Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

An information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a management device are provided that enable a communication connection to be realized more easily. [Solution] The photography system S comprises a display device 2 that periodically changes and presents an identifier, a management server 1 that shares the identifier with the display device 2, and a user terminal 4 that acquires the identifier presented on the display device 2 when detecting an operation by a user to acquire the identifier, and transmits the acquired identifier and an operation instruction to operate a camera 3 identified by the acquired identifier to the management server 1. The management server 1 comprises an information control unit that controls the image data acquired by the camera 3 based on the operation instruction transmitted by the user terminal 4 to correspond to the identifier presented on the display device 2 when the user's operation to acquire the identifier was detected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method. and programs Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, identifiers such as two-dimensional barcodes displayed on a screen have been widely used. For example, there is a technology that identifies a communication destination by reading a two-dimensional barcode. For example, Cited Document 1 discloses that a third device reads two-dimensional barcodes displayed by a first device and a second device, respectively, to identify communication destinations between the devices. This makes it possible to establish a communication connection between the devices without the need for a user to manually input a communication destination. Furthermore, by establishing a communication connection between the devices in this manner, it becomes possible, for example, to use one device to remotely control another device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-110602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the general technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, for example, in order to realize a communication connection between a plurality of devices for the purpose of remote control, etc., the user needs to read each of the plurality of two-dimensional barcodes. In other words, the reading operation needs to be performed multiple times, which is troublesome for the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to realize a communication connection more easily. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured such that an identifier for identifying an information acquisition means as a communication connection target is updated every time a first time period elapses. New a management control means for, when detecting an acquisition operation by a user for a predetermined terminal device that is an acquisition operation of the identifier presented on the presentation means, detecting a connection request transmitted via the predetermined terminal device to the information acquisition means specified based on the identifier, and accepting an information acquisition instruction from the user based on the connection request up to a predetermined number of times until a second time period as a time limit has elapsed; and a storage control means for, when the information acquisition means acquires information in accordance with the information acquisition instruction, storing the information acquired by the information acquisition means in storage means in association with information for identifying the predetermined terminal device, wherein the presentation control means keeps the identifier in a non-presented state while the management control means is accepting the information acquisition instruction, Once the second time has elapsed, The identifier is different from the identifier for the terminal device. The aforementioned A new identifier is presented by the presenting means, and the first time period is set to be shorter than the second time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, communication connection can be realized more easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system S according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of a photography system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a management server 1 included in a photography system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a display device 2 included in an imaging system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a camera 3 included in an imaging system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 4 included in an image capturing system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing a photography management process, among the functional configurations of the management server 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 18 is a table diagram showing an example of a table 1821 as a data structure stored in the management information storage unit 182 of the management server 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing a photography management process, among the functional configurations of the display device 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration for executing photography management processing, among the functional configurations of the camera 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing a photography management process, among the functional configurations of the user terminal 4. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the management server 1. [Figure 13] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the management server 1. [Figure 14] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the management server 1. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the display device 2. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the camera 3. [Figure 17] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the user terminal 4. [Figure 18]10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a photography management process in the user terminal 4. [Figure 19] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a live view display process in the management server 1. [Figure 20] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page displayed on a user terminal 4. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process for managing the number of waiting people in the management server 1. [Figure 22] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a status list and a standby state list in the management server 1. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating a process of stopping display of an identifier on a display device and a process of adjusting a camera in a management server. [Figure 24] 10 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of identifier display restart processing on the display device 2 by the management server 1. [Figure 25] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page displayed on a user terminal 4. FIG. [Figure 26] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display displayed on a user terminal 4. FIG. [Figure 27] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a captured image displayed on the user terminal 4. FIG. [Figure 28] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a list image of photographs that are displayed on the user terminal 4. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [System overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system S according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the photography system S includes a management server 1, a display device 2, a camera 3, a user terminal 4, and an external device 5. The management server 1, the display device 2, the camera 3, and the user terminal 4 can communicate with each other. This communication may be compliant with any standard. For example, this is realized by a network that is any one of the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a mobile phone network, or a combination of these.

[0010] The management server 1 is a device having a processing function and a communication function. The management server 1 is realized by, for example, a server device or an electronic device such as a personal computer. The management server 1 operates as, for example, the "management means" of the present invention. The display device 2 is a device having an image display function and a communication function. The display device 2 is realized, for example, by a tablet terminal, digital signage, or an E-Ink display on which the display content can be electrically rewritten. The display device 2 operates, for example, as the "presentation means" of the present invention. The display device 2 also displays an identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode. For example, as shown as two-dimensional barcode C in the figure, an identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode (registered trademark) is displayed.

[0011] The camera 3 is a photographing device having photographing and communication functions. The camera 3 is realized by, for example, an electronic device such as a digital camera. The camera 3 operates, for example, as the "information acquisition means" of the present invention. Here, the display device 2 and the camera 3 are installed in association with a location suitable for commemorative photography, such as a photography spot, where users U1 and U2 can photograph and record a composition with a landscape L including buildings, trees, etc. in the background. The user terminal 4 is a device having a processing function, a communication function, and a function for reading an identifier. The user terminal 4 is realized, for example, by a wearable device such as a smartphone or a smartwatch that can be carried by a user, or a digital camera. The user terminal 4 operates, for example, as a "communication means" of the present invention. In the figure, as an example, the state in which user U1, of users U1 and U2, is carrying and using the user terminal 4 is shown. The external device 5 is a device having a processing function, a communication function, and a function for reading an identifier. The external device 5 is realized by, for example, a tablet or a desktop computer. The external device 5 operates, for example, as the "external device" of the present invention. In the drawing, a tablet-type external device 5 located away from the photography system S is shown as an example. The configuration of the external device 5 in this embodiment is the same as that of the user terminal 4.

[0012] In the figure, one set of display device 2 and camera 3 and one user terminal 4 are shown, but it is assumed that in reality there are a plurality of each of these.

[0013] The photography system S having such a configuration performs a “photography management process.” Here, the photography management process is a series of processes performed to manage photography and recording using the camera 3 by a user.

[0014] An outline of this picture taking management process and information transmitted and received in the picture taking management process will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the picture taking management process.

[0015] First, the management server 1 and the display device 2 communicate with each other to share an identifier (step A11a, step A11b). The display device 2 then displays the shared identifier, for example, as the two-dimensional barcode C shown in Fig. 1 (step A12). The identifier displayed by the display device 2 is presented to the user and functions as, for example, a "presented identifier." Here, in the photography management process, the sharing and display are performed in this manner while periodically changing the identifier. However, in FIG. 2, in order to briefly explain the outline of the entire photography management process, such periodic change of the identifier is not illustrated. Note that the periodic change of the identifier is not limited to the same identifier being periodically presented. The periodic change here refers to the identifier being changed to a different identifier over time. In other words, it refers to the identifier presented at a first time being different from the identifier presented at a second time after the first time.

[0016] This periodically changing identifier includes unique connection information generated for each identifier. In the following, as an example, it is assumed that this connection information is a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) generated for each identifier. Furthermore, this URL includes information specifying the installation location of the display device 2 displaying the identifier (and the camera 3 paired with this display device 2).

[0017] The user terminal 4 acquires the information contained in the identifier by reading the identifier displayed by the display device 2 (step A13). The identifier read by the user terminal 4 is the identifier acquired by the user terminal 4, and functions as, for example, an "acquired identifier."

[0018] The user terminal 4 establishes a communication connection with a site provided on the management server 1 based on the URL included in the read identifier, and transmits the recording instruction data (step A14). As described above, this URL is added with information specifying the installation location where the display device 2 (and the camera 3 paired with this display device 2) is installed. Then, based on the information added to the URL used by the user terminal 4, the management server 1 can specify the camera 3 that is the target of this recording instruction.

[0019] In addition, accompanying this communication connection, the management server 1 stores in the user terminal 4 a user ID for identifying the user name of the user terminal 4 that has connected to the communication using this URL (the user name of user U1 in FIG. 1). For example, the management server 1 stores the user ID in the form of a cookie in the connection management area of ​​the browser software of the user terminal 4. Thereafter, the management server 1 can identify the user terminal 4 by sending and receiving this cookie to and from the user terminal 4.

[0020] The management server 1 transmits the received recording instruction data to the identified camera 3 (step A15). The camera 3 executes recording of the captured image based on the received recording instruction data (step A16).

[0021] The camera 3 transmits the recording image data obtained based on the received recording instruction data to the management server 1 (step A17). The management server 1 then stores and manages the recording image data received from the camera 3 in association with the user ID of the user terminal 4 that transmitted the recording instruction data. Thereafter, the management server 1 manages the recorded image data associated with the user ID in a state in which the recorded image data can be viewed on the user terminal 4 owned by the user corresponding to this user ID. This viewable state includes, for example, a state in which a recorded image based on the recorded image data is displayed on the user terminal 4 via a browser, or a state in which the recorded image data is downloaded to the user terminal 4 and a recorded image based on this recorded image data is displayed. Note that the user terminal 4 in this case is not limited to the user terminal that transmitted the recording instruction data, and may be a user terminal that is identified by the user ID and is different from the user terminal that transmitted the recording instruction data.

