JP2005196613A - Information processor and information processing method, information processing system, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information being a guide when a user takes a picture. <P>SOLUTION: A photographing processing part 369 photographs a picture, and carries out predetermined image processing. A data generating part 371 generates new layout data based on a template stored in a template data storing part 365 and layout data stored in a layout data storing part 367 and photographic data stored in a photographic data storing part 370 based on an operation inputted to an operation inputting part 268 by a user who refers to a display picture displayed at a display part 373 by the processing of a display processing part 372. The display control part 372 receives the supply of the template, the layout data and the photographic data photographed by a photographing processing part 369 and the new layout data generated by the data generating part 371, and controls the display of the display part 373. This invention may be applied to a device which is able to photograph a picture such as a portable telephone set or a digital camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing system, a recording medium, and a program, and in particular, to an apparatus capable of capturing image data such as a photograph or such an apparatus. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing system, a recording medium, and a program, which are suitable for providing a service to be performed.

  Conventionally, when a user creates image data using an apparatus such as a personal computer, an effective image can be obtained by a simple operation by using a template image in which the arrangement of the image data is determined in advance. There are technologies that allow data to be created.

  For example, there is a technique in which a template image is received and a new image generated by inserting a user image into the template image can be transmitted via a network (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-189666

  Also, when publishing image data created by users to a wide area network such as the Internet, many users who are interested in the theme by collecting the same theme on the same or mutually linked web pages The opportunity to be referred to by the viewers of will increase.

  A user uses a template as an aid for creating image data having an effective composition such as a balance with text data and an aspect ratio of an image frame. When generating new image data by inserting a user image into a template image using the template, if the image frame of the template is different from the image frame of the user image, the template may be used depending on the composition of the image in the frame. However, there are cases where the intended effect cannot be obtained.

  In addition, in order to create image data using a template, in order to use photographic image data photographed using a digital still camera, an apparatus such as a personal computer that edits the photographed image data for the template image If the photo is different from the one you imaged, take a new photo again and import the captured image data again into a device such as a personal computer that edits the template image. In other words, the user operability was not good.

  Since personal computers and PDAs and other portable terminals have very different processing capabilities, when using the same template on devices with different information processing capabilities, it is necessary to prepare multiple types of templates corresponding to the devices. was there.

  Similarly, when image data created using a template is transmitted / received between devices having different information processing capabilities, for example, an image that can be displayed immediately on a personal computer due to a difference in information processing capabilities between the devices. Even for data, a portable terminal such as a PDA may cause problems such as a very long display time.

  In addition, when sharing image data created by users on a wide-area network such as the Internet, users who have the same theme are gathered on the same or mutually linked web pages and have a common hobby or interest. Although it is easy for many viewers to refer to it, it is necessary for multiple users to access the same web server and upload data such as images according to certain rules. In order to create a page or to participate in such a page, some specialized knowledge is required. Therefore, for example, users who are unfamiliar with the mechanism of the Internet gather friends and collect the same theme on the same or mutually linked web pages, or easily to such pages I couldn't participate.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and can easily create image data using a template using photographic image data taken using a digital still camera or the like. It is to make.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores first information that assists a user in taking a picture, and an image that assists the user in taking a picture based on the first information. Or a display means for displaying a text and an image that can be taken as a photograph, a photographing means for photographing the photograph, and a creating means for creating image data including at least a part of the photograph photographed by the photographing means, The first information includes second information for designating the arrangement of the photos in the image data and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photos. .

  The image data may include a plurality of photographs, and the first information corresponds to the second information indicating the position where the plurality of photographs are arranged, and the user corresponds to each position among the plurality of image data. It can be composed of third information which is information to assist when taking a photograph.

  The image data may further include an area in which the text is described. The first information includes fourth information indicating an arrangement of the area in which the text is described, and assistance when the user describes the text. It is possible to further include fifth information that is information that becomes.

  The third information may include graphic information indicating which part of the photograph taken by the photographing means is included in the image data, and the display means includes a photograph of the photograph taken by the photographing means. The graphic information included in the third information can be superimposed and displayed on the subject.

  The third information may include graphic information for guiding the composition of the subject in the area included in the image data out of the photographs taken by the photographing means, and the display means is photographed by the photographing means. The graphic information included in the third information can be superimposed and displayed on the subject of the photograph.

  The third information may include text data that is an advice when the user takes a picture with the photographing unit, and the display unit further displays the text data included in the third information. can do.

  The image data may include a plurality of photographs, and the first information corresponds to the second information indicating the position where the plurality of photographs are arranged, and the user corresponds to each position among the plurality of image data. The third information may further include text data serving as advice when taking a photograph.

  Operation input means for receiving user operation input can be further provided, and the display means indicates to the user the position where a plurality of photographs in the image data specified by the second information are arranged. Text information that can be displayed, and when any one of a plurality of pieces of graphic information is selected by the operation input means, the text data serves as an advice when the photograph selected by the selection means is taken. Can be further displayed.

  A receiving means for receiving the first information from another device via the network can be further provided.

  The image data generated by the generation unit can be further provided with a transmission unit that transmits the image data to another device via a network.

  According to the information processing method of the present invention, the first information for assisting the user in taking a photograph is acquired, and an image or text for assisting the user in taking the photograph is obtained based on the first information. A display control step for controlling display of an image that can be captured and photographed, a photographing step for photographing the photograph, and a creation step for creating image data including at least a part of the photograph photographed by the photographing means, The first information includes second information for designating the arrangement of the photos in the image data, and third information which is information for assisting the user when taking the photos. .

  The program recorded on the recording medium of the present invention acquires first information that assists the user in taking a photograph, and assists the user in taking a photograph based on the first information. A display control step for controlling display of an image or text that can be taken as a photograph, a photographing step for photographing the photograph, and image data including at least a part of the photograph photographed by the photographing means The first information includes second information that specifies the arrangement of the photos in the image data, and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photos. It is characterized by that.

The program according to the present invention acquires first information that assists a user in taking a picture, and displays an image or text that assists the user in taking a picture based on the first information. And a display control step for controlling display of an image that can be taken as a photograph;
A first step of designating an arrangement of the photos in the image data; and a first step of creating the image data including at least a part of the photos taken by the photographing means. 2 information and 3rd information which is information assisting when a user takes a photograph.

