Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To be capable of acquiring image-capturing support information suitable for an image-capturing scene at desired timing, without interrupting an image-capturing operation.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: specifying means configured to specify candidates of image-capturing support information to be presented to the user, on the basis of at least a user operation in an image-capturing device or an image captured by the image-capturing device; display control means configured to control timing of displaying the specified candidates of the image-capturing support information on a display unit of the image-capturing device, on the basis of the user operation in the image-capturing device; and setting means configured to set the image-capturing support information, which is selected by the user, on the image-capturing device, out of the candidates of the image-capturing support information displayed on the display unit of the image-capturing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method for assisting photography. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the widespread use of digital cameras, digital video cameras, smartphones, and other devices has made it easy for anyone to take pictures. In addition, the widespread use of social networking services (SNS) has made it easy for users to share the content they have taken via the Internet. This has led to an increased demand for users to take and upload beautiful, attractive images and interesting videos.

[0003] In particular, beginner users may wish to take photos like advanced users who have advanced knowledge and skills in photography. As a technology to support photography, a website is provided that compiles multiple contents by subject category and photography support information that explains photography techniques. Also, a technology has been proposed in which model images on a server are sent to a photography device based on the photography conditions input by a user to a terminal (see Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a technology has been proposed in which information about the photography device and the photography scene are notified to a server, and the server searches a database for corresponding photography setting values ​​and sends them to the photography device (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-027945 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-036716 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the user may be interrupted from performing operations to notify the server of shooting conditions, information on the shooting device, shooting scenes, etc. In addition, since the user must wait for the shooting support information to be transmitted from the server, it is difficult for the user to obtain the shooting support information at the desired timing.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that is capable of obtaining shooting support information adapted to a shooting scene at a desired timing without interfering with shooting operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of the present invention comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a user's operation of the photographing device; Based on the type of user's operation on the photographing device, Analyzing a category of photography support information to be presented to the user, and providing photography support information corresponding to the analyzed category. Candidates of photographing support information to be presented to the user As A means for identifying the In the imaging device The above User single Operation The number or frequency of a display control means for controlling a timing for displaying the specified candidate for photographing support information on a display unit of the photographing device based on the a setting unit for setting, in the photographing device, photographing support information selected by the user from among photographing support information candidates displayed on a display unit of the photographing device; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the camera can be adapted to the scene at a desired timing without interfering with the photographing operation. You can obtain shooting support information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a photography support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting support information acquisition process in an information processing device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing support information acquisition process in the photographing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating shooting support information. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating classification of shooting support information by category. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a category analysis based on a user operation. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating detection of the timing of displaying shooting support information. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating selection of shooting support information. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an addition of a condition for category analysis. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating an addition of a condition to an item of timing for displaying shooting support information. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a category analysis based on a captured image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (System Configuration) 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographing support system 100 (information processing system) according to an embodiment. The photographing support system 100 includes an information processing device 101 and a photographing device 103. The information processing device 101 and the photographing device 103 are connected to each other via a network 102 such as the Internet.

[0012] The information processing device 101 receives information related to a user's operation on the photographing device 103 (hereinafter also referred to as operation information) from the photographing device 103. The information processing device 101 is a photographing support information analysis processing server that analyzes the received operation information to identify categories of photographing support information and candidates of photographing support information to be presented to the user.

[0013] The photographing device 103 detects a request for photographing support information from a user's operation. The photographing support information is content such as an image or a video including information for supporting the user in photographing. The photographing device 103 displays a subject to be photographed and acquires photographing support information from the information processing device 101 in response to the user's operation.

[0014] The information processing device 101 has fewer limitations on storage capacity and processing power than the image capturing device 103, and can therefore handle more content information and image capturing support information. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 can analyze more operations in a shorter time than the image capturing device 103. The information processing device 101 and the image capturing device 103 can transmit and receive information such as image capturing support information, operation information, and analysis results via a network 102 such as the Internet.

[0015] 1 illustrates a photographing support system 100 in which an information processing device 101 and a photographing device 103 work together to analyze photographing support information and display the photographing support information, but is not limited to this. The photographing support system 100 may be realized by one information processing device, or by three or more information processing devices.