[0022] The management server 1 transmits the recorded image data to the user terminal 4 so that the user terminal 4 can display a recorded image based on the recorded image data (step A18).

[0023] The user terminal 4 displays the recorded image based on the recorded image data received from the management server 1 (step A19). The transmission and display of this recorded image may be realized by either displaying the recorded image using a browser or downloading the recorded image data to the user terminal 4 and displaying it, as described above.

[0024] According to the photography management process described above, the user ID, which is used as a cookie when a communication connection is established using an identifier, can be used as information for identifying both the camera 3 and the user terminal 4. Therefore, once the user has read the identifier into the user terminal 4 and connects to the management server 1 for communication, the user can easily remotely control the camera 3 corresponding to this identifier.

[0025] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the imaging system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 1 according to an embodiment of the photography system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The system includes a memory (RAM) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0027] The CPU 11 is a processor that executes various processes according to programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 to the RAM 13. These programs are, for example, an operating system or firmware for operating each unit of the management server 1, or application software for realizing the functional blocks described below.

[0028] The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0029] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0030] The input unit 16 is made up of various buttons and the like, and receives user instructions and operations, and inputs various information in accordance with the received instructions and operations. The output unit 17 is configured with a display, a speaker, etc., and outputs images and sounds. Note that the input unit 16 and the output unit 17 may be integrated into one unit using, for example, a touch panel. The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores data of various images. The communication unit 19 controls communication between other devices, for example, between the devices included in the imaging system S described above with reference to FIG.

[0031] Removable media 101, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 101 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 101 can also store various data, such as image data, stored in the storage unit 18, in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the display device 2 according to an embodiment of the imaging system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 2 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a bus 24, an input / output interface 25, an input unit 26, an output unit 27, a storage unit 28, and a communication unit 29.

[0033] Here, the hardware functions of these units are the same as the hardware functions of the units with the same names but different reference numerals that are provided in the management server 1. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the camera 3 according to an embodiment of the photographing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the camera 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a bus , an input / output interface 35, a storage unit , a communication unit 37, and an imaging unit .

[0035] Although not shown, the imaging unit 38 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor. The optical lens unit is made up of lenses that condense light to photograph a subject, such as a focus lens and a zoom lens. A focus lens is a lens that focuses a subject image on the light-receiving surface of an image sensor, while a zoom lens is a lens that can freely change its focal length within a certain range. The optical lens section is also provided with peripheral circuits for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as needed.

[0036] The image sensor is composed of a photoelectric conversion element, an AFE (Analog Front End), and the like. The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element. An object image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element through the optical lens unit. The photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the object image, accumulates the image signal for a certain period of time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal to the AFE as an analog signal. The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion on this analog image signal. A digital signal is generated by the various signal processing and is output as an output signal of the imaging unit 38.

[0037] Furthermore, the hardware functions of the other units other than the imaging unit 38 are the same as the hardware functions of the units with the same names but different reference numerals that are provided in the management server 1 and the display device 2. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 4 according to an embodiment of the photographing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 4 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a bus 44, an input / output interface 45, an input unit 46, an output unit 47, a memory unit 48, a communication unit 49, an imaging unit 50, and a drive 51.

[0039] Here, the hardware functions of these components and the removable medium 102 are equivalent to the hardware functions of the components with the same names but different reference numerals that are provided in the management server 1, display device 2, and camera 3. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0040] [Function Block] Next, the functional blocks of each device included in the imaging system S will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. FIG.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration for executing the photography management process, among the functional configurations of the management server 1 in FIG. Here, the photography management process refers to a series of processes carried out to manage photography using the camera 3 by a user, as described above.

[0042] When the photography management process is executed, an identifier sharing unit 111 and a management unit 112 function in the CPU 11 as shown in FIG. When the photography management process is executed, an identifier storage section 181 and a management information storage section 182 are set in one area of ​​the storage section 18. Including cases not specifically mentioned below, data required to realize the photography management process is transmitted and received between these functional blocks at appropriate times.

[0043] The identifier storage unit 181 stores an identifier (for example, a two-dimensional barcode) shared with the display device 2. As described above, the identifier is periodically changed. Also, as described above, the identifier includes a URL, and is also provided with information about the installation location of the display device 2 that displays the identifier (and the camera 3 paired with this display device 2).

[0044] The identifiers are also assigned unique code IDs. The code IDs are used by the management unit 112 (described later) to determine the display order of the identifiers. The code IDs may be, for example, a number that monotonically increases each time the identifier is changed, or information capable of determining the display order, such as a timestamp. Alternatively, the code IDs may be random numbers such as UUIDs (Universally Unique Identifiers), and the management unit 112 may store the random numbers and the display order of the identifiers to determine the display order. The identifiers stored in the identifier storage unit 181 are updated by the identifier sharing unit 111 as appropriate.

[0045] The management information storage unit 182 stores "management information" that is information used by the management unit 112 to perform management in the photography management process. The specific content of the management information will be described later when the management unit 112 is explained. The identifiers stored in the management information storage unit 182 are updated by the management unit 112 as appropriate.

[0046] The identifier sharing unit 111 shares the periodically changed identifier with the display device 2 through communication via the communication unit 19. Information such as a URL included in the periodically changed identifier is newly generated by the management unit 112 every period. The identifier sharing unit 111 converts the new information such as a URL generated by the management unit 112 into an identifier. The identifier sharing unit 111 can then share the identifier by transmitting this identifier to the display device 2. The length of the period for this change can be determined arbitrarily, and can be set to, for example, every few tens of seconds (for example, every 30 seconds). The identifier sharing unit 111 also updates the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 181 every time the identifier is updated.

[0047] The management unit 112 updates the management information stored in the management information storage unit 182 and performs management in the photography management process based on this management information. The management unit 112 will be explained below by dividing it into multiple functional blocks. The management unit 112 of this embodiment includes an identification unit 113, an information control unit 114, a management control unit 115, a reception control unit 116, and a presentation control unit 117.

[0048] The identification unit 113 identifies the camera 3 based on the identifier. For example, as described above, the display device 2 and the camera 3 are associated as a pair, so the identifier sharing unit 111 acquires the identifier to identify the display device 2 that shares the identifier. Then, the identifier sharing unit 111 identifies the camera 3 associated with the identified display device 2 as the camera 3 that is the target of the recording instruction.

[0049] The information control unit 114 controls to associate the installation location where the camera 3 is installed, the code ID included in the identifier, the user ID of the user terminal 4 that has connected to the management server 1 for communication and transmitted the recording instruction data, and the recorded image data acquired by the camera 3. For example, the management unit 112 associates the above information and stores it in a table 1821 of the management information storage unit 182.

[0050] Furthermore, the information control unit 114 generates a URL included in the identifier and information to be added to the URL. Based on the URL generated by the information control unit 114, the identification unit 113 performs processing to identify the user terminal 4 that has connected for communication and processing to identify the camera 3 that transmits the recording instruction data.

[0051] The management control unit 115 performs a process of managing the recorded image data obtained by a recording instruction. For example, the management control unit 115 performs a process of transmitting the recorded image data captured by the camera 3 to the user terminal 4 or an external device 5 that has the same user name as the user terminal 4. In other words, the user can download the recorded image data to a display device 2 that shares the same user ID. Also, the external device 5 may be specified in advance as the download destination of the recorded image data.

[0052] The reception control unit 116 determines, based on predetermined conditions, whether to accept a recording instruction from the camera 3. For example, while the reception control unit 116 is accepting a recording instruction to take a photograph from a user, the reception control unit 116 controls so as not to accept recording instructions from other user terminals 4.

[0053] The presentation control unit 117 processes information to be displayed on the display device 2. For example, the presentation control unit 117 performs processing for transmitting an identifier to be displayed on the display device 2, processing for displaying information related to photography on the presentation control unit 117, and the like.

[0054] In the following description, the processes performed by the identification unit 113, the information control unit 114, the management control unit 115, the reception control unit 116, and the presentation control unit 117 may be described as the processes of the management unit 112.

[0055] Details of the management information stored in management information storage unit 182 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a table 1821 showing an example of the data structure of management information stored in management information storage unit 182. As shown in Fig. 8, table 1821 includes "installation location," "code ID," "user ID," and "recorded image data" as management information.

[0056] When a new recording instruction is received from the user terminal 4, the installation location and code ID are stored as a new record in table 1821. When a cookie is sent or received through communication with the user terminal 4, the user ID corresponding to this cookie is added to the corresponding record and stored. When an image is captured by the camera 3, the recorded image data is added to the corresponding record and stored. The table 1821 may be updated (for example, the installation location is registered) based on an operation by the operator of the management server 1 received by the input unit 16.

