JP2002259668A - Electronic device, server and system and method for providing image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device which connects an image to a user and the electronic device and effectively managing them by describing identifying information intrinsic to the electronic device in an image file and transmitting it to an image service server and also to provide a server, an image providing system and its method. SOLUTION: The system is provided with a recording means (a non-volatile memory 182, etc.), for recording identifying information of its own electronic device, an image obtaining means (imaging means 150, etc.), for obtaining an image, an image file generating means (an information processing means 180) for generating an image file which describes the obtained image and the recorded identifying information of one's own electronic device and an output means (a transmitting and receiving means 157, etc.), for outputting the generated image file to another electronic device. Then the image and the user or the electronic device are related and effectively managed by the side of the image service server which receives the image file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device, a server, an image providing system and an image providing method, and more particularly to providing and managing various services using unique identification information recorded in an image file. The present invention relates to a possible electronic device, a server, an image providing system, and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, images taken by electronic cameras,
Take the silver halide film imaged by a conventional silver halide camera to a predetermined service center and perform digitizing processing.
It can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and uploaded to an image service server provided on the Web on the Internet.

In this type of image service, a print service for uploaded images, a storage service for images,
Various services such as viewing and using by other users are being implemented, and it is expected that the use of such services will be expanded in the future.

[0004]

However, even if a user uploads an image in an image service on a network, the server receiving the image knows the port number of the source, but who (or which It was not possible to obtain information as to whether the image was transmitted (from an electronic device) or what type of electronic camera it was. Therefore, the image service server cannot identify the user or the like from the transmission port number of the received image. Cannot be provided.

Further, in the image service server, it is impossible to register or manage the user who purchased the electronic device such as an electronic camera in association with the electronic device such as the purchased electronic camera. There has been a problem that a user who has purchased an electronic device such as a camera cannot obtain any benefits.

[0006] The leading role of the image service based on the digital processing of images as described above is an image captured by an electronic camera capable of capturing the image as digital data from the stage of obtaining the image. Therefore, there is an increasing need to create an image file in consideration of the effective use of the image via a network such as the Internet from the time when the image is captured by the electronic camera.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by describing identification information and the like unique to an electronic device in an image file and transmitting it to an image service server,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device, a server, an image providing system, and a method for effectively managing an image in association with a user or an electronic device.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus for outputting an image file in which identification information and an image of the electronic apparatus are described. Recording means for recording identification information of an electronic device, image acquisition means for acquiring an image, and image file creation for creating an image file in which the acquired image and the recorded identification information of the electronic device are recorded. And an output unit for outputting the created image file to another electronic device.

According to the present invention, an electronic device includes a recording unit for recording identification information of its own electronic device, an image obtaining unit for obtaining an image, and an electronic device which stores the obtained image and the stored electronic device. The image service server that has received the image file includes an image file creating unit that creates an image file describing the identification information, and an output unit that outputs the created image file to another electronic device. And the user or the electronic device can be effectively managed in association with each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a server receives an image file from a communication device or the like connected to a communication network, records the received image, and records the received image file. A server that provides and manages various services using the identification information recorded in the image file. The identification information of the electronic device used by the user from other electronic devices, Source information indicating the source of the manufacturer or seller of the electronic device, receiving means for receiving an image file in which identification information such as identification information input by a user is described together with an image, and Identification information recording means for reading and recording the described identification information, a service for recording the received image in the recording means, or a service for printing an image, It is characterized in that a service utilization information recording means for recording in association service to upload the predetermined server, the image and use information of various services of the service such as to be distributed to other users and the identification information.

According to the present invention, the server indicates, from other electronic devices, the identification information of the electronic device used by the user and the source of the manufacturer or seller of the electronic device used by the user. Receiving means for receiving an image file in which identification information such as source information and identification information input by a user is described together with an image, and identification information recording for reading out and recording the identification information described in the received image file Means,
The use information and the identification information of various services such as a service for recording the received image in a recording unit, a service for printing an image, a service for uploading an image to a predetermined server, and a service for delivering an image to another user. And the service use information recording means for recording the image data in association with the image service server, so that the image service server can effectively manage the image in association with the user or the electronic device.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an electronic apparatus, a server, an image providing system and an image providing method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image providing system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an image providing system includes an electronic camera 10 which is an electronic device owned by a user 8 and capable of photographing a subject such as the user 8, and an electronic camera 10. Exchangeable personal computer 80 and server 90 providing various image services such as printing and browsing
It is composed of

The electronic camera 10 has identification information unique to the electronic camera (ID information such as a serial number unique to each electronic camera 10..., Source information indicating the source of the manufacturer or seller of the electronic camera). May be included)
I remember.

The electronic camera 10 can also receive or transmit information such as unique identification information and captured image data to other electronic devices via an antenna 156 as a wireless communication means or a wired communication means. It is possible.

Information such as identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is temporarily recorded on a recording medium 177, and the recording medium 1
It may be configured to transmit to other electronic devices such as a personal computer or a server via 77.