  An information processing system according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus that transmits first information to help a user to take a photograph to the second apparatus, and a photograph using the first information. An information processing system configured with a second information processing apparatus that captures and generates image data using information of a photographed photograph, wherein the first information processing apparatus is connected to the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus includes a transmission unit that receives the first information transmission request and transmits the first information. The second information processing apparatus includes a reception unit that receives the first information, and a first unit that is received by the reception unit. A storage means for storing information, a display means for displaying an image or text for assisting a user to take a picture based on the first information, a display means for displaying an image that can be taken as a photograph, and a photograph Shooting means to shoot and First creation means for creating image data including at least a part of the photographed photograph, wherein the first information includes second information for designating a layout of the photograph in the image data, and the user selects the photograph. It is characterized in that it includes third information which is information to assist in shooting.

  The information processing system may further include a third information processing apparatus that supplies the first information to the first information processing apparatus, and creates the first information in the third information processing apparatus. Therefore, an acquisition unit that acquires content data used for the purpose and a second generation unit that generates the first information based on the content data acquired by the acquisition unit can be provided.

  The content data can be image data corresponding to a predetermined page of the publication.

  In the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, the information processing system, and the program according to the present invention, first information that assists the user in taking a photograph is acquired, and the user takes a photograph based on the first information. An image or text that assists in photographing the image is displayed, an image that can be taken as a photo is displayed, the photo is taken, and image data including at least a portion of the taken photo is created, The information 1 includes second information for designating the arrangement of the photos in the image data, and third information that is information for assisting the user when taking the photos.

  According to the present invention, a photograph can be taken, and in particular, a photograph with an excellent composition can be taken easily and beautifully laid out like a magazine using information that assists taking a photograph. Image data can be easily generated.

  In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, auxiliary information for taking a picture can be supplied to a device for taking a picture, and in particular, by using the auxiliary information for taking a picture. You can easily shoot photos with excellent composition and easily generate image data laid out beautifully like a magazine.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the invention described in this specification and the embodiments of the invention is exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the invention described in this specification are described in this specification. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment that is described in the embodiment of the invention but is not described here as corresponding to the invention, the fact that the embodiment is not It does not mean that it does not correspond to the invention. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. Absent.

  Further, this description does not mean all the inventions described in this specification. In other words, this description is for the invention described in the present specification, which is not claimed in this application, that is, for the invention that will be applied for in the future or that will appear and be added by amendment. It does not deny existence.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus can be provided. This information processing apparatus (for example, an apparatus in which the photography advice program 351 in FIG. 25 is executed) stores a first storage unit (for example, a template) for assisting a user to take a photograph. For example, based on the first information, the template storage unit 365 or the layout data storage unit 367 in FIG. 25 displays an image or text that assists the user in taking a photo and can also take a photo. Display means for displaying an image (for example, the display section 373 in FIG. 25), photographing means for photographing a photograph (for example, the photographing processing section 369 in FIG. 25), and at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means. Creating means (for example, the data generation unit 371 in FIG. 25) for creating image data including the first information in the image data Comprising a second information specifying the true arrangement, the third information is a supplementary become information when the user takes a picture.

  The image data can include a plurality of photographs, and the first information corresponds to the second information indicating the position where the plurality of photographs are arranged and the position of the plurality of image data by the user. It can be composed of third information which is information to assist when taking a picture.

  The image data can further include an area where the text is described. The first information includes fourth information indicating an arrangement of the area where the text is described, and assistance when the user describes the text. It is possible to further include fifth information which is information.

  The third information includes graphic information (for example, frame 311 in FIG. 21) indicating which portion of the photograph taken by the photographing means is included in the image data, and the display means is photographed by the photographing means. The graphic information included in the third information can be superimposed on the subject of the photograph to be displayed.

  The third information includes graphic information (for example, a wire frame in FIG. 24) that guides the composition of the subject in the area included in the image data of the photograph taken by the photographing means, and the display means includes the photographing means. The graphic information included in the third information can be superimposed and displayed on the subject of the photograph taken by the above.

  The third information includes text data serving as advice when the user takes a picture with the photographing unit, and the display unit can further display the text data included in the third information.

  The image data includes a plurality of photographs, and the first information is a second information indicating a position where the plurality of photographs are arranged, and the user takes a photograph corresponding to each position among the plurality of image data. It may be composed of third information that further includes text data serving as advice in the case of doing so.

  Operation input means for receiving user operation input is further provided, and the display means is graphic information (for example, a frame) for indicating to the user the position where a plurality of photographs are arranged in the image data specified by the second information. When any one of a plurality of pieces of graphic information is selected by the operation input means, it is possible to further display text data as advice when taking a picture selected by the selection means.

  A receiving means (for example, the data input / output unit 361 in FIG. 25) for receiving the first information from another device (for example, the template download server 13) via the network (for example, the Internet 1 in FIG. 1) is further provided. Can be provided.

  The image data generated by the generation means is transmitted to another device (for example, the WWW server 19, the blog server 20, or the network album service providing server 21 in FIG. 1) via the network (for example, the Internet 1). Transmission means (for example, the data input / output unit 361 in FIG. 25) can be further provided.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, an information processing method can be provided. The information processing method acquires first information (for example, a template) that assists a user in taking a picture, and an image that assists the user in taking a picture based on the first information. Alternatively, a display control step (for example, the process of step S142 in FIG. 43) for displaying text and controlling the display of an image that can be captured as a photograph, and a photographing step for capturing a photograph (for example, the process of step S154 in FIG. 44). ) And a creation step (for example, the process of step S155 in FIG. 44) for creating image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means, and the first information is a photograph in the image data 2nd information which designates arrangement | positioning of (3), and 3rd information which is information assisting when a user takes a photograph.

  According to the present invention, a program can be provided. The program acquires first information (for example, a template) that assists the user in taking a picture, and based on the first information, an image or text that assists the user in taking a picture. And a display control step (for example, the process of step S142 in FIG. 43) for controlling the display of an image that can be captured as a photograph, and a photographing step for capturing a photograph (for example, the process of step S154 in FIG. 44). And a creation step (for example, processing in step S155 of FIG. 44) for creating image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means, and the first information is the arrangement of the photograph in the image data 2nd information which designates, and 3rd information which is information used as the assistance when a user takes a photograph.