[0057] The installation location is information indicating the installation location where the display device 2 (and the camera 3 paired with this display device 2) that displays the identifier is installed, and for example, as shown in the figure, the name of the spot where it is installed can be used. In this embodiment, the display device 2 (and the camera 3 paired with this display device 2) is identified based on the information on the installation location, but this is not limited to this. For example, there may be cases where multiple cameras 3 (for example, multiple cameras 3 each with a different angle for shooting) are present in the same installation location. In this case, each camera 3 may be identified by further using angle information in addition to the information on the installation location. Alternatively, instead of the information on the installation location, a unique ID assigned to each display device 2 or a unique ID assigned to the camera 3 may be used. Then, by linking the IDs corresponding to the display devices 2 and the cameras 3 to their installation locations, the display devices 2 (and the cameras 3 paired with these display devices 2) may be identified.

[0058] The code ID is a unique ID assigned to each identifier. Details of the code ID are as described above in the description of the identifier sharing unit 111. For example, as shown in the figure, a number that monotonically increases each time the identifier is changed can be used. As described above, the installation location and the code ID are information that are added to the URL.

[0059] The user ID is a unique ID for identifying each user terminal 4, and can be, for example, a combination of letters and numbers as shown in the figure. When a user terminal 4 establishes a communication connection based on a URL corresponding to an identifier, the browser of the user terminal 4 stores the user ID as a cookie. Once a user terminal 4 has stored a user ID as a cookie, the user terminal 4 continues to use the same user ID even when establishing a communication connection based on another URL. In other words, a user ID once stored as a cookie cannot be rewritten. Therefore, the user ID functions as a unique ID for identifying each user terminal 4.

[0060] The recorded image data is image data obtained by photographing and recording with the camera 3, and for example, as shown in the figure, the file name of the recorded image data and the image data itself that has become a file can be used. The data format of the recorded image data is not particularly limited, and any data format can be used depending on the environment in which the photographing system S is implemented, etc.

[0061] The management unit 112 updates the management information stored in the management information storage unit 182 and performs management in the photography management process based on this management information. Specifically, the management unit 112 identifies the camera 3 that is the target of the recording instruction (operation instruction) based on information added to the URL used by the user terminal 4 for communication connection. After communication connection is established, the management unit 112 also identifies the user terminal 4 that sent the recording instruction data (operation instruction data) based on the user ID transmitted to and from the user terminal 4 as a cookie.

[0062] Furthermore, the management unit 112 determines, based on the code ID added to the URL used for the communication connection, whether or not to accept the recording instruction data sent from the user terminal 4 connected via this URL.

[0063] When the camera 3 receives recording instruction data from one of the multiple user terminals 4, the management unit 112 prevents the camera 3 from receiving recording instructions from other user terminals 4 until the processing based on the received recording instruction data is completed. After obtaining the recording image data, the management unit 112 receives recording instruction data from the other user terminals 4 again.

[0064] Note that the recording instruction data from the user terminal 4 may be accepted multiple times until a predetermined condition is met. Furthermore, after the predetermined condition is met, recording instruction data from another user terminal 4 may be accepted. This predetermined condition may be, for example, receiving recording instruction data a predetermined number of times or the passage of a preset time. In this way, even after transmitting recording instruction data, the user of the user terminal 4 can transmit recording instruction data any number of times until the predetermined condition is met.

[0065] Furthermore, when new recording instruction data is received from a user terminal 4, the management unit 112 gives priority to receiving the recording instruction data from the user terminal 4 that first read the identifier and established a communication connection. Since the code ID can be used to identify the display order of the identifiers, the management unit 112 can determine by referring to the code ID that the identifiers have been cyclically displayed on the display device 2 in the order of the first identifier, second identifier, and third identifier.

[0066] The management unit 112 gives priority to accepting recording instruction data from a user terminal 4 that has read the first identifier. For example, if the management unit 112 has not accepted recording instruction data from a user terminal 4 that has read the first identifier, the management unit 112 will not accept recording instruction data from a user terminal 4 that has read the second identifier until it accepts recording instruction data within the expiration date.

[0067] By doing so, the user terminal 4 that reads the identifier first can be given priority in transmitting recording instruction data to the camera 3.

[0068] The management unit 112 transmits the received recording instruction data to the camera 3 to execute recording. The management unit 112 also manages the recording image based on the recording image data obtained from the recording instruction data so that it can be viewed on the user terminal 4 that transmitted the recording instruction data.

[0069] Here, an example will be described in which cookies are used to associate the user terminal 4 and the camera 3 in the management server 1. The information control unit 114 of the management server 1 issues a URL and generates a two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the URL and information to be added to the URL as an identifier. This two-dimensional barcode is displayed on the display device 2. The CPU 41 of the user terminal 4 uses the imaging unit 50 to photograph this two-dimensional barcode and converts the barcode portion into a URL. Then, it requests the communication unit 49 to connect to the management server 1 using this converted URL.

[0070] When the identification unit 113 detects a connection request from the user terminal 4, it checks the user ID sent from the user terminal 4 and determines whether the access is invalid. If the access is not invalid, the identification unit 113 issues a cookie. The identification unit 113 also associates the user terminal 4 for which the user ID corresponding to the cookie is set with the installation location of the camera 3 that sends the recording instruction data, among the installation locations of the multiple cameras 3, and stores the association in the management information storage unit 182. Note that in this example using cookies, a "session ID" is embedded in the cookie, and the management server 1 side employs a "session management" method in which a "session ID" is embedded in the cookie, and various information is stored in the management information storage unit 182 linked to the session ID.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing the photography management process, among the functional configurations of the display device 2 of FIG.

[0072] When the photography management process is executed, as shown in FIG. 9, the identifier sharing unit 211 and the display control unit 212 function in the CPU 21. When the photography management process is executed, an identifier storage section 281 is set in one area of ​​the storage section 18. Including cases not specifically mentioned below, data required to realize the photography management process is transmitted and received between these functional blocks at appropriate times.

[0073] The identifier storage unit 281 stores identifiers shared with the management server 1. The identifiers stored in the identifier storage unit 281 are updated by the identifier sharing unit 211 as appropriate.

[0074] The identifier sharing unit 211 shares periodically changed identifiers with the management server 1 through communication via the communication unit 29. Details of these identifiers and the sharing of identifiers were described above in the explanation of the management server 1, so a repeated explanation will be omitted here.

[0075] The display control unit 212 controls the display of the identifiers stored in the identifier storage unit 281 on the output unit 27. As described above, the identifiers are updated periodically, for example, every few tens of seconds. Therefore, the display control unit 212 updates and displays the latest identifiers shared with the management server 1 at this interval.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration for executing the photography management process, among the functional configurations of the camera 3 in FIG.

[0077] When the photography management process is executed, as shown in FIG. 10, a recording instruction response unit 311 and a photography control unit 312 function in the CPU 31. When the photography management process is executed, a recorded image storage section 361 is set in one area of ​​the storage section . Including cases not specifically mentioned below, data required to realize the photography management process is transmitted and received between these functional blocks at appropriate times.

[0078] The recorded image storage unit 361 stores recorded image data, which is image data obtained by the imaging unit 38 capturing an image based on the control of the imaging control unit 312.

[0079] The recording instruction response unit 311 receives recording instruction data from the management server 1. This recording instruction data corresponds to the identifier displayed on the display device 2 paired with the camera 3, and is transmitted from the user terminal 4. Upon receiving the recording instruction data, the recording instruction response unit 311 instructs the photography control unit 312 to photograph and record. The recording instruction response unit 311 also transmits to the management server 1 the recorded image data obtained by the photography control unit 312 executing the photography and recording.

[0080] The photography control unit 312 controls the driving of the imaging unit 38 to perform photography and recording based on instructions from the recording instruction response unit 311. As a result, image data desired by the user of the user terminal 4 (for example, an image including the user of the user terminal 4 as a subject image with a desired landmark in the background) is obtained as recorded image data. The photography control unit 312 outputs this recorded image data to the recording instruction response unit 311 and also stores it in the recorded image storage unit 361.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration for executing the photography management process, among the functional configurations of the user terminal 4 in FIG.

[0082] When the photography management process is executed, as shown in FIG. 11, an identifier acquisition unit 411, a recording instruction unit 412, and an image generation unit 413 function in the CPU 41. When the photography management process is executed, an identifier storage section 481 is set in one area of ​​the storage section 48. Including cases not specifically mentioned below, data required to realize the photography management process is transmitted and received between these functional blocks at appropriate times.

[0083] Identifier storage unit 481 stores information included in the identifier obtained by reading by identifier acquisition unit 411. The information included in the identifier stored in identifier storage unit 481 is updated by identifier acquisition unit 411 as appropriate.

[0084] Recorded images captured by the camera 3 are stored in the recorded image storage unit 482 based on a recording instruction from the recording instruction unit 412.

[0085] The identifier acquisition unit 411 reads an identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display device 2 based on an operation of the user of the user terminal 4 received by the input unit 46. This reading is achieved by decoding the two-dimensional barcode included in the image captured by the imaging unit 50 using a known algorithm (for example, an algorithm conforming to the two-dimensional barcode standard). The identifier acquisition unit 411 stores information included in the two-dimensional barcode in the identifier storage unit 481.

[0086] The recording instruction unit 412 transmits recording instruction data for the camera 3 to the management server 1 based on the operation of the user of the user terminal 4 accepted by the input unit .