After the user 8 returns home, a communication connection is established between the electronic camera 10 and the personal computer 80. This communication connection
Communication using wireless communication means or communication using wired communication means may be used. When a wireless communication unit is used, information such as an image file and identification information unique to an electronic device is transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the personal computer 80 via an antenna 856 provided in the personal computer 80. Further, information such as an image file may be transmitted to the personal computer 80 via the recording medium 177.

When the personal computer 80 has identification information unique to the electronic device,
When the information such as the image file is acquired, the personal computer 80 automatically designates the identification information unique to the electronic device or the address of its own server 90 to which a contract has been made in advance to the image sharing server or its own server. Communication is started via a communication network such as a line or the Internet. Then, a process of uploading the recorded image file is performed.

In this way, it becomes possible to upload an image file in which an image taken by the user 8 and identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 are uploaded extremely smoothly.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the electronic camera 10.

The image processing unit of the electronic camera 10 includes an image pickup unit 150 (including a function of an image acquisition unit) that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs an image signal.
And an image processing unit 153 that performs processing such as image size change, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, and an A / D converter 154 that converts an analog image signal into digital image data. Is provided.

The communication means of the electronic camera 10 for transmitting and receiving information such as image data to and from other electronic devices by communication is provided by transmitting information such as image data and identification information unique to other electronic devices on a carrier wave such as a radio wave. Transmitting / receiving means 157 for transmitting or receiving (including functions of an image obtaining means and an output means);
An antenna 156 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data, a communication connector 162 for transmitting information such as image data to another electronic device via a communication cable, and communication of information with another communication device via a cradle to which the electronic camera 10 is attached. And a cradle connector 163 for transmission and reception.

The electronic camera 10 includes a compression / expansion means 167 for controlling the compression of data such as image data by a method typified by JPEG or motion JPEG, and for controlling the expansion / decompression of the compressed data. OSD 169 for on-screen display of various characters and message data and the like displayed on the screen 168 together with the image, white balance processing for image data obtained by imaging, gamma conversion, YC conversion processing, conversion of the number of pixels Signal processing means 170 for performing processing, electronic zoom processing, trimming processing, etc., a frame memory 171 for temporarily storing image data, and converting digital image data into YC signals or RGB signals for display, etc. A D / A converter 172 is provided.

The electronic camera 10 has a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a decision switch, a mode switch, an operation button for a user to input a password, and to instruct the user not to use the site address. And the like, an I / O 175 that is an interface for inputting and outputting setting information and the like of the input unit 174, and a recording medium 177.
And a recording medium interface 179 (an image acquisition unit and an output unit) for recording and reading information such as an address, an image file, and identification information unique to an electronic device on and from the recording medium 177. (Including the function of the means). Note that the recording medium 177 is a semiconductor such as a memory card, or a removable recording medium such as a magnetic recording type represented by an MO or an optical recording type.

The transmission / reception means 157 is capable of receiving unique identification information and an image from another electronic device, and transmitting an image file to another electronic device. Further, other electronic devices can record images and image files on the recording medium 177, acquire unique identification information and images from other electronic devices, It is possible to output an image file.

The electronic camera 10 includes an electronic camera 10.
Performs overall control and controls image data sampling timing, image data recording control, image file creation control, image data figure recognition, user email address and other information reading processing, communication control, display control, etc. An information processing unit 180 (including a function of an image file creating unit) for performing various controls; and information such as identification information unique to its own electronic device, a manufacturer name, a seller name, etc., which can be rewritten and stored. A non-volatile memory 182 (recording means) that can continue to be stored even after the power is turned off, and identification information unique to the electronic device such as a model name, a manufacturer name, and a serial number of the electronic camera 10, an operation program, and each constant are recorded ROM 183 (recording means), and a RAM 184 serving as a storage means serving as a work area when executing the program.

The image acquired by the image acquiring means such as the image pickup means 150, the transmission / reception means 157 and the recording medium interface 179, and the identification information inputted through the input means 174 are stored in the recording means such as the recording medium 177 or the nonvolatile memory 182. Will be recorded.

The electronic camera 10 has a calendar clock 190 for ticking time, and a power supply 19 for supplying various powers for driving the electronic camera 10 to peripheral circuits and control circuits.
1, a power connector 192 that receives power supply from an external power source, a light emitting unit 193 that emits light to a subject during shooting to compensate for a shortage of light amount, and adjusts light emission timing of the light emitting unit 193 and light amount to be emitted. Light emission control means 194 is provided.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 and its peripheral circuits are connected by a bus 199 so that information can be transmitted to each other at high speed.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
Identification information unique to the electronic device, identification information input by a user, a manufacturer name of the electronic device, a name of a seller of the electronic device, and the like, which are recorded in recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 182 and the ROM 183; It has the function of an image file creating means for creating an image file describing the acquired image.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
When an image is captured by the electronic camera 10 or when an image is acquired through the image acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 157 or the recording medium interface 179, the identification information unique to the electronic device is associated with the acquired image data. Image files can be recorded.

