with the similar body model information 140 and the similar lens model information 141. In the similar body model information 140, the model names of the bodies with similar performance are registered for each model name of the body of the imaging device 11. Similarly, in the similar lens model information 141, the model names of the lenses with similar performance are registered for each model name of the lens. The similar body model information 140 and the similar lens model information 141 are stored in the storage device 55A and are read from the storage device 55A by the RW control unit 73 and output to the setting unit 76.

[0107] The setting unit 76 uses the similar main body model information 140 to determine whether there is a model in the high-performance second device information 38SS that matches the model of the main body of the first imaging device 11F registered in the first main body information 39F of the first device information 38F, or a model with similar performance to the model, and is registered in the second main body information 39S. Also, the setting unit 76 uses the similar lens model information 141 to determine whether there is a model in the high-performance second device information 38SS that matches the model of the lens registered in the first lens information 40F of the first device information 38F, or a model with similar performance to the model, and is registered in the second lens information 40S. That is, the setting unit 76 determines whether there is high-performance second device information 38SS (hereinafter referred to as specific second device information 38SSS) in which at least one of a model that matches the main body of the first imaging device 11F, a model with similar performance to the main body of the first imaging device 11F, a model that matches the lens of the first imaging device 11F, and a model with similar performance to the lens of the first imaging device 11F is registered. If there is specific second device information 38SSS, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the specific second device information 38SSS to be higher than that of the specific image 90 associated with other high-performance second device information 38SS.

[0108] In FIG. 30, the case where user 17 with user ID [U25] is the first user 17F is illustrated. Further, in FIG. 30, the case where user 17 with user IDs [U30] and [U35] is the second user 17S and is the second user 17S associated with high-performance second device information 38SS is illustrated. The first performance evaluation value derived by the first device information 38F[U25] is 140, the second performance evaluation value derived by the second device information 38S[U30] is 150, and the second performance evaluation value derived by the second device information 38S[U35] is 230. And the model name of the first main body information 39F[U25] has "FD1a" registered, and the model name of the first lens information 40F[U25] has "FL2a" registered respectively. Also, the model name of the second main body information 39S[U30] has "FD2b" registered, and the model name of the second lens information 40S[U30] has "FL2a" registered respectively. Further, the model name of the second main body information 39S[U35] has "FD2a" registered, and the model name of the second lens information 40S[U35] has "FL1a" registered respectively.

[0109] According to the similar main body model information 140, the model name "FD2b" registered in the second main body information 39S[U30] is similar in performance to the model name "FD1a" registered in the first main body information 39F[U25]. Also, the model name "FL2a" registered in the second lens information 40S[U30] matches the model name "FL2a" registered in the first lens information 40F[U25]. For this reason, the setting unit 76 determines the high-performance second device information 38SS[U30] as the specific second device information 38SSS. On the other hand, since the model name of the second main body information 39S[U35] and the model name of the second lens information 40S[U35] do not match the model names of the first main body information 39F[U25] and the first lens information 40F[U25] and are not similar in performance, the setting unit 76 does not determine it as the specific second device information 38SSS.

[0110] The setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the specific second device information 38SSS[U30] to the first place. Further, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U35] to the second place.

[0111] Thus, in the third embodiment, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 of the second user 17S corresponding to the second imaging device 11S in which the second device information 38S matches or is similar to the first device information 38F is set higher than that of other specific images 90. In other words, the specific image 90 captured by the first imaging device 11F corresponding to the first user 17F and the second imaging device 11S with matching or similar performance is preferentially presented to the first user 17F. For this reason, the first user 17F can first see the specific image 90 that matches or is similar to the image quality of the images that the user is used to seeing on a daily basis. Also, compared with the specific image 90 captured by the second imaging device 11S with a large difference in performance, the method of setting the shooting conditions 37, the shooting composition, etc. can be referred to without resistance. In addition, the specific image 90 that matches or is similar to the image quality of the images that the user is used to seeing on a daily basis can be made to first catch the eye of the first user 17F. Also, compared with the specific image 90 captured by the second imaging device 11S with a large difference in performance, the method of setting the shooting conditions 37, the shooting composition, etc. can be referred to without resistance.

[0112] In the case where both the model of the main body of the first imaging device 11F and the model of the lens match the specific second device information 38SSS, and the specific second device information 38SSS in which either the model of the main body of the first imaging device 11F or the model of the lens matches is mixed, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the former specific second device information 38SSS may be set higher than that of the latter. Similarly, in the case where the specific second device information 38SSS in which at least one of the model of the main body of the first imaging device 11F and the model of the lens matches, and the specific second device information 38SSS in which at least one of the performance of the model of the main body of the first imaging device 11F and the performance of the model of the lens is similar are mixed, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the former specific second device information 38SSS may be set higher than that of the latter.

[0113] [Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the performance evaluation value is derived using the evaluation value table set 66, but it is not limited to this. As in the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 31 to 36, a performance evaluation value obtained by integrating a plurality of evaluation items may be derived.