[0087] The image generation unit 413 receives the recording image data captured based on the recording instruction data transmitted by the recording instruction unit 412 from the management server 1. Then, the image generation unit 413 generates a recording image based on the received recording image data and displays it on the output unit 47.

[0088] To transmit recording instruction data and receive recording image data, the recording instruction unit 412 and the image generation unit 413 communicate with the management server 1 using the URL included in the identifier read by the identifier acquisition unit 411. Note that the browser may be automatically started when the identifier acquisition unit 411 reads the URL from the identifier.

[0089] [Operation] The user terminal 4 has been described above, and the external device 5 has a similar configuration. Next, the operation of each device included in the photography system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0090] 12, 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of the photography management process executed by the management server 1 having the functional configuration of FIG.

[0091] First, the identifier sharing unit 111 executes a process for sharing an identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode with the display device 2 (step S11). For example, the management server 1 transmits the identifier to be shared to the display device 2, thereby sharing the identifier with the display device 2.

[0092] Next, it is determined whether or not the time has expired (step S12). Specifically, if a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the photography management process, the identifier sharing unit 111 determines that the time has expired. The expiration of the time means that the period for changing the identifier has arrived. If the identifier sharing unit 111 determines that the period for changing the identifier has arrived (step S12 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it determines that the period for changing the identifier has not arrived (step S12 → No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0093] If the identifier sharing unit 111 determines that the period for changing the identifier has arrived, it generates a new identifier (step S13), writes the generated identifier into the identifier storage unit 181, and updates the contents thereof (step S14).

[0094] Thereafter, the identifier sharing unit 111 transmits the newly generated identifier to the display device 2 (step S15) and restarts the timer (step S16). After that, by returning to step S11, the newly generated identifier is shared with the display device 2.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined that the period for changing the identifier has not arrived, the information control unit 114 of the management unit 112 determines whether or not a connection request using a URL corresponding to the identifier has been detected from the user terminal 4 (step S17). If it is determined that a connection request has been detected (step S17→Yes), the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that a connection request has not been detected (step S17→No), the process returns to step S11.

[0096] If the information control unit 114 determines that a connection request has been detected, it transmits recording instruction data to the camera 3 via the management server 1, and transfers a page on which a recording instruction icon linked to a function that causes the camera 3 to record a captured image using the reception of this recording instruction data as a trigger to the user terminal 4 that made the connection request (step S18). In this embodiment, the page transferred here includes text indicating that the recording instruction data can be accepted two times (see FIG. 20).

[0097] The information control unit 114 shares the user ID with the user terminal and registers it in the management information storage unit 182 (step S19). The user ID is data in the form of a cookie that includes the name of the user to whom the page on which the recording instruction icon is laid out was issued and sent. Then, the management unit 112 starts a 60-second timer (step S20).

[0098] The information control unit 114 determines whether the time has expired (step S21). In this embodiment, the time is determined to be expired when a predetermined time, for example, 60 seconds, has elapsed. If it is determined that the time has expired (step S21→Yes), the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time has not expired (step S21→No), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0099] If it is determined in step S21 that the time has not expired, the information control unit 114 determines whether or not recording instruction data has been received from the user terminal 4 as a result of the user touching the recording instruction icon (step S22). If it is determined that recording instruction data has been received (step S22 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that recording instruction data has not been received (step S22 → No), the process returns to step S21.

[0100] If it is determined that recording instruction data has been received, the information control unit 114 executes processing to continue the countdown (step S23). Then, based on the information added to the URL used by the user terminal 4 for communication connection, the identification unit 113 of the management unit 112 identifies the camera 3 that is the target of this recording instruction (step S24). At this time, the identification unit 113 also identifies the user terminal 4 that is the sender of the recording instruction data, based on the user ID sent and received as a cookie.

[0101] The reception control unit 116 of the management unit 112 determines whether the camera 3 can receive the recording instruction data received from the user terminal 4 based on the code ID added to the URL used by the user terminal 4 for communication connection (step S25). If it is determined that the data cannot be received (step S25 → No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0102] If it is determined that the recording instruction data cannot be accepted, the acceptance control unit 116 transfers a page indicating that the data cannot be accepted to the specified user terminal 4 (step S26), and returns to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the recording instruction data can be accepted, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0103] The information control unit 114 transmits the received recording instruction data to the camera 3 that is the target of the recording instruction (step S27). Thereafter, the information control unit 114 receives the recording image data that has been captured and recorded by the camera 3 in response to the recording instruction (step S28).

[0104] The information control unit 114 registers the received record image data and the number of times in association with the identifier in the management information storage unit 182 (step S29). This identifier is obtained by the user terminal 4 in order to issue a recording instruction. When the record image data is received for the first time after the processing of step S21, "1" is stored as the number of times information in the management information storage unit 182. Similarly, when the record image data is received for the second time, "2" is stored as the number of times information in the management information storage unit 182.

[0105] The information control unit 114 determines whether the number of times the data has been received exceeds a preset number of times (step S30). If it determines that the number of times the data has been received does not exceed the preset number of times (step S30 → No), it transmits information for displaying a page including a recording instruction icon to the user terminal 4 (step S31). The transferred page contains text indicating that the number of times recording instruction data can be accepted is one.

[0106] If the management control unit 115 determines that the number of times the data has been received exceeds a preset number (step S30→Yes), it generates information for displaying a confirmation image page (step S32). The confirmation image is generated from recorded image data and is based on image data in which image information such as display size and resolution has been reduced. Furthermore, it is desirable that the confirmation image page has a page structure that prevents the displayed confirmation image from being recorded and saved within the user terminal 4. The management control unit 115 transfers the confirmation image display page to the user terminal 4 that sent the recording instruction data (step S33).

[0107] The management control unit 115 determines whether or not a transmission request for the recorded image data has been received from the user terminal 4 (step S34). For example, the transmission request is a request to download a recorded image selected by the user. If a transmission request has been received (step S34 → Yes), the corresponding recorded image data is transferred to the user terminal 4 (step S35). The process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if a transmission request for the recorded image data has not been received (step S34 → No), the process returns to step S11.

[0108] Next, a description will be given of the case where it is determined that the time is up in step S21. As shown in Fig. 13, when it is determined that the time is up (step S21 -> Yes), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0109] If management control unit 115 determines that the time has expired, it determines whether or not the recorded image data is registered in management information storage unit 182 (step S36). If it determines that the recorded image data is registered in management information storage unit 182 (step S36→Yes), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if it determines that the recorded image data is not registered in management information storage unit 182 (step S36→No), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0110] If it is determined that the recorded image data is not registered in the management information storage unit 182, the management control unit 115 transfers a notification page informing the user terminal 4 that the time is up (step S37), and erases the information of the user ID that was the subject of this processing, stored in the management information storage unit 182 (step S38), and then returns to step S11.

[0111] The above describes an example of the photography management process executed by the management server 1. Next, the process executed by the display device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the photography management process executed by the display device 2 having the functional configuration of Fig. 9 in the photography system S.

[0112] First, it is assumed that the identifier sharing unit 211 is in a state of sharing an identifier with the management server 1 (step S221). Specifically, the identifier sharing unit 211 operates with the identifier transmitted from the management server 1 as the target of sharing.

[0113] The display control unit 212 executes a process of displaying an identifier consisting of a two-dimensional barcode shared with the management server 1 on the output unit 27 (step S222). If the output unit 27 employs an E-Ink display, it is possible to continue displaying the identifier semi-permanently without power supply thereafter by applying voltage only during output.

[0114] The identifier sharing unit 211 determines whether a new identifier has been received from the management server 1 (step S223). If it is determined that a new identifier has been received (step S223→Yes), the process returns to step S221. If it is determined that a new identifier has not been received (step S223→No), the process returns to step S222, and the display of the identifier continues.

[0115] Next, the processing executed by the camera 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the photography management processing executed by the camera 3 having the functional configuration of Fig. 10 in the photography system S.

[0116] The recording instruction response unit 311 determines whether recording instruction data has been received (step S331). If it is determined that recording instruction data has been received (step S331 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S332. On the other hand, if recording instruction data has not been received (step S331 → No), the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of recording instruction data.

[0117] The recording instruction response unit 311 determines whether the recording instruction data can be accepted (step S332). If it is determined that the recording instruction data can be accepted (step S332 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S333. If it is determined that the recording instruction data cannot be accepted (step S332 → No), the process proceeds to step S335.

[0118] If the recording instruction response unit 311 determines that the recording instruction data can be received, the imaging control unit 312 executes the recording process (step S333). In this embodiment, a predetermined time countdown is performed after receiving the recording instruction data from the management server 1, and imaging and recording are performed after the countdown.

[0119] The recording instruction response unit 311 transmits the recording image data obtained by photographing and recording to the management server 1 as a response to the recording instruction data (step S334), and then returns to step S331.

[0120] If the recording instruction response unit 311 determines that it is not possible to accept the recording instruction data (step S332→No), it transmits information indicating that it is not possible to accept the data to the management server 1 (step S335), and then returns to step S331.

[0121] Next, the processing executed by the user terminal 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of photography management processing executed by the user terminal 4 having the functional configuration of Fig. 11 in the photography system S.

