Information processing device and information processing system, and program

Abstract

This disclosure aims to present the user with the most suitable sample content from among multiple sample contents managed by the server, ensuring that the sample content is appropriate for the imaging device used by the user, thereby enabling the user to efficiently select the sample content. [Solution] An information processing device comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring a range of settable values ​​that can be set in an imaging device; a search means for searching for sample content of an image taken using a settable value within the range of settable values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means from among sample content stored in a storage unit; and an output means for outputting the search results obtained by the search means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for communicating via a network and registering, managing, and processing images, a computer-readable storage medium, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become possible to easily transfer an image taken by an imaging device such as a digital camera to a server device via wireless communication means equipped in the imaging device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 shows that in a server device, a reference image, setting values at the time of shooting, setting values at the time of development, etc. are provided as reference content. When a user selects favorite reference content, various setting values can be downloaded to and set in the imaging device, and an image similar to the reference image can be taken.

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1, a search for reference content is performed using subject information extracted from a captured image captured by an imaging device as a search condition.

[0005] In the system described in Patent Document 2, based on search conditions such as the shooting location, weather, information on the imaging device owned by the user, etc., the Web server determines the priority order of photo data (reference content) to be displayed on the imaging device among the photo data managed by the Web server. When the user presses a setting button while photo data is displayed on the imaging device, the setting information of the imaging device used for shooting the photo data is set in the imaging device.

[0006] In the system described in Patent Document 2, a search for reference content is performed using the name of the imaging device used by the user and the type of lens as part of the search conditions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-62380 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-17471 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In the system described in Patent Document 1, the settings of the imaging device are not included as selection criteria for sample content, and there is a possibility that sample content captured with settings that cannot be set by the imaging device being used may be searched for. In other words, there is a possibility that the search results for sample content may include unnecessary sample content that cannot be used.

[0009] On the other hand, in the system described in Patent Document 2, sample content is narrowed down by the name of the imaging device, so sample content captured using an imaging device with a different name is not selected. Therefore, even if the sample content was captured using the settings of the imaging device being used, it may not be included in the search results because the name of the imaging device is different.

[0010] This disclosure aims to present the user with the most suitable sample content from among multiple sample contents managed by the server, ensuring that the sample content is appropriate for the imaging device used by the user, thereby enabling the user to efficiently select the sample content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The information processing device according to this disclosure includes a first acquisition means for acquiring a range of setting values ​​that can be set in an imaging device, a search means for searching for sample content of an image taken using a setting value within the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means from among the sample content stored in the storage unit, and an output means for outputting the search results from the search means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With the above configuration, the search results can also include shooting recipes for images taken with an imaging device different from the one used by the user. Therefore, compared to searching by imaging device name, the range of shooting recipes the user can choose from can be broadened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an application configuration for an information processing device. [Figure 4] This is an example of a data structure for managing shooting recipes. [Figure 5] This is a data structure for managing information about cameras and lenses that can communicate. [Figure 6] This is an example of a data structure for managing information about cameras and lenses owned by a user. [Figure 7] This is an example of a data structure for managing user images. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the process for searching for a shooting recipe. [Figure 9] These are examples of the shooting recipe list screen and the shooting recipe details screen, which display shooting recipes. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the process for determining the shooting recipe to send to the camera. [Figure 11] This is an example of the camera selection screen in the settings. [Figure 12] This is an example of a data structure for managing the settings of a shooting recipe. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of the process of sending a user-selected shooting recipe to the camera. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the process for searching for additional shooting recipes to implement. [Figure 15]It is a flowchart showing an example of a process for rearranging and displaying the searched shooting recipes. [Figure 16] It is an example of a shooting recipe list screen with a search function that displays shooting recipes with a search function.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of this invention will be exemplarily described in detail. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention only to them. In each figure, the same reference numerals are generally used for the same configuration, and duplicate explanations are omitted. Also, in the description of the screen example, the operations of the screen by the user are performed on the user's terminal.

[0015] Also, the shooting recipe (also referred to as sample content) in the following embodiments is a general term for the shooting method by an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera) and the set values of the shooting device. By referring to the shooting recipes of professional photographers and the like, even beginners can take similar photos. In the following embodiments, the shooting recipe can include shooting set values, development set values, recommended subjects, example images, and the like. The shooting set values are the setting items when shooting with a camera, and are the set values such as ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, aperture value, focal length, or white balance used when shooting an example image. The development set values are the set values such as sharpness, contrast, color density, or color tone used when developing the image shot with the camera. The recommended subject is the recommended subject when shooting and developing with each shooting set value and each development set value. The example image is an image shot and developed by setting each shooting set value and each development set value in the camera as described above. Note that the setting items of the shooting set values and the development set values are also examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention only to them.

[0016] (First Embodiment) <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing device 100 is connected to one or more imaging devices 101 and user terminals 102 via a network.

[0017] The information processing device 100 receives device information from the imaging device 101 that identifies the camera and lens. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 also receives the images captured by the imaging device 101. The information processing device 100 also transmits the shooting and development settings managed by the information processing device 100 to the imaging device 101. Details of the shooting and development settings will be described later.