[0016] (Hardware configuration) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment. The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that is responsible for the calculations and control of the information processing device 101. The RAM 202 is a random access memory, and functions as the main memory of the CPU 201. The RAM 202 also functions as a storage area for loading programs, an execution area for executing programs, and a data area.

[0017] The ROM 203 is a read-only memory that stores the operation processing procedures of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 has a program ROM and a data ROM. The program ROM records an operating system (OS), which is a system program that controls the information processing device 101. The data ROM records information used to operate the system, etc. The information processing device 101 can also use an HDD 209, a NAND type flash memory, an SD card, a solid state drive (SSD), etc., instead of the ROM 203.

[0018] The NETIF 204 is a network interface. The information processing device 101 controls data transfer between the information processing device 101 and the photographing device 103 and diagnoses the connection status via the NETIF 204. The VRAM 205 is a video RAM. The VRAM 205 controls the display of content information and photographing support information indicating the operating status of the information processing device 101 on the screen of the CRT 206.

[0019] The CRT 206 is a display device such as a display (hereinafter also referred to as the display 206). The KBC 207 is a controller for controlling an input signal from a KB (external input device) 208. The KB 208 is an external input device for accepting operations by a user. For example, the KB 208 is a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse, or a touch panel display.

[0020] The HDD 209 is a hard disk drive used to store application programs and various data. The information processing device 101 may use a NAND type flash memory, an SD card, a solid state drive (SSD), or the like instead of the HDD 209. The application program that realizes the shooting support process according to this embodiment is a software program (module) for executing each unit of the information processing device 101.

[0021] The FDD 210 is an external input / output device for inputting and outputting data to and from a removable disk, such as a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, an SD card drive, etc. The FDD 210 is used, for example, when reading out the application program stored on a removable disk (recording medium).

[0022] The FD211 is a magnetic recording medium (e.g., a flexible disk, an external hard disk) read by the FDD210, but is not limited to this. The recording medium (media) may be a removable data recording device (removable media) such as an optical recording medium (e.g., a CD-ROM), a magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., an MO), or a semiconductor recording medium (e.g., an SD card). Note that application programs or data stored in the HDD209 can also be stored in the FD211 and used via the FDD210.

[0023] The hardware configuration of the image capturing device 103 is the same as that of the information processing device 101. In addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the image capturing device 103 further includes an image capturing section including a photographing lens, a shutter, and an image capturing element such as a CCD or CMOS element.

[0024] (Functional configuration) 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a photographing support system 100 according to an embodiment, that is, an information processing device 101 and a photographing device 103. The information processing device 101 and the photographing device 103 are connected to each other via a network 102 and transmit and receive various information.

[0025] The information processing device 101 includes, as processing modules, a category classification means 301, a category analysis means 302, a timing detection means 303, and an analysis condition adding means 304. The information processing device 101 also includes a memory unit 305 as a storage device that stores information used in each processing module.

[0026] The image capturing device 103 includes, as processing modules, an operation transmitting means 311 and a selecting means 312. The information processing device 101 also includes a memory unit 313 as a storage device that stores information used by each processing module.

[0027] Specific processing by each processing module included in the information processing device 101 and the image capturing device 103, and information stored in the storage device will be described in detail in the description of the processing shown in FIGS.

[0028] Each processing module of the information processing device 101 and the photographing device 103 is read from the ROM 203, HDD 209, or FDD 210 shown in Fig. 2 and deployed in the RAM 202. Each deployed processing module operates as an application program or part of a program used by the CPU 201. The storage unit 305 in the information processing device 101 and the storage unit 313 in the photographing device 103 store content information, photographing support information, operation information, and analysis results.

[0029] The information processing device 101 starts up the processing modules and storage devices automatically by the system, or starts up the processing modules and storage devices via the KBC 107 in accordance with information or instructions input by the user from the KB 208. The CPU 201 obtains information stored in the processing modules and storage devices used for calculation from the ROM 203, the HDD 209, the FDD 210, or the RAM 202, and loads the information in the RAM 202, thereby starting up the processing modules.

