IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, METHOD FOR OPERATING IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, AND PROGRAM FOR OPERATING IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, an operation method of the image processing device and an operation program of the image processing device which preferentially present a relatively more desired image of a user.SOLUTION: An image distribution server connected in an intercommunication manner via a network to an imaging apparatus and a user terminal includes at least one processor. The processor acquires a first performance evaluation value related to performance of a first imaging apparatus of a first user who is one of a plurality of users, acquires a second performance evaluation value related to performance of a second imaging apparatus of a second user different from the first user among the plurality of users, specifies an image of the second user corresponding to the second imaging apparatus having the second performance evaluation value, which is equal to or larger than the first performance evaluation value, from shared images which are limitedly shared by the plurality of users, and sets a presentation priority of a specific image, which is the specified image, to the first user to be higher than presentation priorities of other shared images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to an image processing device, an operation method for an image processing device, and an operation program for an image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, a service has been developed that allows users to share images they have taken within a user group consisting of multiple users who have attended a common event, such as an athletic meet, a party, a wedding, a recital, a concert, a sports match, etc. Specifically, this service allows each user to transmit images to an image distribution server on a network and grant access rights to the user group, allowing them to view the transmitted images, print the photos, etc.

[0003] In such image sharing services, there is a demand for presenting an image that a user wants from among a large number of images sent by multiple users without bothering the user. In response to such demand, for example, JP2014-182651A describes the following technology.

[0004] That is, in the technology described in JP2014-182651A, a period that a user values ​​within an event (hereinafter, referred to as "priority period") is identified based on operation information of the photographing device that photographed the image. Images photographed by other users during the importance period are presented as recommended images. Examples of the importance period include a period during which a user frequently performs shutter operations, and a period during which a user frequently performs shutter operations but does not transmit images to an image distribution server due to reasons such as photographing failure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology described in JP 2014-182651 A, a user can easily obtain recommended images that the user would like among images taken by other users. However, the recommended images presented to the user may include images of inferior quality compared to the images taken by the user's own photographing device and that the user is accustomed to seeing, and the images are not necessarily only the images the user wants. For this reason, a technology has been sought that preferentially presents images that are more desirable relative to the user's images.

[0006] An object of the technology disclosed herein is to provide an image processing device, an operating method for an image processing device, and an operating program for an image processing device that are capable of preferentially presenting an image that is relatively more desirable than a user's image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image processing device of the present disclosure includes at least one processor, which acquires a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users, acquires a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user among the plurality of users who is different from the first user, identifies an image of the second user corresponding to a second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from among shared images shared in a limited manner by the plurality of users, and sets the presentation priority of the identified specific image to the first user higher than other shared images.

[0008] The operating method of the image processing device disclosed herein includes a first acquisition step of acquiring a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users; a second acquisition step of acquiring a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user of the plurality of users who is different from the first user; an identification step of identifying an image of the second user corresponding to a second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from shared images shared in a limited manner by the plurality of users; and a setting step of setting the presentation priority of the identified specific image to the first user higher than other shared images.

[0009] The operating program of the image processing device disclosed herein causes a processor to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires a first performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a first imaging device of a first user who is one of a plurality of users; a second acquisition unit that acquires a second performance evaluation value regarding the performance of a second imaging device of a second user among the plurality of users who is different from the first user; an identification unit that identifies an image of the second user corresponding to a second imaging device having a second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value from shared images shared in a limited manner by the plurality of users; and a setting unit that sets the presentation priority of the identified specific image to the first user higher than other shared images. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an image distribution server and various devices connected to the image distribution server; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inside of an image DB. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a shared folder. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image file. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing basic image information. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing lens information. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram showing information transmitted and received between an image distribution server and a user terminal. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram showing information transmitted and received between an image distribution server and a user terminal. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer constituting an image distribution server and a user terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a processing unit of a CPU of the image distribution server. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a classification process executed by a classification unit. [Figure 14] 11 is an explanatory diagram of an evaluation value derivation process executed by an evaluation value derivation unit; FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a determination process executed by a determination unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a setting process executed by a setting unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram summarizing the series of processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of recommended image information. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a processing unit of a CPU of a user terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image display screen. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a recommended image display screen. [Figure 22] 13 is a diagram showing a recommended image display screen on which a specific image and second device information are displayed. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a recommended image display screen on which a specific image and shooting conditions are displayed. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an image distribution server. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an image distribution server. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a mode in which images in a shared folder are classified into a plurality of subject groups and images are presented for each subject group. [Figure 27]FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a recommended image display screen in the aspect shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a mode in which images in a shared folder are classified into a plurality of time period groups and images are presented for each time period group. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a recommended image display screen in the aspect shown in FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third embodiment in which the presentation priority of a specific image of a second user corresponding to a second imaging device whose second device information is identical to or similar to the first device information is set higher than other specific images. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing main body information according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing lens information of a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 33] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a sum of products of item-specific performance evaluation values ​​and main body coefficients is calculated from the first main body information. FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the sum of products of item-specific performance evaluation values ​​and lens coefficients is calculated from the first lens information. [Diagram 35] This figure shows how the coefficients for the main body and the coefficients for the lens are changed depending on the scene corresponding to the image in the shared folder, where FIG. 35A shows the case where the scene is a sport, FIG. 35B shows the case where the scene is a dark place, and FIG. 35C shows the case where the scene is a landscape. [Diagram 36] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a manner in which evaluation items are changed according to scenes corresponding to images in a shared folder. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a manner in which a first performance evaluation value is derived based on first device information of a first image capturing device associated with an image stored in a personal folder of a first user. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a manner in which a second performance evaluation value is derived based on second device information of a second image capture device associated with an image stored in a personal folder of a second user. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a manner in which a first type of first image capturing device that satisfies a predetermined first selection condition is selected from a plurality of types of first image capturing devices. [Diagram 40] 13 is a diagram showing a manner in which a second type of second image capturing device that satisfies a second selection condition determined in advance is selected from a plurality of types of second image capturing devices. FIG. [Diagram 41] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing information transmitted and received between an image distribution server and a user terminal in the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 42] A figure showing how presentation priorities are set taking into consideration a first photography skill evaluation value relating to the photography skill of a first user and a second photography skill evaluation value relating to the photography skill of a second user. [Diagram 43] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a mark indicating that the image is a recommended image and its presentation priority is added to a specific image. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] 1, an image distribution server 10 is connected to an image capture device 11 and a user terminal 12. The image distribution server 10, the image capture device 11, and the user terminal 12 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 13. The network 13 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet or a public communication network.