[0114] In FIG. 31, the main body information 145 of this embodiment has a plurality of evaluation items 146 representing the performance of the main body of the imaging device 11. The evaluation items 146 include the number of pixels, the size of the imaging element, the maximum ISO sensitivity, the fastest AF (Auto Focus) time, the release time lag, the fastest continuous shooting speed, the number of shooting modes, the startup time, the release date, and the like. For the number of pixels and the size of the imaging element, the number of pixels and the size of the imaging element built in the main body of the imaging device 11 are registered. For the maximum ISO sensitivity, the maximum value of the settable ISO sensitivity is registered. For the number of shooting modes, the total number of settable shooting modes is registered. The data registered in these evaluation items 146 includes not only the data from the main body information 39 of the image file 27S but also the data provided by the manufacturer of the main body of the imaging device 11.

[0115] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives item-by-item performance evaluation values Ci (i = 1, 2, 3, ···, M, where M is the total number of evaluation items 146) for each evaluation item 146 as shown in Table 147. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 multiplies the derived item-by-item performance evaluation value Ci by the main body coefficient KCi shown in Table 148 and calculates the sum Σ(Ci × KCi). Note that the main body coefficient KCi is an example of the "evaluation criteria" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0116] In FIG. 32, the lens information 150 of this embodiment has a plurality of evaluation items 151 representing the performance of the lens. The evaluation items 151 include the open F value, the longest focal length, the shortest focal length, the maximum angle of view, the minimum angle of view, the release date, and the like. The data registered in these evaluation items 151 includes not only the data from the lens information 40 of the image file 27S but also the data provided by the manufacturer of the lens.

[0117] Similar to the case of the main body information 145, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives item-specific performance evaluation values Li (i = 1, 2, 3, ···, N, where N is the total number of evaluation items 151) for each evaluation item 151 as shown in Table 152. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 multiplies the derived item-specific performance evaluation values Li by the lens coefficient KLi shown in Table 153 and calculates the sum Σ(Li×KLi). Then, this sum Σ(Li×KLi) and the sum Σ(Ci×KCi) calculated based on the evaluation item 146 are added together to calculate the final performance evaluation value used for the specific processing in the specific unit 75. That is, when the final performance evaluation value is Z, it is represented by the following formula (1). Z = Σ(Ci×KCi)+Σ(Li×KLi) ···(1) Note that the lens coefficient KLi, similar to the main body coefficient KCi, is an example of the "evaluation criteria" related to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0118] FIG. 33 shows how the sum Σ(Ci×KCi) is calculated from the first main body information 145F. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 refers to the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 155 to derive the item-by-item performance evaluation value Ci. The item-by-item performance evaluation value table 155 is prepared for each evaluation item 146. In the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 155, the item-by-item performance evaluation value Ci is registered for each data registered in the evaluation item 146. For example, in the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 155_1 for pixel values, 3 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value C1 when the number of pixels is 7.5 million pixels or more and less than 10 million pixels, and 4 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value C1 when the number of pixels is 10 million pixels or more and less than 12.5 million pixels. Also, in the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 155_4 for the maximum ISO sensitivity, 3 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value C4 when the maximum ISO sensitivity is 3200 or more and less than 6400, and 4 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value C4 when the maximum ISO sensitivity is 6400 or more and less than 12800. The item-by-item performance evaluation value table 155 is stored in the storage device 55A, read from the storage device 55A by the RW control unit 73, and output to the evaluation value derivation unit 74. That is, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the item-by-item performance evaluation value Ci by comparing the data registered in each evaluation item 146 of the first main body information 145F with a plurality of predetermined thresholds, and calculates the final first performance evaluation value based on the item-by-item performance evaluation value Ci.

[0119] In FIG. 33, the case where the item-by-item performance evaluation values C1 = 4, C2 = 2, C3 = 4, C4 = 4,... are derived is illustrated. Also, the case where the main body coefficient KCi = 1 is set is illustrated. Although not shown, in the case of the second main body information 145S, the sum Σ(Ci×KCi) is calculated in the same manner.

[0120] FIG. 34 shows how the sum Σ(Li×KLi) is calculated from the first lens information 150F. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 refers to the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 160 to derive the item-by-item performance evaluation value Li. The item-by-item performance evaluation value table 160 is prepared for each evaluation item 151. In the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 160, the item-by-item performance evaluation value Li is registered for each piece of data registered in the evaluation item 151. For example, in the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 160_1 for the open F value, 8 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value L1 when the open F value is F2 or more and less than F5.6, and 10 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value L1 when the open F value is less than F2. Also, in the item-by-item performance evaluation value table 160_3 for the shortest focal length, 10 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value L3 when the shortest focal length is less than 5 mm, and 9 is registered as the item-by-item performance evaluation value L3 when the shortest focal length is 5 mm or more and less than 7.5 mm. The item-by-item performance evaluation value table 160 is stored in the storage device 55A, read from the storage device 55A by the RW control unit 73, and output to the evaluation value derivation unit 74. That is, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the item-by-item performance evaluation value Li by comparing the data registered in each evaluation item 151 of the first lens information 150F with a plurality of predetermined threshold values, and calculates the final first performance evaluation value based on the item-by-item performance evaluation value.

[0121] FIG. 34 illustrates a case where the item-by-item performance evaluation values L1 = 8, L2 = 3, L3 = 5, L4 = 6,... are derived. Also illustrated is a case where the lens coefficient KLi = 1 is set. Although illustration is omitted, in the case of the second lens information 150S, the sum Σ(Li×KLi) is calculated in the same manner.

[0122] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 evaluates the performance of the imaging device 11 for each of the plurality of evaluation items 146, 151, and derives a performance evaluation value that comprehensively combines the plurality of evaluation items 146, 151. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a performance evaluation value that incorporates various characteristics of the imaging device 11.