  Further, this program can be recorded on a recording medium.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, an information processing system can be provided. The information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus (for example, the template in FIG. 1 or FIG. 28) that transmits first information (for example, a template) that assists the user to take a photograph to the second apparatus. Download server 13) and a second information processing apparatus (for example, a photography advice program of FIG. 25) that takes a picture using the first information and generates image data using the information of the taken picture The first information processing apparatus receives a transmission request for the first information from the second information processing apparatus, and receives the first information from the second information processing apparatus. Transmitting means (for example, the template search and supply processing unit 485 of FIG. 485) is provided, and the second information processing apparatus receives receiving means (for example, the template of FIG. 25). A data download processing unit 364), a storage unit (for example, the template storage unit 365 or the layout data storage unit 367 in FIG. 25) for storing the first information received by the reception unit, and the first information, A display unit (for example, the display unit 373 in FIG. 25) that displays an image or text that assists the user in taking a photo and displays an image that can be taken as a photo, and a shooting unit (for example, a photo) 25, and a first creation unit (for example, the data generation unit 371 in FIG. 25) that creates image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing unit. The first information is second information that designates the arrangement of the photos in the image data, and third information that is assistance when the user takes a photo. Containing boric.

  The information processing system further includes a third information processing device (for example, the template creation server 16 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 39) that supplies the first information to the first information processing device, and the third information processing device. Is based on the acquisition unit (for example, the XML data acquisition unit 611 in FIG. 39) that acquires content data used to create the first information and the content data acquired by the acquisition unit. And a second generation means for generating information.

  Further, the content data can be image data corresponding to a predetermined page of the publication.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of various servers for providing a service to which the present invention is applied and devices owned by a user who receives the service.

  The application download server 11 is connected to the Internet 1, and the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants) 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the user takes a picture. An advice program, a photo layout advice program, and a photo viewer program are supplied via the Internet 1, and information on users who are supplied with these programs is registered in the user information database 12.

  The photography advice program uses a device that allows a user to take a picture, such as a mobile phone 32, a digital camera (not shown), or a PDA having a photography function, according to a predetermined layout. In this way, an effective photograph can be taken, and details thereof will be described later. The photograph layout advice program uses image data such as a photograph taken by a user using, for example, a mobile phone 32 or a digital camera (not shown), or a photograph stored in a predetermined storage medium. According to a predetermined layout, a photograph can be arranged or a comment can be added. Details thereof will be described later. The photo viewer program displays, for example, image data such as a CE device 33 or a PDA 34, which is a photograph taken and laid out by a user using a photography advice program, or a photograph laid out using a photo layout advice program. It is made possible to display on the basis of the display capability of the device using a device capable of the above, and details thereof will be described later.

  The template download server 13 is connected to the Internet 1, and the template data stored in the template database 14 is stored in the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the user. Is supplied via the Internet 1. A template is information indicating the layout of a photograph used for processing of a photography advice program, a photograph layout advice program, or a photograph viewer program, and details thereof will be described later. The template download server 13 supplies the template data to the data conversion server 15 as necessary based on the type of the device that requested the template supply, and converts the template into a data format corresponding to the requested device. The converted template can be supplied to the corresponding device via the Internet 1. The data conversion server 15 converts the template data supplied from either the template download server 13 or another server into a data format corresponding to the device that requested the template, via the Internet 1, Supply the converted template to the corresponding device

  The template creation server 16 creates a template based on content data such as magazines and comics supplied from the content creator server 17 and supplies the template to the template database 14 for storage.

  The data sharing server 18 is connected to the Internet 1 and is photographed by the user from the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the user via the Internet 1. Along with the photos taken and laid out using the advice program and the photos laid out using the photo layout advice program, the template data that is the basis of these layouts is supplied, and only the corresponding user can read and Temporarily store it so that it can be rewritten. Further, the data sharing server 18 is stored in the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the user via the Internet 1 based on a user request. Supply data. Furthermore, the data sharing server 18 supplies the template data to the data conversion server 15 as necessary based on the type of the device that requested the template supply, and converts the template into a data format corresponding to the requested device. Thus, the converted template can be supplied to the corresponding device via the Internet 1.

  The WWW (World Wide Web) server 19 is an Internet server that is connected to the Internet 1 and managed by a provider that provides an “Internet connection service”, a so-called Internet service provider. The Internet 1 is an open network that anyone can connect to, but in reality it is difficult for users who do not have special knowledge to connect, so the necessary facilities are prepared and can be easily used by individual users. In this way, Internet service providers provide various peripheral services. The user publishes, for example, a web page created by the user on the Internet 1 based on a contract between the Internet service provider and the user.

  The blog server 20 is connected to the Internet 1, and a page visitor (a blog page viewer) receives information (entries) uploaded by a user called a blog or a blog. When a web page is linked from another, a function that writes a comment with a simple operation or is called a trackback, which displays the link source in a list, that is, reverse to a general link It is a server that provides a service for publishing on the Internet a web page that can provide a function that can be associated with each other.

  Blog is a general term for websites that publish personal opinions, critiques, and explanations about social events and things of interest in a format close to a diary. The web page used to record the information ”and the web page used to“ publish the diary and receive comments from visitors to communicate ”are referred to as Blog or Weblog. There are many.

  The network album service providing server 21 is connected to the Internet 1 and can be connected to the Internet (for example, a user other than the user who uploaded the photo, such as a family member or a friend who has been notified of a predetermined ID by the user who uploaded the photo). However, it is a server that provides a WEB photo sharing service that allows users to easily create image albums that can be viewed at any time on the Internet.

  The output service providing server 22 is connected to the Internet 1 and outputs predetermined data in hardware in a format desired by the user, such as a postcard, album, poster, etc., using the printer 23, and the user or It is a server that provides a service to be sent to a destination designated by a user.

  The billing server 24 is executed by the application download server 11, the template download server 13, the data conversion server 15, the data sharing server 18, the WWW server 19, the blog server 20, the network album service providing server 21, and the output service providing server 22. Among the processes to be performed, the supply of information related to the paid service is received, and the charging process for the user is executed with reference to the information registered in the user information database 12. The billing server 24 executes billing processing related to a fee paid by the user or the administrator of the template download server 13 to the content creator server 17 or the like.