[0012] For example, each of a plurality of users 17 who are watching a soccer match taking place in a soccer field 15 of a stadium 14 from a spectator stand 16 has a photographing device 11 with them. The users 17 use the photographing device 11 to photograph the soccer match. Then, the users 17 transmit an image file 27 (see FIG. 2) including an image 28 (see FIG. 2) obtained in this way to the image distribution server 10 via the network 13. Some of the photographing devices 11 transmit the image file 27 directly to the image distribution server 10, while others cause a user terminal 12 to import the image file 27 and then cause the user terminal 12 to transmit the image file 27.

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

[0014] Some of the photographing devices 11 have the following functions in addition to the function of photographing the image 28 and the function of transmitting the image file 27. That is, like the user terminal 12, they have the function of receiving the image file 27 from the image distribution server 10 and the function of playing and displaying the image 28 included in the received image file 27. In short, some of the photographing devices 11 also function as the user terminal 12. In the following description, the expression "user terminal 12" includes the photographing device 11 that also functions as the above-mentioned user terminal 12. The photographing device 11 is a compact digital camera, a digital single-lens reflex camera, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0015] The image distribution server 10 is, for example, a server computer, a workstation, etc., and is an example of an "image processing device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The image distribution server 10 receives image files 27 from the photographing device 11 and the user terminal 12 via the network 13. In addition, the image distribution server 10 distributes the image files 27 to the user terminal 12 via the network 13.

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

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the image DB 19 includes a personal folder 25 and a shared folder 26. The personal folder 25 is a folder that is assigned to each user 17 and is unique to each user 17. For this reason, the number of personal folders 25 is the same as the number of users 17. The personal folder 25 stores image files 27 transmitted from the photographing device 11 of each user 17. The image files 27 include images 28. For this reason, the personal folder 25 stores images 28 associated with each user 17. Here, the "image associated with a user" includes, for example, an image associated with a user ID (Identification Data). The "image associated with a user" is, for example, an image 28 associated with a user ID or a terminal ID by the user 17 accessing the image distribution server 10 using the user ID or terminal ID and uploading the image. The "image associated with a user" includes, in addition to the image 28 photographed by the user 17 using the photographing device 11, the image 28 read by the user 17 using a scanner. In addition, "images associated with a user" may also include images 28 that the user 17 has received from other users 17, such as friends or family members, images 28 that the user 17 has downloaded from an Internet site, and the like.

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

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the shared folder 26 is different from the personal folder 25 and is a folder shared by a user group 30 consisting of a plurality of users 17. For this reason, the user IDs of the plurality of users 17 who share the shared folder 26 are registered in the shared folder 26. The shared folder 26 is given access authority only to the users 17 whose user IDs are registered. The shared folder 26 stores image files 27 of images 28 taken at a common event by the plurality of users 17 who participated in the event. Examples of the event include an athletic meet, a party, a wedding, a recital, and a concert, in addition to the soccer match shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, the image file 27 stored in the shared folder 26 is referred to as an image file 27SH, and the image 28 included in the image file 27SH is referred to as an image 28SH. The image 28SH is an example of a "shared image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The images 28 included in the shared folder 26 are not limited to images 28 specified by an event, and may include images 28 acquired from the plurality of accessible users 17.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows four users 17 with user IDs [U5], [U10], [U15], and [U20] who participated as spectators in the soccer match shown in FIG. 1, storing image files 27SH of images 28SH that they themselves took in a shared folder 26 named "shared folder [soccer 1]". The shared folder 26 is created, for example, by one user 17 among the multiple users 17 constituting the user group 30. The shared folder 26 may also be created by the organizer of the event. Note that in FIG. 3, the image files 27SH stored by each user 17 in the shared folder 26 are depicted as three overlapping files, but this does not mean that each user 17 stores three image files 27SH. This represents that each user 17 stores several image files 27SH, whether one or multiple. In the following figures, the image files 27SH depicted as three overlapping files do not strictly represent that the number of image files 27SH is three.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the image file 27 includes an image 28, a user ID, and image information 35. The image information 35 is composed of basic image information 36 (see FIG. 5), shooting conditions 37 (see FIG. 6), and device information 38. In this manner, each image 28 is associated with the basic image information 36, shooting conditions 37, and device information 38. The device information 38 is information about the photographing device 11 that photographed the image 28, and has body information 39 (see FIG. 7) and lens information 40 (see FIG. 8). The body information 39 is information about the body of the photographing device 11. The lens information 40 is information about a lens built into or attached to the body of the photographing device 11.

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

[0023] 6, the shooting conditions 37 include items such as exposure time, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sensitivity, shutter speed, F-number, subject distance, focal length, and shooting mode setting when the image 28 is shot. In addition to the night scene mode shown as an example, the shooting modes include a sports mode suitable for shooting a subject with a lot of movement, a portrait mode suitable for shooting a still person, and a landscape mode suitable for shooting scenery. The types of shooting modes that can be set differ depending on the photographing device 11. In addition to these items, the shooting conditions 37 include various items such as a brightness value, a focus method, a white balance setting, and whether or not to use a flash.

[0024] 7, the main body information 39 has items such as the manufacturer name, model name, and resolution of the main body of the photographing device 11. In the item of resolution, the horizontal and vertical dpi (dots per inch) of the pixels of the image sensor mounted on the main body of the photographing device 11 are recorded.

[0025] 8, lens information 40 has items such as the manufacturer name, model name, maximum aperture, focal length, and angle of view of the lens built into or attached to the body of the photographing device 11. The shortest focal length and the longest focal length are registered in the focal length item. The maximum angle of view and the minimum angle of view are registered in the angle of view item. Note that basic image information 36, photographing conditions 37, body information 39, and lens information 40 are not limited to these pieces of information, and may include at least some of the above-mentioned items.

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

[0027] The terminal ID is information for distributing the image file 27 from the image distribution server 10 to the user terminal 12 that has transmitted the image distribution request 45. The terminal ID is not limited to a media access control (MAC) address, and may be an internet protocol (IP) address or a port number. The user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 may be the user 17 who owns the user terminal 12, or the user 17 who uses the user terminal 12. The image distribution server 10 may also perform a user authentication process that authenticates the user by a user ID or a passcode, and associate various requests and images 28 from the time of user authentication until the time of release of the user authentication with the authenticated user 17.