[0030] The CPU 201 writes the results of the calculations into a storage device such as a RAM 202, a HDD 209, or a FDD 210. The CPU 201 may also display information on the results of the calculations on a CRT 206 or a display unit of the imaging device 103 via a VRAM 205. Data is transmitted between the CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, NETIF 204, VRAM 205, KBC 207, HDD 209, and FDD 210 via a transmission bus 200.

[0031] (Shooting support processing) The photographing support processing will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the photographing support information acquisition processing in an information processing device. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the photographing support information acquisition processing in an image capturing device. Here, the photographing support information acquisition processing in Fig. 4 will be described as being executed by the information processing device 101, and the photographing support information acquisition processing in Fig. 5 will be described as being executed by the image capturing device 103, but this is not limiting. The processing in each flowchart may be executed by one information processing device, or may be executed by three or more information processing devices. The tasks may be shared and executed by the following two people.

[0032] In step S401, the category classification means 301 of the information processing device 101 acquires a plurality of pieces of shooting support information stored in the storage unit 305. A plurality of pieces of shooting support information based on advanced shooting knowledge and techniques is stored in advance in the storage unit 305. The user may be able to add new shooting support information to the storage unit 305 or update existing shooting support information.

[0033] In step S401, the category classification unit 301 classifies, from among a plurality of pieces of photography support information stored in the storage unit 305, those pieces of photography support information that have been viewed by the user within a recent predetermined period (for example, within one month). Alternatively, the category classification unit 301 may acquire a predetermined number of pieces of shooting support information (e.g., 30 pieces) from the shooting support information that was added to the storage unit 305 more recently.

[0034] Here, the shooting support information will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the shooting support information. The shooting support information is information for shooting highly rated content such as beautiful and good-looking images and interesting videos. Fig. 6 shows an example of shooting support information for shooting a portrait of a person. The shooting support information includes a sample image 601, shooting procedures 602, shooting tips 603, information and settings of the shooting device 604, and a category of shooting support information 605. The shooting support information may also include the shooting mode and settings of the shooting device 103.

[0035] The sample image 601 is a sample of an image captured using the shooting support information. By viewing the sample image 601, the user can imagine what kind of image can be captured when the shooting support information is used.

[0036] Shooting procedure 602 is information about shooting procedures such as advance preparations for the subject or background, and the posture or movement of the subject during shooting. Shooting tips 603 is information that serves as tips for taking better images, such as equipment and props used during shooting, composition showing the subject's placement, focus and bokeh, and post-processing methods. Shooting device information and settings 604 is information about the shooting device, such as camera information and lens information, and information about the settings of the shooting device used during shooting, such as the shooting mode, focal length, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, photometry mode, white balance, shutter speed, and aperture.

[0037] The shooting support information category 605 is information indicating which category the shooting support information indicated by the sample image 601, shooting procedure 602, shooting tips 603, shooting device information and setting value 604 is classified into. The important points of the shooting support information shown in FIG. 6 are that "the person is in focus, while the background is beautifully blurred without being in focus" and "the subjects are arranged in a balanced manner using the rule of thirds composition." For this reason, the shooting support information shown in FIG. 6 is classified into the shooting support information categories of "blur" and "composition (rule of thirds composition)." In addition to the above items, the shooting support information may also include other information related to shooting, such as the shooting location and shooting time.

[0038] In step S402 in FIG. 4, the category classification unit 301 classifies the acquired multiple pieces of shooting support information into categories based on the category information of the shooting support information.

[0039] Here, the classification of shooting support information by category will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the classification of shooting support information by category. In step S401, the category classification means 301 acquires a plurality of pieces of shooting support information stored in the storage unit 305. The category classification means 301 classifies the acquired shooting support information by categories related to shooting techniques based on the category 605 of the shooting support information. By classifying the shooting support information by category, the category classification means 301 creates a table for identifying the category corresponding to the shooting support information, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0040] 7, the category classification unit 301 acquires the shooting support information for person portrait photography (703), flower macro photography (704), moving subject photography (705), and night view photography (706) in step S401.