If the identification information to be recorded is recorded in the same image file together with the image data in the header portion of the image file, the subsequent processing is facilitated. The description of the identification information is not limited to binary data or ASCII data, but may be encrypted information.
The description of the identification information is not limited to the method described in the header portion of the image file, but may be described by embedding it in image data using a technique such as a digital watermark.

Further, the identification information is configured so that the identification information is recorded together with the image photographed by the electronic camera 10 unless otherwise specified by the user. Therefore, by operating the input unit 174 provided in the electronic camera 10 by the user, it is possible to perform a setting so that the identification information is not recorded in the image file together with the image data.

By recording identification information such as identification information unique to an electronic device in an image file together with an image, a person who obtains the image file (including an image service server or the like) can use the user of the received image and the user of the user. It is possible to acquire information on hobbies, age of users, equipment used, manufacturers of equipment used, dealers of equipment used, and the like. Then, by associating the acquired information with the usage information and collecting and managing logs, it is possible to provide a new type of service such as providing a privilege according to the user information.

The image file created by the information processing means 180 can be transmitted to a transmission / reception means 157 capable of wireless or wired communication, or to a personal computer 80 or the like functioning as a network communication terminal via output means such as a recording medium interface 179. Output to communication equipment. Alternatively, the data may be directly output to the server 90 via the transmitting / receiving means 157.

The processing from photographing to recording by the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described below.

The object image to be captured is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 150 by the lens of the electronic camera 10, and the formed object image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 153. The image processing unit 153 performs amplification and noise reduction processing on the image signal, and executes the A / D converter 1
After being converted into digital data at 54, it is stored in the frame memory 171 for a while.

The information processing means 180 includes a frame memory 1
Image data stored in the D / A converter 1
The instruction is transmitted to the display 72 and displayed on the display unit 168 together with the information generated from the OSD 169.

The user 8 intends to take an image, and
Is pressed, the information processing means 180 enters a mode for photographing a subject. Then, the information processing unit 180 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 171 to the compression / expansion unit 167, and outputs a command to execute the image data compression process under predetermined conditions.

Next, the information processing means 180 reads out the identification information and the like unique to the electronic device recorded in the non-volatile memory 182 or the recording medium 177, and records the attached information recorded in the header section of the image file, for example. A process of recording in the portion is performed. The image data is recorded in a predetermined image recording area of the image file. Note that in the subsequent photographing or image acquisition, the acquired image data and identification information are described in the image file to be created unless an instruction is given by the user. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 below, the identification information may be described together with the information for identifying the user, instead of simply recording only the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 in the image file.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the identification information described in the image file.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic camera 10 includes electronic device identification information 12 unique to the electronic device, such as a serial number of the electronic camera 10, and unique identification information such as a user name or ID. From the user identification information 14, the unique manufacturer information 16 indicating the manufacturer of the electronic camera 10, and the unique seller information 18 indicating the seller of the electronic camera 10,
The identification information 20 described in the image file is created. The created identification information 20 is described in the image file together with the image.

Further, the created identification information 20 may be recorded in the nonvolatile memory 182 or the recording medium 177 of the electronic camera 10 and read out after the end of the image pickup and recorded in the image file together with the image data.

The user identification information 14 such as the user's name or unique ID may be input by the user operating the input means 174 after purchasing the electronic camera 10. Alternatively, the user identification information 14 may be acquired from the personal computer 80 by connecting to the personal computer 80 or the like using the transmitting / receiving means 157 which is a wireless or wired communication means. The input or obtained user identification information 14 is recorded in a rewritable recording unit such as a nonvolatile memory 182, and is read and used when an image file is created.

Further, the manufacturer information 16, the electronic device identification information 12, the seller information 18 and the like may be recorded in the recording means in the same manner as the user identification information 14. Note that the manufacturer information may be recorded in a non-rewritable recording unit such as the ROM 183 in advance.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of an image file in which the identification information 20 and the obtained image are recorded.

As shown in the figure, the image file 22 is provided with a header section in which the identification information 20 is recorded and an area in which the image data 24 is recorded. By recording the identification information 20 together with the image data 24 in the image file 22, the identification information 2
0 is associated with the image data 24 and recorded on the recording medium 177 or the like, and the identification information 20 and the image data 2 are easily transmitted simply by transmitting the image file 22 to the server 90.
4 can be transmitted in an associated state.

The information processing means 180 transmits the created image file 22 to the recording medium interface 179.
And a process of sequentially recording the image files on the recording medium 177 or the like.

It should be noted that the image to be recorded may be an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means as described above, or may be an image obtained from another electronic device via the recording medium 177 or the like. Alternatively, the image may be an image acquired by the transmission / reception unit 157 via a wireless or wired communication unit.

In the above description, the embodiment in which the electronic apparatus is an electronic camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to an electronic camera, and information can be transferred via a recording medium 177 or the like. The object of the present invention is achieved by an electronic device (including an information processing device represented by a personal computer) or an electronic device including a wired or wireless communication means (including an information processing device represented by a personal computer). It is possible.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the personal computer.