[0028] In FIG. 10, the user terminal 12 transmits a recommended image delivery request 46 to the image delivery server 10. The recommended image delivery request 46 includes the terminal ID of the user terminal 12, the user ID of the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12, and the name of the shared folder 26 from which the recommended image is requested. The recommended image delivery request 46 is a request from the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 that is the source of the recommended image delivery request 46 to the image delivery server 10 to present recommended images that the user 17 recommends to the user 17 among the images 28SH in the shared folder 26 specified by the name. In response to the recommended image delivery request 46, the image delivery server 10 delivers recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12 that is the source of the recommended image delivery request 46 specified by the terminal ID. In FIG. 10, as in the case of FIG. 9, a case is illustrated in which the user 17 with the user ID [U5] transmits a recommended image delivery request 46 for the shared folder 26 named "shared folder [soccer 1]" from his / her own user terminal 12 with the terminal ID [T5] to the image delivery server 10. The recommended image delivery request 46 includes information specifying the shared folder 26 accessible by the user 17 himself / herself. The recommended image information 47 includes images 28 of other users 17 who have device information 38 equal to or greater than the device information 38 of the user 17 who made the recommended image delivery request 46, in the shared folder 26 specified in the recommended image delivery request 46. The terminal ID is information for delivering the recommended image information 47 from the image delivery server 10 to the user terminal 12 that sent the recommended image delivery request 46. The terminal ID is not limited to a MAC address, and may be an IP address or a port number.

[0029] Here, among the multiple users 17 constituting the user group 30, the user 17 (user 17 with user ID [U5] in this example) corresponding to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image delivery request 46 requesting a recommended image recommended to the user is an example of a "first user" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, among the multiple users 17 constituting the user group 30, the users 17 other than the user 17 corresponding to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image delivery request 46 (users 17 with user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] in this example) are an example of a "second user different from the first user" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In the following, the first user is distinguished by being assigned a reference number 17F (see FIG. 17), and the second user is distinguished by being assigned a reference number 17S (see FIG. 17). In addition, the photographing device 11 corresponding to the first user 17F is referred to as the first photographing device 11F (see FIG. 17), and the photographing device 11 corresponding to the second user 17S is referred to as the second photographing device 11S (see FIG. 17). The device information 38 of the first photographing device 11F is represented as first device information 38F (see FIG. 14), and the device information 38 of the second photographing device 11S is represented as second device information 38S (see FIG. 14). Furthermore, the body information 39 and lens information 40 of the first device information 38F are represented as first body information 39F (see FIG. 14) and first lens information 40F (see FIG. 14), and the body information 39 and lens information 40 of the second device information 38S are represented as second body information 39S (see FIG. 14) and second lens information 40S (see FIG. 14).

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

[0031] The storage device 55 is a hard disk drive built into the computer constituting the image distribution server 10 and the user terminal 12, or connected via a cable or network. Alternatively, the storage device 55 is a disk array in which multiple hard disk drives are connected in series. The storage device 55 stores control programs such as an operating system, various application programs (hereinafter abbreviated as APs (Application Programs)), and various data associated with these programs. Note that a solid state drive may be used instead of a hard disk drive.

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

[0033] The communication unit 58 is a network interface that controls the transmission of various information via the network 13 etc. The display 59 displays various screens. The various screens are provided with an operation function using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The image distribution server 10 and the computer that constitutes the user terminal 12 accept input of operation instructions from an input device 60 via the various screens. The input device 60 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.

[0034] In the following description, the components of the computer that constitutes the image distribution server 10 are distinguished by adding the suffix "A" to the reference numerals, and the components of the computer that constitutes the user terminal 12 are distinguished by adding the suffix "B" to the reference numerals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0043] The identification unit 75 identifies the second device information 38S (hereinafter referred to as high-performance second device information 38SS, see FIG. 15, etc.) of the second image capture device 11S having a second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value based on the derivation result 84 from the evaluation value derivation unit 74. Since the second device information 38S is associated with the image 28SH, the identification unit 75 identifies the image 28SH (hereinafter referred to as a specific image 90, see FIG. 16, FIG. 21, etc.) of the second user 17S corresponding to the second image capture device 11S having a second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value by identifying the high-performance second device information 38SS. The identification unit 75 outputs the identification result 85 of the high-performance second device information 38SS to the setting unit 76.

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

[0045] The delivery control unit 77 controls the delivery of the image file 27 and the image file 27SH from the image acquisition unit 71 to the user terminal 12 that has sent the image delivery request 45. At this time, the delivery control unit 77 delivers the image file 27SH in a manner that allows the shared folder 26 to be identified. The delivery control unit 77 also generates recommended image information 47 based on the setting result 86 from the setting unit 76, and controls the delivery of the generated recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12 that has sent the recommended image delivery request 46. The recommended image information 47 is, for example, information including the image 28 and a display priority based on the high-performance second device information 38SS.

[0046] In the following, various processes executed by each processing unit of the processor 57A will be described, taking as an example a case where the user 17 with the user ID [U5] transmits a recommended image delivery request 46 for the shared folder 26 named "shared folder [soccer1]" as shown in FIG. 10 in the user group 30 shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, in the following example, the user 17 with the user ID [U5] becomes the first user 17F. Also, the photographing device 11 corresponding to the user 17 with the user ID [U5] becomes the first photographing device 11F. And, the device information 38 of the photographing device 11 corresponding to the user 17 with the user ID [U5] becomes the first device information 38F. On the other hand, the users 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] become the second users 17S. Also, the photographing device 11 corresponding to the user 17 with the user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] becomes the second photographing device 11S. The device information 38 of the photographing devices 11 corresponding to the users 17 with user IDs [U10], [U15], and [U20] becomes the second device information 38S. Furthermore, the shared folder 26 named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" becomes the recommended shared folder 26SP. In the following example, the photographing device 11 used by each user 17 to photograph the event will be described as one.

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

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

[0049] FIG. 14 shows the evaluation value derivation process executed in the evaluation value derivation unit 74. First, the body evaluation value table 82 and the lens evaluation value table 83 will be described. The body evaluation value table 82 has registered therein a body performance evaluation value corresponding to the model name of the body of the image capture device 11. The lens evaluation value table 83 has registered therein a lens performance evaluation value corresponding to the model name of the lens. The body performance evaluation value is an evaluation value relating to the performance of the body of the image capture device 11. The lens performance evaluation value is an evaluation value relating to the performance of the lens. The body of the image capture device 11 has a higher body performance evaluation value, which indicates better performance. Similarly, the lens has a higher lens performance evaluation value, which indicates better performance. For example, "FD2a" with a body performance evaluation value of 180 has better performance than "FD1a" with a body performance evaluation value of 100 and "FD1b" with a body performance evaluation value of 150.

