Image management device, control method, and program

Abstract

This image management device provides a cloud service for receiving a captured image transmitted from an imaging device, and transfers the received captured image to an external storage service. The image management device acquires an image type of the received captured image. The image management device identifies the imaging device that has transmitted the received captured image. The image management device manages transfer setting information in which each of imaging devices registered in the cloud service by a specific user, external storage services, and image types are associated with one another. The image management device determines, on the basis of the transfer setting information, the external storage service that becomes a transfer destination of the received captured image.

Description

Image management device, control method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an image management device that manages images received from an imaging device and performs processes such as transferring the images to another information management device, a control method thereof, and a computer program.

[0002] There is a photo storage service that receives captured images sent from a user's camera with a transmission function and stores the received captured images in a storage area assigned to each user. In addition, if the user registers an external storage service they use, the photo storage service can automatically transfer the captured images received from the camera to the registered external storage service.

[0003] External storage services include services that are primarily intended for content sharing and storage services that are primarily intended for photo and video editing, etc. In this case, users may choose to use multiple external services depending on their intended use.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining an external storage service to which a file is to be sent, depending on the attributes of the file to be sent and the characteristics of the external storage service to which the file is to be sent.

[0005] Patent Publication No. 2014-10465

[0006] A user may own multiple cameras that can send captured images to a photo storage service depending on their intended use, such as a mirrorless camera for business use that prioritizes quality and a compact digital camera for personal use that prioritizes portability.

[0007] Users can also transfer undeveloped images taken with their cameras to external storage services that allow development and editing, and develop the images themselves. Users can also develop the images in the camera and immediately share them externally via social media.

[0008] In this case, there may be a need to transfer undeveloped images taken with a business camera to a storage service for development and editing purposes, and to transfer developed images taken with a personal camera to an external storage service for shared use.

[0009] Patent Document 1 uses the file attributes of the file to be sent to transfer undeveloped images and developed images to different external storage services, but it is not possible to separate the external storage services to which images are transferred for each of multiple cameras.

[0010] In Patent Document 2, captured images can be transferred to different external storage services for each camera that sent the images, but the external storage service to which the images are transferred cannot be differentiated depending on whether the images have been developed or not.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to appropriately manage the transfer destination of captured images in a cloud service according to the user's purpose.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image management device according to one aspect of the present invention is an image management device that provides a cloud service for receiving captured images sent from an imaging device, and has a transfer means for transferring the received captured images to an external storage service, an acquisition means for acquiring the image type of the received captured images, an identification means for identifying the imaging device that sent the received captured images, a management means for managing transfer setting information that associates each imaging device registered by a specific user with the cloud service, the external storage service, and the image type, and a determination means for determining the external storage service to which the received captured images will be transferred based on the transfer setting information.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately manage the transfer destination of captured images in a cloud service according to the user's purpose.

[0014] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image management system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image management device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an image management device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer setting screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer setting screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer setting screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of transfer setting information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a transfer setting processing flow according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a transfer setting processing flow according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a transfer processing flow according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer setting screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer setting screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of transfer setting information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a transfer setting processing flow according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a transfer processing flow according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to the configurations shown in the drawings.

[0016] 1 shows the overall configuration of an image management system 101 according to this embodiment. The image management system 101 includes a first imaging device 102a, a second imaging device 102b, an image management device 103, a first information management device 104a, a second information management device 104b, and a terminal 106. The first imaging device 102a, the second imaging device 102b, the image management device 103, the first information management device 104a, the second information management device 104b, and the terminal 106 are connected via a network 105.

[0017] The first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b are two imaging devices used by the same user. The first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b have a function of automatically transferring captured images to a storage service provided by the image management device 103 via the network 105.

[0018] The image management device 103 is an information processing device that provides cloud services. Specifically, the image management device 103 provides a cloud storage service that receives and stores image data transmitted from the first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b. Users who own the first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b can use the cloud storage service provided by the image management device 103 by creating an account and registering their own imaging device. The functions of the image management device 103 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The first information management device 104a and the second information management device 104b are information processing devices that provide a cloud storage service different from the cloud storage service provided by the image management device 103. The services provided by the first information management device 104a and the second information management device 104b are referred to as external storage services or simply external services. The image management system 101 will be described as including the first information management device 104a and the second information management device 104b, which each provide two external services, but the number of external services is not limited to two.

[0020] The terminal 106 is, for example, a PC, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. A web application that runs on a browser is installed on the terminal 106. A user who has an account for the cloud storage service provided by the image management device 103 can view and delete image files stored in the cloud storage service via the web application. Furthermore, settings related to the cloud storage service can be changed via the web application.

[0021] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image management device 103 according to this embodiment. The image management device 103 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a display 204, a keyboard 205, a storage device 206, a network I / F 207, and a pointing device 208.