As shown in the figure, the information transmitting / receiving section of the personal computer 80 has an antenna 856 used as a short-distance wireless communication means or a long-distance wireless network communication means, and a predetermined signal for wirelessly or wiredly transmitting / receiving information. A transmission / reception unit 857 (including the functions of the transmission unit and the reception unit) that converts data into a format and transmits / receives information to / from another communication device (the server 90 or the like) via a communication network such as a public line 860 or a communication network. Transmission / reception means 86 for public line
5 (including the functions of the transmitting means and the receiving means).

The personal computer 80 has a display means 868 for displaying information such as images and characters, and a display control means 869 for outputting an image signal for display to the display means 868 based on a command from the information processing means. And the user enters the input means 87
I / O 8 for reading various information input through the interface 4 and transmitting it to information processing means described later, or outputting a display command to notification means such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing means.
75 are provided.

The personal computer 80 has a recording medium 877.
And a recording medium interface 879 for recording and reading information such as image data on and from the recording medium 877. Note that the recording medium 877 is a recording medium 1
77 is a removable recording medium similar to 77.

The personal computer 80 includes an information processing means (CPU) 880 for controlling the whole of the personal computer 80, and a ROM or information processing means 880 in which programs for operating the information processing means 880 and various constants are recorded. A memory 881 composed of a RAM serving as a recording means serving as a work area when executing the processing, various constants relating to the processing of the personal computer 80, a dial-up telephone number for connecting to communication equipment on a network, and attribute information , URL (Unif
orm Resource Locators), addresses, unique identification information of users and electronic devices, and gateway information DNS (Do
A recording unit 886 such as a hard disk for recording information such as connection information such as a main name system) and a calendar clock 890 for keeping time are provided.

Information processing means 880 in personal computer 80,
Peripheral circuits including a display control unit 869, an I / O 875, a memory 881, a recording unit 886, a calendar clock 890, and the like are connected by a bus 899, and the information processing unit 880 can control each peripheral circuit. Has become.

The short-range wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, light such as infrared rays, or the like. When using radio waves, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).

The information processing means 880 of the personal computer 80, when acquiring an image via the image acquiring means such as the transmitting / receiving means 857 or the recording medium interface 879, together with the acquired image data, is unique to an electronic device such as the electronic camera 10. An image file associated with the identification information may be created and transmitted to the server 90 or the like.

In the above description, the communication device has been described as an example in which the personal computer 80 is used. However, as long as the communication device includes a recording unit, a communication unit, and the like, a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or an electronic organizer may be used. Good. The electronic camera 10 is connected to the personal computer 8.
0 function may be provided.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the signal processing system of the server.

As shown in the figure, an information transmitting / receiving unit of the server 90 has an antenna 956 used as a long-distance wireless network communication means, and converts data into a predetermined format for transmitting / receiving information wirelessly or by wire. Transmission / reception means 957
(Including the functions of the transmitting means and the receiving means) and the public line 9
60 or a public line transmission / reception unit 965 (including the functions of the transmission unit and the reception unit) for transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device (the personal computer 80, the electronic camera 10 or the like) via a communication network such as a communication network. Are provided.

A display means 968 for displaying information such as images and characters for confirmation on the server 90 as necessary.
Display control means 969 for outputting an image signal for display to display means 968 based on a command from information processing means
An I / O that reads various information input by the administrator via the input unit 974 and transmits the information to an information processing unit described later, or outputs a display command to a notifying unit such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing unit. O975 is provided.

The server 90 includes information processing means 980 for controlling the entirety of the server 90 and information processing means 98
A memory 981 composed of a ROM in which a program for operating 0 and various constants are recorded, and a RAM which is a recording unit serving as a work area when the information processing unit 980 executes a process, Constants and their own attribute information on the network, URL (Uniform Resour
ce Locators), address, gateway information DNS
(Domain Name System), identification information unique to the user, identification information 2 such as electronic device identification information 12 such as the electronic camera 10 used by the user, manufacturer information 16, and seller information 18.
0, recording means 986 such as a hard disk for recording various information such as various kinds of identification information and use information of various services described in an image file received from the user's electronic device (identification information recording means and service And a calendar clock 9 that ticks the time.
90 are provided.

The information processing means 980 in the server 90 and the peripheral circuits including the display control means 969, the I / O 975, the memory 981, the recording means 986, the calendar clock 990, etc. are connected by a bus 999. 980 can control each peripheral circuit.

The server 90 receives an image file from a communication device such as a user's personal computer 80 connected to the communication network, and stores the received image in a recording unit 98.
6 and provide services such as opening the image to a specific or general user via a communication network. Also, the server 90
A print service that prints the received image on paper according to the user's request and delivers it to the user, a service that provides a product on which the received image is printed, such as a calendar, a T-shirt, and a mug, and other image servers. It is possible to implement a service for uploading an image to another user, a service for delivering an image to another user, a service for sending a catalog list, and the like.