[0041] The shooting support information category 702 is a category into which each piece of shooting support information is classified. "Bokeh" is a category related to bokeh techniques that display beautiful bokeh in the background. "Composition" is a category related to techniques for arranging the subject in a well-balanced manner, for example by using the rule of thirds. "Zoom" is a category related to zoom techniques for enlarging the subject and taking a larger picture. "Color" is a category related to techniques for adjusting the color of an image. "Freezing the subject" is a category related to techniques for capturing a still picture of a moving subject without blurring. "Dark scenes" is a category related to techniques for capturing bright pictures in dark scenes. "Overall focus" is a category related to techniques for capturing a landscape with the entire scene in focus.

[0042] 7, the shooting support information for portrait photography of a person (703) is classified into the categories of "blur" and "composition." Macro photography of a flower (704) is classified into the categories of "blur," "zoom," and "color," moving subject photography (705) is classified into the category of "freezing the subject," and night scene photography (706) is classified into the categories of "dark scene" and "focus on the whole."

[0043] In step S403 in FIG. 4, the category analysis means 302 of the information processing device 101 receives operation information from the image capture device 103. The operation information is information on operations related to image capture acquired by the image capture device 103 from a user. The operation information includes, for example, information on an operation to select an image capture mode such as Av mode or Tv mode, and information on an operation to set white balance, shutter speed, aperture (F value), and the like. The operation information may also include information from various sensors for detecting an operation to turn the image capture device 103 up, down, left, right, and the like to find an angle of view. The category analysis means 302 can use the operation information to analyze which category the user's operation corresponds to.

[0044] In step S404, the category analysis means 302 analyzes (specifies) a category of shooting support information appropriate for supporting the user in shooting, based on the user's operation included in the operation information received in step S403.

[0045] Here, the category of shooting support information corresponding to a user's operation will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining category analysis based on a user's operation. An operation 801 is an operation name. A category 802 of shooting support information is a category of shooting support information corresponding to each operation.

[0046] The operation 801 includes changing settings before shooting, operations during shooting, checking the content after shooting, and repetition of these operations. For example, the operation 801 includes "Av mode selection" for selecting the aperture priority mode as the shooting mode of the image capturing device 103, and "Tv mode selection" for selecting the shutter speed priority mode. The operations of "Av mode selection" and "Tv mode selection" can be detected by, for example, pressing a mode change switch.

[0047] Furthermore, the operation 801 includes a "live view scanning" for searching for an angle of view for shooting in all directions, up, down, left and right, while the image capturing device 103 is in a live view display state. The "live view scanning" operation can be detected, for example, by a sensor for detecting the user's posture, detecting that the user is moving the image capturing device 103 in all directions.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation 801 includes "white balance setting," "shutter speed setting: slower / faster," and "aperture (F-number) setting: larger / smaller" as setting operations for the image capturing device 103. The operations for setting "white balance," "shutter speed," and "aperture (F-number)" can be detected, for example, by selecting the item to be set and operating the dial to specify the setting value.

[0049] The operations 801 correspond to categories of photography support information (photography techniques) related to each operation. The category analysis unit 302 can identify the candidate categories of shooting support information used by the user from the table of FIG.

[0050] If the user's operation is "Av mode selection", the category analysis means 302 identifies the "blur" category as a candidate category for the shooting support information (803). If the user's operation is "Tv mode selection", the category "freeze subject" is identified as a candidate category for the shooting support information (804).

[0051] Furthermore, if the user's operation is "live view scanning," the "composition" category is identified as a candidate category for the shooting support information (805).If the user's operation is "white balance setting," the "color tone" category is identified as a candidate category for the shooting support information (806).

[0052] If the user's operation is "shutter speed: slow down", i.e., if the shutter speed setting is set to a value greater than the current value, the "dark scene" category is identified as a candidate category for the shooting support information (807). If the user's operation is "shutter speed: speed up", i.e., if the shutter speed setting is set to a value less than the current value, the "freeze subject" category is identified as a candidate category for the shooting support information (808).

[0053] If the user's operation is "Aperture (F-number): increase", the category of "Focus on the whole" is identified as a candidate category of the shooting support information (809). If the user's operation is "Aperture (F-number): decrease", the category of "Bokeh" is identified as a candidate category of the shooting support information (810).