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

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

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

[0053] FIG. 15 shows the identification process executed by the identification unit 75. In this case, according to the derivation result 84, the second performance evaluation value equal to or greater than the first performance evaluation value of 165 corresponds to the second performance evaluation value 165 corresponding to the user ID [U10] and the second performance evaluation value 230 corresponding to the user ID [U20]. Therefore, the identification unit 75 identifies the second device information 38S [U10] and the second device information 38S [U20] as high-performance second device information 38SS. By identifying the high-performance second device information 38SS in this way, the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S, that is, the identified image 90, is identified. The identification unit 75 generates an identification result 85 in which the identified high-performance second device information 38SS and the second performance evaluation value are associated with each other, and outputs the generated identification result 85 to the setting unit 76.

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

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

[0056] Fig. 17 summarizes the series of processes shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 16. That is, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 165, which is a first performance evaluation value, based on the first device information 38F related to the first image capture device 11F of the first user 17F. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 also derives 165, 110, and 230, which are second performance evaluation values, based on the second device information 38S related to the second image capture device 11S of the second user 17S. In this way, the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value are acquired.

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

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

[0059] The setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U10] to second based on the identification result 85. The setting unit 76 also sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U20] to first. Furthermore, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U15] to third, and also sets it not to be presented.

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

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

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

[0063] 20 shows an image display screen 105 that displays images 28SH included in an image file 27SH in a shared folder 26. A plurality of images 28SH are displayed in a list on the image display screen 105, for example, in the order of the shooting date and time. When a shared folder selection button 106 is selected on the image display screen 105, a context menu 107 is popped up. The shared folder selection buttons 106 are displayed on the image display screen 105 in association with each of the one or more shared folders 26. Although the shared folder selection buttons 106 are star-shaped, they are not limited to this and may be any button that allows the user 17 to select a specific shared folder 26 from among the multiple shared folders 26.

[0064] In the context menu 107, a recommended image delivery instruction button 108 and a cancel button 109 are displayed. When the recommended image delivery instruction button 108 is selected, a recommended image delivery instruction is input to the browser control unit 100, and a recommended image delivery request 46 is transmitted from the browser control unit 100 to the image delivery server 10. When the cancel button 109 is selected, the display of the context menu 107 is removed. In this embodiment, the recommended image delivery request 46 specifying the shared folder 26 is transmitted by selecting the recommended image delivery instruction button 108 after selecting the shared folder selection button 106, but this is not limited to the above. When the shared folder selection button 106 is selected, the recommended image delivery request 46 may be transmitted for the selected shared folder 26 without displaying the context menu 107.

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

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

[0067] FIG. 22 shows a recommended image display screen 110 in which one of the specific images 90 in the recommended image display area 111 is selected and enlarged. In this case, the recommended image display screen 110 displays the high-performance second device information 38SS associated with the enlarged specific image 90. Specifically, the manufacturer name (indicated as camera manufacturer in FIG. 22) and model name (indicated as camera model in FIG. 22) of the body of the second photographing device 11S included in the second body information 39S of the high-performance second device information 38SS are displayed. Also, the manufacturer name (indicated as lens manufacturer in FIG. 22) and model name (indicated as lens model in FIG. 22) of the lens included in the second lens information 40S of the high-performance second device information 38SS are displayed. The model name of the body of the second photographing device 11S is provided with a link 115 to a web page introducing the product of the body of the second photographing device 11S. Similarly, the model name of the lens is provided with a link 116 to a web page introducing the product of the lens.

[0068] Below the high-performance second device information 38SS, a display switching button 117 is provided. When the display switching button 117 is selected, the shooting conditions 37 are displayed instead of the high-performance second device information 38SS, as shown in Fig. 23. These shooting conditions 37 are the shooting conditions 37 of the second shooting device 11S associated with the enlarged and displayed specific image 90, and are the shooting conditions 37 set when the enlarged and displayed specific image 90 was shot.

[0069] A display switching button 117 is also provided below the shooting conditions 37. When the display switching button 117 is selected, the display of the shooting conditions 37 is switched to the display of the high-performance second device information 38SS, and the recommended image display screen 110 is returned to the display state of FIG.

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

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

[0072] 24, when the request receiving unit 70 receives the image distribution request 45 (YES in step ST100), the image obtaining unit 71 transmits an image obtaining request 80 to the image DB server 18 (step ST110). Then, the image obtaining unit 71 obtains the image file 27 in the personal folder 25 and the image file 27SH in the shared folder 26 transmitted from the image DB server 18 in response to the image obtaining request 80 (step ST120).

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

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

[0075] Next, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 executes the evaluation value derivation process shown in Fig. 14 (step ST220). As a result, a first performance evaluation value related to the performance of the first image capture device 11F and a second performance evaluation value related to the performance of the second image capture device 11S are derived. A derivation result 84 generated by the evaluation value derivation process in the evaluation value derivation unit 74 is output to the identification unit 75. Step ST220 is an example of a "first acquisition step" and a "second acquisition step" according to the technique of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0078] 18, the delivery control unit 77 generates recommended image information 47 based on the contents of the setting result 86. The recommended image information 47 is delivered by the delivery control unit 77 to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image delivery request 46 (step ST250).

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

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

[0081] The delivery control unit 77 delivers the recommended image information 47 with the presentation priority registered to the user terminal 12 of the first user 17F. As a result, the images 28SH are rearranged and presented in the user terminal 12 according to the presentation priority. Therefore, the first user 17F can understand the presentation priority of the images 28SH from the arrangement of the images 28SH. Images 28SH with a relatively high presentation priority can be easily found.

[0082] The delivery control unit 77 delivers the image file 27SH to the user terminal 12 of the first user 17F, thereby presenting the shooting conditions 37 of the second photographing device 11S associated with the specific image 90. This allows the first user 17F to know how to set the shooting conditions 37 to obtain the presented specific image 90, which can serve as a useful clue when setting the shooting conditions 37 for the next photographing. This can therefore contribute to improving the photography skills of the first user 17F.

[0083] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives a first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F related to the first image capture device 11F, and derives a second performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S related to the second image capture device 11S. This makes it possible to reliably derive the first performance evaluation value corresponding to the first image capture device 11F and the second performance evaluation value corresponding to the second image capture device 11S.

[0084] The delivery control unit 77 delivers the image file 27S to the user terminal 12 of the first user 17F, thereby presenting the high-performance second device information 38SS of the second photographing device 11S associated with the specific image 90. Therefore, the first user 17F can know what kind of second photographing device 11S was used to photograph the specific image 90. This can also be a starting point to turn the interest of the first user 17F to the second photographing device 11S. This can lead to more effective sales promotion of the second photographing device 11S than when an advertisement for the second photographing device 11S is suddenly presented to the first user 17F who is not interested in the second photographing device 11S.