Further, various usage information such as the amount of usage fee, usage frequency, usage content, product used, manufacturer information 16, seller information 18, and user identification information 14 generated when using the service are mutually exchanged. The information is recorded in the recording means 986 in association with each other. In addition, the score or points are counted according to the various information and recorded in the recording means 986, whereby the server 9
A value of 0 makes it possible to return a privilege such as a discount according to the use to the user, thereby making it easy for the user to use the image service server.

Further, based on the identification information described in the image file received from the user side, the server 90
It is possible to identify the user registered in the server 90 and to authenticate the registered user, so that the unauthorized use of the server 90 by malicious will be prohibited only by receiving the image file. Is possible.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration and connection form of an image providing system used when a user transfers information such as an image to an image service server.

According to the figure, the image providing system can record identification information unique to an electronic device such as a camera, user setting information set by a user, and a captured image or collected sound. Camera 10 which is an embodiment of an electronic device provided with a communication unit capable of transmitting the information being transmitted to another communication device.
And a cradle 42, which is a relay device capable of supplying power to the cradle 42.

The image providing system includes a USB (Univ.
electronic camera 1 via communication means 44 and cradle 42 such as communication means based on the communication standard of ersal Serial Bus.
Communication with a user having communication means capable of transmitting / receiving information such as images to / from an image service server or a service center via a communication network and transmitting / receiving information such as images to / from a user. It is composed of a personal computer 80 as a device and a server 90 such as a service center capable of transmitting and receiving information such as images and sounds via a communication network such as the Internet 48.

By configuring the image providing system in this manner, the electronic camera 10 can transmit and receive information such as images to and from the server 90 via the personal computer 80. Note that the electronic camera 10 includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, a recording unit that records images and sounds, and a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from other communication devices.

The personal computer 80 (communication equipment on the user side) has a CD-ROM attached to the electronic camera 10.
For reading communication software recorded in the electronic camera 10 and executing processing based on the read software, communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the electronic camera 10, and image data for communication networks such as the Internet 48. Communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information such as data and specific identification information; service menus and banner advertisements provided by each server 90 while displaying identification information of each image and sound to a user; Display means for displaying information such as information, selection means for selecting an image or sound for which the user desires a service from identification information of the displayed image or sound, and display means for displaying information such as a service menu. Selecting means (service button, dealer service button, etc.) for selecting a service desired by the user from among them, various execution programs, And a recording means for recording the broadcast is provided.

The server 90 such as a service center includes communication means for transmitting and receiving various information to and from a communication network such as the Internet 48, and the electronic camera 1.
0, user setting information, usage information, service menu information to be provided to the user, a password, a usage fee payment method paid by the user of the electronic camera 10, service button or banner advertisement image data in association with the unique identification information, A recording unit that records information such as specific identification information recorded in association with the image data, a selection unit that selects the various types of information based on the unique or specific identification information of the electronic camera 10, and a password. Checking means for permitting or disallowing the provision of the service, and payment information recording means in which identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 owned by the user and a method of paying a usage fee paid by the user are recorded in association with each other. Payment information selecting means for selecting a usage fee payment method from the payment information recording means based on identification information unique to the electronic camera 10; A fee receiving means for receiving a usage fee of the service provided to the user according to the issued usage fee payment method, and a display priority order of a plurality of services provided to the user based on the service usage information of the user. Determining means for performing the determination.

FIG. 8 shows the flow of information transmitted and received between the electronic camera and the service center.

According to the figure, from the electronic camera 10, photographed image data (corresponding to an image file) and its accompanying information, device-specific identification information such as the serial number or ID of the electronic camera 10, and the user Communication means 4 with user setting information such as customizable addresses and credit card numbers
4 can be transmitted to the personal computer 80.

When a recording medium such as a CD-ROM attached to an electronic device such as the electronic camera 10 is mounted on the personal computer 80, the personal computer 80 reads out the image viewer and communication software recorded on the recording medium, and
This makes it possible to set the read software such as the image viewer in a state where it can be started.

By inserting the electronic camera 10 into the cradle 42, the personal computer 80 automatically detects the connection of the electronic camera 10 (using the Plug & Play function) via a communication means such as a USB, and the image in the electronic camera 10 is displayed. Automatically launches the image viewer, which is application software that displays a list of. For example, the function of automatically detecting the connection of the electronic camera 10 includes a device driver for automatically detecting the connection of the electronic camera 10 when the system program of the personal computer 80 is started or after the start of the system program.
Monitor Plug & Play events. When the device driver recognizes the connection of the electronic camera 10, it starts a processing program such as an image viewer required according to the processing mode of the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 9 shows a display screen of the image viewer displayed on the display means of the personal computer.