[0022] The CPU 201 reads a program stored in the storage device 206, interprets and executes the program, and controls the RAM 203, display 204, etc. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that controls input and output with hardware. The RAM 203 is a random access memory that temporarily stores information used by the CPU 201 when performing calculations.

[0023] The display 204 is a display unit that displays the results of processing by the CPU 201. The keyboard 205 is an operation unit that accepts input from the user.

[0024] The storage device 206 is a storage device that stores programs and data used in the processing of the CPU 201. The storage device 206 also stores images transferred from the first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b of each user in order to use the storage service.

[0025] The network I / F 207 is an interface for connecting to a network such as a local network, an intranet, or the Internet. The pointing device 208 is an operation unit that receives user input through user operation, such as a mouse or trackball that receives coordinates designated on the screen by the user.

[0026] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image management device 103 of this embodiment. The image management device 103 has a receiving unit 301, a processing unit 302, a management unit 303, a determination unit 304, a transfer unit 305, and an output unit 306.

[0027] The receiving unit 301 receives captured images transmitted from the first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b of a user who is registered with the cloud storage service.

[0028] The processing unit 302 performs tasks such as starting a program, processing external inputs, and generating data in response to external inputs. For example, the processing unit 302 also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the image type of a captured image, an identification unit that identifies the imaging device that captured the captured image, and a generation unit that generates screen information for displaying a screen.

[0029] The management unit 303 stores and manages transfer setting information, which will be described later, in the ROM 202 or the storage device 206 .

[0030] The determination unit 304 determines an external service to which the captured images transmitted from the first imaging device 102a and the second imaging device 102b stored in the storage device 206 will be transferred, based on the transfer setting information.

[0031] The transfer unit 305 transfers the captured image to the information management device that provides the transfer destination external service determined by the determination unit 304 .

[0032] The output unit 306 outputs data in response to an instruction from an external device, etc. For example, it outputs screen information to the terminal 106, the first imaging device 102a, or the second imaging device 102b for displaying a transfer setting screen (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) on which the user can select settings related to automatic transfer to an external service.

[0033] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing examples of transfer setting screens presented to the user. The transfer setting screen in this embodiment is composed of a transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 in Fig. 4A, a transfer destination external service selection screen 404 in Fig. 4B, and a transfer image type setting screen 408 in Fig. 4C.

[0034] The transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 has areas 402 and 403 for displaying a list of imaging devices of the user registered in the image management device 103. Assume that the imaging devices of the user registered in the image management device 103 are "camera A" corresponding to the first imaging device 102a and "camera B" corresponding to the second imaging device 102b. In this case, the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 is made up of an area 402 displaying "camera A" and a display area 403 displaying "camera B."

[0035] The transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 is used to determine the imaging device to be the target of transfer settings. When either area 402 or 403 is selected, the captured images whose transfer source is the imaging device displayed in the selected display area are determined as the target of transfer settings, and the screen transitions to a transfer destination external service selection screen 404 for determining the external service to be the transfer destination. That is, when area 402 is selected, the captured images whose transfer source is "camera A" are determined as the target of transfer settings, and when display area 403 is selected, the captured images whose transfer source is "camera B" are determined as the target of transfer settings.

[0036] The destination external service selection screen 404 displays in a display area 405 showing the screen title the name of the imaging device determined on the source imaging device selection screen 401. Fig. 4B shows the destination external service selection screen 404 when "Camera A" is selected on the source imaging device selection screen 401 in Fig. 4A.

[0037] The transfer destination external service selection screen 404 has areas 406 and 407 that display a list of external services that the user has registered in the image management device 103. In this embodiment, the name of the external service provided by the information management device 104a is "AAA Drive," and the name of the external service provided by the information management device 104b is "BBB Drive." The following description will be given assuming that "AAA Drive" and "BBB Drive" are registered in the image management device 103 as external services.

[0038] The external service to be set as the target for transfer settings is determined on the transfer destination external service selection screen 404. When either display area 405 or 406 is selected, the external service displayed in the selected display area is determined as the target for transfer settings, and the screen transitions to a transfer image type setting screen 408 for switching between enabling and disabling automatic transfer for each image type of captured images.

[0039] For example, suppose that area 402 is selected on the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401, and then display area 405 is selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 404. In this case, the transfer setting targets captured images with "Camera A" as the transfer source imaging device and "AAA Drive" as the transfer destination external service.

[0040] The transfer image type setting screen 408 displays in an area 406 representing the screen title the name of the external service determined on the transfer destination external service selection screen 404. Fig. 4C shows the transfer image type setting screen 408 when "Camera A" is selected on the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 in Fig. 4A and "AAA Drive" is selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 404 in Fig. 4B.

[0041] The transfer image type setting screen 408 has an image type list display area 410. In this embodiment, a list of image types is displayed that includes both image types that can be captured by the imaging device selected on the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 and image types that are supported by the external service selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen.