[0018] The imaging device 101 takes photographs. The imaging device 101 also works in conjunction with the information processing device 100 to send and receive various types of data.

[0019] The user terminal 102 displays a screen based on information received from the information processing device 100. By operating the screen displayed on the user terminal 102, various data and operation instructions are transmitted to the information processing device 100. For the sake of explanation, this configuration uses a user terminal 102; however, the screen displayed on the user terminal 102 and the user operations may also be handled by the imaging device 101.

[0020] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100.

[0021] In Figure 2, CPU201 controls the calculations performed in each process and the processing units.

[0022] RAM202 is used as the main memory of CPU201, where the executable program is deployed and as a data area.

[0023] ROM203 is memory that stores the operating procedures of the CPU201. ROM203 contains an area where the operating system (OS), which is the system program for controlling the information processing device 100, is stored, and an area where information necessary for the system to operate is stored. Alternatively, the HDD209, NAND flash memory, SD card, or solid-state drive (SSD), as described later, may be used instead of ROM203.

[0024] NETI / F204 is a network interface that communicates with the imaging device 101 and the user terminal 102 via the network.

[0025] The VRAM 205 controls the display on the screen of the display unit 206, which shows the operating status of the information processing device 100.

[0026] The display unit 206 is a display device such as a display.

[0027] The input / output controller 207 controls the input signals from the external input device 208. The external input device 208 accepts operations performed by the operator. This includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, and a touch panel display.

[0028] The HDD209 is used as storage for applications and various data. Instead of an HDD, NAND flash memory, SD cards, or solid-state drives (SSDs) may be used.

[0029] The external storage device 210 is used for reading data from the media of the application described above. For example, the external storage device 210 may be a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, an SD card, or other removable disk.

[0030] The storage medium 211 is a magnetic recording medium such as a floppy disk that is read by the external storage device 210. It is not limited to magnetic recording media; it may also be a removable data recording device (removable media) such as an optical recording medium (e.g., CD-ROM), a magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., MO), or a semiconductor recording medium (e.g., SD card). It is also possible to store applications and data to be stored in the HDD 209 on the storage medium 211 and read them using the external storage device 210.

[0031] The transmission bus 212 is a path for exchanging data between each device.

[0032] <Application Configuration> Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an application executed in the information processing device 100. In this embodiment, the processing modules that operate in the information processing device 100 are stored in the HDD 209 or storage medium 211. The control and information flow between each processing module group and storage device will be described below.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 100 includes processing modules 301 to 309. These processing modules are read from ROM 203, HDD 209, or external storage device 210, loaded into RAM 202, and operate as part of an application or program used by the CPU 201.

[0034] The processing modules 301 to 309 shown in Figure 3 transmit instructions to the CPU 201 after automatic startup or in response to instructions entered by the operator via the external input device 208. The CPU 201 retrieves the program corresponding to the processing module according to the instructions from ROM 203, HDD 209, external storage device 210, or RAM 202, loads it into RAM 202, and executes the processing. The CPU 201 writes the calculation results to RAM 202, HDD 209, external storage device 210, etc. The CPU 201 also displays the calculation results on the display unit 206 via VRAM 205 as needed. Through this operation, processing according to each processing module is performed. Data transmission between the CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, NETI / F 204, VRAM 205, input / output controller 207, HDD 209, and external storage device 210 is performed via the transmission bus 212.

[0035] The receiving unit 301 receives model information (identification information) for identifying the camera and lens, as well as images captured by the camera, transmitted from the imaging device 101. In this embodiment, the camera name and lens name are used as model information for identification.

[0036] The user management unit 302 manages the model information and images received by the receiving unit 301, associating them with the user. It also manages the subjects of the images analyzed by the analysis unit 306 (described later), associating them with the user. Furthermore, it manages the shooting recipes selected by the user and the cameras used to set the shooting recipe settings, as received by the operation reception unit 307 (described later). The data structure for managing each piece of data will be described later using Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 12.

[0037] The recipe management unit 303 manages the shooting recipes (also called sample content) provided to users. These shooting recipes are created by professional photographers, etc., and pre-registered by the system administrator of the information processing device 100. Alternatively, the system may be configured to allow users to provide their own created shooting recipes. The data structure for managing the shooting recipes will be described later using Figure 4.

[0038] The search unit 304 searches for shooting recipes managed by the recipe management unit 303.

[0039] The screen transmission unit 305 transmits various screens, such as the shooting recipe list screen 900, the shooting recipe details screen 910, and the camera selection screen 1100 (described later), to the user terminal 102. The user terminal 102 displays the received screens.

[0040] The analysis unit 306 analyzes the image received by the receiving unit 301 and extracts the subject.

[0041] The operation reception unit 307 receives information entered by the user through various screens such as the shooting recipe list screen 900, the shooting recipe details screen 910, and the camera selection screen 1100.