[0054] 4, the timing detection means 303 analyzes the user's operation from the operation information received from the photographing device 103, and detects the display timing of the photographing support information. The timing detection means 303 is not limited to the operation information received in step S403, but can receive information on the user's operation at any time and detect the display timing of the photographing support information.

[0055] Here, detection of the timing to display the shooting support information will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining detection of the timing to display the shooting support information. The timing detection means 303 of the information processing device 101 analyzes the operation information received in step S403, and detects a predetermined timing for displaying candidates for shooting support information on the display 206 (display unit) of the shooting device 103. Note that this predetermined timing is a timing that triggers a process of displaying the shooting support information on the display 206.

[0056] In FIG. 9, shooting support information display timing 901 indicates a predetermined timing detected by the timing detection means 303 as the timing for displaying shooting support information.

[0057] The shooting support information display timing 901 is, for example, immediately after a shooting mode is selected (902), immediately after an exposure setting (ISO sensitivity) is changed (903), immediately after a shutter speed setting is changed (904), immediately after an aperture (F-number) setting is changed (905), and immediately after a white balance setting is changed (906). The shooting support information display timing 901 is also a timing that satisfies certain conditions, such as checking the preview a certain number of times (907), performing a preview operation of post-shooting content for a certain period of time (908), or shooting occurring a certain number of times or more within a certain period of time (909).

[0058] Finally, in step S406 of FIG. 4, when the timing detection unit 303 detects a predetermined shooting support information display timing shown in FIG. 9 from the operation information, the timing detection unit 303 The timing detection means 303 selects the photographing support information of the specified category as a candidate and transmits it to the photographing device 103. The timing detection means 303 transmits the photographing support information candidates to the photographing device 103 at the detected timing, thereby controlling the timing of displaying the photographing support information candidates. Such display control allows the user to obtain the photographing support information at a desired timing.

[0059] The shooting support information display timing 901 may be associated with a category of the shooting support information. In this case, in S406, the timing detection unit 303 may select, as a candidate, shooting support information of a category corresponding to the detected shooting support information display timing, and transmit (set) it to the shooting device 103.

[0060] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing support information acquisition process in the photographing device 103. In step S501, the operation transmission means 311 of the photographing device 103 acquires operation information from a user's operation, and transmits the operation information to the information processing device 101. The operation information may include information on a plurality of operations by the user. The operation information also includes information for analyzing the timing of displaying the photographing support information, such as the time of operation, the number of operations, and the operation interval. The process of step S501 corresponds to step S403 in FIG. 4.

[0061] In step S502, the selection unit 312 receives candidates for shooting support information from the information processing device 101. This is processing corresponding to step S406 in FIG.

[0062] In step S503, the selection unit 312 acquires the shooting support information selected by the user from the shooting support information candidates received in step S502. In step S504, the selection unit 312 displays the shooting support information acquired in step S503 on the display 206. Although an example in which two shooting support information candidates are displayed is shown in Fig. 10, the number of shooting support information candidates is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0063] Here, the selection of shooting support information will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the selection of shooting support information. The selection of shooting support information is a process in which the user selects shooting support information from candidates so that the user can view the detailed contents of the shooting support information or actually use it for shooting. The selection means 312 acquires the detailed contents of the shooting support information selected by the user, and displays them on the display 206. The selection means 312 can acquire the shooting support information from the information processing device 101 or the storage unit 313.

[0064] The selection means 312 of the photographing device 103 receives the photographing support information candidates from the information processing device 101. Then, the selection means 312 displays the photographing support information selected by the user from the photographing support information candidates on the display 206. These processes correspond to steps S503 and S504 in FIG.

[0065] 10 is an example of displaying shooting support information candidates corresponding to the "blur" category on the display 206. The display screen 1001 displays shooting support information for person portrait photography (1002) and flower macro photography (1003).