[0042] The switches 411 are provided to correspond to the respective image types displayed in the display area 410. When the white circle of the switch 411 is selected to the right, this indicates that automatic transfer of that image type is enabled. On the other hand, when the white circle is selected to the left, this indicates that automatic transfer is disabled.

[0043] Therefore, the switch 411 shown in Figure 4C indicates a state in which automatic transfer of image types "JPG" and "CR3" is selected to be enabled. Assume that the settings shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are configured and the image management device 103 receives captured images with an image type of "JPG" or "CR3" from the first imaging device 102a, which is "Camera A." In this case, the determination unit 304 determines the external service to which the captured images should be transferred as "AAA Drive," and the captured images are automatically transferred by the transfer unit 305 to the information management device 104a that provides "AAA Drive."

[0044] In this embodiment, for each user's imaging device registered in the image management device 103, it is possible to associate an external service to which images are to be transferred automatically from the image management device 103, and an image type to be transferred. Therefore, when the image management device 103 receives captured images from an imaging device, it can determine whether an external service and an image type are associated with the imaging device that sent the captured images. If both an external service and an image type are associated, only the image type associated with the imaging device can be automatically transferred when automatically transferring the received captured images only to the external service associated with the imaging device.

[0045] For example, a user who owns two imaging devices may want to transfer images of two image types from one imaging device to all external services, but want to transfer images of only one image type from the other imaging device to only some external services. In such a case, the user can select a transfer destination for each imaging device on the transfer setting screen of this embodiment.

[0046] (Configuration of Transfer Setting Information) Fig. 5 shows a transfer setting information management table 501 for holding transfer setting information managed by the management unit 303 of the image management device 103. The method of holding transfer setting information data in Figs. 6A to 6C is one example, and the data may also be held in text format. The transfer setting information holds the contents of the settings selected by the user on the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401, the transfer destination external service selection screen 404, and the transfer image type setting screen 408.

[0047] The transfer setting information management table in FIG. 5 includes a user ID column 502 , a camera ID column 503 , an external cloud storage ID column 504 , and an image type column 505 .

[0048] The user ID column 502 is a column that holds an ID (referred to as a user ID) for uniquely identifying a user.

[0049] The camera ID column 503 is a column that holds an ID (called a camera ID) for uniquely identifying an image capture device that is registered in association with a user ID.

[0050] The external cloud storage ID column 504 is an area that holds an ID (called an external cloud storage ID) that is associated with each camera ID and that uniquely identifies an external service that is associated with the imaging device indicated by the camera ID.

[0051] The image type column is associated with each external cloud storage ID, and is an area for storing the image type associated with the external service indicated by the external cloud storage ID column.

[0052] Suppose a user selects switch 411 via the transfer setting screen to enable automatic transfer of a certain image type from a certain imaging device to a certain external service. In this case, the selected image type, an external service ID indicating the external service selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 404, and a camera ID indicating the imaging device selected on the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 are associated and stored in the transfer setting information management table. As described above, in the transfer setting information of this embodiment, a user ID identifying the user is associated with a camera ID identifying the user's imaging device. Furthermore, each camera ID is associated with an external service ID indicating the external service to which the captured image is to be transferred. Furthermore, each external service ID is associated with an image type to be transferred. Therefore, the image management device 103 of this embodiment can refer to the transfer setting information to determine to which external service the received captured image should be transferred.

[0053] In addition to the transfer setting information associated with the transfer setting screen of this embodiment, the transfer setting information stored in the transfer setting information management table 501 in this embodiment may also be added directly to the transfer setting information management table. For example, the system administrator of the image management device 103 may create the transfer setting information in advance.

[0054] (Transfer setting processing in image management device) Figures 6A to 6C are flowcharts explaining the flow of transfer setting processing in the image management device 103. For the series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 7, the execution results of each process are saved in RAM 203. The series of processes shown in the flowcharts of Figures 6A to 6C are performed by the CPU of the image management device 103 by expanding program code stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The execution results of each process are saved in RAM 203. In addition, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figures 6A to 6C may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart, and this also applies to subsequent flowcharts.

[0055] FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for selecting an imaging device to be associated on the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401.

[0056] In S601, the receiving unit 301 receives a display request for the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401. In this flowchart, for example, a description is given assuming that a user transmits a transfer setting request to an image management device via a web application installed on the terminal 105. In this case, the receiving unit 301 receives the display request transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0057] In S602, the processing unit 402 acquires the current transfer setting information managed by the management unit 303, reads the camera ID associated with the user's user ID in the transfer setting information, and generates information for displaying the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401.

[0058] In S603, the output unit 405 outputs the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 to the terminal 105 that has transmitted the display request for the transfer source imaging device selection screen.

[0059] When the user presses the display areas 402 and 403 of the imaging device via the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401, information on the imaging device selected via the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 is transferred from the terminal 105. In S604, the receiving unit 301 receives the information on the imaging device transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0060] In step S605, the management unit 303 stores the information about the imaging device received in step S604 in the RAM 203.