[0085] The first device information 38F is composed of first body information 39F related to the body of the first photographing device 11F and first lens information 40F related to the lens built into or attached to the body of the first photographing device 11F. The second device information 38S is composed of second body information 39S related to the body of the second photographing device 11S and second lens information 40S related to the lens built into or attached to the body of the second photographing device 11S. For this reason, even when the combination of the body and lens of the photographing device 11 is changed, for example as in a lens-interchangeable camera, the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value can be derived without any problem.

[0086] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value based only on the first device information 38F of the first image capture device 11F associated with the image 28SH, and derives the second performance evaluation value based only on the second device information 38S of the second image capture device 11S associated with the image 28SH. This makes it possible to derive the first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value without much effort.

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

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

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

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

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

[0092] The image classification unit 120 generates classification results 122 in which the image IDs and user IDs of specific images 90 are registered for each subject group 121, and outputs the generated classification results 122 to the delivery control unit 77. Fig. 26 shows how specific images 90 in a recommended shared folder 26SP named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" are classified into a first subject group 121A, a second subject group 121B, a third subject group 121C, .... The subject groups 121 are an example of an "attribute group" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0093] The delivery control unit 77 copies the classification result 122 from the image classification unit 120 in addition to the setting result 86 from the setting unit 76, and generates recommended image information 123. The delivery control unit 77 delivers the generated recommended image information 123 to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image delivery request 46.

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

[0095] Figures 26 and 27 show an example in which the presentation priority of specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U20" (image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0012(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)", ...) is set to first, and the presentation priority of specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ...) is set to second. Also, a case is illustrated in which specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", and so on are classified into a first subject group 121A, specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0012(U20)", and so on are classified into a second subject group 121B, and specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)", and so on are classified into a third subject group 121C. Then, only specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" are classified into the first subject group 121A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 27, the specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)" and "IMG0005(U10)") corresponding to the second user 17S with the user ID "U10", which has the second presentation priority but the highest presentation priority within the first subject group 121A, are preferentially displayed in the area 125A corresponding to the first subject group 121A. Also, the specific images 90 are displayed in the order of "IMG0012(U20)" with the first presentation priority and "IMG0003(U10)" with the second presentation priority in the area 125B corresponding to the second subject group 121B. Note that when all the specific images 90 classified into one subject group 121 have the same presentation priority, as in the first subject group 121A, the images may be displayed in order of, for example, the oldest captured image date and time.

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

[0097] The image classification unit 130 generates classification results 132 in which the image IDs and user IDs of specific images 90 are registered for each time period group 131, and outputs the generated classification results 132 to the delivery control unit 77. Fig. 28 shows how specific images 90 in a recommended shared folder 26SP named "Shared Folder [Soccer 1]" are classified into a first time period group 131A, a second time period group 131B, a third time period group 131C, .... The time period group 131, like the subject group 121, is an example of an "attribute group" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0098] The delivery control unit 77 copies the classification result 132 from the image classification unit 130 in addition to the setting result 86 from the setting unit 76, and generates recommended image information 133. The delivery control unit 77 delivers the generated recommended image information 133 to the user terminal 12 that is the sender of the recommended image delivery request 46.

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

[0100] Figures 28 and 29, as in the cases of Figures 26 and 27, show an example in which the presentation priority of specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U20" (image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0012(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)", ...) is set to first, and the presentation priority of specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ...) is set to second. Also, a case is illustrated in which specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0001(U10)", "IMG0005(U10)", ... are classified into a first time period group 131A, specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0003(U10)", "IMG0012(U20)", ... are classified into a second time period group 131B, and specific images 90 with image IDs "IMG0010(U20)", "IMG0016(U20)", ... are classified into a third time period group 131C. Then, only specific images 90 corresponding to the second user 17S with user ID "U10" are classified into the first time period group 131A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, the specific images 90 (image IDs "IMG0001(U10)" and "IMG0005(U10)") corresponding to the second user 17S with the user ID "U10", which has the second presentation priority but the highest presentation priority within the first time period group 131A, are preferentially displayed in the area 135A corresponding to the first time period group 131A. Also, the specific images 90 are displayed in the order of "IMG0012(U20)" with the first presentation priority and "IMG0003(U10)" with the second presentation priority in the area 135B corresponding to the second time period group 131B. Note that when the presentation priorities of all the specific images 90 classified into one time period group 131 are the same, as in the first time period group 131A, the images may be displayed in order of, for example, the oldest taken date and time.

[0101] In this way, by classifying the images 28SH into a plurality of attribute groups (subject group 121, time period group 131) based on the attribute information of each of the multiple images 28SH, and presenting the images 28SH for each attribute group, the first user 17F can more easily find the specific image 90 that he or she is looking for.

[0102] In the aspect shown in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 where the attribute information is the subject, in an event such as an athletic meet where an unspecified number of people are photographed as subjects, the first user 17F can easily find a specific image 90 including a desired subject such as his / her own child. In the aspect shown in Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 where the attribute information is the photographing date and time, in an event such as an athletic meet where the subjects change every time period, the first user 17F can easily find a specific image 90 of a time period in which, for example, his / her own child participated in a competition.

[0103] The attribute information is not limited to the subject and the date and time of the photograph. The photographing location may be used as the attribute information. In this case, for example, in the soccer game shown in FIG. 1, the specific images 90 are classified into location groups of the spectator seats 16 where the second user 17S is located, such as the main stand, the back stand, and the side stand, and the specific images 90 are presented for each location group. In this way, the first user 17F can easily find, for example, the specific images 90 of a location other than the spectator seats 16 where the first user 17F is located.

[0104] Images 28SH may be classified based on multiple attribute information, such as further classifying subject groups 121 into time period groups 131. Also, only subject groups 121 of one or more subjects specified by user 17 may be displayed. Similarly, only time period groups 131 of one or more time periods specified by user 17 may be displayed.

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

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

[0107] The setting unit 76 uses the similar body model information 140 to determine whether or not there is a model registered in the second body information 39S that matches the model of the body of the first photographing device 11F registered in the first body information 39F of the first device information 38F, or a model similar in performance to the model, among the high-performance second device information 38SS. In addition, the setting unit 76 uses the similar lens model information 141 to determine whether or not there is a model registered in the second lens information 40S that matches the model of the lens registered in the first lens information 40F of the first device information 38F, or a model similar in performance to the model, among the high-performance second device information 38SS. That is, the setting unit 76 determines whether there is high-performance second device information 38SS (hereinafter, referred to as specific second device information 38SSS) in which at least one of a model matching the main body of the first photographing device 11F, a model similar in performance to the main body of the first photographing device 11F, a model matching the lens of the first photographing device 11F, and a model similar in performance to the lens of the first photographing device 11F is registered. If there is specific second device information 38SSS, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the specific second device information 38SSS to be higher than that of the specific image 90 associated with other high-performance second device information 38SSS.