[0122] The identifier acquisition unit 411 determines whether or not the user has performed an identifier read operation (step S411). If it is determined that the user has performed an identifier read operation (step S411→Yes), the process proceeds to step S413. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not performed an identifier read operation (step S411→No), the process proceeds to step S412.

[0123] If it is determined that there is no identifier read operation from the user, the identifier acquisition unit 411 determines whether the identifier has been read in a past process (step S412). If it is determined that the identifier has been read (step S412 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S414. On the other hand, if it is determined that the identifier has not been read (step S412 → No), the process returns to step S411.

[0124] When it is determined that the user has performed an operation to read an identifier, the identifier acquisition unit 411 reads the identifier displayed by the display device 2 based on this reading operation (step S413).

[0125] The recording instruction unit 412 determines whether or not a connection request to the management server 1 has been made by the user (step S414). If it is determined that a connection request has been made (step S414→Yes), the process proceeds to step S415. On the other hand, if it is determined that a connection request has not been made (step S414→No), the process returns to step S411.

[0126] When it is determined whether or not there has been a connection request from the user to the management server 1, the recording instruction unit 412 sends the connection request to the management server 1 (step S415), and in response receives a page on which a recording instruction icon is laid out, transferred from the management server 1 (step S416). This recording instruction icon is associated with a function that detects a user's touch operation on the icon, transmits recording instruction data to the camera 3 via the management server 1, and triggers the camera 3 to record a captured image upon receipt of this recording instruction data.

[0127] The recording instruction unit 412 displays the page on which the recording instruction icon is laid out on the output unit 47 (step S417). The recording instruction unit 412 shares the user ID with the management server 1, and registers the user ID in the identifier storage unit 481 (step S418).

[0128] The recording instruction unit 412 determines whether or not a recording instruction has been issued from the user to the camera 3 (step S419). If it is determined that a recording instruction has not been issued (step S419→No), the process proceeds to step S420. On the other hand, if it is determined that a recording instruction has been issued (step S419→Yes), the process proceeds to step S421.

[0129] If it is determined that there is no recording instruction, the recording instruction unit 412 determines whether or not the time is up (step S420). For example, the recording instruction unit 412 determines that the time is up when it receives a time-up notification page from the management server 1. If it is determined that the time is up (step S420 → Yes), it performs control to display a time-up notification page (step S426). Furthermore, the recording instruction unit 412 determines whether or not photography has been performed using the camera 3 (step S427). If it is determined that photography has already been performed (step S427 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S428. On the other hand, if it is determined that photography has not been performed (step S427 → No), the photography management process on the user terminal 4 ends. If it is determined that the time is not up in step S420 (step S420 → No), the process returns to step S419.

[0130] The recording instruction unit 412 transmits recording instruction data based on the user's operation to the management server 1 (step S421).

[0131] The recording instruction unit 412 receives the recording instruction data at the management server 1 and determines whether the recording instruction based on this has been accepted (step S422). If it is determined that the recording instruction has not been accepted (step S422 → No), the recording instruction unit 412 displays an acceptance denial page indicating that the recording instruction has not been accepted on the output unit 47 (step S423). Then, the photography management process on the user terminal 4 ends.

[0132] If the recording instruction unit 412 determines that the recording instruction has been accepted by the management server 1 (step S422→Yes), the process proceeds to step S424.

[0133] The recording instruction unit 412 displays the confirmation image page received from the management server 1 (step S424). The confirmation image page contains a layout of confirmation images of images photographed and recorded by the camera 3 in response to recording instruction data transmitted from the user terminal 4 via the management server 1 to the camera 3.

[0134] The recording instruction unit 412 determines whether the number of times of shooting by the camera 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number or less (step S425). If it is determined that the number of times of shooting is less than the predetermined number (step S425→No), the process returns to step S419.

[0135] If it is determined that the number of times of photography is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (step S425→Yes), the process proceeds to step S428.

[0136] The recording instruction unit 412 determines whether or not the user has performed an image selection operation (step S428). If it is determined that the user has selected an image (step S428 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S429. If it is determined that the user has not selected an image (step S428 → No), the shooting management process on the user terminal 4 ends.

[0137] The image generation unit 413 requests the management server 1 to transmit the recording image (step S429). The image generation unit 413 receives the recording image taken based on the recording instruction from the management server 1 (step S430).

[0138] The image generating unit 413 displays the received recorded image on the output unit 47 (step S431), and the photography management process on the user terminal 4 ends.

[0139] As described above, according to the photography management process of this embodiment, the identifiers for identifying both the camera 3 and the user terminal 4 are periodically changed and displayed in a format similar to a two-dimensional barcode on the display device 2 near the photography spot, and the user can simply read the displayed identifier using the imaging unit provided in the user terminal 4 to perform communication control and photography / recording control by remotely operating the camera 3.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the photography management process, by using a periodically changed identifier, it is possible to temporarily operate an information input device such as a camera 3 that is shared on a network. Furthermore, according to the photography management process, photography is performed using a camera 3 that is located farther away from the user, making it possible to take photos with the whole group, including friends, or to take photos at angles that are difficult to capture with a user terminal. Note that while the process of displaying recorded images on the user terminal 4 has been mainly described, the same process is also performed when displaying recorded images on an external device 5.

[0141] [Configuration example] The photographing system S configured as above includes the display device 2, the management server 1, a user terminal 4 that can be carried by a user, and a camera 3. The display device 2 is a presentation means that periodically changes and presents the identifier. The management server 1 is a management means that shares with the display device 2 an identifier that is periodically changed and presented by the display device 2. The user terminal 4 is a communication means that acquires the identifier presented on the display device 2 when the user's operation to acquire the identifier is detected, and transmits the acquired identifier and a recording instruction to acquire the information to the management server 1. The camera 3 is an information acquisition unit that is operated based on a recording instruction received by the management server 1 to acquire image data. The management server 1 is equipped with an information control unit 114 that controls the association of image data acquired by the camera 3 based on a recording instruction sent by the user terminal 4 with the identifier presented on the display device 2 when the user's identifier acquisition operation is detected. By periodically changing the identifier in this way, the identifier can be used as information to identify both the camera 3 and the user terminal 4. The information on the connection partner specific to the communication protocol exchanged when connecting to the Internet is linked to the control authority of the Internet-connected device. This allows the user to establish a communication connection and remotely control the camera 3 by reading the identifier once.

[0142] The management server 1 further includes a management control unit (first management control means) 115 that manages the information acquired by the camera 3 operated based on a recording instruction by associating it with the identified user terminal 4 or the external device 5 corresponding to the identified user terminal 4. This allows the user to refer to the information acquired by the camera 3 on a device such as the user terminal 4 that the user uses.

[0143] The camera 3 includes an imaging means for capturing an image of a location specified by the identifier as a capturing range. Based on a recording instruction, the camera 3 acquires, as information, recorded image data that includes the user carrying the user terminal 4 in the capturing range. This allows the user to refer to the recorded image captured by the camera 3, which includes the user himself.

[0144] The recording instruction in the photography system S includes an instruction to the camera 3 to continuously capture images, and the management server 1 is equipped with a management control unit (second management control means) 115 that manages the multiple recorded images captured in accordance with the instruction to continuously capture images by associating them with the user terminal 4 or an external device 5 corresponding to the identified user terminal 4. This allows the user to view recorded images such as continuous still images and moving images continuously captured by the camera 3.

[0145] The multiple recorded images in the photography system S are multiple recorded images recorded in response to receiving a recording instruction, and the user terminal 4 or the external device 5 corresponding to the user terminal 4 has an input unit 46 (selection means, instruction means) that selects a specific recorded image from the multiple captured recorded images and instructs the management server 1 to transmit the selected specific recorded image. This allows the user to refer to a plurality of recorded images via the user terminal 4 or the external device 5 and obtain a desired recorded image.

[0146] The photography system S has a plurality of user terminals 4, The management server 1 further includes a reception control unit 116 (first reception control means) that, when identifying a camera 3 based on an identifier received from a user terminal 4, controls the identified camera 3 so that it does not accept recording instructions from user terminals 4 other than the user terminal 4 that sent the recording instruction. This allows each user to use the camera 3 exclusively.

[0147] The photography system S has a plurality of user terminals 4, When the same identifier is transmitted from a plurality of user terminals 4, the reception control unit 116 (second reception control means) performs control so that the recording instruction from the user terminal 4 that transmitted the identifier first is given priority in reception. This allows the order in which the cameras 3 are used to be determined fairly based on the order in which they were read.

[0148] The management server 1 identifies the user terminal 4 and the display device 2 based on the content of the acquired identifier received from the user terminal 4 and the content of the presentation identifier shared with the display device 2. As a result, the management server 1 can use the identifier received from the user terminal 4 and the identifier shared with the display device 2 as information for identifying both the camera 3 and the user terminal 4.

[0149] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiment can be modified to produce the following exemplary modifications. The following exemplary modifications can also be combined.