[0123] In addition, in FIGS. 33 and 34, the body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi are both set to 1, but this is not the only case. As shown in FIGS. 35A to 35C, the body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi may be changed according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP. Note that the scene corresponding to the image 28SH is determined by referring to the tag associated with the image 28SH, the image analysis result of the image 28SH, and the like.

[0124] FIG. 35A illustrates a case where the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP is a sport such as a sports meet. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 sets the body coefficient KC7 related to the maximum continuous shooting speed to 2. The maximum continuous shooting speed is considered to be a particularly important evaluation item 146 in a scene of a sport where the subject's movement is intense. Therefore, as described above, the performance evaluation value C7 for each item of the maximum continuous shooting speed is set to be increased.

[0125] FIG. 35B illustrates a case where the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP is a dark place such as indoors at night. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 sets the body coefficient KC2 related to the imaging element size, the body coefficient KC4 related to the maximum ISO sensitivity, and the lens coefficient KL1 related to the open F value to 2. The imaging element size, the maximum ISO sensitivity, and the open F value are considered to be particularly important evaluation items 146 and 151 for brightly photographing a subject in a dark place where the subject is likely to be dark. Therefore, as described above, the performance evaluation values C2, C4, and L1 for each of these items are set to be increased.

[0126] FIG. 35C illustrates a case where the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP is a landscape such as mountains. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 sets the lens coefficient KL2 related to the longest focal length and the lens coefficient KL5 related to the minimum angle of view to 2. The longest focal length and the minimum angle of view are considered to be particularly important evaluation items 151 for photographing a distant landscape with the largest possible angle of view. Therefore, as described above, the performance evaluation values L2 and L5 for each of these items are set to be increased.

[0127] In this way, by changing the main body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP, it is possible to derive a performance evaluation value suitable for the scene corresponding to the image 28SH. As a result, it is possible to preferentially present the specific image 90 suitable for the scene corresponding to the image 28SH.

[0128] Note that instead of setting the main body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi related to the evaluation items 146 and 151 that are emphasized in each scene to values of 1 or more, the main body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi related to the evaluation items 146 and 151 that are not emphasized in each scene may be set to values less than 1.

[0129] In FIG. 35, an aspect of changing the main body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP is shown, but it is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 36, according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP, the evaluation items 146 and 151 used for deriving the performance evaluation value may be changed.

[0130] FIG. 36 illustrates a case where the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP is a sport such as a sports meet. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives only the item-by-item performance evaluation values C5, C6, C7, and C9 of the fastest AF time, release time lag, fastest continuous shooting speed, and startup time. Note that the scene corresponding to the image 28SH may be input by the user 17, or may be input by the image distribution server 10 by performing image analysis processing on the image 28SH.

[0131] In this way, by changing the evaluation items 146 and 151 used for deriving the performance evaluation value according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH of the recommended designated shared folder 26SP, it is also possible to derive a performance evaluation value suitable for the scene corresponding to the image 28SH. Further, as a result, it is possible to preferentially present the specific image 90 suitable for the scene corresponding to the image 28SH.

[0132] [Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the first performance evaluation value was derived based only on the first device information 38F of the first imaging device 11F associated with the image 28SH, and the second performance evaluation value was derived based only on the second device information 38S of the second imaging device 11S associated with the image 28SH. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value may be derived as in the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 37 to 40.

[0133] In FIG. 37, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives a per-device first performance evaluation value for each of a plurality of pieces of first device information 38F associated with the image 28F of the image file 27F stored in the personal folder 25 of the first user 17F, in addition to the first device information 38F of the first imaging device 11F associated with the image 28SH. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 calculates the average value of the derived per-device first performance evaluation values, and sets the calculated average value as the final first performance evaluation value to be used in the identification process in the identification unit 75. The average value of the per-device first performance evaluation values is, so to speak, the average value of the performances of a plurality of first imaging devices 11F corresponding to the first user 17F. The image 28F is an example of the "first user image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that, as the method for deriving the per-device first performance evaluation value, the method using the evaluation value table set 66 of the first embodiment may be adopted, or the method for evaluating the performance for each of the plurality of evaluation items 146 and 151 of the fourth embodiment may be adopted.

[0134] Figure 37 shows how the first performance evaluation value is derived for the first user 17F with user ID [U5]. In the personal folder 25, an image 28F is stored in which three pieces of first device information 38F, namely 38F_A, 38F_B, and 38F_C, are associated. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 165 as the device-specific first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F_A. Also, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 235 as the device-specific first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F_B. Further, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 110 as the device-specific first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F_C. Then, the average value 170 of these device-specific first performance evaluation values is calculated and used as the final first performance evaluation value.

[0135] In Figure 38, the evaluation value derivation unit 74, in the same manner as in the case of the first user 17F, for each of the plurality of second device information 38S associated with the image 28S of the image file 27S stored in the personal folder 25 of the second user 17S, in addition to the second device information 38S of the second imaging device 11S associated with the image 28SH, derives the device-specific second performance evaluation value. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 calculates the average value of the derived device-specific second performance evaluation values and uses the calculated average value as the final second performance evaluation value for use in the identification process in the identification unit 75. The average value of the device-specific second performance evaluation values is, so to speak, the average value of the performance of a plurality of second imaging devices 11S corresponding to the second user 17S. The image 28S is an example of the "second user image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that, as in the case of the device-specific first performance evaluation value, the method for deriving the device-specific second performance evaluation value may adopt the method of the first embodiment or the method of the fourth embodiment.