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

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

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

[0111] In this way, in the third embodiment, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 of the second user 17S corresponding to the second photographing device 11S whose second device information 38S matches or is similar to the first device information 38F is set higher than that of other specific images 90. In other words, the specific image 90 taken by the second photographing device 11S whose performance matches or is similar to that of the first photographing device 11F corresponding to the first user 17F is presented to the first user 17F preferentially. Therefore, the first user 17F can first see the specific image 90 whose image quality matches or is similar to that of the image that the first user 17F is accustomed to seeing. In addition, the first user 17F can refer to the way of setting the photographing conditions 37, the photographing composition, etc. without resistance, rather than the specific image 90 taken by the second photographing device 11S whose performance is far removed.

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

[0113] [Fourth embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, the performance evaluation value is derived using the evaluation value table set 66, but this is not limiting. As in the fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 31 to 36, a performance evaluation value that combines a plurality of evaluation items may be derived.

[0114] In FIG. 31, the body information 145 of this embodiment has a plurality of evaluation items 146 that indicate the performance of the body of the photographing device 11. The evaluation items 146 include the number of pixels, the image sensor size, the maximum ISO sensitivity, the fastest AF (Auto Focus) time, the release time lag, the fastest continuous shooting speed, the number of shooting modes, the start-up time, and the release date. The number of pixels and the image sensor size are registered with the number of pixels and the size of the image sensor built into the body of the photographing device 11. The maximum ISO sensitivity is registered with the highest value of the ISO sensitivity that can be set. The number of shooting modes is registered with the total number of shooting modes that can be set. The data registered in these evaluation items 146 includes not only data from the body information 39 of the image file 27S but also data provided by the manufacturer of the body of the photographing device 11.

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

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

[0117] The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives an item-specific performance evaluation value Li (i=1, 2, 3, . . ., N, N is the total number of evaluation items 151) for each evaluation item 151 as shown in Table 152, similarly to the case of the body information 145. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 multiplies the derived item-specific performance evaluation value Li by a lens coefficient KLi shown in Table 153, and calculates the sum Σ(Li×KLi). Then, this sum Σ(Li×KLi) is added to the sum Σ(Ci×KCi) calculated based on the evaluation items 146, to calculate a final performance evaluation value to be used in the identification process in the identification unit 75. That is, when the final performance evaluation value is Z, it is expressed by the following equation (1). Z=Σ(Ci×KCi)+Σ(Li×KLi)···(1) It should be noted that the lens coefficient KLi, like the body coefficient KCi, is an example of an "evaluation criterion" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

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

[0119] 33 illustrates an example in which the item-specific performance evaluation values ​​C1=4, C2=2, C3=4, C4=4, ... are derived. Also, an example is illustrated in which the main body coefficient KCi=1 is set. Although not illustrated, the sum Σ(Ci×KCi) is calculated in the same manner for the second main body information 145S.

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

[0121] 34 illustrates an example in which the item-specific performance evaluation values ​​L1=8, L2=3, L3=5, L4=6, ... are derived. Also, an example is illustrated in which the lens coefficient KLi=1 is set. Although not illustrated, the sum Σ(Li×KLi) is calculated in the same manner for the second lens information 150S.

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

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

[0124] 35A illustrates an example in which the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP is a sporting event such as an athletic meet. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 sets the body coefficient KC7 related to the fastest continuous shooting speed to 2. The fastest continuous shooting speed is considered to be a particularly important evaluation item 146 in sporting scenes in which the subject moves vigorously. For this reason, the item-specific performance evaluation value C7 of the fastest continuous shooting speed is set to be high as described above.

[0125] 35B illustrates an example in which the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP is a dark place such as indoors or at night. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 sets the body coefficient KC2 relating to the image sensor size, the body coefficient KC4 relating to the maximum ISO sensitivity, and the lens coefficient KL1 relating to the maximum F-number to 2. The image sensor size, the maximum ISO sensitivity, and the maximum F-number are considered to be particularly important evaluation items 146 and 151 for photographing a subject brightly in a dark place where the subject tends to appear dark. For this reason, the performance evaluation values ​​C2, C4, and L1 for these items are set to be high as described above.

[0126] 35C illustrates an example in which the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP is a landscape such as a mountain range. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 sets the lens coefficient KL2 relating to the longest focal length and the lens coefficient KL5 relating to the minimum angle of view to 2. The longest focal length and the minimum angle of view are considered to be particularly important evaluation items 151 for photographing a distant landscape with as large an angle of view as possible. For this reason, the performance evaluation values ​​L2 and L5 for these items are set to be high as described above.

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

[0128] In addition, instead of setting the body coefficient KCi and lens coefficient KLi for the evaluation items 146, 151 that are emphasized in each scene to values ​​greater than or equal to 1, the body coefficient KCi and lens coefficient KLi for the evaluation items 146, 151 that are not emphasized in each scene may be set to values ​​less than 1.

[0129] In Fig. 35, the body coefficient KCi and the lens coefficient KLi are changed according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 36, the evaluation items 146 and 151 used to derive the performance evaluation value may be changed according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP.

[0130] 36 illustrates an example in which the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP is a sporting event such as an athletic meet. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives only the performance evaluation values ​​C5, C6, C7, and C9 for the items of fastest AF time, release time lag, fastest continuous shooting speed, and startup time. The scene corresponding to the image 28SH may be input by the user 17, or may be input by the image distribution server 10 by performing image analysis processing on the image 28SH.

[0131] In this way, by changing the evaluation items 146, 151 used to derive the performance evaluation value according to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH in the recommended shared folder 26SP, it is possible to derive a performance evaluation value suited to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH. As a result, it is possible to present with priority the specific image 90 suited to the scene corresponding to the image 28SH.

[0132] [Fifth embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, an example was shown in which the first performance evaluation value is derived based only on the first device information 38F of the first image capture device 11F associated with the image 28SH, and the second performance evaluation value is derived based only on the second device information 38S of the second image capture device 11S associated with the image 28SH, but this is not limiting. The first performance evaluation value and the second performance evaluation value may be derived as in the fifth embodiment shown in Figs. 37 to 40.

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

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

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

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

[0137] In this manner, in the fifth embodiment, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value based on the first device information 38F associated with the image 28SH, as well as the first device information 38F associated with the image 28F associated with the first user 17F and other than the image 28SH. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 also derives the second performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S associated with the image 28SH, as well as the second device information 38S associated with the image 28S associated with the second user 17S and other than the image 28SH. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a performance evaluation value that integrates the performance of not only the photographing device 11 used for photographing at the event, but also the performance of a plurality of photographing devices 11 corresponding to the user 17.