[0061] FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for selecting an external service to be associated on the transfer destination external service selection screen 404.

[0062] In S606, the receiving unit 301 receives a display request for the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401. The display request for the transfer source imaging device selection screen 401 is made by the terminal 105 when the processing of S605 is completed.

[0063] In S607, the processing unit 402 acquires the current transfer setting information managed by the management unit 303. Then, from the acquired transfer setting information, the external service ID associated with the camera ID of the imaging device stored in the RAM 203 in S605 is read, and information for displaying the transfer destination external service selection screen 404 is generated.

[0064] In S608, the output unit 405 outputs the transfer destination external service selection screen 404 to the terminal 105 that has transmitted the display request for the transfer destination external service selection screen 404.

[0065] When the user presses the external service display areas 406 and 407 via the destination external service selection screen 404, information on the external service selected via the destination external service selection screen 404 is transferred from the terminal 105. In S609, the receiving unit 301 receives the external service information transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0066] In step S610, the management unit 303 stores the information about the external service received in step S609 in the RAM 203.

[0067] FIG. 6C is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for switching whether or not to automatically transfer each image type on the transfer image type setting screen 408.

[0068] In S611, the receiving unit 301 receives a request to display the transfer image type setting screen 408. The request to display the transfer image type setting screen 408 is made from the terminal 105 when the process of S610 is completed.

[0069] In S612, the processing unit 402 acquires the current transfer setting information managed by the management unit 303. Then, from the acquired transfer setting information, the processing unit 402 reads information associated with the camera ID of the imaging device stored in the RAM 203 in S605 and the external service ID stored in the RAM 203 in S610. Based on the read information, information for displaying the transfer destination external service selection screen 404 is generated.

[0070] In S613, the output unit 405 outputs the transfer image type setting screen 408 to the terminal 105 that has transmitted the display request for the transfer image type setting screen 408.

[0071] When the user selects settings related to automatic transfer via the transfer image type setting screen 408 and presses the OK button 412, transfer setting information indicating the settings selected via the transfer image type setting screen 408 is transferred from the terminal 105. In S614, the receiving unit 301 receives the information on the external service transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0072] In S615, the management unit 303 stores and manages the received transfer setting information in the ROM 202 or the storage device 206. If the management unit 303 has already managed transfer setting information associated with the camera ID of the imaging device stored in the RAM 203 in S605 and the external service ID stored in the RAM 203 in S610, the information is updated to the transfer setting information received this time.

[0073] (Processing of automatic transfer to external service in image management device) Figure 7 is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing of automatic transfer in image management device 103. The series of processes shown in the flowcharts of Figures 6A to 6C are performed by the CPU of image management device 103 by loading program code stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The execution results of each process are saved in RAM 203. In addition, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figures 6A to 6C may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0074] In S701, the receiving unit 301 receives a captured image transmitted from the first image capturing device 102a or the second image capturing device 102b.

[0075] In S702, the processing unit 302 acquires the camera ID of the imaging device that transmitted the captured image and the image type of the captured image from the EXIF ​​attached to the captured image received in S701. The camera ID acquired in this step is called camera ID 0, and the image type is called image type 0.

[0076] S703 to S710 form a loop process. In S703, the determination unit 304 acquires the current transfer setting information of the target user via the management unit 303, and selects a camera ID to be processed from the camera IDs associated with the user's user ID in the transfer setting information. The i-th camera ID to be processed is referred to as camera IDi. Then, the processes of S704 to S709 are repeated for the camera IDi to be processed. Then, in S710, it is determined whether processing has been performed for all camera IDs associated with the user ID. If processing has not been performed for all camera IDs, the process returns to S703, and a camera IDi to be processed is selected from the unprocessed camera IDs associated with the user ID.

[0077] In S704, the determination unit 304 determines whether camera IDi matches camera ID0. That is, it determines whether camera ID0 of the imaging device that captured the captured image received in S701 matches camera Ii, the current processing target. If it is determined that camera IDi, the current processing target, matches camera ID0, the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if it is determined that camera IDi, the current processing target, does not match camera ID0, the process ends for camera IDi, and the process proceeds to S710, where it is determined whether all camera IDs have been processed.

[0078] Steps S705 to S709 constitute a loop process. In step S705, the determination unit 304 selects an external service ID to be processed from the external service IDs associated with the camera IDi currently being processed in the transfer setting information, i.e., the camera ID0 of the imaging device that captured the received captured image. The j-th external service ID to be processed is referred to as external service IDj. The processes of steps S706 to S708 are then repeated for the external service IDj to be processed. In step S709, it is determined whether the loop process has been performed for all external service IDs associated with camera ID0. If the loop process has not been performed for all external service IDs, the process returns to step S705, and an external service IDj to be processed is selected from the unprocessed external service IDs associated with camera ID0.