[0042] The recipe transmission unit 308 transmits the shooting recipe determined on the shooting recipe details screen 910 to the imaging device 101. If the power to the imaging device 101 is OFF, the shooting recipe is transmitted when the power to the imaging device 101 is ON and the connection is established.

[0043] The information processing device 100 can detect the power state of the imaging device 101 by receiving information regarding power state transitions from the imaging device 101. For example, the information processing device 100 may receive a signal from the imaging device 101 indicating that the imaging device 101 has transitioned from a power-off state to a power-on state. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may receive a signal from the imaging device 101 indicating that the imaging device 101 has transitioned from a power-on state to a power-off state. In this way, the information processing device 100 can detect the power state of the imaging device 101.

[0044] Alternatively, the recipe transmission unit 100 may determine the timing of transmitting the shooting recipe based on the following: after the shooting recipe to be transmitted to the imaging device 101 has been determined, the recipe transmission unit 100 may transmit the shooting recipe to the imaging device 101 based on the fact that the imaging device 101 has established a communication connection with the information processing device 100. Alternatively, the recipe transmission unit 100 may transmit the shooting recipe when the imaging device 101 is connected to the information processing device 100 and the user has given an instruction to transmit the shooting recipe to the imaging device 101.

[0045] The order determination unit 309 determines the order in which the shooting recipes will be displayed on the shooting recipe list screen 900.

[0046] <Processing performed by information processing unit 100> Next, the processing flow performed by the information processing device 100 will be explained using Figures 4 to 13.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an example of a data structure for managing shooting recipes. It is managed by the recipe management unit 303. Shooting recipes are pre-registered in this data structure by the system administrator of the information processing device 100.

[0048] Recipe ID 401 is an identifier (ID) used to uniquely identify a shooting recipe. A unique ID is assigned each time a shooting recipe is registered in this data structure.

[0049] Camera 402 is the name of the camera used to take the example images in the shooting recipe. Lens 403 is the name of the lens used to take the example images in the shooting recipe.

[0050] ISO sensitivity 404 is the ISO sensitivity setting set on the image sensor when the example image was taken. Shutter speed 405 is the shutter speed setting set on the image sensor when the example image was taken. Aperture value 406 is the aperture value setting set on the image sensor when the example image was taken. Focal length 407 is the focal length setting set on the image sensor when the example image was taken. White balance 408 is the white balance setting set on the image sensor when the example image was taken. Exposure compensation 409 is the exposure compensation setting set on the image sensor when the example image was taken. Sharpness 410 is the sharpness setting set on the image sensor when developing the example image. Contrast 411 is the contrast setting set on the image sensor when developing the example image. Color saturation 412 is the color saturation setting set on the image sensor when developing the example image. Hue 413 is the hue setting set on the image sensor when developing the example image.

[0051] Recommended subject 414 is the subject recommended for shooting and developing images at each setting.

[0052] The example image file path 415 is the file path where the example image is saved. This could be the path to the HDD 209 or storage medium 211 of the information processing device 100, or, although not shown in this embodiment, it could be the path to external storage as long as file access is possible.

[0053] Figures 5(a) and (b) show an example of a data structure for managing information about a camera and lens that can communicate with the information processing device 100. It manages the configurable values ​​for the camera and lens settings. The data in this data structure is pre-registered by the system administrator of the information processing device 100.

[0054] Figure 5(a) shows a data structure (e.g., a table) that indicates the range of configurable settings for each camera model.

[0055] Camera column 501 indicates the name of the camera. In this embodiment, the camera names are unique and cannot be duplicated.

[0056] The ISO sensitivity column 502 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's ISO sensitivity setting. The shutter speed column 503 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's shutter speed setting. The white balance column 504 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's white balance setting. The exposure compensation column 505 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's exposure compensation setting. The sharpness column 506 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's sharpness setting. The contrast column 507 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's contrast setting. The color saturation column 508 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's color saturation setting. The hue column 509 shows the values ​​that can be set in the camera's hue setting.

[0057] Figure 5(b) shows a data structure (e.g., a table) for managing lens settings. The lens column 510 indicates the name of the lens. In this embodiment, the lens names are unique and do not overlap. The aperture value column 511 indicates the values ​​that can be set as the aperture value of the lens. The focal length column 512 indicates the values ​​that can be set as the focal length of the lens.

[0058] Figure 6 shows an example of a data structure (e.g., a table) that manages user identification information in association with camera and lens identification information. The information processing device 100 manages the camera name and lens name transmitted from the imaging device 101 and received by the receiving unit 301 in association with the user identification information.

[0059] The User ID field 601 displays the unique identifier (ID) that identifies the user. The Camera field 602 is the name of the user's camera. The Lens field 603 is the name of the lens attached to the camera at the time of shooting. By referring to this data structure, the model of the camera and the type of lens used by the user indicated by the User ID can be uniquely identified based on the value in the User ID field 601.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an example of a data structure (e.g., a table) for managing user images. It manages images transmitted from the imaging device 101 and received by the receiving unit 301.