  The personal computers 31-1 and 31-2 are owned by users who can receive provision of various services. The personal computers 31-1 and 31-2 are connected to the Internet 1 and browse information published on the Internet 1 or the Internet 1 Through the server, information can be exchanged with various servers.

  The portable telephone 32 is held by a user who can receive various services provided by the network of FIG. 1, and can perform call processing via a public line network. , Connected to the Internet 1, can browse information published on the Internet 1, and can exchange information with various servers via the Internet 1.

  The CE device 33 is a television receiver or the like that is held by a user who can receive various services provided by the network of FIG. In the case of a television receiver, a television broadcast reception and display process is realized, and information connected to the Internet 1 and viewed on the Internet 1 is browsed, and various servers are connected via the Internet 1. Information can be exchanged.

  The PDA 34 is held by a user who can receive provision of various services provided by the network of FIG. 1, can perform predetermined information processing such as schedule management, and is connected to the Internet 1. Information connected to the Internet 1 can be viewed, and information can be exchanged with various servers via the Internet 1.

  The personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the user has a web browsing function for browsing web pages published on the Internet 1. .

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the personal computers 31-1 and 31-2, they are simply referred to as a personal computer 31.

  In FIG. 1, two personal computers 31 and one other device are illustrated and described, but it goes without saying that one or more of these devices may be used. In addition, a new server having a plurality of server functions may be used on one server, or a plurality of servers may be linked to realize a single server function. .

  In the following, it is assumed that the personal computer 31-1, the mobile phone 32, and the CE device 33 are owned by the first user, and the personal computer 31-2 and the PDA 34 are the second user. Will be described as being held by.

  Next, FIG. 2 shows the application download server 11, template download server 13, data conversion server 15, template creation server 16, content creator server 17, data sharing server 18, WWW server 19, blog server 20, FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration common to a network album service providing server 21, an output service providing server 22, a charging server 24, and a personal computer 31. FIG.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52 or a program loaded from a storage unit 58 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53. The RAM 53 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 51 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected to each other via a bus 54. An input / output interface 55 is also connected to the bus 54.

  The input / output interface 55 includes an input unit 56 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display (display unit) including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal display), an output unit 57 including a speaker, a hard disk, and the like. A storage unit 58 including a communication unit 59 including a modem and a terminal adapter is connected. The communication unit 59 performs communication processing with other devices via a network including the Internet 1.

  A drive 60 is connected to the input / output interface 55 as necessary, and a magnetic disk 71, an optical disk 72, a magneto-optical disk 73, a semiconductor memory 74, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is loaded. It is installed in the storage unit 58 as necessary.

  Application download server 11, template download server 13, data conversion server 15, template creation server 16, content creator server 17, data sharing server 18, WWW server 19, Blog server 20, network album service providing server 21, output service The providing server 22 and the personal computer 31 each execute different processes in the CPU 51. A functional block diagram for explaining functions that can be executed by each device will be described later.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram for showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 32 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile phone 32 has a power supply circuit unit 92, an operation input control unit 93, an image encoder 94, and a main control unit 91 that controls each unit of the mobile phone 32 in an integrated manner. A camera interface (I / F) unit 95, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) control unit 96, an image decoder 97, a demultiplexing unit 98, a recording / reproducing unit 99, a modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100, and an audio codec 101 are connected via a bus 102. Are connected to each other.

  When the end call and the power key are turned on by the user's operation, the power supply circuit unit 92 activates the mobile phone 32 by supplying power from the battery pack to each unit.

  The mobile phone 32 converts the audio signal collected by the microphone 103 in the voice call mode into digital audio data by the audio codec 101 based on the control of the main control unit 91 including CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100 performs spread spectrum processing, the transmission / reception circuit unit 104 performs digital / analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing, and then transmits the result via the antenna 105.

  In the voice call mode, the cellular phone 32 amplifies the received signal received by the antenna 105, performs frequency conversion processing and analog-digital conversion processing, performs spectrum despreading processing in the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100, and uses the voice codec 101. After conversion to an analog audio signal, the analog audio signal is output via the speaker 217.

  Further, when transmitting an e-mail in the data communication mode, the mobile phone 32 transmits the e-mail text data input by operating the operation key 106 and the jog dial 107 to the main control unit 91 via the operation input control unit 93. Send it out. The main control unit 91 performs spread spectrum processing on the text data in the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100, performs digital analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing in the transmission / reception circuit unit 104, and then transmits the data to a base station (not shown) via the antenna 105. .

  Further, when receiving an e-mail in the data communication mode, the mobile phone 32 restores the original text data by performing a spectrum despreading process on the received signal received from the base station via the antenna 105 by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100. Thereafter, it is displayed as an e-mail on the liquid crystal display 108 via the LCD control unit 96. Thereafter, the cellular phone 32 can record the received e-mail on the memory stick 223 via the recording / reproducing unit 99 in accordance with the user's operation.

  Further, when transmitting image data in the data communication mode, the cellular phone 32 supplies the image data captured by the CCD camera 109 to the image encoder 94 via the camera interface unit 95. Incidentally, when not transmitting image data, the mobile phone 32 can directly display the image data captured by the CCD camera 109 on the liquid crystal display 108 via the camera interface unit 95 and the LCD control unit 96.

  The image encoder 94 converts the image data supplied from the CCD camera 109 into encoded image data by performing compression encoding by a predetermined encoding method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 or MPEG4, for example, This is sent to the demultiplexing unit 98. At this time, the mobile phone 32 simultaneously sends the sound collected by the microphone 103 during photographing by the CCD camera 109 to the demultiplexing unit 98 as digital sound data via the sound codec 101.

  The demultiplexing unit 98 multiplexes the encoded image data supplied from the image encoder 94 and the audio data supplied from the audio codec 101 by a predetermined method, and the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100 converts the multiplexed data obtained as a result. After performing spread spectrum processing, the transmission / reception circuit unit 104 performs digital analog conversion processing and frequency conversion processing, and then transmits the result via the antenna 105.