[0079] In S706, the determining unit 304 acquires a list of image types associated with the external service IDj currently being processed from the transfer setting information.

[0080] In S707, the determination unit 304 determines whether the list of image types acquired in S706 includes image type 0. If the list of image types acquired in S706 includes image type 0, the process proceeds to S708. On the other hand, if the list of image types acquired in S706 does not include image type 0, the process proceeds to S709, where it is determined whether all external service IDs have been processed.

[0081] In S708, the transfer unit 305 automatically transfers the captured image received in S701 to the external service corresponding to the external service IDj currently being processed.

[0082] In S709, if the loop processing for all external service IDs associated with camera ID0 has been completed, the process proceeds to S710.

[0083] In S710, if the loop process has been completed for all camera IDs registered in association with the user, the flow chart ends.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the type of image to be automatically transferred can be selected for each imaging device and external service. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to transfer only the specific image types from a specific imaging device that the user wants to transfer to the target external service, and the transfer destination of captured images in the cloud service can be appropriately managed according to the user's purpose.

[0085] In this embodiment, the image type is determined by referring to the image type stored in the EXIF ​​file attached to the captured image, but this is not limited to this. The image type may be determined by the extension included in the file name of the captured image. Alternatively, the image type may be determined by an identifier representing the image type included in the header of the captured image. Furthermore, any method may be used as long as it is capable of determining the image type.

[0086] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the user selects the association between the imaging device, the external service, and the image type in a hierarchical manner. However, if the user wants to associate the same imaging device and image type with multiple external services, the user must set the association individually for each external service, which increases the user's workload.

[0087] Therefore, in this embodiment, an association (called a transfer rule) is created between the user's imaging device and the type of image to be transferred, and this association is then associated with an external service that the user has registered in the image management device 103. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained. Portions that are not specifically mentioned have the same configuration and processing as in the first embodiment, and the same functions as in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

[0088] 8A to 8C are diagrams showing examples of the transfer setting screen of this embodiment. The transfer setting screen of this embodiment is composed of a transfer rule creation screen 801 of Fig. 8A, a transfer destination external service selection screen 810 of Fig. 8B, and a transfer rule setting screen 813 of Fig. 8C.

[0089] The transfer rule creation screen 801 of this embodiment has setting areas 806 and 807 for setting the association (transfer rule) between the user's imaging device registered in the image management device 103 and the image type. In the case of Fig. 8A, the setting area 806 is the setting area for "camera A," and the setting area 807 is the setting area for "camera B."

[0090] The transfer rule name setting area 802 is an area for setting a transfer rule name for uniquely identifying the setting selected on the currently displayed transfer rule creation screen 801 .

[0091] The camera name display area 803 is an area for displaying the name of the imaging device to be set in the setting area 806 .

[0092] The image type display area 804 is an area that displays a list of image types that can be captured by the imaging device that is the target of the setting in the setting area 806 .

[0093] Switches 805 are provided to correspond to the respective image types displayed in the image type name display area. When the white circle of switch 805 is selected to the right, this indicates that automatic transfer for that image type is enabled. On the other hand, when the white circle is selected to the left, this indicates that automatic transfer is disabled. Therefore, the setting area 806 shown in FIG. 8A indicates that, of the captured images received from "Camera A," images with an image type of "JPG" or "MP4" are set to be subject to automatic transfer.

[0094] The OK button 808 is a button for transmitting the transfer rule selected on the currently displayed transfer rule creation screen 801 to the image management device 103. The cancel button 809 is a button for instructing the user to cancel the selection state.

[0095] 4B , the transfer destination external service selection screen 810 has areas 811 and 812 for displaying a list of external services. When either area 811 or 812 is selected, the external service displayed in the selected display area is determined as the target of transfer settings. However, unlike the first embodiment, the screen transitions to a transfer rule setting screen 813 for associating the transfer rule created on the transfer rule creation screen 801 with the external service selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 810.

[0096] The transfer rule setting screen 813 displays in a screen title area 814 the name of the external service selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 810. Fig. 8C shows the transfer rule setting screen 813 when "AAA Drive" is selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 810 of Fig. 8B.

[0097] The transfer rule setting screen 813 has a transfer rule list display area 816 for displaying a list of transfer rules held in the image management device 103 .

[0098] A check mark 815 is provided corresponding to each transfer rule displayed in the transfer rule list display area 816. When the check mark 815 is selected to be checked, it indicates that the transfer rule is associated with the external service selected on the transfer destination external service selection screen 810. On the other hand, when the check mark 815 is selected to be unchecked, it indicates that the association of the transfer rule is released.

[0099] 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the transfer setting information of this embodiment. The transfer setting information of this embodiment is held in a transfer rule management table 901 for holding transfer rules created by the user, and a transfer destination management table 906 for holding the association between external services and transfer rules.