[0066] For example, when the user sets the shooting mode of the camera 103 to Av mode in step S501 in Fig. 5, the category analysis means 302 identifies the "blur" category as a candidate category for shooting support information in step S404 in Fig. 4. The timing detection means 303 detects the time immediately after the shooting mode is selected (902) as the shooting support information display timing 901 in step S405. The information processing device 101 transmits the shooting support information of person portrait shooting (703) and flower macro shooting (704), which are candidates for shooting support information corresponding to the "blur" category, to the camera 103 in step S406.

[0067] In step S502, the selection means 312 receives the candidate shooting support information and displays an overview of the shooting support information on the display 206. The user specifies a candidate shooting support information that is closest to the image that the user wants to capture. The selection means 312 acquires the shooting support information selected by the user from the candidate shooting support information (step S503). When the information processing device 101 accepts a request to acquire the shooting support information selected by the user from the selection means 312, it sets the details of the shooting support information in the photographing device 103. The selection means 312 displays the details of the acquired shooting support information on the display 206, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0068] 10 is an example of displaying candidates for shooting support information corresponding to the category of "freezing the subject" on the display 206 when the user sets the shooting mode to Tv mode or performs a setting operation to increase the shutter speed. The display screen 1001 displays shooting support information for shooting a moving subject (1005) and shooting a fast-moving subject (1006).

[0069] 10 is an example in which, when the user sets a slow shutter speed, shooting support information candidates corresponding to the "dark scene" category are displayed on the display 206. The display screen 1007 displays shooting support information for shooting a night scene (1008) and shooting a portrait indoors (1009).

[0070] 4 and 5, the display timing of the shooting support information is detected by the information processing device 101, but is not limited to this. The display timing of the shooting support information may be detected by the shooting device 103. In this case, the selection means 312 detects the display timing of the shooting support information based on the operation information in step S504, and when a predetermined timing is detected, displays the shooting support information acquired in step S503 on the display 206.

[0071] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 101 can instantly present to the user shooting support information suitable for the subject and scene from among a large amount of shooting support information, even if the user does not view shooting support information suitable for the subject in advance. This allows the user to concentrate on shooting without missing a shooting opportunity, and allows the user to apply settings to the shooting device and perform shooting operations while viewing the shooting support information.

[0072] In addition, the user can browse shooting support information suited to the subject and scene and actually use it for shooting without having to consciously search for shooting support information by inputting shooting conditions such as the subject, scene, and settings of the camera 103. This allows the user to concentrate on the shooting operation.

[0073] <Variation 1> Modification 1 is an example in which the user adds an analysis condition (FIG. 8) for the category analysis means 302 to identify a category of candidates for shooting support information, or an analysis condition (FIG. 9) for the timing detection means 303 to detect the timing for displaying the shooting support information. Addition of the analysis condition according to modification 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0074] 11 is a diagram for explaining the addition of a condition for category analysis. The analysis condition adding means 304 is a means for allowing the user to add a new analysis condition that associates a shooting operation with a category of shooting support information.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 11, the correspondence between the shooting operation 801 in FIG. 8 and the category 802 of the shooting support information is shown. An analysis condition that associates the shooting operation of “changing exposure setting (ISO sensitivity)” with the category of “dark scene” is added to the table (1101). Based on the added analysis condition, the category analysis means 302 can identify the category of “dark scene” as a candidate category for shooting support information for the shooting operation of “changing exposure setting (ISO sensitivity)”.

[0076] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the addition of a condition for the timing to display shooting support information. The analysis condition adding means 304 is a means for the user to add a new timing to display shooting support information. In the example of Fig. 12, a new analysis condition (1201) is added to the table showing the timing to display shooting support information 901 in Fig. 9, which is a timing to "enlarge and display a preview of post-shooting content a certain number of times within a certain period of time."

[0077] In this way, the user can add new analysis conditions for identifying a category of candidates for shooting support information, and new analysis conditions for detecting the timing for displaying the shooting support information.

[0078] <Variation 2> In the above-described embodiment, the category analysis means 302 identifies candidate categories of shooting support information using information on the user's shooting operation in step S404 in Fig. 4. In contrast, in Modification 2, the category analysis means 302 analyzes post-shooting content (shot image) to identify candidate categories of shooting support information. The identification of categories according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0079] 13 is a diagram for explaining category analysis based on a captured image. For example, if the luminance of multiple pixels in a captured image is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the analysis result is determined to be "image is dark." If the image analysis result is determined to be "image is dark," the category analysis means 302 identifies the category of "dark scene" as a candidate category for the shooting support information (1301). Note that the captured image may be a live view image acquired by the shooting device 103.