[0150] <First Modification> In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that a single still image is captured by the camera 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, continuous shooting may be performed by the camera 3 to obtain a series of still images, or a video composed of frames of the series of still images. Furthermore, whether to capture a single still image, a series of still images, or a video may be selected based on a recording instruction from the user terminal 4. This allows the user to selectively capture still images, moving images, etc. according to their own intentions.

[0151] Furthermore, the continuous still images and videos obtained by shooting may be viewable on the user terminal 4. This allows the user to use the videos and the like referenced on the user terminal 4 as live view images, and issue a recording instruction at a desired timing while checking their own expressions, poses, and the like.

[0152] A specific process of the first modified example will be described below. Fig. 19 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of live view display processing by the management server 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 19 replaces the process of step S18 in the flowchart of Fig. 12.

[0153] In the first modified example, after detecting a connection request to a URL corresponding to the identifier in step S17, the process proceeds to step S101. The identification unit 113 identifies a camera 3 based on the identifier, and the management control unit 115 requests the identified camera 3 to transfer a live view image (step S101).

[0154] In response to the request to transfer the live view images, the management control unit 115 receives the live view images sequentially transmitted from the camera 3, generates a page in which a live view display area displaying the live view images and a recording instruction icon are laid out, and transmits the page to the user terminal 4 that issued the connection request (step S102). FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page transferred from the management server 1 and displayed on the output unit 47 of the user terminal 4 (or the display unit of an external device). A page such as that shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the user terminal 4 or the external device 5. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the live view image is displayed within a frame of a live view image 471. In addition to the live view image 471, a recording instruction icon 472, text indicating the available time for shooting, and text indicating the remaining number of times that shooting can be performed (2 times) are also displayed. After the processing of step S102, the processing proceeds to step S19. Thereafter, the same processing as in the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 12 is executed.

[0155] As described above, in the first modified example, the management server 1 makes continuously acquired recorded images available as live view images to be viewed on the identified user terminal 4 or the external device 5 corresponding to the identified user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 further includes a communication unit 49 that receives images successively captured by the camera 3, and an output unit 47 that displays live view images based on the images received by the receiving means. This allows the user to issue a recording instruction at a desired timing while checking their own facial expressions, poses, etc. through the live view image.

[0156] <Second Modification> In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a recording instruction has been accepted, even if a connection request is received from another user terminal 4, the recording instruction from the other user terminal 4 is not accepted, but this is not limiting. For example, information other than the non-acceptance information may be provided to the user terminal 4.

[0157] A specific process of the second modified example will be described. Fig. 21 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process for managing the number of waiting people by the management server 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 21 is a process performed between step S17 and step S18 of the flowchart in Fig. 12.

[0158] In the second modified example, after detecting a connection request to a URL corresponding to the identifier in step S17, the identification unit 113 determines whether the camera 3 at the installation location identified by the URL is currently counting using a timer for preparing to shoot (step S111). If it is determined that the timer for the identified camera 3 is counting (step S111 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer is not counting (step S113 → No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0159] If it is determined that the identified camera 3 is in the timer counting state, the identification unit 113 refers to the status list 1822 and standby state list 1823 of the camera 3 (step S112). The status list 1822 and standby state list 1823 are managed by the management information storage unit 182. Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing examples of these lists by the management server 1. The status list 1822 in Fig. 22 indicates the usage status of each camera 3 (whether or not the timer is counting), and the standby state list 1823 indicates whether or not the camera 3 is currently available, and if it is currently unavailable, indicates a state of waiting for use (i.e., a standby state).

[0160] In FIG. 22, the "code ID" in the status list 1822 is information for identifying the camera 3, and the "count flag" indicates whether a timer is currently counting. A code ID corresponding to a count flag of "0" indicates that the camera 3 identified by this code ID is not currently counting, and a code ID corresponding to a count flag of "1" indicates that the camera 3 identified by this code ID is currently counting. The "user ID" in the standby status list 1823 identifies the user operating the user terminal 4. The "waiting available transmission time" indicates the time when the user terminal 4 transmitted to the management server 1 that it was available to wait. The "waiting flag" indicates whether there is a user waiting to use the camera 3. A flag of "0" indicates that there is no user waiting to use the camera, and a flag of "1" indicates that there is a user waiting to use the camera. In the example of FIG. 22, the camera 3 identified by the code ID "00120" has already completed the shooting and recording process by user ID "abc1" and is now available for anyone to use. On the other hand, both the camera 3 identified by the code ID "00121" and the camera 3 identified by the code ID "00122" indicate that there are users waiting to use the camera. Note that the camera 3 identified by the code ID "00121" has two users, user IDs "efg1" and "abc1," waiting to use the camera and have made reservations for their next use, while the camera 3 identified by the code ID "00122" has one user, user ID "abc1," waiting to use the camera and have made a reservation for their next use.

[0161] The management control unit 115 transfers to the user terminal 4 a page that displays information indicating that another user is using the facility, the number of people waiting, the countdown value, and an icon indicating whether or not waiting is possible (step S113).

[0162] The management control unit 115 determines whether or not information indicating that waiting is permitted has been received from the user terminal 4 (step S114). If it is determined that waiting is permitted has been received from the user terminal 4 (step S114→Yes), the process proceeds to step S115. If it is determined that waiting is permitted has not been received from the user terminal 4 (step S114→No), the process returns to step S11.

[0163] The management control unit 115 updates the standby state list 1823 so that, for example, priority is given to the camera 3 with the latest transmission time of "yes to standby" (step S115). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 22, the management control unit 115 inputs the camera 3 in standby state, the user ID of the user terminal 4 that transmitted "yes to standby," and the time when the user transmitted "yes to standby," and changes the standby flag of the camera 3 from 0 to 1.

[0164] The management control unit 115 transfers a page indicating that another user is using the service, the number of people waiting, and the countdown value to the user terminal 4 that sent the "allow waiting" (step S116). The number of people waiting is calculated by counting the number of waiting flags for each code ID. After this transfer process, the process returns to step S11.

[0165] According to the second modification, the user can grasp the current usage status of the camera 3.

[0166] <Third Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the identifier displayed by the display device 2 is controlled to be changed periodically, but this is not limiting. Control may also be added to stop displaying the identifier while the user is operating the camera 3.

[0167] The specific processing of the third modified example will now be described. Fig. 23 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for stopping display of the identifier of the display device 2 and processing for adjusting the camera in the management server 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 23 is processing performed between step S20 and step S21 of the flowchart in Fig. 13.

[0168] After starting the 60-second timer in step S20, the presentation control unit 117 transmits an instruction to stop displaying the identifier to the display device 2 corresponding to the code ID (step S121). Note that it is assumed that the display device 2 at this time continues to display the identifier acquired by the user terminal 4 after acquiring it.

[0169] The presentation control unit 117 determines whether the 60-second timer has timed out (step S122). If it is determined that the timer has timed out (step S122→Yes), the process proceeds to step S13, where a new identifier is generated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer has not timed out (step S122→No), the process proceeds to step S123.

[0170] If it is determined that the time has not expired, the presentation control unit 117 determines whether or not recording instruction data has been received from the user terminal 4 (step S123). If it is determined that the recording instruction has not been received (step S123→No), the process proceeds to the time-up determination process of step S21 in Fig. 13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the recording instruction data has been received (step S123→Yes), the process proceeds to step S124.

[0171] The presentation control unit 117 transmits an instruction to start a five-second timer to the display device 2 (step S124).

[0172] The information control unit 114 transmits an instruction to adjust the photographing conditions to the camera 3 (step S125), and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0173] Upon receiving the adjustment instruction transmitted in step S124, the shooting control unit 312 of the camera 3 uses the period during which the display device 2 counts the 5-second timer to execute adjustment processing of the shooting conditions of the camera 3. The shooting conditions, such as ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and white balance, are adjusted according to the external environment.

[0174] The above has described the flow of processing in which the display on the display device 2 changes from an identifier to timer start. Next, the timing at which a different identifier is displayed in the third modified example will be described. FIG. 24 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the management server 1 to resume identifier display on the display device 2. The flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is processing from step 33 onwards, which is performed after processing of step S32 in the flowchart of FIG. 14, that is, processing on the display device 2, which is performed after processing by the management server 1 to generate a confirmation image page and before processing to transfer the confirmation image page to the user terminal 4.

[0175] The information control unit 114 generates a new identifier (step S131) ​​and updates the contents of the management information storage unit 182 (step S132). That is, the newly generated identifier is registered in the management information storage unit 182.

[0176] The presentation control unit 117 transmits the newly registered identifier to the display device 2 (step S133). The identifier sharing unit 211 of the display device 2 registers the received identifier in the identifier storage unit 281, and the identifier is shared between the management server 1 and the display device 2. The display control unit 212 of the display device 2 displays the newly shared identifier. In other words, when the user terminal 4 transmits the recording instruction data to the management server 1, the new identifier is displayed on the display device 2.

[0177] The identifier sharing unit 111 starts the timer (step S134). After that, the process proceeds again to step S17 in Fig. 12. The subsequent processes are similar.