  In the data communication mode, for example, when receiving data of a moving image file linked to a home page or the like, the mobile phone 32 receives a received signal received from the base station via the antenna 105 by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 100. The spectrum despreading process is performed, and the multiplexed data obtained as a result is sent to the demultiplexing unit 98.

  The demultiplexing unit 98 separates the multiplexed data into encoded image data and audio data, supplies the encoded image data to the image decoder 97 via the bus 102, and supplies the audio data to the audio codec 101. To supply.

  The image decoder 97 generates reproduced moving image data by decoding the encoded image data by a decoding method corresponding to a predetermined encoding method such as MPEG2 or MPEG4, and generates the reproduced moving image data via the LCD control unit 96. Since the data is supplied to the display 108, the moving image data included in the moving image file linked to the home page can be displayed.

  At this time, the audio codec 101 simultaneously converts the audio data into an analog audio signal and then supplies the analog audio signal to the speaker 217, so that the audio data included in the moving image file linked to the home page can be reproduced. Also in this case, as in the case of e-mail, the mobile phone 32 can record the data linked to the received simple homepage or the like on the memory stick 223 via the recording / playback unit 99 by the user's operation.

  In addition to such a configuration, the mobile phone 32 performs application programs such as a photography advice application, which will be described later, and information necessary for executing these programs in the ROM of the main control unit 91 by a predetermined download process. By running this photography advice application, when a user takes a picture, a template can be used to easily assist in taking an effective picture It is made like that.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing a hardware configuration of the PDA 34 of FIG.

  The CPU 121 is synchronized with a clock signal supplied from the oscillator 122, an operating system stored in a flash ROM (Read-only Memory) 123 or an EDO DRAM (Extended Data Out Dynamic Random-Access Memory) 124, or will be described later. Various programs such as an application program including a handwritten memo program are executed.

  The Flash ROM 123 is configured by a flash memory which is a kind of EEPROM, and generally stores basically fixed data among programs used by the CPU 121 and calculation parameters. The EDO DRAM 124 stores a program executed by the CPU 121 and parameters that appropriately change during the execution.

  The module interface (I / F) 125 acquires a program or data supplied from the memory card 126 installed in the memory card slot and supplies various data supplied from the CPU 121 to the memory card 126.

  The USB interface (I / F) 127 inputs data or a program from the drive 129 that is a connected USB device in synchronization with the clock signal supplied from the oscillator 128 and drives the data supplied from the CPU 121. 129.

  The drive 129 reads data or a program recorded on the magnetic disk 141, the optical disk 142, or the magneto-optical disk 143 that is loaded as necessary, and the data or program is read via the USB interface 127 by the CPU 121 or The EDO DRAM 124 is supplied. The drive 129 records data or a program on the magnetic disk 141, the optical disk 142, or the magneto-optical disk 143 mounted.

  The Flash ROM 123, EDO DRAM 124, module interface 125, and USB interface 127 are connected to the CPU 121 via an address bus and a data bus.

  The display unit 130 receives data from the CPU 121 via the LCD bus, and displays an image or characters corresponding to the received data. When the touch pad is operated, the touch pad control unit 131 receives data corresponding to the operation (for example, data indicating the tapped coordinates) from the touch pad, and sends a signal corresponding to the received data to the serial bus. To the CPU 121. Also, user operation input is performed using, for example, the operation input unit 140 configured by buttons and keys, and the user operation input by the operation input unit 140 is supplied to the CPU 121.

  An EL (Electro luminescence) driver 132 operates an electroluminescent element provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display unit of the display unit 130 to control display brightness of the display unit 130.

  The infrared communication unit 133 transmits data received from the CPU 121 as an infrared signal to another device via a UART (Universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter), and receives the infrared signal transmitted from the other device, It supplies to CPU121. The PDA 34 can also communicate with other devices via the UART.

  The audio reproduction unit 134 includes a speaker and an audio data decoding circuit. The audio reproduction unit 134 decodes and reproduces audio data stored in advance or audio data received from another device, and reproduces audio. Output. For example, the audio reproduction unit 134 reproduces audio data supplied from the CPU 121 via the buffer 135 and outputs audio corresponding to the data.

  The power supply circuit 136 converts the voltage of the power supplied from the attached battery 137 or the connected AC (Alternating current) adapter 138, and supplies the necessary power to the CPU 121 to the sound reproducing unit 134, respectively. .

  The communication unit 139 is connected to a communication module or the like via an interface such as RS-232C. The communication unit 139 is connected to the Internet 1 via a communication module, stores data (for example, e-mail, etc.) supplied from the CPU 121 in a packet of a predetermined method, and receives other data via the Internet 1 Send to device. In addition, the communication unit 139 outputs data or a program stored in a packet received from another device via the Internet 1 to the CPU 121.

  In addition to such a configuration, the PDA 34 can store application programs such as a photo viewer application described later and information necessary for executing these programs in the Flash ROM 123 by a predetermined download process. By executing this photography advice application, image data calibrated using a template can be converted into data suitable for display and output to the display unit 130 for display. .

  In order to receive the service provided by the network described with reference to FIG. 1, the user first selects one of the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33. In order to access the application download server 11 via the Internet 1 and receive supply of a photography advice program, a photo layout advice program, or a photo viewer program, and register user information in the user information database 12 Execute the process.

  The photography advice program uses a device that allows a user to take a picture, such as a mobile phone 32, a digital camera (not shown), or a PDA having a photography function, according to a predetermined layout. In this way, an effective photograph can be taken, and details thereof will be described later. The photograph layout advice program uses image data such as a photograph taken by a user using, for example, a mobile phone 32 or a digital camera (not shown), or a photograph stored in a predetermined storage medium. According to a predetermined layout, a photograph can be arranged or a comment can be added. Details thereof will be described later. The photo viewer program displays, for example, image data such as a CE device 33 or a PDA 34, which is a photograph taken and laid out by a user using a photography advice program, or a photograph laid out using a photo layout advice program. It is made possible to display on the basis of the display capability of the device using a device capable of the above, and details thereof will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions executable by the application download server 11.