[0136] FIG. 38 shows how the second performance evaluation value is derived for the second user 17S with the user ID [U20]. In the personal folder 25, an image 28S associated with four pieces of second device information 38S, namely 38S_A, 38S_B, 38S_C, and 38S_D, is stored. Based on the second device information 38S_A, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 230 as the second performance evaluation value for each device. Also, based on the second device information 38S_B, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 200 as the second performance evaluation value for each device. Further, based on the second device information 38S_C, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 260 as the second performance evaluation value for each device. Further Also, based on the second device information 38S_D, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 110 as the second performance evaluation value for each device. Then, the average value 200 of these second performance evaluation values for each device is calculated and used as the final second performance evaluation value.

[0137] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, in addition to the first device information 38F associated with the image 28SH, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F associated with the image 28F related to the first user 17F and other than the image 28SH among the images 28F associated with the first user 17F. Also, in addition to the second device information 38S associated with the image 28SH, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the second performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S associated with the image 28S related to the second user 17S and other than the image 28SH among the images 28S associated with the second user 17S. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a performance evaluation value that comprehensively evaluates the performance of not only the imaging device 11 used for shooting in the event but also a plurality of imaging devices 11 corresponding to the user 17.

[0138] Note that in FIG. 37, for each of the plurality of first device information 38F associated with the image 28F, the first performance evaluation value for each device is derived, but it is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 39, the first device information 38F for deriving the first performance evaluation value for each device may be selected.

[0139] In FIG. 39, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 selects a first type of first imaging device 11F that satisfies a predetermined first selection condition 165 from among a plurality of types of first imaging devices 11F. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 calculates the average value of the per-device first performance evaluation values of the selected first type of first imaging device 11F, and sets the calculated average value as the final first performance evaluation value to be used in the identification process in the identification unit 75.

[0140] The first selection condition 165 is to select a first imaging device 11F whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined first set frequency. Specifically, the first selection condition 165 is to select a first imaging device 11F for which the number of captured images of the image 28F is 50 or more and the number of usage days is 5 or more. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 counts the number of captured images of the image 28F for each first imaging device 11F (first device information 38F). Further, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 determines the number of usage days from the capture date and time associated with the image 28F for each first imaging device 11F (first device information 38F). Then, a first imaging device 11F (first device information 38F) for which the number of captured images is 50 or more and the number of usage days is 5 or more is selected as the first type of first imaging device 11F. Conversely, a first imaging device 11F for which the number of captured images is less than 50 and / or a first imaging device 11F for which the number of usage days is less than 5 is not selected. Note that the number of captured images of the image 28F and the number of usage days of the first imaging device 11F are examples of the "usage frequency" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Also, 50 captured images and 5 usage days are examples of the "first set frequency" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that although the usage frequency and the first set frequency are set based on the number of captured images and the number of usage days, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The usage frequency and the first set frequency may be set based on either the number of captured images or the number of usage days.

[0141] In FIG. 39, as an example, the number of usage days of the first imaging device 11F_B (not shown) related to the first device information 38F_B among the first device information 38F_A, 38F_B, and 38F_C is 1 day. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 selects the first imaging device 11F_A (not shown) related to the first device information 38F_A and the first imaging device 11F_C (not shown) related to the first device information 38F_C as the first type of first imaging device 11F. In contrast, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 does not select the first imaging device 11F_B as the first type of first imaging device 11F. Therefore, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the device-specific first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F_A and 38F_C, but does not derive the device-specific first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F_B. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the average value 137.5 of 165, which is the device-specific first performance evaluation value derived based on the first device information 38F_A, and 110, which is the device-specific first performance evaluation value derived based on the first device information 38F_C, as the final first performance evaluation value.

[0142] As described above, in the aspect shown in FIG. 39, among the plurality of types of first imaging devices 11F, the first type of first imaging device 11F that satisfies the predetermined first selection condition 165 is selected, and the first performance evaluation value is derived based on the first device information 38F of the first type of first imaging device 11F. Therefore, the reliability of the first performance evaluation value can be ensured.

[0143] The content of the first selection condition 165 is to select the first imaging device 11F whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than the predetermined first set frequency. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the performance of the first imaging device 11F temporarily used, such as the first imaging device 11F rented using a rental service or borrowed from an acquaintance, from being reflected in the first performance evaluation value.

[0144] Similarly, in FIG. 38, for each of the plurality of second device information 38S associated with the image 28S, the device-specific second performance evaluation value is derived, but it is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 40, the second device information 38S for deriving the device-specific second performance evaluation value may be selected.

[0145] In FIG. 40, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 selects a second type of second imaging device 11S that satisfies a predetermined second selection condition 168 from among a plurality of types of second imaging devices 11S. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 calculates the average value of the per-device second performance evaluation values of the selected second type of second imaging device 11S, and sets the calculated average value as the final second performance evaluation value to be used in the identification process in the identification unit 75.