[0178] As described above, the third modified example is configured as follows. The management server 1 further includes a presentation control unit 117 (presentation control means) that, upon receiving the recording instruction data, controls the display device 2 paired with the camera 3 that executes the recording process in accordance with the recording instruction data so as not to present the identifier. As a result, the identifier is not presented to the display device 2 of the set of cameras 3 currently performing recording processing. This prevents a situation in which a user terminal 4 other than the user terminal 4 that transmitted the recording instruction data acquires the same identifier and transmits the same recording instruction data.

[0179] The presentation control unit 117 controls the display device 2 to resume presenting the identifier when a preset number of recording instructions have been received from the user terminal 4 that sent the identifier, or when a preset time has elapsed since the recording instruction was received. This allows each user to take multiple photos when using the exclusive camera 3.

[0180] Furthermore, when the presentation control unit 117 receives the recording instruction data, it controls the display device 2 paired with the camera 3 that performs the recording process based on the received recording instruction data to display a 5-second countdown timer instead of an identifier, and to adjust the shooting conditions of the camera 3 during this period. This allows the user to know the time remaining until the image data is acquired from the display device 2.

[0181] Furthermore, the camera 3 can make appropriate adjustments depending on the shooting environment. For example, by adjusting the exposure during shooting by the camera 3 depending on differences in brightness (daytime, evening, nighttime), image data including the user can be acquired under appropriate conditions. <Fourth Modification> In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the recorded image captured by the camera 3 is displayed alone. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recorded image captured by the camera 3 may be displayed in various ways.

[0182] For example, based on a user ID stored as a cookie in the browser of the user terminal 4, multiple recorded images corresponding to this user ID stored in the management server 1 may be simultaneously displayed in a format such as thumbnail display.

[0183] Next, specific processing in the fourth modified example will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 28. The processing flow in the fourth modified example described below is the same as that from step S416 onwards in Figure 17, which describes the processing of the user terminal 4.

[0184] When the recording instruction unit 412 receives a page on which the recording instruction icon 472 is laid out from the management server 1, it displays an image such as that shown in Fig. 25 on the output unit 47. Fig. 25 is an example of an operation page image displayed in step S417 of Fig. 17. In this example, the recording instruction icon 472, to which recording instruction data is sent when a touch is detected, and text such as the number of times that photographs can be taken are displayed.

[0185] When the recording instruction unit 412 detects that the user has touched the recording instruction icon 472, it displays an image on the output unit 47 informing the user of the shooting and recording. For example, the image shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a timer display image displayed on the user terminal 4. The camera direction in the display 473 "Please look in the direction of the camera" in FIG. 26 means the direction of the shooting optical axis of the camera 3. The display 474 "5 seconds until shooting" means the count (number of seconds) until the camera 3 takes the picture. The recorded image obtained by the camera 3 shooting and recording is sent to the management server 1.

[0186] When the recording instruction unit 412 receives the confirmation image display page from the management server 1, it displays an image such as that shown in Fig. 27 on the output unit 47. Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a captured image displayed on the user terminal 4. Fig. 27 shows a thumbnail image 475 generated based on the recorded image. In addition to the thumbnail image 475, icons 476 and 477 for performing the next operation are also displayed. In this example, icon 476 for instructing to capture another image and icon 477 for instructing to display a list of recorded images are displayed.

[0187] When the recording instruction unit 412 detects that the user has touched icon 476 to instruct taking a new photograph, it displays the image shown in Fig. 25 again. Furthermore, when the recording instruction unit 412 detects that the user has touched icon 477 to instruct checking a list of recorded images, it requests the management server 1 to send a page showing the list. When the recording instruction unit 412 receives the page showing the list, it displays an image such as that shown in Fig. 28 on the output unit 47. Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a list image of taken photographs displayed on the output unit 47 of the user terminal 4.

[0188] 28, it can be seen that multiple thumbnail images 475, 478 acquired by camera 3 are displayed on the same page. An icon 479 for proceeding to the next step is also shown. When recording instruction unit 412 detects that the user has selected an image, image generation unit 413 executes processing to store the image in recorded image storage unit 482. For example, image generation unit 413 requests from management server 1 an uncompressed image corresponding to the image selected by the user. Image generation unit 413 stores the image received from the management server in recorded image storage unit 482. This allows the user to check all the images they have taken at once. When the user selects icon 479, they are taken to another page where they can enter questionnaire results, for example, and the photography management process ends.

[0189] <Fifth Modification> In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that only the recorded image captured by the camera 3 is displayed, but this is not limiting, and other information may also be displayed.

[0190] For example, in an amusement park or tourist spot where there are many photography spots, a camera 3 is installed at each photography spot. Then, information on how many of the cameras 3 have taken pictures and obtained recorded images (or how many of the cameras 3 have taken pictures and obtained no recorded images) may be displayed. This allows the user to enjoy taking photos with the camera 3 even more by aiming to visit all of the multiple photo spots in an amusement park or the like.

[0191] Alternatively, for example, the management server 1 may combine at least some of the recorded images corresponding to the user ID and display the combined recorded image. That is, the combined image may be displayed as a collage image. In this case, pre-created image material (for example, an image of a character related to the photography spot) may be further combined. This allows the user to enjoy the images he or she has taken as a single image. In particular, when there are many photography spots and a camera 3 is installed at each of them, it is possible to express that the user has visited various spots.

[0192] Furthermore, for example, if a person other than the user of the user terminal 4 appears in the recorded image, the management server 1 may blur or pixelate the image area corresponding to this person. For example, as in the third modified example described above, when a live view is displayed, people present in the focused area are assumed to be the user and their friends, etc., based on a recording instruction from the user terminal 4 by the user. Alternatively, people present in a predetermined area set in advance, such as the central area of ​​the angle of view of the camera 3, are uniformly assumed to be the user and their friends, etc.

[0193] Image areas corresponding to people present in other areas may be blurred or pixelated.

[0194] The fifth modified example is configured as follows. That is, the photography system S has a plurality of cameras 3, and the management server 1 is equipped with a management control unit 115 (third management control means) that manages at least either the number of cameras 3 that have received a recording instruction or the number of cameras 3 that have not received a recording instruction in association with a user terminal 4 or a user terminal 4. This allows you to enjoy taking photos with the camera 3 even more by aiming to visit all of the multiple photo spots in an amusement park or the like.

[0195] In addition, the management server 1 further includes a management control unit 115 (fourth management control means) that combines at least a portion of the information acquired by each of the multiple cameras 3 based on a recording instruction, and manages the combined information so that it can be referenced on the identified user terminal 4 or an external device 5 corresponding to the identified user terminal 4. This allows the user to enjoy the images he or she has taken as a single image.

[0196] <Sixth Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the management server 1 determines whether to accept a recording instruction after a recording instruction is received from the user at the user terminal 4. However, this determination may be made by other methods.

[0197] For example, regardless of whether a recording instruction is received from the user, the user terminal 4 and the management server 1 periodically communicate with each other to confirm whether they are in a state where they can accept a recording instruction. Then, once it is confirmed that they can accept a recording instruction, the user terminal 4 may display a screen for accepting a recording instruction for the first time. This prevents the user from meaninglessly issuing a recording instruction even when the recording instruction is not accepted.

[0198] In addition, when a recording instruction cannot be accepted, information such as the number of user terminals 4 that can be identified based on the number of identifiers previously displayed (i.e., the number of user terminals 4 waiting in line for a recording instruction) may also be displayed. This allows the user to know how long he or she will have to wait before he or she can use the camera 3 to take a photograph. That is, by adopting this modified example, it is possible to improve usability for the user.

[0199] <Seventh Modification> In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the target of the recording instruction is the camera 3, and that a recorded image is obtained by the camera 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the target of the recording instruction may be an information acquisition device other than the camera 3 in order to obtain information.

[0200] For example, an information acquisition device such as a recording device that acquires sound or a sensor that detects temperature, etc. may be the target of a recording instruction. This allows information such as sound and temperature to be acquired based on the user's recording instruction and made available for reference on the user terminal 4.

[0201] [Other variations] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configurations of Figures 7, 9, 10, and 11 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient for the photography system S to be provided with a function that can execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the examples of Figures 7, 9, 10, and 11. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination thereof. The functional configuration in this embodiment is realized by a processor that executes arithmetic processing, and processors that can be used in this embodiment include those that are composed of various processing devices alone, such as single processors, multiprocessors, and multicore processors, as well as those that combine these various processing devices with processing circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0202] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware, or may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a general-purpose personal computer.

[0203] The recording medium containing such a program may be a removable medium 101 shown in FIG. 2, which is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the user, or may be a recording medium provided to the user in a state where it is pre-installed in the device main body. The removable medium 101 may be, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. Examples of optical disks include CD-ROMs (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (registered trademark) discs. Examples of magneto-optical disks include MDs (Mini-Disks). Examples of recording media provided to the user in a state where it is pre-installed in the device main body include, for example, ROMs 12, 22, 32, and 42, and hard disks included in storage units 18, 28, 36, and 48, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, on which the program is recorded.

[0204] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically in accordance with the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are performed in parallel or individually.