Display screen 52 displayed by this image viewer
In the (screen displayed on the display unit 868 of the personal computer 80), for example, photographed image data and additional information recorded on the recording medium of the electronic camera 10, stored image data and additional information recorded in the database of the personal computer 80 are included. A file list 54 in which information folder names and identification information of file names are described, a list display of reduced images 56 of images recorded in the folder designated by the user for browsing, and various services. A server 90 such as a service center that displays a menu and performs various services.
Various kinds of instruction buttons 58 for instructing connection to the electronic camera 10, a store service button for instructing enjoyment of, for example, a print service provided by the store that sold the electronic camera 10,
A user setting information button 60 that allows the user to check or correct the user setting information input and set by the user and a banner advertisement (not shown) are displayed at the same time.

When the information recorded in the folder designated for browsing is only audio information, only a service menu such as a music site relating to audio is displayed, and the recorded information is only image information. If the electronic camera 10 does not have a sound reproduction function, only the service menu of the server relating to the image is displayed, and unnecessary information is not displayed, and the number of options of the user is reduced to facilitate use. deep.

The user selects desired one or a plurality of images from the displayed file name or the list of reduced images 56 using input means such as a mouse or a keyboard, and sends them to various servers 90. By simply pressing an instruction button 58 for instructing connection and transmission (for example, a service selection unit such as a store service button for implementing a print service, a photo disclosure button, a photo contest posting button, and other service buttons), a desired image can be printed. Various services can be enjoyed by transmitting service information, uploading an image file and a sound file for posting a photo on the Internet and posting a photo contest, and the like.

When transmitting the image, the information processing means 8
80 reads out the identification information such as the identification information unique to the electronic device or the identification information unique to the user recorded in the recording unit 886 or the like, and writes the identification information in, for example, the attached information recording portion provided in the header portion of the image file. May be performed.

When transmitting an image, the information processing means 880 transmits the identification information unique to the electronic device such as the electronic camera 10 to the server 90 together with the image file in a file different from the image file. You may make it. The server 90 that has received the image file and the identification information file in this way performs a process of associating the received image with the identification information and recording it in the recording unit 986.

The image and sound selected as described above and the information on the service desired to be implemented by the server 90 are linked in the application program of the image viewer and designated by the instruction button 58 or the store service button. Server 90 or "BG Service" described later
To the service center 90B. When the personal computer 80 is connected to a provider such as the Internet via a telephone public line, when the user selects and instructs the image and voice and the server 90, the personal computer 80 executes dial-up. To start communication with a provider such as the Internet. Then, information on the IP address or domain name of the connection destination server 90, information such as a transmission port number on the IP address or domain name assigned to the personal computer 80, desired service information, and selected image and audio data ,
The identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is transmitted.

The server 90 receives the IP address or domain name of the transmission source personal computer 80, the service information, the image and audio data, and the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10, and based on the received service information. The information of the predetermined operation screen is displayed as (the information of the optimal service menu corresponding to the identification information unique to the device of the electronic camera 10, the electronic camera 1
The information of the optimum service menu recorded in association with the identification information unique to the device 0 and the usage information of the server 90 or the server site up to the present, and the homepage existing at a position deeper than the top page of the server 90 The service menu information is directly transmitted to the personal computer 80 side.

When the server 90 needs information on the delivery destination of the merchandise and payment information on the fee, such as when the user instructs an image print service, the electronic camera 10 transmits the information via the personal computer 80. Billing information is created based on the identification information described in the image file, and a usage fee is charged. The identification information described in the image file or the identification information recorded in the recording unit 986 of the server includes the user's name information, address information, and destination information when the product is delivered to the user. , Information on the distribution destination of the image or sound on the user side, information on the investor of the fee paid by the user, password information identifying the user, gender information of the user, birth date information of the user, or information of the user Information such as user setting information such as age information, manufacturer information of electronic devices owned by the user, and seller information may be included.

The server 90 manages these pieces of information in association with each other, and counts the image information and the use information of various services in association with each other, whereby it is possible to return a privilege according to the use. In addition, by recording the manufacturer information and the store information of the electronic device owned by the user, it is possible for the manufacturer or the seller of the electronic device to provide a privilege or service to the user. Become.

Further, by storing the use history information unique to the user and the information unique to the electronic camera 10 in association with each other, for example, the electronic camera a owned by the user A and the electronic camera a owned by the user B Image server 9 that is the same as camera b
Even if 0 or the like is used, the user A is provided with an operation screen, advertisement information, various service benefits, and the like suitable for the user A based on the identification information unique to the camera a. For B, an operation screen and advertisement information suitable for user B,
Different operation screens can be displayed and services can be provided, such as providing various service benefits based on the identification information of the camera b. Therefore, detailed services according to users can be provided. Can be provided.

When the manufacturer or the seller of the electronic camera performs the after-sales service of the electronic camera 10, the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10, the status information of the electronic camera 10, and the status of the electronic camera 10 are provided by the user. The server 90 transmits history information on use, and the server 90 stores after-sales information such as update information of an operation program of the electronic camera 10 recorded in association with the received identification information unique to the electronic camera 10; After-sales service information of the camera, such as update information of the operation program of the electronic camera 10, which is recorded in association with the history information regarding the use of the electronic camera 10, may be transmitted to the electronic camera 10 via the personal computer 80. Good.