[0146] The second selection condition 168 is to select a second imaging device 11S whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined second set frequency. Specifically, the second selection condition 168 is to select a second imaging device 11S for which the number of captured images 28S is 50 or more and the number of usage days is 5 or more. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 counts the number of captured images 28S for each second imaging device 11S (second device information 38S). Further, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 determines the number of usage days for each second imaging device 11S (second device information 38S) from the capture date and time associated with the image 28S. Then, a second imaging device 11S (second device information 38S) for which the number of captured images is 50 or more and the number of usage days is 5 or more is selected as the second type of second imaging device 11S. Conversely, a second imaging device 11S for which the number of captured images is less than 50 and / or a second imaging device 11S for which the number of usage days is less than 5 is not selected. Note that the number of captured images 28S and the number of usage days of the second imaging device 11S are examples of the "usage frequency" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Also, 50 captured images and 5 usage days are examples of the "second set frequency" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that although the usage frequency and the second set frequency are set based on the number of captured images and the number of usage days, the present invention is not limited thereto. The usage frequency and the second set frequency may be set based on only one of the number of captured images or the number of usage days.

[0147] In FIG. 40, among the second device information 38S_A, 38S_B, 38S_C, and 38S_D, the case where the number of captured images of the second imaging device 11S_C (not shown) related to the second device information 38S_C is 28 is illustrated. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 selects the second imaging device 11S_A (not shown) related to the second device information 38S_A, the second imaging device 11S_B (not shown) related to the second device information 38S_B, and the second imaging device 11S_D (not shown) related to the second device information 38S_D as the second type of second imaging device 11S. On the other hand, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 does not select the second imaging device 11S_C as the second type of second imaging device 11F. Therefore, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the device-specific second performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S_A, 38S_B, and 38S_D, but does not derive the device-specific second performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S_C. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the average value 180 of 230, which is the device-specific second performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S_A, 200, which is the device-specific second performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S_B, and 110, which is the device-specific second performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S_D, as the final second performance evaluation value.

[0148] As described above, in the aspect shown in FIG. 40, among the plurality of types of second imaging devices 11S, the second type of second imaging device 11S that satisfies the predetermined second selection condition 168 is selected, and the second performance evaluation value is derived based on the second device information 38S of the second type of second imaging device 11S. Therefore, similar to the case of FIG. 39, the reliability of the second performance evaluation value can be ensured.

[0149] The second selection condition 168 is to select the second imaging device 11S whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than the predetermined second set frequency. Therefore, similar to the case of FIG. 39, it is possible to prevent the performance of the second imaging device 11S temporarily used from being reflected in the second performance evaluation value.

[0150] [Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the presentation priority is set by taking into account not only the performance evaluation value but also the shooting skill evaluation value related to the shooting skill of the user 17.

[0151] In FIG. 41, in the sixth embodiment, a shooting skill evaluation value DB server 170 is provided. The shooting skill evaluation value DB server 170 has a shooting skill evaluation value DB 171. In the shooting skill evaluation value DB 171, shooting skill evaluation values related to the shooting skills of each user 17 are registered for each user ID. The shooting skill evaluation value is derived based on the image files 27 in the personal folder 25 of each user 17. Specifically, the shooting skill evaluation value is derived based on a plurality of evaluation items such as the purchase frequency of the main body of the imaging device 11, the purchase frequency of the lens, the change frequency of the shooting conditions 37, and the setting frequency of appropriate shooting conditions 37.

[0152] The purchase frequency of the main body of the imaging device 11 can be understood by tracking the change in the model name of the main body information 39. Similarly, the purchase frequency of the lens can be understood by tracking the change in the model name of the lens information 40. Also, the change frequency of the shooting conditions 37 can be understood by tracking the change in the shooting conditions 37. It is considered that the user 17 with a higher purchase frequency of the main body of the imaging device 11, the purchase frequency of the lens, and the change frequency of the shooting conditions 37 is more enthusiastic about shooting and is more proficient in handling the main body and lens of the imaging device 11. Therefore, the higher the purchase frequency of the main body of the imaging device 11, the purchase frequency of the lens, and the change frequency of the shooting conditions 37 of the user 17, the higher the derived shooting skill evaluation value.

[0153] The setting frequency of the appropriate shooting conditions 37 is derived as follows. First, the image 28 is subjected to image analysis. Then, it is determined whether the set shooting conditions 37 were appropriate based on the obtained image analysis result. For example, if the image analysis result indicates that the scene corresponding to the image 28 is sports, and the sports mode is set in the shooting mode, it is determined that the shooting conditions 37 are appropriate. Also, for example, if the image analysis result indicates that the scene corresponding to the image 28 is a dark place, and an ISO sensitivity of 1600 or more is set, it is determined that the shooting conditions 37 are appropriate. Further, for example, if the image analysis result of the image 28 shows that the subject is a person's face, the face is in focus, and the background is blurred, and if the subject distance is within 2 m, the F value is F4 or less, the focal length is 100 mm or more, and the aperture priority mode is set, it is determined that the shooting conditions 37 are appropriate. It is considered that the user 17 with a higher setting frequency of the appropriate shooting conditions 37 has richer knowledge about what kind of images 28 can be taken by setting what kind of shooting conditions 37. Therefore, the higher the setting frequency of the appropriate shooting conditions 37 for the user 17, the higher the derived shooting skill evaluation value.