[0205] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can take various other embodiments, and it is also possible to combine the configurations of the above embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, various modifications such as omissions and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the invention described in this specification, etc., and are included within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0206] The inventions described in the claims of the present application as originally filed are set forth below. [Appendix 1] An information processing system comprising: a presentation means for periodically changing and presenting an identifier; a management means for sharing the identifier with the presentation means; and a communication means for acquiring the identifier presented to the presentation means when a user's operation to acquire an identifier is detected, and transmitting the acquired identifier and an operation instruction for operating an information acquisition means identified by the acquired identifier to the management means, wherein the management means comprises a control means for controlling the information acquired by the information acquisition means based on the operation instruction transmitted by the communication means to correspond to the identifier presented to the presentation means when the user's operation to acquire an identifier is detected. [Appendix 2] The management means further a first management control means for managing the information acquired by the information acquisition means based on the operation instruction in association with the communication means or an external device corresponding to the communication means; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, [Appendix 3] the information acquisition means includes an imaging means for imaging a location specified by the identifier as an imaging range, and based on the operation instruction, captures an image including a user carrying the communication means in the imaging range, and acquires the captured image as the information. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] the operation instruction includes an instruction to cause the imaging means to continuously capture images, the management means includes a second management control means for managing the plurality of images captured in response to the instruction to continuously capture images in association with the communication means or an external device corresponding to the communication means; 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, [Appendix 5] The communication means or the external device corresponding to the communication means includes a selection means for selecting a specific image from the plurality of captured images; 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs the management unit to transmit the specific image selected by the selection unit. [Appendix 6] The communication means is a receiving means for receiving images sequentially captured by the imaging means; 6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising: a display unit that displays a live view image based on the image received by the receiving unit. [Appendix 7] A plurality of the communication means is provided, The information processing system described in any of Appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that the management means further comprises a first acceptance control means that, when identifying the information acquisition means based on the identifier received from the communication means, controls the identified information acquisition means not to accept operation instructions from communication means other than the communication means that sent the operation instruction. [Appendix 8] The information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is characterized in that the management means further comprises a presentation control means that, upon receiving the identifier and the operation instruction, controls the presentation means sharing the received identifier so that the identifier is not presented. [Appendix 9] The information processing system described in Appendix 8 is characterized in that the presentation control means further controls the presentation means to resume presentation of the identifier when a predetermined number of operation instructions are received from the communication means that transmitted the identifier, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the operation instruction. [Appendix 10] The presentation control means further controls, upon receiving the identifier and the operation instruction, a presentation means sharing the received identifier to present, instead of the identifier, a time until an information acquisition process is to be performed by the information acquisition means. 10. The information processing system according to claim 8 or 9, [Appendix 11] The information acquisition means further includes an adjustment control means for controlling, upon receiving an operation instruction via the management means, to make an adjustment related to information acquisition until the presentation means executes the information acquisition process. 11. The information processing system according to claim 10, [Appendix 12] A plurality of the communication means is provided, The information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 11, wherein the management means further comprises a second reception control means that, when the same identifier is transmitted from a plurality of the communication means, controls the operation instruction to be received preferentially from the communication means that transmitted the identifier first. [Appendix 13] The information acquisition means includes a plurality of the information acquisition means, The management means further An information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a third management control means for managing at least one of the number of information acquisition means that have accepted the operation instruction or the number of information acquisition means that have not accepted the operation instruction in association with the communication means or the communication means. [Appendix 14] An information processing method performed by a system including a presentation means, a management means, a communication means, and an information acquisition means, a presentation step of periodically changing the identifier and causing the presentation means to present the changed identifier; a sharing step of sharing the identifier presented in the presentation step between the presentation means and the management means; a transmission step of acquiring the identifier presented by the presentation means when the user's operation to acquire the identifier is detected, and transmitting the acquired identifier and an operation instruction for operating the information acquisition means identified by the acquired identifier to the management means; an information acquisition step of causing an information acquisition means to acquire information based on the operation instruction transmitted in the transmission step; a control step of performing control so as to associate the information acquired in the information acquisition step with the identifier presented on the presentation means when an operation of acquiring the identifier by the user is detected; An information processing method comprising: [Appendix 15] A computer of management means connected to the presentation means, the communication means, and the information acquisition means a sharing function for sharing the identifier that the presenting means periodically changes and presents; a first receiving function for receiving, from the communication means that has acquired the identifier presented by the presentation means, the acquired identifier and an operation instruction for operating an information acquisition means identified by the acquired identifier; a second receiving function that receives the information acquired by the information acquiring means based on the operation instruction received by the first receiving function; the identifier received by the first receiving function and the information received by the second receiving function; A program characterized by realizing a control function of controlling the correspondence between the above. [Appendix 16] connected to a presentation device, a communication device, and an information acquisition device; a sharing means for sharing the identifier that is periodically changed and presented by the presentation device; a first receiving means for receiving, from the communication device that has acquired the identifier presented by the presentation device, the acquired identifier and an operation instruction for operating the information acquisition device identified by the acquired identifier; a second receiving means for receiving information acquired by the information acquisition device based on the operation instruction received by the first receiving means; a control means for controlling the association of the identifier received by the first receiving means with the information received by the second receiving means; A management device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 1 Management server, 2 Display device, 3 Camera, 4 User terminal, 11, 21, 31, 41 CPU, 12, 22, 32, 42 ROM, 13, 23, 33, 43 RAM, 14, 24, 34, 44 Bus, 15, 25, 35, 45 Input / output interface, 16, 26, 46 Input section, 17, 27, 47 Output section, 18, 28, 36, 48 Memory section, 19, 29, 37, 49 Communication section, 38, 50 Imaging section, 20, 51 Drive, 101, 1 02···Removable media, 111···Identifier sharing unit, 112···Management unit, 181···Identifier storage unit, 182···Management information storage unit, 211···Identifier sharing unit, 212···Display control unit, 281···Identifier storage unit, 311···Recording instruction response unit, 312···Photography control unit, 361···Recorded image storage unit, 411···Identifier acquisition unit, 412···Recording instruction unit, 413···Image generation unit, 481···Identifier storage unit, 482···Recorded image storage unit, C···Two-dimensional barcode, S···Photography system

Claims

1. a presentation control means for causing the presentation means to present a new identifier for identifying the information acquisition means as a communication connection target so that the identifier is updated every time a first time period elapses; a management control means for detecting a connection request transmitted via the specified terminal device to the information acquisition means identified based on the identifier when an acquisition operation by a user to a specified terminal device is detected as an acquisition operation of the identifier presented by the presentation means, and for accepting an information acquisition instruction from the user based on the connection request up to a specified number of times until a second time period as a time limit has elapsed; a storage control means for storing, in a storage means, the information acquired by the information acquisition means in association with information for identifying the predetermined terminal device when the information acquisition means acquires information in accordance with the information acquisition instruction; Equipped with the presentation control means keeps the identifier in a non-presentation state while the management control means is accepting the information acquisition instruction, and when the second time period has elapsed, causes the presentation means to present the new identifier different from the identifier to the terminal device; The first time period is set to be shorter than the second time period. An information processing system comprising:

2. The second time is set to an integer multiple of the first time.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the information acquisition means is an imaging means installed at a position corresponding to the presentation means, the information acquired by the information acquisition means in accordance with the information acquisition instruction is a captured image; 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An information processing method executed by an information processing system, a presentation control process for causing the presentation unit to present a new identifier for identifying the information acquisition unit as a communication connection target so that the identifier is updated every time a first time period elapses; a management control process for detecting a connection request transmitted via the specified terminal device to the information acquisition means identified based on the identifier when an acquisition operation by a user to a specified terminal device is detected as an acquisition operation of the identifier presented by the presentation means, and accepting an information acquisition instruction from the user based on the connection request up to a specified number of times until a second time period as a time limit has elapsed; a storage control process for storing the information acquired by the information acquisition means in a storage means in association with information for identifying the predetermined terminal device when the information acquisition means acquires the information in accordance with the information acquisition instruction; Including, the presentation control process keeps the identifier in a non-presented state while the management control process is accepting an information acquisition instruction to the information acquisition means via the predetermined terminal device, and when the second time period has elapsed, causes the presentation means to present the new identifier different from the identifier to the terminal device; The first time period is set to be shorter than the second time period. An information processing method comprising:

5. Computer, a presentation control means for causing the presentation means to present a new identifier for identifying the information acquisition means as a communication connection target so that the identifier is updated every time a first time period elapses; a management control means for detecting a connection request transmitted via the specified terminal device to the information acquisition means specified based on the identifier when an acquisition operation by a user to a specified terminal device for acquiring the identifier presented by the presentation means is detected, and for accepting an information acquisition instruction from the user based on the connection request up to a specified number of times until a second time period as a time limit has elapsed; a storage control means for storing, in a storage means, the information acquired by the information acquisition means in association with information for identifying the predetermined terminal device when the information acquisition means acquires information in accordance with the information acquisition instruction; It functions as the presentation control means keeps the identifier in a non-presentation state while the management control means is accepting the information acquisition instruction, and when the second time period has elapsed, causes the presentation means to present the new identifier different from the identifier to the terminal device; The first time period is set to be shorter than the second time period. A program characterized by:

Images