[0138] In Fig. 37, the first device performance evaluation value is derived for each of the multiple first device information 38F associated with the image 28F, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 39, the first device information 38F from which the first device performance evaluation value is derived may be selected.

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

[0140] The first selection condition 165 is to select a first photographing device 11F whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a first set frequency that is determined in advance. Specifically, the first selection condition 165 is to select a first photographing device 11F whose number of images 28F taken is 50 or more and whose number of days of use is 5 or more. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 counts the number of images 28F taken for each first photographing device 11F (first device information 38F). In addition, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 calculates the number of days of use from the photographing date and time associated with the image 28F for each first photographing device 11F (first device information 38F). Then, the first photographing device 11F (first device information 38F) whose number of images taken is 50 or more and whose number of days of use is 5 or more is selected as a first type of first photographing device 11F. Conversely, the first photographing device 11F with fewer than 50 shots and / or the first photographing device 11F with fewer than 5 days of use is not selected. The number of shots of the image 28F and the number of days of use of the first photographing device 11F are examples of the "frequency of use" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The number of shots of 50 and the number of days of use are examples of the "first set frequency" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The frequency of use and the first set frequency are set based on the number of shots and the number of days of use, but are not limited to this. The frequency of use and the first set frequency may be set based on either the number of shots or the number of days of use.

[0141] 39 illustrates a case where the number of days of use of the first image capturing device 11F_B (not shown) related to the first device information 38F_B among the first device information 38F_A, 38F_B, and 38F_C is one day. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 selects the first image capturing device 11F_A (not shown) related to the first device information 38F_A and the first image capturing device 11F_C (not shown) related to the first device information 38F_C as the first type of first image capturing device 11F. In contrast, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 does not select the first image capturing device 11F_B as the first type of first image capturing device 11F. For this reason, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the first performance evaluation value by device based on the first device information 38F_A and 38F_C, but does not derive the first performance evaluation value by device based on the first device information 38F_B. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the final first performance evaluation value as 137.5, which is the average value of 165, which is the device-specific first performance evaluation value derived based on the first device information 38F_A, and 110, which is the device-specific first performance evaluation value derived based on the first device information 38F_C.

[0142] 39, a first type of first image capture device 11F that satisfies a predetermined first selection condition 165 is selected from multiple types of first image capture devices 11F, and a first performance evaluation value is derived based on the first device information 38F of the first type of first image capture device 11F. This makes it possible to ensure the reliability of the first performance evaluation value.

[0143] The first selection condition 165 is to select a first image capturing device 11F whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a first set frequency that is determined in advance. This makes it possible to prevent the performance of a first image capturing device 11F that is used temporarily, such as a first image capturing device 11F borrowed using a rental service or a first image capturing device 11F borrowed from an acquaintance, from being reflected in the first performance evaluation value.

[0144] Similarly, in Fig. 38, the second performance evaluation value by device is derived for each of the multiple second device information 38S associated with the image 28S, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 40, the second device information 38S from which the second performance evaluation value by device is derived may be selected.

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

[0146] The second selection condition 168 is to select a second image capturing device 11S whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a second set frequency that is determined in advance. Specifically, the second selection condition 168 is to select a second image capturing device 11S whose number of captured images 28S is 50 or more and whose number of days of use is 5 or more. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 counts the number of captured images 28S for each second image capturing device 11S (second device information 38S). In addition, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 calculates the number of days of use from the capture date and time associated with the image 28S for each second image capturing device 11S (second device information 38S). Then, the second image capturing device 11S (second device information 38S) whose number of captured images is 50 or more and whose number of days of use is 5 or more is selected as a second type of second image capturing device 11S. Conversely, the second photographing device 11S with fewer than 50 shots and / or fewer than 5 days of use is not selected. The number of shots of the images 28S and the number of days of use of the second photographing device 11S are examples of the "frequency of use" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The number of shots of 50 and the number of days of use are examples of the "second set frequency" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The frequency of use and the second set frequency are set based on the number of shots and the number of days of use, but are not limited to this. The frequency of use and the second set frequency may be set based on only one of the number of shots or the number of days of use.

[0147] 40 illustrates a case where the number of images captured by the second image capturing device 11S_C (not shown) associated with the second device information 38S_C among the second device information 38S_A, 38S_B, 38S_C, and 38S_D is 28. In this case, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 selects the second image capturing device 11S_A (not shown) associated with the second device information 38S_A, the second image capturing device 11S_B (not shown) associated with the second device information 38S_B, and the second image capturing device 11S_D (not shown) associated with the second device information 38S_D as the second type of second image capturing device 11S. On the other hand, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 does not select the second image capturing device 11S_C as the second type of second image capturing device 11F. For this reason, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives the second device performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S_A, 38S_B, and 38S_D, but does not derive the second device performance evaluation value based on the second device information 38S_C. The evaluation value derivation unit 74 derives 180 as the final second performance evaluation value, which is the average value of 230 which is the second device performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S_A, 200 which is the second device performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S_B, and 110 which is the second device performance evaluation value derived based on the second device information 38S_D.

[0148] 40, a second type of second image capture device 11S that satisfies a predetermined second selection condition 168 is selected from a plurality of types of second image capture devices 11S, and a second performance evaluation value is derived based on the second device information 38S of the second type of second image capture device 11S. Therefore, similar to the case of FIG. 39, the reliability of the second performance evaluation value can be ensured.

[0149] The second selection condition 168 is to select the second image capturing device 11S whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a second set frequency that is determined in advance. Therefore, as in the case of FIG. 39, it is possible to prevent the performance of the second image capturing device 11S that is used temporarily from being reflected in the second performance evaluation value.

[0150] [Sixth embodiment] In the sixth embodiment shown in Figs. 41 and 42, the presentation priority is set taking into consideration not only the performance evaluation value but also the photography skill evaluation value relating to the photography skill of the user 17.

[0151] In the sixth embodiment, a photography skill evaluation value DB server 170 is provided in Fig. 41. The photography skill evaluation value DB server 170 has a photography skill evaluation value DB 171. In the photography skill evaluation value DB 171, a photography skill evaluation value relating to the photography skill of each user 17 is registered for each user ID. The photography skill evaluation value is derived based on the image files 27 in the personal folder 25 of each user 17. Specifically, the photography skill evaluation value is derived based on a plurality of evaluation items, such as the frequency of purchasing the main body of the imaging device 11, the frequency of purchasing lenses, the frequency of changing the photography conditions 37, and the frequency of setting appropriate photography conditions 37.