[0154] Prior to the setting process in the setting unit 76, the image distribution server 10 transmits an evaluation value acquisition request 172 to the shooting skill evaluation value DB server 170. The evaluation value acquisition request 172 includes the user IDs of the first user 17F and the second user 17S registered in the recommended designated shared folder 26SP. The shooting skill evaluation value DB server 170 reads out the shooting skill evaluation value associated with the user ID of the evaluation value acquisition request 172 from the shooting skill evaluation value DB 171, and the read shooting skill evaluation value is transmitted to the image distribution server 10. Here, there are a first shooting skill evaluation value that is the shooting skill evaluation value of the first user 17F and a second shooting skill evaluation value that is the shooting skill evaluation value of the second user 17S as the shooting skill evaluation values. The shooting skill evaluation value DB server 170 transmits a shooting skill evaluation value set 173 composed of a set of the first shooting skill evaluation value and the second shooting skill evaluation value to the image distribution server 10.

[0155] The image distribution server 10 receives a set of shooting skill evaluation values 173 from the shooting skill evaluation value DB server 170. The setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority based on the first shooting skill evaluation value and the second shooting skill evaluation value in the set of shooting skill evaluation values 173.

[0156] FIG. 42 shows an example of setting the presentation priority based on the first shooting skill evaluation value and the second shooting skill evaluation value. In FIG. 42, the user 17 with the user ID [U40] is the first user 17F, and the users 17 with the user IDs [U45], [U50], and [U55] are the second users 17S. The first shooting skill evaluation value of the first user 17F is 100, the second shooting skill evaluation value of the second user 17S with the user ID [U45] is 90, the second shooting skill evaluation value of the second user 17S with the user ID [U50] is 150, and the second shooting skill evaluation value of the second user 17S with the user ID [U55] is 120. Also, the first performance evaluation value derived based on the first device information 38F[U40] is 100, the second performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S[U45] is 150, the second performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S[U50] is 130, and the second performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S[U55] is 95. In this case, the specifying unit 75 specifies the second device information 38S[U45] with the second performance evaluation value of 150 and the second device information 38S[U50] with the second performance evaluation value of 130 as the high-performance second device information 38SS.

[0157] In terms of the level of the second performance evaluation value, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U45] is set higher than the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U50]. However, in the present embodiment, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U50] related to the second user 17S with the user ID[U50] whose second shooting skill evaluation value is 150 or higher than the first shooting skill evaluation value to the first place. And the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the second device information 38S[U45] related to the second user 17S with the user ID[U45] whose second shooting skill evaluation value is 90 and lower than the first shooting skill evaluation value is set to the second place. Also, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U55] to the third place and sets not to present it.

[0158] Thus, in the sixth embodiment, the first shooting skill evaluation value regarding the shooting skill of the first user 17F and the second shooting skill evaluation value regarding the shooting skill of the second user 17S are acquired, and the presentation priority is set taking into account the first shooting skill evaluation value and the second shooting skill evaluation value. Therefore, it can be said that the specific image 90 shot by the second user 17S having a shooting skill equal to or higher than that of the first user 17F using the second shooting device 11S having a performance equal to or higher than that of the first shooting device 11F is preferentially presented to the first user 17F.

[0159] Note that when the difference between the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the presentation priority may be set without taking into account the first shooting skill evaluation value and the second shooting skill evaluation value.

[0160] When all of the derived second performance evaluation values are equal to or higher than the first performance evaluation value, all of the images 28SH other than the image 28SH associated with the first user 17F become the specific image 90. In this case, all of the specific images 90 may be presented to the first user 17F as recommended images, or the specific images 90 within a predetermined threshold value (for example, the third place) of the presentation priority may be presented to the first user 17F as recommended images. to the first user 17F.

[0161] In each of the above embodiments, when the recommended image distribution request 46 is received by the request reception unit 70, the classification process by the classification unit 72, the evaluation value derivation process by the evaluation value derivation unit 74, the identification process by the identification unit 75, and the setting process by the setting unit 76 are executed to distribute the recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12. However, it is not limited to this. When the first user 17F performs an operation of viewing the image 28SH in the shared folder 26 on the user terminal 12, the above various processes may be executed to distribute the recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12. In this case, the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S of the second imaging device 11S having a second performance evaluation value less than the first performance evaluation value may be presented to the first user 17F after setting the presentation priority to be low. Also, the image 28SH associated with the first user 17F may be presented to the first user 17F after setting the presentation priority to be the lowest.

[0162] In the first embodiment described above, the specific images 90 are rearranged and displayed according to the presentation priority. However, it is not limited to this. As in the recommended image display screen 180 shown in FIG. 42, the specific images 90 and the images 28SH may be listed without rearrangement according to the presentation priority, and the display mode of the specific images 90 and other than the specific images 90 may be changed. For example, a mark 112 may be added only to the specific images 90. Note that the change in the display mode is not limited to this, and the display size of the specific images 90 on the recommended image display screen may be made larger than the display size of the images 28SH other than the specific images 90.

[0163] The performance evaluation value may be at a hierarchical level. Similarly, the shooting skill evaluation value may also be at a hierarchical level.

[0164] Among the multiple users 17 constituting the user group 30, there may be a user 17 who has not stored an image file 27SH in the shared folder 26 but has access rights to the shared folder 26. For a first user 17F who has not stored an image file 27SH in the shared folder 26, the first performance evaluation value is obtained using the first device information 38F associated with the image 28F of the image file 27F stored in the personal folder 25 of the first user 17F.