[0100] The transfer rule management table 901 in Fig. 8A includes a user ID column 902, a transfer rule ID column 903, a camera ID column 904, and an image type column 905. The transfer destination management table 906 in Fig. 8B includes a user ID column 907, an external service ID column 908, and a transfer rule ID column 909.

[0101] The transfer rule ID column 903 is a column that holds an ID (transfer rule ID) for uniquely identifying a transfer rule.

[0102] The difference from the transfer setting information in the first embodiment is that the transfer setting information is stored separately in a table for storing transfer rules that associate camera IDs with image types, and a table for associating transfer rules with external services.

[0103] (Transfer Setting Processing in Image Management Device) FIGS. 10A to 10C are flowcharts illustrating the flow of transfer setting processing in this embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for creating a transfer rule on the transfer rule creation screen 801.

[0105] In S1001, the receiving unit 301 receives a display request for the transfer rule creation screen 801. In this flowchart, for example, a user transmits a request for creating a transfer rule to the image management device via a web application installed on the terminal 105. In this case, the receiving unit 301 receives the display request transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0106] In S1002 , the processing unit 402 reads the current transfer rule information managed by the management unit 303 , and generates information for displaying the transfer rule creation screen 801 .

[0107] In S1003, the output unit 405 outputs the transfer rule creation screen 801 to the terminal 105 that has transmitted the display request for the transfer source imaging device selection screen.

[0108] When the user creates a transfer rule via the transfer rule creation screen 801 and presses the OK button 808, information about the transfer rule set via the transfer rule creation screen 801 is transferred from the terminal 105. In S1004, the receiving unit 301 receives the information about the transfer rule transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0109] In S1005, the management unit 303 stores and manages the received transfer rule information in the ROM 202 or the storage device 206. If a transfer rule with the same transfer rule ID has already been managed in S1005, it is updated to the transfer setting information received this time.

[0110] FIG. 10B is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for selecting an external service to be associated on the transfer destination external service selection screen 810.

[0111] In S1006, the receiving unit 301 receives a display request for the transfer destination external service selection screen 810. In this flowchart, for example, a description is given assuming that a user transmits a transfer setting request to the image management device via a web application installed on the terminal 105. In this case, the receiving unit 301 receives the display request transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0112] In S1007, the processing unit 402 acquires the current forwarding setting information managed by the management unit 303. Then, from the acquired forwarding setting information, the external service ID associated with the user's user ID is read, and information for displaying the forwarding destination external service selection screen 810 is generated.

[0113] In S1008 , the output unit 405 outputs the transfer destination external service selection screen 810 to the terminal 105 that has transmitted the display request for the transfer destination external service selection screen 810 .

[0114] When the user presses the external service display areas 811 and 812 via the destination external service selection screen 810, information on the external service selected via the destination external service selection screen 810 is transferred from the terminal 105. In S1009, the receiving unit 301 receives the external service information transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0115] In step S1010 , the management unit 303 stores the information about the external service received in step S1009 in the RAM 203 .

[0116] FIG. 10C is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for associating a transfer rule with an external service on the transfer rule setting screen 813.

[0117] In S1011, the receiving unit 301 receives a request to display the transfer rule setting screen 813. The request to display the transfer rule setting screen 813 is made from the terminal 105 when the processing in S1010 is completed.

[0118] In S1012 , the processing unit 402 reads the current transfer setting information managed by the management unit 303 , and generates information for displaying the transfer rule setting screen 813 .

[0119] In S613, the output unit 405 outputs the transfer rule setting screen 813 to the terminal 105 that has transmitted the display request for the transfer rule setting screen 813.

[0120] When the user selects settings related to a transfer rule to be associated with an external service via the transfer rule setting screen 813 and presses the OK button 817, transfer setting information representing the settings selected via the transfer rule setting screen 813 is transferred from the terminal 105. In S1014, the receiving unit 301 receives the transfer setting information transmitted from the terminal 105.

[0121] In S1015, the management unit 303 stores and manages the received transfer setting information in the ROM 202 or the storage device 206. If the management unit 303 has already managed the transfer setting information associated with the camera ID of the imaging device stored in the RAM 203 in S1005 and the external service ID stored in the RAM 203 in S1010, the transfer setting information is updated to the currently received transfer setting information.

[0122] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the automatic transfer process according to this embodiment. Steps S1102 and S1103 are the same as steps S801 and S802, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] Steps S1104 to S1115 form a loop process. In step S1104, the determining unit 304 obtains all transfer rule IDs associated with the user ID of the target user from the transfer rule management table via the management unit 303, and selects a transfer rule ID to be processed. In this embodiment, the i-th transfer rule ID to be processed is referred to as transfer rule IDi. Then, steps S1105 to S1114 are repeated for transfer rule IDi. In step S1115, it is determined whether all transfer rule IDs have been processed, and if not, the process returns to step S1104, and a transfer rule IDi to be processed is selected from the unprocessed transfer rule IDs.