Even when the operation processing program for controlling photographing, display, and the like is updated after the electronic camera 10 is sold and changed to a new program, for example, the identification unique to the electronic camera 10 is transmitted to the server 90 together with the image file. By transmitting the information, the server 90 reads out the model of the electronic camera 10 recorded in association with the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 and the usage information of the customer service so far from a recording means such as a database, and performs appropriate reading. It is possible to transmit a simple operation processing program to the electronic camera 10 and execute the update of the operation processing program.

Another embodiment of the processing executed by the server 90 which has received the image file in which the image and the identification information are described will be described below.

The information processing means 980 of the server 90 that has received the image file in which the image and the identification information are described determines whether or not the information such as the identification information unique to the electronic device is described in the received image file. I do. If it is determined that the received image file contains identification information, the received identification information is stored in the storage unit 986 of the server 90 or a user registered in advance in the storage unit of another server. Electronic equipment used by the camera (electronic camera 10 etc.)
Comparison with the serial number rule, the manufacturer information 16 or the model name of the electronic device.

As a result of the above comparison, if the received identification information matches the information recorded in the recording means 986 or the like (the manufacturer information 1 recorded in the recording means 986 in advance)
6, etc.), a process of recording the image received from the user side in the recording unit 986 may be performed, and a process of counting up the number of received images as usage information may be performed.

FIG. 10 shows an operation example of the image providing system according to the present invention.

According to the figure, the electronic camera 1 owned by the user
When 0 is connected to the communication means 44, the program of the image viewer is automatically started on the personal computer 80 and the connection with a communication network such as the Internet 48 is started. From the personal computer 80, identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is described in an image file together with an image and transmitted to “FG Server” via the Internet 48. "FG S
“erver” selects service menu information on an appropriate service recorded in association with the received identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 and transmits it to the personal computer 80.

When information such as a service menu is displayed on the image viewer, the user selects and instructs a desired image or sound and a desired service. The order detail information of the service selected in this way and the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 are transmitted to the “BG Ser
vice ”to the service center 90B. "BGSe
rvice ”service center 90B stores the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 received together with the image in“ FG Server ”.
To the server 90 for requesting transmission of the user setting information. The “FG Server” receives the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 and stores the user setting information such as the address of the user who delivers the recorded goods in association with the “BG Server”.
vice ".

[0100] "BG Servic" which received the user setting information
"e" transmits the received user setting information to the delivery service center 62 and the like, for example, data of an image to be printed and detailed information of the print service. Upon receiving the information, the delivery service center 62 prints the product according to the detailed order information and delivers it to the delivery destination (user home 64) described in the user setting information.

The service use information indicating that the service has been used is transmitted from the server 90B to the server 90, and the information processing means 980 of the server 90 stores the information in the recording means 986.
Is added to the predetermined service use information recorded in.
The counted service use information may be transmitted based on a request from the server 90B. The server 90B that has received the service usage information can provide services such as discounting the usage fee to the user based on the score of the service usage information.

[0100]

As described above, according to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, a recording unit for recording identification information of its own electronic apparatus, an image acquiring unit for acquiring an image, the acquired image and the recording Image file creating means for creating an image file describing the identification information of the own electronic device, and output means for outputting the created image file to another electronic device. The received image service server can effectively manage the image in association with the user or the electronic device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the server can be used to obtain identification information of the electronic device used by the user, a manufacturer or a seller of the electronic device used by the user, from another electronic device. Receiving means for receiving an image file in which identification information such as source information indicating the source of the source, identification information input by the user, etc. is described together with the image, and reading and recording the identification information described in the received image file Identification information recording means and various services such as a service for recording the received image in the recording means, a service for printing the image, a service for uploading the image to a predetermined server, and a service for distributing the image to other users. Service use information recording means for recording the use information and the identification information in association with each other, so that the image can be effectively associated with the user or the electronic device. It is possible to sense.