[0080] (others) In the above embodiment, images are used as the content, but the information processing device 101 may use other content such as video and audio. As for the shooting support information, shooting procedures, shooting tips, sample images, shooting modes, and settings of the shooting device are used, but other information related to shooting, such as shooting equipment, weather, and location, may be used.

[0081] The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following process: A storage medium on which program code for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device, and a computer (or a CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads out the program code stored in the storage medium.

[0082] In this case, the program code read out from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code and the storage medium on which the program code is stored constitute the present invention.

[0083] The following may be used as storage media for supplying the program code: for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, etc. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

[0084] The present invention also includes cases where the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by a computer executing the program code that has been read out. In addition, the present invention also includes cases where an operating system (OS) or the like running on a computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0085] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a case where the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are realized by the following process. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of the program code, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention also includes cases where the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are realized on multiple computers via a network. For example, each function is shared between a server and a client, with the server processing the management function and the client processing the display function. However, this is not limited to the above, and each computer may process part or all of the processing. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0087] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 101: Information processing device 201: CPU 206: CRT (display) 303: Timing detection means 312: Selection means

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a user's operation of the photographing device; a specification means for analyzing a category of photographing support information to be presented to the user based on a type of operation of the user on the photographing device, and specifying photographing support information corresponding to the analyzed category as a candidate of photographing support information to be presented to the user; a display control means for controlling a timing for displaying the specified candidates of the photographing support information on a display unit of the photographing device, based on the number or frequency of a single operation of the user on the photographing device; a setting unit for setting, in the photographing device, photographing support information selected by the user from among photographing support information candidates displayed on a display unit of the photographing device; An information processing device comprising:

2. The apparatus further includes a classification unit that classifies, by category, the plurality of pieces of photography support information acquired from the storage unit that stores the plurality of pieces of photography support information.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The photographing support information presented to the user includes at least one of a photographing procedure, a photographing tip, a sample image, a photographing mode, and a setting value of a photographing device.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. The category of photography support information is a category related to photography techniques.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

5. The user's operations on the imaging device include changing settings before imaging, operations during imaging, checking the content after imaging, and repeating these operations.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

6. The imaging device further includes an adding unit that allows the user to add, as an analysis condition, a condition for identifying candidates for photographing support information to be presented to the user by the identifying unit, or a condition for detecting a timing for displaying the candidates for photographing support information on a display unit of the photographing device.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

7. An information processing system including an information processing device and an imaging device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a user's operation of the photographing device; a specification means for analyzing a category of photographing support information to be presented to the user based on a type of operation of the user on the photographing device, and specifying photographing support information corresponding to the analyzed category as a candidate of the photographing support information to be presented to the user; a display control means for controlling a timing for displaying the specified candidates of the photographing support information on a display unit of the photographing device, based on the number or frequency of a single operation of the user on the photographing device; a setting unit for setting, in the photographing device, photographing support information selected by the user from among photographing support information candidates displayed on a display unit of the photographing device, The imaging device is a display unit for displaying the photographing support information set by the information processing device on a display unit of the photographing device; An information processing system comprising:

8. the photographing device includes a transmission means for transmitting information on a user's operation of the photographing device to the information processing device; A receiving unit that receives the specified candidates for the shooting support information from the information processing device.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. An acquisition step of acquiring information regarding a user's operation of the photographing device; a specification step of analyzing a category of photographing support information to be presented to the user based on a type of operation of the user on the photographing device, and specifying photographing support information corresponding to the analyzed category as a candidate of the photographing support information to be presented to the user; a display control step of controlling a timing for displaying the identified candidates of photographing support information on a display unit of the photographing device based on the number or frequency of a single operation of the user on the photographing device; a setting step of causing the user to set, in the photographing device, photographing support information selected by the user from among photographing support information candidates displayed on a display unit of the photographing device; 13. An information processing method comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. 7. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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