[0165] Images 28SH taken by second user 17S during an important period that first user 17F places importance on in an event may be presented as recommended images. In this case, the presentation priority of images 28SH taken by second user 17S during the important period may be set according to the performance evaluation value.

[0166] The hardware configuration of the computer constituting the image distribution server 10 can be modified in various ways. For example, the image distribution server 10 can be composed of multiple computers separated as hardware in order to improve processing capacity and reliability. For example, the functions of the request reception unit 70, image acquisition unit 71, and distribution control unit 77 and the functions of the classification unit 72, RW control unit 73, evaluation value derivation unit 74, identification unit 75, and setting unit 76 are distributed and assigned to two computers. In this case, the image distribution server 10 is composed of two computers.

[0167] In this way, the hardware configuration of the computer of the image distribution server 10 can be appropriately changed according to the required performance such as processing power, safety, reliability, etc. Furthermore, not only the hardware, but also the application programs such as the operating program 65 can be duplicated or stored in a distributed manner in multiple storage devices for the purpose of ensuring safety and reliability.

[0168] The user terminal 12 may take on some or all of the functions of each processing unit of the image distribution server 10.

[0169] In each of the above embodiments, for example, as the hardware structure of a processing unit (Processing Unit) that executes various processes such as a request reception unit 70, an image acquisition unit 71, a classification unit 72, an RW control unit 73, an evaluation value derivation unit 74, a specification unit 75, a setting unit 76, a distribution control unit 77, and image classification units 120 and 130, the following various processors (Processor) can be used. Among the various processors, in addition to a CPU which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (operation program 65) and functions as various processing units, there are a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device: PLD) which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and / or a dedicated electric circuit or the like which is a processor having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Included are dedicated electric circuits and the like which are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0170] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, and / or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, a plurality of processing units may be composed of one processor.

[0171] As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units with one processor, first, as represented by computers such as clients and servers, there is a form in which one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (System On Chip: SoC) and the like, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. Thus, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as the hardware structure. In this way, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as the hardware structure.

[0172] Furthermore, as the hardware structure of these various processors, more specifically, an electrical circuit (Circuitry) combined with circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used.

[0173] [Appendix 1] The shared images are preferably presented after being sorted according to the presentation priority.

[0174] [Appendix 2] The processor preferably classifies the shared images into a plurality of attribute groups based on the attribute information of each of the plurality of shared images, and the shared images are preferably presented for each attribute group.

[0175] [Appendix 3] The attribute information is preferably at least one of the subject of the shared image and the shooting date and time of the shared image.

[0176] [Appendix 4] The processor preferably presents the shooting conditions of the second imaging device associated with the specific image.

[0177] [Appendix 5] The processor preferably derives a first performance evaluation value based on the first device information regarding the first imaging device and derives a second performance evaluation value based on the second device information regarding the second imaging device.

[0178] [Appendix 6] The processor preferably presents the second device information associated with the specific image.

[0179] [Appendix 7] The processor preferably sets the presentation priority of the specific image associated with the second user who has the second imaging device whose second device information matches or is similar to the first device information higher than that of other specific images.

[0180] [Appendix 8] The first device information and the second device information have a plurality of evaluation items representing the performance of the first imaging device and the second imaging device, and it is preferable that the processor evaluates the performance of the first imaging device and the second imaging device for each of the plurality of evaluation items, and derives a first performance evaluation value and a second performance evaluation value obtained by synthesizing the plurality of evaluation items.

[0181] [Appendix 9] It is preferable that the processor changes at least one of the evaluation items and the evaluation criteria for the evaluation items according to the scene shown in the shared image, and derives the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value.

[0182] [Appendix 10] The first device information is preferably composed of first body information regarding the main body of the first imaging device and first lens information regarding a lens built in or attached to the main body of the first imaging device, and the second device information is preferably composed of second body information regarding the main body of the second imaging device and second lens information regarding a lens built in or attached to the main body of the second imaging device.

[0183] [Appendix 11] It is preferable that the processor derives the first performance evaluation value based only on the first device information of the first imaging device associated with the shared image, and derives the second performance evaluation value based only on the second device information of the second imaging device associated with the shared image.

[0184] [Appendix 12] In addition to the first device information of the first imaging device associated with the shared image, the processor derives the first performance evaluation value based on the first device information of the first imaging device associated with a first user image associated with the first user and other than the shared image, and in addition to the second device information of the second imaging device associated with the shared image, the processor derives the second performance evaluation value based on the second device information of the second imaging device associated with a second user image associated with the second user and other than the shared image.

[0185] [Appendix 13] The processor preferably selects a first type of first imaging device that satisfies a predetermined first selection condition from among a plurality of types of first imaging devices, and derives a first performance evaluation value based on the first device information of the first type of first imaging device.

[0186] [Appendix 14] The first selection condition preferably is such that it selects a first imaging device whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined first set frequency.

[0187] [Appendix 15] The processor preferably selects a second type of second imaging device that satisfies a predetermined second selection condition from among a plurality of types of second imaging devices, and derives a second performance evaluation value based on the second device information of the second type of second imaging device.

[0188] [Appendix 16] The second selection condition preferably is such that it selects a second imaging device whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined second set frequency.

[0189] [Appendix 17] The processor preferably obtains a first imaging skill evaluation value regarding the imaging skill of a first user and a second imaging skill evaluation value regarding the imaging skill of a second user, and sets a presentation priority taking into account the first imaging skill evaluation value and the second imaging skill evaluation value.