  The application download server 11 presents information necessary for purchasing an application to the user and provides a web page (described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12) provided with a text box for prompting an operation input to the Internet 1. It is open to the public. The data input / output unit 171 receives various information input by the user using the personal computer 31-1 or 31-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33, or the personal computer 31 owned by the user. -1 or 31-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 transmits necessary information and application programs, and exchanges information with the user information database 12. The data acquisition unit 172 acquires information received by the data input / output unit 171 and supplies the information to the user data registration / read processing unit 173.

  Based on the information supplied from the data acquisition unit 172, the user data registration / reading processing unit 173 instructs the user identifier issuance processing unit 174 to issue a user identifier, or the user information registration / reading processing unit 173 via the data input / output unit 171 A user accessing the application download server 11 is registered by accessing the database 12 and executing user information registration or update processing, or reading and referring to user information as necessary. Based on the result, information necessary for supplying the application program and a user identifier are supplied to the application supply processing unit 175. The user identifier issuance processing unit 174 issues a user identifier, which is a unique identifier that is different for each user, based on a command from the user data registration and reading processing unit 173.

  The application supply processing unit 175 receives input of information indicating the type of application to be supplied, information on the supply destination of the application, and a user identifier from the user data registration and readout processing unit 173, and corresponds from the application storage unit 176. A personal computer owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171 together with a user identifier supplied from the user data registration and read processing unit 173 and an application ID supplied from the application ID supply unit 178 by copying the application program Supplied to 31-1 or 31-2, mobile phone 32, PDA 34, or CE device 33.

  The application storage unit 176 stores a photo shooting advice program, a photo layout advice program, and a photo viewer program. The application ID supply unit 178 issues an application ID that is a key common to applications that can operate in conjunction with each other and share data with each other, and the application supply processing unit 175 supplies the application program. Sometimes a corresponding application ID is issued.

  The web page display processing unit 178 presents a web page (to be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12) provided with a text box for presenting information necessary for application purchase to the user and prompting an operation input. Publish to 1. That is, the web page display processing unit 178 executes processing for sending data corresponding to the display screen of the application purchase web page and displaying the data on any device owned by the user.

  Here, since the photography advice program, the photo layout advice program, and the photo viewer program operate in conjunction with each other and can share data with each other, the application ID is common. is there. For example, when the application download server 11 can operate in conjunction with these programs or supply an application that does not share data with each other, the application ID supply unit 178 takes a picture. An application ID different from the case of supplying an advice program, a photo layout advice program, and a photo viewer program is issued.

  Next, application purchase processing 1 executed by the application download server 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1, the web page display processing unit 178 publishes the application purchase web page on the Internet 1.

  In step S2, the web page display processing unit 178 receives access by any device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171, and sends data corresponding to the display screen of the application purchase web page, While displaying on any of the devices owned by the user, the IP address of the device owned by the user (the device that has accessed the application download server 11) is acquired. The data acquisition unit 172 receives the IP address supplied from the data input / output unit 171 and supplies the IP address to the user data registration / read processing unit 173.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the display screen 201 of the application purchase web page. The application purchase web page display screen 201 includes information on, for example, a photography advice program, a photo layout advice program, and a photo viewer program, and performs a new purchase process, that is, a user who has not yet registered as a user. However, a button 211 for proceeding to a display screen where user registration can be executed and a button 212 for allowing a user who has already registered as a user to proceed directly to the display screen for purchasing an application are provided. Yes.

  In step S <b> 3, the data acquisition unit 172 determines which of the buttons 211 and 212 of the application purchase web page display screen 201 described with reference to FIG. 7 by the user based on the signal supplied from the data input / output unit 171. Whether or not an operation input from a new user has been received is determined based on whether the button is selected.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the button 211 on the application purchase web page display screen 201 has been selected, that is, an operation input from a new user has been received, in step S4, the web page display processing unit 178 displays the data input. For example, data corresponding to the user data registration screen 221 shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted via the output unit 171 and displayed on the device owned by the user. The data acquisition unit 172 is transmitted via the data input / output unit 171. The user data input to the user data registration screen 221 is received and output to the user data registration and read processing unit 173.

  In the user data registration screen 221 shown in FIG. 8, for example, a text box for inputting personal information such as a registered user's name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address, a radio button for designating a billing processing method, and the like User input area 231, a registration button 232 selected by the user when registering information input in the user input area 231, and a user when canceling user registration and returning to the previous display screen A return button 233 is provided which is selected by.

  In step S5, the user data registration / reading processing unit 173 instructs the user identifier issuing processing unit 174 to issue a user identifier. The user identifier issuance processing unit 174 issues a user identifier and supplies the user identifier to the user data registration / reading processing unit 173, the application supply processing unit 175, and the web page display processing unit 178. The user data registration and readout processing unit 173 outputs the user data received from the data acquisition unit 172 and the supplied user identifier in step S3 to the user information database 12 via the data input / output unit 171. register.

  In step S6, the web page display processing unit 178 notifies the user of the user ID. The user ID is an ID uniquely assigned to the user, and may be the same as or different from the user identifier. When the user ID and the user identifier are different, the user ID and the user identifier Must correspond one-to-one. When the user ID and the user identifier are different, the web page display processing unit 178 supplies the user ID to the user data registration / reading processing unit 173 and causes the user information database 12 to register the user ID.

  For example, the web page display processing unit 178 outputs and displays data corresponding to the registration completion confirmation screen 241 as shown in FIG. 9 on the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171. The user ID may be notified to the user.

  On the registration end confirmation screen 241, for example, a user ID of the corresponding user is displayed by the user ID display unit 251 together with a message “registration is completed”, and a display screen on which an application purchase operation can be performed. A button 252 for proceeding is provided. In addition, on the registration end confirmation screen 241, for example, a message “Please do not lose this user ID because it is necessary to use the application in cooperation with multiple devices” is displayed. May be.

  In step S7, the web page display processing unit 178 outputs data corresponding to the application purchase screen 261 as shown in FIG. 10 to the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171, for example. The data acquisition unit 172 receives information specifying the application type and the device type via the data input / output unit 171, and outputs the information to the user data registration / reading unit 173 and the application supply processing unit 175. .