[0152] The purchase frequency of the body of the photographing device 11 can be known by tracking the change in the model name in the body information 39. Similarly, the purchase frequency of the lens can be known by tracking the change in the model name in the lens information 40. The frequency of changes in the shooting conditions 37 can also be known by tracking the change in the shooting conditions 37. It is considered that the user 17 who purchases the body of the photographing device 11, purchases lenses, and changes the shooting conditions 37 more frequently is more enthusiastic about photography and more familiar with the handling of the body of the photographing device 11 and lenses. For this reason, the higher the purchase frequency of the body of the photographing device 11, purchases lenses, and changes the shooting conditions 37, the higher the photography skill evaluation value that is derived for the user 17.

[0153] The setting frequency of the appropriate shooting conditions 37 is derived as follows. First, the image 28 is subjected to image analysis. Then, it is determined whether the set shooting conditions 37 are appropriate or not for the image analysis result obtained by this. For example, when the image analysis result indicates that the scene corresponding to the image 28 is a sport, if the shooting mode is set to a sports mode, the shooting conditions 37 are determined to be appropriate. Also, when the image analysis result indicates that the scene corresponding to the image 28 is a dark place, if an ISO sensitivity of 1600 or more is set, the shooting conditions 37 are determined to be appropriate. Furthermore, when the image analysis result indicates that the subject of the image 28 is a person's face, the face is in focus, and the background is blurred, if an F value of F4 or less, a focal length of 100 mm or more, and an aperture priority mode are set at a subject distance of 2 m or less, the shooting conditions 37 are determined to be appropriate. It is considered that the user 17 who sets the appropriate shooting conditions 37 more frequently has a wealth of knowledge about what kind of image 28 can be shot by setting what kind of shooting conditions 37. Therefore, the more frequently a user 17 sets appropriate shooting conditions 37, the higher the photography skill evaluation value that is derived.

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

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

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

[0157] In terms of the second performance evaluation value, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U45] is set higher than the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U50]. However, in this embodiment, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the high-performance second device information 38SS[U50] related to the second user 17S of the user ID[U50], whose second photography skill evaluation value is 150, which is equal to or greater than the first photography skill evaluation value, to the first position. Then, the presentation priority of the specific image 90 associated with the second device information 38S[U45] related to the second user 17S of the user ID[U45], whose second photography skill evaluation value is 90, which is less than the first photography skill evaluation value, is set to the second position. In addition, the setting unit 76 sets the presentation priority of the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S[U55] to the third position, and sets it not to be presented.

[0158] In this way, in the sixth embodiment, a first photography skill evaluation value related to the photography skill of the first user 17F and a second photography skill evaluation value related to the photography skill of the second user 17S are acquired, and the presentation priority is set taking into consideration the first photography skill evaluation value and the second photography skill evaluation value. Therefore, it is possible to present to the first user 17F a specific image 90 taken by the second user 17S having photography skills equal to or higher than the first user 17F using the second photography device 11S having performance equal to or higher than the first photography device 11F.

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

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

[0161] In the above-described embodiments, when the request receiving unit 70 receives the recommended image delivery request 46, the classification unit 72 performs the classification process, the evaluation value derivation unit 74 performs the evaluation process, the specification unit 75 performs the specification process, and the setting unit 76 performs the setting process to deliver the recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12. However, this is not limited to the above. When the first user 17F performs an operation to view the image 28SH in the shared folder 26 on the user terminal 12, the above-described various processes may be executed to deliver the recommended image information 47 to the user terminal 12. In this case, the image 28SH associated with the second device information 38S of the second photographing device 11S having the second performance evaluation value less than the first performance evaluation value may be presented to the first user 17F with a presentation priority set to low. Also, the image 28SH associated with the first user 17F may be presented to the first user 17F with a presentation priority set to the lowest.

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

[0163] The performance evaluation value may have a graded level, and similarly, the photography skill evaluation value may have a graded level.

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

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

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

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

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

[0169] In each of the above embodiments, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the request receiving unit 70, image acquiring unit 71, classification unit 72, RW control unit 73, evaluation value derivation unit 74, identification unit 75, setting unit 76, delivery control unit 77, and image classification units 120 and 130. The various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (operation program 65) and functions as various processing units, as well as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and / or a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

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

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

[0172] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0173] [Appendix 1] The shared images are preferably presented in a sorted order according to presentation priority.

[0174] [Appendix 2] It is preferable that the processor classifies the shared images into a plurality of attribute groups based on the attribute information of each of the multiple shared images, and the shared images are presented for each attribute group.

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

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

[0177] [Appendix 5] Preferably, the processor derives the first performance evaluation value based on first device information relating to the first image capture device, and derives the second performance evaluation value based on second device information relating to the second image capture device.

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

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

[0180] [Appendix 8] It is preferable that the first device information and the second device information have a plurality of evaluation items representing the performance of the first and second imaging devices, and that the processor evaluates the performance of the first and second imaging devices for each of the plurality of evaluation items and derives a first performance evaluation value and a second performance evaluation value that combine the plurality of evaluation items.

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

[0182] [Appendix 10] It is preferable that the first device information is composed of first body information regarding the body of the first photographing device and first lens information regarding a lens built into or attached to the body of the first photographing device, and the second device information is composed of second body information regarding the body of the second photographing device and second lens information regarding a lens built into or attached to the body of the second photographing device.

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

[0184] [Appendix 12] It is preferable that the processor derives a first performance evaluation value based on first device information of a first photographing device associated with the shared image, as well as first device information of a first photographing device associated with a first user image associated with the first user and a first user image other than the shared image, and derives a second performance evaluation value based on second device information of a second photographing device associated with a second user image associated with the second user and a second user image other than the shared image, as well as second device information of a second photographing device associated with the shared image.

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

[0186] [Appendix 14] The first selection condition preferably specifies that a first image capture device whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a first set frequency is to be selected.

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

[0188] [Appendix 16] The second selection condition preferably specifies that a second image capture device whose frequency of use is equal to or greater than a predetermined second set frequency is to be selected.

[0189] [Appendix 17] It is preferable that the processor acquires a first photography skill evaluation value related to the photography skill of a first user and a second photography skill evaluation value related to the photography skill of a second user, and sets the presentation priority taking into account the first photography skill evaluation value and the second photography skill evaluation value.

[0190] The technology of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined with the above-mentioned various embodiments and / or various modified examples. In addition, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the technology. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to a storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program, in addition to a program.

[0191] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replaced with respect to the description and illustrations shown above, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustrations shown above omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0192] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, the same idea as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0193] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Images