[0190] The technology of the present disclosure can also appropriately combine the various above-described embodiments and / or various modifications. Also, of course, various configurations can be adopted without being limited to the above-described embodiments as long as the gist is not deviated from. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to a storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program in addition to the program.

[0191] The description and illustration shown above are detailed descriptions of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the descriptions regarding the above configurations, functions, operations, and effects are descriptions regarding examples of the configurations, functions, operations, and effects of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustration shown above may be deleted of unnecessary parts, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made. Also, in order to avoid complication and facilitate the understanding of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, in the description and illustration shown above, descriptions regarding common general technical knowledge and the like that do not particularly require explanation for implementing the technology of the present disclosure are omitted.

[0192] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Also, in this specification, when expressing three or more matters connected by "and / or", the same concept as "A and / or B" is applied.

[0193] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually stated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. At least one processor; The processor, obtaining a first performance evaluation value relating to performance of a first image capture device that is one of the plurality of image capture devices; obtaining a second performance evaluation value relating to performance of a second image capture device, which is different from the first image capture device, among the plurality of image capture devices; identifying an image corresponding to the second image capture device having the second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images shared by the plurality of image capture devices; setting a presentation priority of the identified image higher than the other shared images; Image processing device.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the shared images are presented in a rearranged manner according to the presentation priority.

3. The processor, classifying the shared images into a plurality of attribute groups based on attribute information of each of the plurality of shared images; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the shared images are presented for each of the attribute groups.

4. The image processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the attribute information is at least one of a subject of the shared image and a shooting date and time of the shared image.

5. The processor, The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a display that displays a photographing condition of the second photographing device that is associated with the specific image.

6. The processor, deriving the first performance evaluation value based on first device information relating to the first imaging device; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second performance evaluation value is derived based on second device information relating to the second image capturing device.

7. The processor, The image processing device according to claim 6 , further comprising: a display unit configured to display the second device information associated with the specific image.

8. The processor, The image processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the presentation priority of the specific image associated with the second photographing device whose second device information is identical to or similar to the first device information is set higher than that of other specific images.

9. the first device information and the second device information have a plurality of evaluation items representing performance of the first photographing device and the second photographing device, The processor, 9. The image processing device according to claim 6, further comprising: a processor configured to evaluate the performance of the first image capturing device and the second image capturing device for each of a plurality of evaluation items; and derive the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value that are an aggregate of the plurality of evaluation items.

10. The processor, The image processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value are derived by changing at least one of the evaluation items and the evaluation criteria for the evaluation items depending on the scene corresponding to the shared image.

11. The first device information is composed of first body information related to a body of the first photographing device and first lens information related to a lens built into or attached to the body of the first photographing device, 11. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein the second device information is composed of second body information relating to a body of the second photographing device and second lens information relating to a lens built into or attached to the body of the second photographing device.

12. The processor, deriving the first performance evaluation value based only on the first device information of the first image capture device associated with the shared image; The image processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the second performance evaluation value is derived based only on the second device information of the second image capturing device associated with the shared image.

13. The processor, deriving the first performance evaluation value based on, in addition to the first device information of the first image capturing device corresponding to the shared image, the first device information of the first image capturing device corresponding to a first image associated with the first image capturing device and other than the shared image; 13. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein the second performance evaluation value is derived based on, in addition to the second device information of the second photographing device corresponding to the shared image, a second image associated with the second photographing device, the second performance evaluation value being derived based on the second device information of the second photographing device corresponding to a second image other than the shared image.

14. The processor, selecting a first type of first image capture device that satisfies a first selection condition determined in advance from among the plurality of types of first image capture devices; The image processing device according to claim 13 , wherein the first performance evaluation value is derived based on first device information of the first image capturing device of the first type.

15. The image processing device according to claim 14 , wherein the first selection condition is to select the first image capturing device whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a first set frequency that is determined in advance.

16. The processor, selecting a second type of second image capture device that satisfies a second selection condition determined in advance from among the plurality of types of second image capture devices; The image processing device according to claim 13 , wherein the second performance evaluation value is derived based on second device information of the second image capturing device of the second type.

17. The image processing device according to claim 16 , wherein the second selection condition is to select the second image capturing device whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a second preset frequency.

18. a first acquisition step of acquiring a first performance evaluation value relating to performance of a first image capture device which is one of the plurality of image capture devices; a second acquisition step of acquiring a second performance evaluation value related to performance of a second image capture device, which is different from the first image capture device, among the plurality of image capture devices; a specifying step of specifying an image corresponding to the second image capture device having the second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images shared by the plurality of image capture devices; a setting step of setting a presentation priority of the identified specific image higher than the other shared images; The method for operating an image processing device is executed by a processor.

19. a first acquisition unit that acquires a first performance evaluation value related to performance of a first image capture device that is one of the plurality of image capture devices; a second acquisition unit that acquires a second performance evaluation value related to performance of a second image capture device, the second image capture device being different from the first image capture device, among the plurality of image capture devices; an identification unit that identifies an image corresponding to the second image capture device having the second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images shared by the plurality of image capture devices; a setting unit that sets a presentation priority of a specific image, which is the identified image, higher than other shared images; An operating program for an image processing device that causes the processor to function.

Images