  The application purchase screen 261 shown in FIG. 10 includes a text box 271 for inputting a user ID, a selection box 272 for selecting an application to be downloaded, and a device used by the user (accessing the application download server 11). A personal computer 31, a portable telephone 32, a CE device 33, a PDA 34, or a digital camera or other device (not shown), a photography advice program, a photo layout advice program, and a photo viewer program. Drop-down text box 273 for selecting which of the devices that can be downloaded and the operation input for purchasing the application are canceled, and the previous display screen is displayed. Of, the back button 274 is provided for.

  In step S8, the application supply processing unit 175 reads the application designated by the user from the application storage unit 176, receives an application ID corresponding to the application to be supplied from the application ID supply unit 178, and receives a user identifier issuance processing unit. The user identifier, application ID, and designated application program supplied from 174 are supplied to the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171, and the user data registration / reading unit 173 receives the data input / output The user information database 12 is accessed via the unit 171 to register the device type, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  Here, in order to notify the user that the download process is being executed correctly, the web page display processing unit 178 displays a display window 281 indicating that the download is being performed, for example, as shown in FIG. You may make it display on the apparatus which a user holds.

  In step S3, when it is determined that the button 212 on the display screen 201 of the application purchase web page is selected, that is, the operation input from the registered user is received without receiving the operation input from the new user, In step S9, the web page display processing unit 178 sends out data corresponding to, for example, the application purchase screen 261 shown in FIG. 10 via the data input / output unit 171, and displays the data on the device owned by the user. The data acquisition unit 172 receives input of a user ID, an application type, and a device type via the data input / output unit 171, and supplies the input to the user data registration / read processing unit 173.

  In step S10, the user data registration / read processing unit 173 accesses the user information database 12 via the data input / output unit 171, and determines whether or not the user ID is a correct registered user ID.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the user ID is correct, in step S11, the user data registration and read processing unit 173 reads a user identifier corresponding to the user ID from the user information database 12 via the data input / output unit 171. . If the user ID and the user identifier are the same, this process is skipped.

  In step S 12, the application supply processing unit 175 reads the application designated by the user from the application storage unit 176, receives supply of an application ID corresponding to the application to be supplied from the application ID supply unit 178, and receives the application ID from the user information database 12. The read user identifier, application ID, and designated application program are supplied to the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171, and the user data registration / reading unit 173 is a data input / output unit. The device type is registered by accessing the user information database 12 via 171.

  After the process of step S8 or step S12 is completed, in step S13, the user data registration and readout processing unit 173 is connected to the Internet 1 via the data input / output unit 171 for charging information for the downloaded application. The data is transmitted to the billing server 24, and the process is terminated. The billing information may be transmitted from the application download server 11 to the billing server 24 via the Internet 1, or may be transmitted from the application download server 11 to the billing server 24 via a dedicated line. It may be.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the user ID is not correct, in step S14, the web page display processing unit 178 displays data corresponding to the window 291 including the error message as shown in FIG. Via the input / output unit 171, the data is output and displayed on the device owned by the user, and the process is terminated. The window 291 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a return button 292 for the user who has confirmed the error message to return to the previous display screen.

  By such processing, an application ID that is a key common to applications that can operate in conjunction with each other and share data with each other, and a user identifier that can distinguish users individually. It can be issued together with the application program download and supplied to the device used by the user. Specifically, the same user downloads the photography advice program, photo layout advice program, and photo viewer program, which are applications that can operate in conjunction with each other and share data with each other. In the case of downloaded data, the application ID that is attached in common to the applications that can operate in conjunction with each other and share data with each other, and that it is a unique user A user identifier to be indicated. Hereinafter, the application ID and the user identifier are collectively referred to as an application key.

  Therefore, when the user who owns the personal computer 31-1, the mobile phone 32, and the CE device 33 performs user registration and application purchase processing using the personal computer 31-1 as a new user, for example, The computer 31-1 receives the application key as shown in FIG. 13 and stores it in the storage unit 58. When the mobile phone 32 owned by the same user performs application purchase processing as a registered user, the mobile phone 32 receives an application key as shown in FIG. Save to 223. Further, when the CE device 33 owned by the same user performs an application purchase process as a registered user, the CE device 33 is supplied with an application key as shown in FIG. To do.

  In the user information database 12, as shown in FIG. 16, for each user who has downloaded the application, the device ID of each device that has downloaded the application indicated by the application ID, the user identifier and the user ID, and the same application ID. And user information including information such as an address is registered.

  In the application purchase processing 1 described with reference to FIG. 6, the type of application to be downloaded has been described as being selectable by the user. However, the type of application to be downloaded is determined by the type of user device to be downloaded, and the application It may be automatically selected by the download server 11.

  For example, when the device that has accessed the application download server 11 is a mobile phone 32 or a digital camera (not shown), these devices can take a photo. When the device that has accessed the application download server 11 is the personal computer 31, the downloaded program is a photo layout advice program because the device has excellent operability for the user. The device that has accessed the application download server 11 cannot take a photograph, such as the CE device 33 or the PDA 34, and the operability of the operation input by the user is relatively inferior, but has a sufficient image display function. If a vessel, a program to be downloaded may be assumed to be a photograph viewer program.

  Next, an application purchase process 2 executed in the application download server 11 when the type of application to be downloaded is selected according to the type of user device to be downloaded will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In steps S31 to S33, processing similar to that in steps S1 to S3 described with reference to FIG. 6 is executed. That is, the application purchase web page described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 is published, is accessed by any device owned by the user, and the IP address of the device is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not an operation input from a new user has been received on the display screen 201 of the application purchase web page described with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the button 211 on the display screen 201 of the application purchase web page has been selected, that is, it has been received an operation input from a new user, in steps S34 to S36, the description has been made with reference to FIG. , The same processing as in steps S4 to S6 is executed.

  That is, data corresponding to the user data registration screen 221 described with reference to FIG. 8 is transmitted, displayed on any device owned by the user, and supplied to the user data registration screen 221. Receive. Then, a user identifier is issued, user data and a user identifier are registered in the user information database 12, the user ID is notified to the user, and when the user ID and the user identifier are different, the user ID is the user Registered in the information database 12.

  In step S37, the application supply processing unit 175 requests the device owned by the user to transmit information indicating the type of the device via the data input / output unit 171.