[0061] The Image ID field 701 indicates an ID that uniquely identifies the image. The User ID field 702 indicates the user's ID. The File Path field 703 is the file path where the image is saved. This may be the path to the HDD 209 or storage medium 211 of the information processing device 100, or the path to external storage if access to the file is possible. The Subject field 704 is the subject of the image. The analysis unit 306 analyzes the image and manages the extracted subject. The Camera field 705 indicates the name of the camera used for shooting. The Lens field 706 indicates the name of the lens used for shooting.

[0062] According to the table in Figure 7, information indicating the number of images taken using the first combination of imaging device and lens, and information indicating the number of images taken using the second combination of imaging device and lens can be identified. Separately from the table in Figure 7, information indicating the number of images taken using the second combination of imaging device and lens may be stored in the HDD 209, external storage device 210, or storage medium 211.

[0063] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for searching for a shooting recipe. When this flowchart is executed by program execution, the program is stored in ROM 203, HDD 209, external storage device 210, or storage medium 211, and then loaded into RAM 202, which is then executed by CPU 201. In this embodiment, the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8 is described as being started when a user accesses the information processing device 100 from a user terminal 102 and opens the shooting recipe list screen 900, which will be described later.

[0064] In S800, the search unit 304 acquires the identification information of the user providing the shooting recipe. In S800, the search unit 304 operates as a receiving means for receiving the user's identification information.

[0065] For example, the search unit 304 displays an input screen on the display unit 206 for entering user identification information. The search unit 304 acquires the user identification information entered on the input screen. When acquiring user identification information, user authentication processing may be performed. The information processing device 100 sends the login ID and password entered from the input screen displayed on the display unit 206 to the web server and sends a user authentication request. The web server notifies the information processing device 100 of the authentication result. If authentication is successful, the information processing device 100 acquires the user identification information associated with the login ID and executes the process S801 described later. If authentication is unsuccessful, the login ID and password acceptance process is repeated. The user identification information associated with the login ID may be acquired by the information processing device 100 from the web server. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may retain the user identification information associated with the login ID. An example using a web server for authentication has been described, but the authentication function may be provided by the information processing device 100.

[0066] In S801, the search unit 304 obtains a list of camera and lens combinations owned by the user corresponding to the identification information acquired in S800 from the data structure shown in Figure 6.

[0067] In S802, the search unit 304 determines whether it was able to obtain a list of camera and lens combinations in S801. If it was, the search unit 304 proceeds to processing in S803. If it was not possible to obtain the list, the search unit 304 terminates processing. One example of a case where it is not possible to obtain the list is when the user's camera and lens have not yet been registered.

[0068] In S803, the search unit 304 retrieves one camera and lens combination acquired in S801.

[0069] In S804, the search unit 304 obtains the range of configurable settings for the camera included in the combination acquired in S803 from the data structure shown in Figure 5(a). It also obtains the range of configurable settings for the lens included in the combination acquired in S803 from the data structure shown in Figure 5(b). In other words, in S804, the search unit 304 operates as a first acquisition means to obtain the range of configurable settings for the camera (imaging device). The first acquisition means obtains the range of configurable settings for the imaging device associated with the user's identification information, based on the user's identification information received in S800. In S804, the search unit 304 also operates as a second acquisition means to obtain the range of configurable settings for the lens. The second acquisition means obtains the range of configurable settings for the lens associated with the user's identification information, based on the user's identification information received in S800.

[0070] In S805, the search unit 304 generates search conditions using the values ​​of each setting item obtained by S804. For example, if the value of ISO sensitivity 502 is between 100 and 12800, the ISO sensitivity within this range becomes the search condition. Similarly, all setting items such as shutter speed and white balance are used as conditions. Note that each setting item is combined using a logical AND condition.

[0071] In S806, the search unit 304 identifies a shooting recipe that satisfies the search conditions based on the search conditions generated in S805 and the setting values ​​of each recipe shown in the data structure of Figure 4. In S806, the search unit 304 operates as a search means to search for sample content of images taken using setting values ​​within the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means, from among the sample content stored in the memory unit. In this embodiment in particular, the search unit 304 searches for sample content based on the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means and the range of setting values ​​acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0072] In S807, the search unit 304 determines whether it has processed all camera and lens combinations included in the list obtained in S801. If it has, it proceeds to S808. If it has not, it proceeds to S803 and performs the processing from S803 to S806 for the unprocessed camera and lens combinations.

[0073] In S808, the search unit 304 determines whether a shooting recipe was found based on the search results in S806. If multiple searches have been performed, the determination is made based on the search results of all multiple searches. If a recipe is found, the process proceeds to S809. If no recipe is found, the process proceeds to S810.

[0074] In S809, the search unit 304 terminates processing by outputting all recipes as search results because no data was found. In this way, if no sample content is found as a result of searching using the first condition, the search unit 304 outputs all sample content stored in the storage unit.

[0075] In S810, the search unit 304 combines the search results. If multiple searches have been performed, duplicate results are removed and the search results from all searches are combined; if only one search was performed, only one search result is generated.