[0124] S1105 to S1114 form a loop process. In S1105, the determination unit 304 selects a camera ID to be processed from the camera IDs associated with the transfer rule IDi currently being processed. The j-th camera ID to be processed is referred to as camera IDj. The processes of S1106 to S1113 are then repeated for the camera IDj to be processed. In S1113, it is determined whether processing has been completed for all camera IDs associated with the transfer rule i. If processing has not been completed for all camera IDs, the process returns to S1105, and a camera IDj to be processed is selected from the unprocessed camera IDs associated with the transfer rule ID.

[0125] In S1106, the determination unit 304 determines whether the camera ID j of the current processing target matches camera ID 0. If it is determined that the camera ID j of the processing target matches camera ID 0, the process proceeds to S1107. If it is determined that the camera ID j does not match camera ID 0, the loop process for the camera ID j of the current processing target ends and the process proceeds to S1114, where it is determined whether all camera IDs have been processed.

[0126] In S1107, the determination unit 304 acquires a list of image types associated with the camera IDj currently being processed from the transfer rule management table.

[0127] In S1108, the determination unit 304 determines whether the list of image types acquired in S1107 includes image type 0. If the list of image types acquired in S1107 includes image type 0, the process proceeds to S1109. On the other hand, if the list of image types acquired in S1107 does not include image type 0, the process proceeds to S1113, where it is determined whether all external service IDs have been processed.

[0128] In step S1109, the determining unit 304 acquires a list of external services for which the user has registered, which is stored in the transfer setting table.

[0129] S1109 to S1113 are loop processes. In S1109, the determination unit 304 obtains all external service IDs associated with the user ID of the target user from the transfer setting table via the management unit 303, and selects an external service ID to be processed. The external service ID to be processed is referred to as external service IDk. Then, the processes of S1110 to S1112 are repeated for the external service IDk to be processed. Then, in S1113, it is determined whether processing has been performed for all external service IDs. If processing has not been performed for all external service IDs, the process returns to S1109, and an external service IDk to be processed is selected from the external service IDs that have not been processed yet.

[0130] In S1110, the determining unit 304 acquires a list of transfer rule IDs associated with the external service IDk currently being processed from the transfer destination management table 906.

[0131] In S1111, the determination unit 304 determines whether the list of transfer rule IDs acquired in S1110 includes the transfer rule i to be transferred. If the list of transfer rule IDs acquired in S1110 includes the transfer rule i, the process proceeds to S1112. On the other hand, if the list of transfer rule IDs acquired in S1110 does not include the transfer rule i, the process proceeds to S1113, where it is determined whether all external service IDs have been targeted.

[0132] In S1112, the transfer unit 305 automatically transfers the captured image received in S1102 to the external service corresponding to the external service IDk currently being processed.

[0133] In S1113, if the loop processing for all external service IDs associated with the target user has been completed, the process proceeds to S1114.

[0134] In S1114, if the loop processing for all camera IDs associated with the transfer rule i currently being processed has ended, the process proceeds to S1115.

[0135] In S1115, if the loop process for all transfer rules associated with the user and registered has been completed, the flowchart ends.

[0136] According to the technology described above, a user can set a transfer rule that associates an imaging device with an image type, and then apply the transfer rule to the external service, thereby transferring a desired image to the desired external service. By adopting a configuration in which a transfer rule is applied to an external service in this way, the user's effort in setting the transfer rule can be reduced when the same transfer rule is to be applied to multiple external services.

[0137] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, the transfer setting information associates a camera ID, an image type, and an external service ID, but the camera IDs of one or more image capture devices may be grouped together.

[0138] 12 is a diagram illustrating the transfer setting information according to this embodiment. The transfer setting information according to this embodiment includes a classification information ID management table 1201 that associates an ID (referred to as a classification information ID) 1202 for uniquely identifying a group of camera IDs of one or more image capture devices with a camera ID 1203 of an image capture device associated with a user.

[0139] The transfer setting information also has a transfer setting information management table 1204 that associates a classification information ID 1205 , an external service identifier 1206 , and an image type 1207 .

[0140] For example, if a user has registered multiple imaging devices with similar functions in the image management device 103, it is conceivable that the multiple imaging devices will be associated with the same external service and image type. In this case, by managing the multiple imaging devices as a group, as in this embodiment, the user can reduce the effort required to perform the same association for each imaging device.

[0141] (Embodiment 4) When associating a transfer rule with an external service on the transfer rule setting screen in embodiment 2, a screen (referred to as a setting confirmation screen) that displays the imaging device and image type associated with the transfer rule may be illustrated on the transfer destination management screen.

[0142] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting confirmation screen in this embodiment. A transfer setting screen 1301 in Fig. 13 shows a setting confirmation screen in the example of the transfer rule setting screen shown in Figs. 8A to 8C.