Further, an image captured by a specific electronic camera (for example, an electronic camera sold by the image service provider, an electronic device, and an electronic camera of a manufacturer sponsored by the service provider, or an electronic device) or the like is used. When an image service is used to receive an image service, the image service provider can easily determine that the image is a general image, and can provide a privilege such as providing twice the user information (points).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image providing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of identification information described in an image file.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of an image file in which identification information and an obtained image are described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration and a connection form of an image providing system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a form of information flow transmitted and received between an electronic camera and a service center.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of an image viewer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation example of an image providing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 ... User, 10 ... Electronic camera, 12 ... Electronic device identification information, 14 ... User identification information, 16 ... Manufacturer information, 18 ...
Seller information, 20: identification information, 22: image file, 2
4 image data, 42 cradle, 44 communication means,
48 Internet, 52 Display screen, 54 File list, 56 Reduced image, 58 Instruction button, 60
User setting information button, 62 ... Service center, 64
… User home, 80… PC, 90… Server, 150…
Imaging means, 153 image processing means, 154 A / D converter, 156 antenna, 157 transmission / reception means, 162
Communication connector, 163 ... Cradle connector, 167 ...
Compression / expansion means, 168 ... display means, 169 ... OSD, 1
70 ... signal processing means, 171 ... frame memory, 172
... D / A converter, 174 ... input means, 175 ... I / O,
177: recording medium, 178: recording medium mounting section, 179 ...
Recording medium interface, 180 ... information processing means, 1
82: Non-volatile memory, 183: ROM, 184: RA
M, 190: calendar clock, 191, power supply, 192, power supply connector, 193, light emitting means, 194, light emission control means, 199, bus, 856, antenna, 857, transmitting and receiving means, 859, communication connector, 860, public line, 86
5: transmission / reception means, 868: display means, 869: display control means, 874: input means, 875: I / O, 877: recording medium, 878: recording medium mounting section, 879: recording medium interface, 880: information processing means , 881, a memory, 886, a recording unit, 890, a calendar clock, 899
... bus, 956 ... antenna, 957 ... transmission / reception means, 96
0 public telephone line, 965 transmitting / receiving means, 968 display means, 969 display control means, 974 input means, 975
... I / O, 980 ... information processing means, 981 ... memory, 9
86 ... Recording means, 990 ... Calendar clock, 999 ... Bus

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C052 AA17 AB04 AC02 CC11 DD02 DD04 EE03 EE08 FA02 FA03 FA07 FB01 FB05 FB06 FC06 FD03

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device for outputting an image file in which identification information of its own electronic device and an image are described, a recording unit for recording identification information of its own electronic device, and an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image Image file creating means for creating an image file describing the acquired image and the recorded identification information of the own electronic device; output means for outputting the created image file to another electronic device; An electronic device, comprising: 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the electronic device includes source information indicating a source of a manufacturer or a seller of the electronic device. 3. An electronic device for outputting an image file in which identification information and an image entered by a user are described, wherein the input unit inputs the identification information by the user, an image acquisition unit acquires the image, Image file creating means for creating an image file describing the acquired image and the input identification information, and output means for outputting the created image file to another electronic device. Electronic equipment. 4. The image acquisition unit acquires an image by capturing a subject image, a unit that reads and acquires an image recorded on a recording medium, or acquires an image from another electronic device via communication. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an acquisition unit. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the image file to another electronic device by wireless or wired communication. 6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit records the image file on a recording medium that can be inserted and removed and outputs the image file to another electronic device. . 7. The image file creating means according to claim 1, wherein said identification information is a means for writing said identification information in a header part of the image file, or a means for embedding the identification information in an image data part of the image file. 2. The electronic device according to item 1. 8. An image file is received from a communication device or the like connected to a communication network, the received image is recorded, and various services are provided using identification information recorded in the image file. A server that manages, from other electronic devices, identification information of the electronic device used by the user, source information indicating the source of the manufacturer or seller of the electronic device used by the user, use Receiving means for receiving an image file in which identification information such as identification information input by a user is described together with an image; identification information recording means for reading and recording the identification information described in the received image file; A service for recording received images on recording means, a service for printing images, a service for uploading images to a predetermined server, and distributing images to other users. A service use information recording unit that records use information of various services such as a service to be transmitted and the identification information in association with each other. 9. The server according to claim 8, wherein the service use information recording unit counts the use information of the service as a point corresponding to the use, and records it in association with the identification information. 10. An electronic device that outputs an image file in which identification information of its own electronic device and the like and an image are described to another device, and receives an image file from the electronic device and records the received image. And a server that provides and manages various services using the received identification information, and a recording unit that records identification information of its own electronic device, and acquires an image. Image acquisition means, image file creation means for creating an image file describing the acquired image and the recorded identification information of its own electronic device, and outputting the created image file to another electronic device From the electronic device provided with the output means, and from other electronic devices, the identification information of the electronic device used by the user, the manufacturer or seller of the electronic device used by the user, etc. Receiving means for receiving an image file in which identification information such as source information indicating the location and identification information input by the user is described together with the image, and reading and recording the identification information described in the received image file Identification information recording means and various services such as a service for recording the received image in the recording means, a service for printing the image, a service for uploading the image to a predetermined server, and a service for distributing the image to other users. An image providing system, comprising: a server having service use information recording means for recording use information in association with the identification information. 11. An image file in which identification information of its own electronic device or the like and an image are described are output to another device, and a server that has received the image file from the electronic device records the received image and An image providing method for providing and managing various services using the received identification information, wherein an electronic device acquires an image, and the acquired image is recorded in a recording unit of the electronic device. A step of creating an image file describing the identification information of the own electronic device, a step of outputting the created image file to another electronic device, and a case where the server is used by the user from another electronic device. Identification information of the electronic device, source information indicating the source of the manufacturer or seller of the electronic device used by the user, and identification information such as identification information input by the user are described together with the image. Receiving an image file, reading and recording identification information described in the received image file, recording the received image in a recording unit, or printing an image, And recording the use information of various services such as a service for uploading to the server and a service for distributing images to other users and the identification information in a recording unit. .