[0076] In S811, the search unit 304 determines whether the number of search results is greater than or equal to the first threshold. If a number of results is found (Yes in S811), the process proceeds to S812 to further refine the search results. If no results are found, the process proceeds to S815. The first threshold can be set in advance by the system administrator of the information processing device 100, or it can be set by the user.

[0077] In S812, the search unit 304 generates search conditions using all combinations of camera identification information and lens identification information obtained in S801. Within a single camera and lens combination, the camera and lens are joined by a logical AND condition. If there are multiple camera and lens combinations, they are joined by a logical OR condition. For example, the combination of "camera A" and "lens X" and the combination of "camera B" and "lens Y" are (camera A AND lens X) OR (camera B AND lens Y).

[0078] In S813, the search unit 304 searches for shooting recipes using the conditions generated in S812 against the search results from S810. In this way, if the number of sample contents found using the first search conditions is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the search unit 304 performs the following search process. That is, the search unit 304 searches for sample contents using second search conditions for searching for sample contents of images taken using the combination of imaging device and lens associated with the user's identification information.

[0079] In S814, the search unit 304 determines whether a shooting recipe was found as a result of the search in S813. If a recipe is found, the process terminates. If no recipes are found, the process proceeds to S815. In S814, the process determines whether a shooting recipe was found, but it may also determine whether the number of shooting recipes found is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The second threshold is a value less than the first threshold. If the number of shooting recipes found is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the search results are output and the process terminates. If the number of found shooting recipes is less than the second threshold, the process proceeds to S815.

[0080] In S815, the search unit 304 outputs the combined search results from S810 as the search result for the shooting recipe and terminates processing. In this way, if the number of sample content items found using the second search condition is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the search unit 304 outputs the sample content items found using the second search condition as the search result. If the number of sample content items found using the second search condition is less than the second threshold, the search unit 304 outputs the sample content items found using the first search condition as the search result.

[0081] The process described above searches for shooting recipes based on the settings that can be set on the camera associated with the user. Therefore, shooting recipes for images taken with a camera different from the one associated with the user can also be output as search results. Thus, compared to searching by camera name, the range of shooting recipes the user can choose from is broadened. The same applies to lenses.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above process, a search for shooting recipes is first performed using the first search condition (the search condition generated in S805). Next, if the search results obtained using the first search condition are above a threshold, the shooting recipes are narrowed down using the second search condition (the search condition generated in S812). In this way, it is possible to prevent the number of search results presented to the user from becoming too large. Also, if the search results obtained using the first search condition are below the threshold, the narrowing down by the second search condition is not performed, so it is possible to prevent the number of search results presented to the user from becoming too small.

[0083] The above embodiments describe an example of generating search conditions based on both the settings that can be set on the camera and the settings that can be set on the lens, but the invention is not limited to this. The search may be performed based only on the range of settings that the camera associated with the user's ID can take. Alternatively, the search may be performed based only on the range of settings that the lens associated with the user's ID can take. The user may be allowed to select on the shooting recipe list screen 900 whether to perform the search based on the camera and lens combination or based only on the camera or lens settings.

[0084] Figure 9(a) is an example of a shooting recipe list screen 900 that displays a list of the results of a search for shooting recipes. After the processing in Figure 8 is completed and the search unit 304 obtains example images from the searched shooting recipes, the screen transmission unit 305 generates a screen and transmits the screen to the user terminal 102. The screen transmission unit 305 operates as an output means for outputting search results.

[0085] Example images 901 to 905 are example images of the shooting recipes retrieved by the process shown in Figure 8. The example images of the shooting recipes retrieved by the process shown in Figure 8 are retrieved from HDD209, etc., and displayed. Here, example image 901 is highlighted with a thick border, indicating that it has been selected by the user.

[0086] Scrollbar 906 is a scrollbar. It appears when there are example images for a shooting recipe that cannot be displayed within the screen's display area. By operating the scrollbar, you can also display the example images that are not currently shown.

[0087] The details confirmation button 907 is a button that allows the user to select the shooting recipe they want to check. When the user presses the details confirmation button 907, the operation reception unit 307 receives information about the example images of the selected shooting recipe. The screen transmission unit 305 obtains information about the shooting recipe from the data structure shown in Figure 4 based on the information about the example images of the shooting recipe that it has received. The screen transmission unit 305 then generates the shooting recipe details screen 910, which will be described later, and transmits the screen to the user terminal 102.

[0088] Figure 9(b) shows an example of the shooting recipe details screen 910, which displays the details of the shooting recipe. It displays the information of the shooting recipe selected on the shooting recipe list screen 900.

[0089] Example image 911 is an example image of the shooting recipe. Shooting model 912 is the name of the camera and lens used when example image 911 was taken. Setting values ​​913 are the camera and lens settings used when example image 911 was taken. Recommended subject 914 is a recommended subject when shooting with each of the setting values ​​913. Setting button 915 is a button that determines whether to set each of the setting values ​​displayed in setting values ​​913 on the user's camera. When the user operates setting button 915, the operation reception unit 307 receives information from the user terminal 102 that the shooting recipe displayed on the shooting recipe details screen 910 has been selected, and then executes the process shown in Figure 10, which will be described later. Back button 916 is a button that returns to the shooting recipe list screen 900. The shooting recipe list screen 900 is sent back to the user terminal 102.