[0143] The setting confirmation screen 1301 has an area 1302 that displays the imaging device ID associated with the transfer rule that is to be associated with the external service on the transfer rule setting screen 813. The setting confirmation screen 1301 also has an area 1303 that displays the image type associated with the transfer rule that is to be associated with the external service on the transfer rule setting screen 813.

[0144] For example, as shown in Fig. 8C, assume that a transfer rule named "Rule A" is associated with an external service named "AAA Drive." As shown in Fig. 8A, "Rule A" is a transfer rule set to target captured images received from an imaging device named "Camera A" and having an image type of "JPG" or "MP4." In this case, when "Rule A" is associated with "AAA Drive" on the transfer rule setting screen, "Camera A" is displayed in area 1302, and the image types "JPG" and "MP4" are displayed in area 1303 on the setting confirmation screen 1301.

[0145] This allows the user to understand on the transfer rule setting screen what kind of images will be transferred according to the associated transfer rule.

[0146] (Other Embodiments) In this embodiment, the order of transfer settings is such that the user specifies an imaging device and then specifies a transfer destination external service or image type, but the order of transfer settings is not limited to this. For example, the user may specify a transfer destination external service and then specify an image type or imaging device. With this configuration, if the user wants to first specify a transfer destination external service, the user can immediately specify the transfer destination external service. This is effective, for example, when the user normally uses a video collaborative editing service such as Frame.io (registered trademark) and wants to first set up transfer to Frame.io.

[0147] Alternatively, the transfer setting order may be, for example, to have the user specify the image type first, followed by the external transfer destination service or imaging device. This configuration allows the user to immediately specify the image type if they want to specify it first. This is effective, for example, when the user wants to develop RAW images and therefore wants to set up transfer for CR3 images first.

[0148] In this embodiment, the order of the transfer settings has been described as being statically and uniquely determined, but this is not limiting and the user may specify the order. For example, six transfer setting orders (3x2 patterns) may be presented, the user may select one of them, the selection result may be received, and the transfer setting UI may be displayed in the order of the transfer settings corresponding to the selection result. This configuration allows the user to configure the transfer settings in the order of the transfer settings that are most frequently used.

[0149] In this embodiment, the association of forwarding setting information is performed on the forwarding setting screen, but the association of forwarding setting information is not limited to being performed from the screen. For example, a system administrator may want to define automatic forwarding rules in advance. In this case, the system administrator can create forwarding setting information in advance, and users can use the forwarding setting information created by the system administrator.

[0150] Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a recording medium (storage medium), etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, an imaging device, a web application, etc.), or may be applied to an apparatus consisting of a single device.

[0151] Needless to say, the object of the present invention can be achieved by the following: A recording medium (or storage medium) on which software program code (computer program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to a system or device. The storage medium is, of course, a computer-readable storage medium. The computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device then reads and executes the program code stored on the recording medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

[0152] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0153] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-054571, filed March 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An image management device that provides a cloud service for receiving captured images sent from an imaging device, comprising: a transfer means for transferring the received captured images to an external storage service; an acquisition means for acquiring the image type of the received captured images; an identification means for identifying the imaging device that sent the received captured images; a management means for managing transfer setting information that associates each imaging device registered in the cloud service by a specific user with the external storage service and the image type; and a determination means for determining the external storage service to which the received captured images will be transferred based on the transfer setting information.

2. The image management device of claim 1, further comprising a generating means for generating a setting screen for the user to set the external storage service and the image type to be associated with each imaging device registered by the specific user, and the setting screen is displayed on the display unit of the device operated by the user.

3. The image management device of claim 2, wherein the settings screen includes an area for associating the image type with the imaging device and the external storage service registered by the specific user, and the image type area displays only image types that are compatible with both the imaging device and the external storage service.

4. The image management device of claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the setting screen includes an area for creating a transfer rule for associating the imaging device registered by the specific user with the image type, and an area for associating the transfer rule with the external storage service, and the area for creating the transfer rule displays the image type supported by the imaging device.

5. An image management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transfer setting information associates classification information of the imaging device with the external storage service and image type, and the classification information of the imaging device associates an identifier for classifying imaging devices into one or more groups with the imaging device registered by the specific user.

6. An image management device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the setting screen includes an area for displaying the imaging device and image type associated with the transfer rule when associating the transfer rule with the external storage service.

7. A control method for an image management device that provides a cloud service for receiving captured images sent from an imaging device, comprising: a transfer step for transferring the received captured images to an external storage service; an acquisition step for acquiring the image type of the received captured images; an identification step for identifying the imaging device that sent the received captured images; a management step for managing transfer setting information that associates each imaging device registered in the cloud service by a specific user with the external storage service and the image type; and a determination step for determining the external storage service to which the received captured images will be transferred based on the transfer setting information.

8. A program for causing a computer to function as the control method for the image management device according to claim 7.

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