[0090] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process that determines whether to send the user's selected shooting recipe to the user's camera. This process is triggered when the user presses the settings button 915.

[0091] In S1001, the recipe transmission unit 308 searches the data structure shown in Figure 6 and obtains the identification information of the camera associated with the user.

[0092] In S1002, the recipe transmission unit 308 determines whether the user owns multiple cameras. If the user owns multiple cameras, the process proceeds to S1003. If the user does not own multiple cameras, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0093] In S1003, the screen transmission unit 305 transmits the camera selection screen 1100 (described later) to the user terminal 102.

[0094] In S1004, the operation reception unit 307 determines whether a camera has been selected by the user on the camera selection screen 1100. This determination is repeated until a camera is selected, and if selected, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0095] In step S1005, the recipe transmission unit 308 registers the camera information to be transmitted in the data structure shown in Figure 12 (described later) based on the selection result, and then terminates the process.

[0096] Figure 11 shows an example of the camera selection screen 1100 displayed when a user owns multiple cameras. The process in Figure 10 manages the camera for which the shooting recipe is set.

[0097] "Owned Camera 1101" is the name of the camera owned by the user. If there are multiple cameras, they will be displayed in a list.

[0098] The selection checkbox 1102 is used to select the camera to configure. If there are multiple cameras, multiple checkboxes will be displayed. In the example screen of the camera selection screen 1100, "Camera A" indicates that it is selected.

[0099] The select button 1103 is the button that allows the user to confirm the selection of a camera. When the user operates the select button 1103, the operation reception unit 307 receives information about the camera selected on the camera selection screen 1100 from the user terminal 102. In the process shown in Figure 10, the process in S1004 is determined to be Yes, and the process proceeds to S1005.

[0100] Figure 12 shows an example of a data structure for managing the settings of a shooting recipe.

[0101] The User ID field 1201 indicates the user's ID. The Camera field 1202 indicates the camera name for which each setting value of the shooting recipe is set or has already been set. The Recipe ID field 1203 indicates the shooting recipe to be set on the camera. The Transmission Status field 1204 indicates the transmission status to the camera. "Completed" means that each setting value of the shooting recipe has been sent to the camera, and "Not yet sent" means that it has not been sent yet. Immediately after data is registered in this data structure, it is registered as "Not yet". The process of updating it to "Completed" will be described later using Figure 13.

[0102] In this data structure, the combination of the value in the camera field 1202 and the value in the recipe ID field 1203 associated with the value in the user ID field 1201 can be uniquely identified.

[0103] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of sending the settings of the shooting recipe selected by the user to the user's camera. This process is initiated when the user's camera is connected to the information processing device 100.

[0104] In S1301, the recipe transmission unit 308 searches for and retrieves the data structure shown in Figure 12 using the name of the camera connected to the user.

[0105] In S1302, the recipe transmission unit 308 determines whether the data was found in S1301. If it was found, the process proceeds to S1303. If it was not found, the process ends.

[0106] In S1303, the recipe transmission unit 308 determines whether there is any data in the data searched in S1301 whose transmission status 1204 is "Not yet received". If there is, proceed to S1304. Otherwise, terminate the process.

[0107] In S1304, the recipe transmission unit 308 searches the data structure shown in Figure 4 using the recipe ID 1203 obtained in S1301, and retrieves each setting value.

[0108] In S1305, the recipe transmission unit 308 transmits each setting value to the connected camera.

[0109] In S1306, the recipe transmission unit 308 updates the transmission status 1204 of the data retrieved in S1301 to "completed" and terminates processing.

[0110] The camera sets each received setting value.

[0111] In this embodiment, the search for shooting recipes is performed based on the settings that can be set on the camera associated with the user. Therefore, shooting recipes for images taken with a camera different from the one associated with the user can also be output as search results. Thus, compared to searching by camera name, the range of shooting recipes the user can choose from is broadened. Similarly, for lenses, the search for shooting recipes is performed based on the settings that can be set on the lens associated with the user. Therefore, shooting recipes for images taken with a camera different from the one associated with the user can also be output as search results. Thus, compared to searching by lens name, the range of shooting recipes the user can choose from is broadened.

[0112] In this embodiment, a search for shooting recipes is first performed using the first search condition (the search condition generated in S805). Next, if the search results obtained using the first search condition are above a threshold, the shooting recipes are narrowed down using the second search condition (the search condition generated in S812). In this way, it is possible to prevent the number of search results presented to the user from becoming too large. Also, if the search results obtained using the first search condition are below the threshold, the narrowing down by the second search condition is not performed, so it is possible to prevent the number of search results presented to the user from becoming too small.

[0113] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, an example is described in which the search for shooting recipes is further performed using subject information.

[0114] The system configuration according to this embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0115] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of performing a further search using subject information after the search process described using Figure 8. In this embodiment, the process shown in Figure 14 is performed to further refine the search results when the number of shooting recipes found in Figure 8 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0116] In S1401, the search unit 304 obtains information from the data structure in Figure 7 indicating the type of subject associated with the user operating the shooting recipe details screen 910.

[0117] In S1402, the search unit 304 generates search conditions for searching for shooting recipes associated with the subject types acquired in S1401. If multiple subject types associated with the user are acquired, they are combined using a logical OR (OR) condition.

[0118] In S1403, the search unit 304 searches for a shooting recipe using the conditions generated in S1402 against the search results in Figure 8.

[0119] In S1404, the search unit 304 determines whether a shooting recipe was found as a result of the search in S1403. If it was found, the process ends. If it was not found, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0120] At S1405, the search unit 304 terminates processing with the search results before searching using the subject type (i.e., the search results obtained by the processing in Figure 8) as the search result for the shooting recipe.

[0121] As explained above, according to this embodiment, if the processing in Figure 8 results in a large number of searched shooting recipes, the number can be further limited by performing additional searches based on the subject. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to find their favorite shooting recipes. In the explanation of S1402, the case of generating search conditions by combining multiple subjects with a logical AND was described. However, it is also possible to further limit the number of searched shooting recipes by retrieving only the most frequent subject in S1401.

[0122] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a process is described for rearranging the display order of the shooting recipes in the search results described in Embodiment 1 or 2, so that the user can easily find their favorites.

[0123] The system configuration according to this embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0124] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of prioritizing and sorting shooting recipes when configuring the shooting recipe list screen 900 for transmission to the user terminal 102. The sorting is performed after the search process described using Figure 8 or Figure 14 has been completed.

[0125] In S1501, the sequence determination unit 309 refers to the data structure in Figure 7 and obtains camera and lens combination information associated with the user identified in S800.

[0126] In S1502, the sequence determination unit 309 selects camera and lens combinations from the combination information acquired in S1501, in descending order of the number of images taken with each combination. Each time the process in S1502 is repeated, the sequence determination unit 309 selects a combination from the unselected combinations that has the most images taken with it.

[0127] In S1503, the sequence determination unit 309 determines whether a search by subject type, as explained in Figure 14, has been performed. If it has been performed, the process proceeds to S1504. If it has not been performed, the process proceeds to S1510.

[0128] In S1504, the sequence determination unit 309 uses the data structure shown in Figure 7 to obtain information about the type of subject associated with the user identified in S800.

[0129] In S1505, the sequence determination unit 309 selects subject types in descending order of the number of images associated with each subject type acquired in S1504. Each time the process in S1504 is repeated, the sequence determination unit 309 selects subject types from among the unselected subject types in descending order of the number of images taken of that subject type.

[0130] In S1506, the sequence determination unit 309 generates search conditions for searching for a shooting recipe that includes the camera and lens combination selected in S1502 and the subject type selected in S1505. The camera, lens, and subject are combined using a logical AND condition.

[0131] In S1507, the sequence determination unit 309 performs a search on the search results of the search process shown in Figure 14.

[0132] In S1508, the sequence determination unit 309 combines the search result from S1507 with the previous search results. If the search in S1507 is the first time, the result from S1507 is used as is. If it is the second time or later, the search result from that time is combined with the previously combined search results.

[0133] In S1509, the sequence determination unit 309 determines whether all types of subjects searched in S1504 have been processed. If processed, proceed to S1513. If not processed, proceed to S1505.

[0134] In S1510, the sequence determination unit 309 generates search conditions using the camera and lens acquired in S1502. The camera and lens are combined using a logical AND condition.

[0135] In S1511, the sequence determination unit 309 performs a search on the search results obtained in Figure 8.

[0136] In S1512, the sequence determination unit 309 combines the search result from S1511 with the previous search results. If the search in S1511 is the first time, the result from S1511 is used as is. If it is the second time or later, the search result from that time is added to the end of the previously combined search results.

[0137] In S1513, the sequence determination unit 309 determines whether all camera and lens combinations found in S1501 have been processed. If processed, proceed to S1514. If not processed, proceed to S1502.

[0138] In S1514, the sequence determination unit 309 performs a search on the search results in Figure 8 in S1507 and on the search results in Figure 14 in S1511. If there is any data that was not found, it is added to the end of the final results in S1508 or S1512.

[0139] In this manner, if the number of images taken using the first combination of camera and lens is greater than the number of images taken using the second combination of camera and lens, the following processing is performed. That is, the search results are output so that the sample content of images taken using the first combination is displayed on the display screen with priority over the sample content of images taken using the second combination.

[0140] As explained above, according to this embodiment, in the search results shown in Figure 8 or Figure 14, the combination of cameras and lenses that take a large number of photos, and the shooting recipes for subjects that take a large number of photos, are ranked higher. In this way, users can more easily find shooting recipes that are expected to have a higher priority.

[0141] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, an example of a shooting recipe list screen different from the shooting recipe list screen 900 described with reference to Figure 9 will be described.

[0142] Figure 16 shows an example of a shooting recipe list screen 1600 with a search function that displays a list of search results for shooting recipes. After the processing in Figure 8 or Figure 14 is completed and the search unit 304 obtains example images from the searched shooting recipes, the screen transmission unit 305 generates the screen and transmits the screen to the user terminal 102.

[0143] The example images 901-905, the scroll bar 906, and the detail confirmation button 907 are as described above in Figure 9.

[0144] The setting value 1608 is the camera and lens setting value specified when searching in Figure 8 or Figure 14. If specified in the search criteria, the corresponding checkbox will be checked.

[0145] Model name 1609 is the model name of the camera and lens specified when searching in Figure 8 or Figure 14. If specified in the search criteria, the corresponding checkbox will be checked.

[0146] Subject 1610 is the subject specified when searching in Figure 8 or Figure 14. If it is specified in the search criteria, the corresponding checkbox will be checked.

[0147] The search button 1611 performs a new search using the conditions specified in setting value 1608, model name 1609, and subject 1610. After the new search, example images 901-905 are temporarily deleted, and example images from the newly found shooting recipes are displayed.

[0148] As explained above, this embodiment allows users to perform a re-search based on specified conditions, which, although it requires more effort than performing an automatic search as shown in Figure 8 or Figure 14, makes it more likely to find the desired result. Note that either the shooting recipe list screen 900 or the shooting recipe list screen 1600 with search function may be used, or the screens may be used interchangeably depending on the conditions. For example, if the search results obtained using the process in Figure 8 or Figure 14 are too numerous or too few, resulting in an unoptimal number of results, the shooting recipe list screen 1600 with search function may be used instead of the shooting recipe list screen 900.

[0149] (Other embodiments) Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Some of the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate.

[0150] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. Furthermore, the program may be recorded on a storage medium readable by a computer and provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 100 Information Processing Devices 101 CPU 102 RAM 103 ROM 104 NETI / F 105 VRAM 106 Display section 107 Input / Output Controller 108 External Input Device 109 HDD 110 External storage device 111 Storage medium 112 transmission bus

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring the range of settable values ​​that can be set on the imaging device, A search means searches for sample content of an image taken using a setting value within the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means, from among the sample content stored in the memory unit. Output means for outputting search results obtained by the search means An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. It has a means for receiving user identification information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first acquisition means acquires a range of settable values ​​that can be set by the imaging device associated with the user's identification information, based on the user's identification information received by the receiving means.

3. A means for receiving user identification information, It has a second acquisition means for acquiring the range of setting values ​​that can be set for the lens, The first acquisition means acquires a range of settable values ​​that can be set by the imaging device associated with the user's identification information, based on the user's identification information received by the receiving means. The second acquisition means acquires, based on the user identification information received by the receiving means, a range of setting values ​​that can be set for the lens associated with the user identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the search means searches for the sample content based on the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means and the range of setting values ​​acquired by the second acquisition means.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the search means searches for sample content from among the sample content stored in the storage unit, using a first search condition for searching for sample content of images taken using setting values ​​within the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means, and also using setting values ​​within the range of setting values ​​acquired by the second acquisition means.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the search means searches for the sample content using a second search condition for searching for sample content of an image taken using a combination of imaging device and lens associated with the user's identification information, if the number of sample content found using the first search condition is equal to or greater than a first threshold.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the output means outputs the sample content found using the second search condition as the search result if the number of sample content found using the second search condition is equal to or greater than the second threshold, and outputs the sample content found using the first search condition as the search result if the number of sample content found using the second search condition is less than the second threshold.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output means outputs all sample content stored in the storage unit if, as a result of the search means searching using the first condition, no sample content is found.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the range of the setting value acquired by the first acquisition means is a range of at least one of the setting values ​​of ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, white balance, exposure compensation, sharpness, contrast, color saturation, and hue.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the range of the set value acquired by the second acquisition means is a range of at least one of the set values ​​of the aperture value of the lens or the focal length of the lens.

10. It has a third acquisition means for acquiring information on the type of subject associated with the user's identification information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the search means further searches for sample content associated with the type of subject acquired by the third acquisition means.

11. The storage unit stores information for identifying the number of images taken using a first combination of imaging device and lens, and information for identifying the number of images taken using a second combination of imaging device and lens. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the output means outputs the search results such that, when the number of images taken using the first combination is greater than the number of images taken using the second combination, the sample content of the images taken using the first combination is displayed on the display screen with priority over the sample content of the images taken using the second combination.

12. A first acquisition means for acquiring the range of settable values ​​that can be set on the imaging device, A search means searches for sample content of an image taken using a setting value within the range of setting values ​​acquired by the first acquisition means, from among the sample content stored in the memory unit. Output means for outputting search results obtained by the search means An information processing system characterized by having the following features.

13. On the computer, A first acquisition step involves obtaining the range of settable values ​​that can be set on the imaging device, A search step that searches for sample content of an image taken using a setting value within the range of setting values ​​acquired in the first acquisition step, from among the sample content stored in the memory unit, An output step that outputs the search results obtained by the aforementioned search step. A program to execute.

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