  In step S <b> 38, the application supply processing unit 175 determines whether information indicating the type of the device is received from the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171. If it is determined in step S38 that information indicating the type of device has not been received, the processing in step S38 is repeated until it is determined that information indicating the type of device has been received.

  If it is determined in step S38 that information indicating the device type has been received, in step S39, the application supply processing unit 175 reads the application specified by the device type from the application storage unit 176, and the application ID supply unit From 178, the application ID corresponding to the application to be supplied is supplied, and the application program specified by the user identifier, application ID, and device type supplied from the user identifier issuance processing unit 174 is sent to the data input / output unit 171. The user data registration / reading unit 173 accesses the user information database 12 via the data input / output unit 171 to register the device type and process the data. , The process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S33, when it is determined that the button 212 on the display screen 201 of the application purchase web page is selected, that is, the operation input from the user who has been registered is received without receiving the operation input from the new user, In step S40, the web page display processing unit 178 sends data corresponding to a display screen (not shown) for prompting the input of the user ID via the data input / output unit 171, and the device owned by the user Is displayed on the display. The data acquisition unit 172 receives the input of the user ID via the data input / output unit 171 and supplies it to the user data registration / read processing unit 173.

  In step S41, the user data registration / read processing unit 173 accesses the user information database 12 via the data input / output unit 171, and determines whether or not the user ID is a registered correct user ID.

  If it is determined in step S41 that the user ID is correct, in step S42, the application supply processing unit 175 sends information indicating the type of the device to the device held by the user via the data input / output unit 171. Request.

  In step S43, the application supply processing unit 175 determines whether information indicating the type of the device is received from the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171. If it is determined in step S43 that information indicating the type of device has not been received, the processing in step S43 is repeated until it is determined that information indicating the type of device has been received.

  If it is determined in step S43 that information indicating the type of device has been received, in step S44, the user data registration and readout processing unit 173 corresponds to the user ID from the user information database 12 via the data input / output unit 171. The user identifier to be read is read. If the user ID and the user identifier are the same, this process is skipped.

  In step S45, the application supply processing unit 175 reads an application designated by the type of device from the application storage unit 176, receives an application ID corresponding to the application to be supplied from the application ID supply unit 178, receives a user identifier, The application program specified by the application ID and the type of device is supplied to the device owned by the user via the data input / output unit 171, and the user data registration / reading unit 173 is supplied via the data input / output unit 171. Then, the user information database 12 is accessed to register the device type.

  After the process of step S39 or step S45 is completed, in step S46, the user data registration and read processing unit 173 is connected to the Internet 1 via the data input / output unit 171 for charging information for the downloaded application. The data is transmitted to the billing server 24, and the process is terminated. The billing information may be transmitted from the application download server 11 to the billing server 24 via the Internet 1 or from the application download server 11 via the Internet 1 via the dedicated line. 24 may be transmitted.

  If it is determined in step S41 that the user ID is not correct, in step S47, the web page display processing unit 178, for example, inputs data corresponding to the window 291 including the error message described with reference to FIG. Via the output unit 171, the data is output and displayed on the device owned by the user, and the process is terminated.

  Through such processing, it is possible to issue an application ID that is a key common to applications that can operate in conjunction with each other and share data with each other, and the type of application to be downloaded is downloaded. It can be selected according to the type of user equipment to be used.

  Therefore, when the user who owns the personal computer 31-1, the mobile phone 32, and the CE device 33 performs application purchase processing using the respective devices, FIG. 13 is used for the personal computer 31-1. The application key described with reference to FIG. 14 is stored in the mobile phone 32, and the application key described with reference to FIG. 15 is stored in the CE device 33. The user information described with reference to FIG. 16 is registered in the user information database 12.

  The photography advice program, the photography layout advice program, and the photography viewer program downloaded from the application download server 11 to the device owned by the user by the processing described with reference to FIGS. The process using the information called is executed. Specifically, the photography advice program provides users with advice and guides for taking pictures with a composition like a photograph taken by a professional based on a template. Based on the template, it provides advice and guides that allow the user to easily and beautifully (balanced, good sense) the layout of the photo data, the photo viewer program based on the template Thus, the photograph data taken or laid out can be effectively viewed.

  A template is a template in which a plurality of photographs are arranged in a well-balanced manner so that effective text data can be described, such as a magazine page. A plurality of templates are prepared based on, for example, a photo theme so that the contents that the user wants to express can be effectively posted.

  An example of the template is shown in FIG.

  The template shown in FIG. 18 is designed to enable effective photography or layout guides when introducing delicious restaurants and their menus as gourmet information. In the template of FIG. 18, a picture of the main dish is put in the largest, and a column for describing the name and comment of the dish is provided at the bottom, and the chef, side dish, and storefront are well balanced with respect to the picture. And a comment entry field is provided.

  It is easy to see what information is necessary to convey the atmosphere of the shop, it is easy to see, beautiful, in order to arrange multiple photos, the size of each photo and the position where it is arranged, in the overall photo of the subject of each photo In order to determine the position and area ratio, etc., it is usually necessary to have specialized skills and knowledge, and ordinary users can take pictures such as magazine pages, It is very difficult to arrange a plurality of photographs in a balanced manner. However, by using such a template, a general user can easily take a picture in consideration of the layout, and can effectively lay out the taken picture.

  Data constituting the template will be described with reference to FIG.

  The template includes information such as frame information, frame description information, image information, text information, background image information, wire frame information, and a re-edit password, and is described in XML (eXtensible Markup Language). It is.

  XML is a language for transmitting and receiving data via a network, and is a kind of meta language in which a user can specify a unique tag. XML can be used for transmission and reception of data between computers, and it is also assumed that it is browsed directly by a web browser. An example of XML description corresponding to the template shown in FIG. 18 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 20, a header 301 is described at the head position, an information description area 302 for describing information such as a background is provided following the header 301, and subsequently, a frame 1 information description area 203, a frame 2 An information description area 204... And a description area for information on the frame included in the template follow.

  The frame information includes, for example, the number of a plurality of frames as shown in FIG. 21 (here, six frames 311-1 to 311-6) included in the template, and the arrangement coordinates of each frame (here. , The coordinates for indicating the position where each of the frames 311-1 to 311-6 is arranged). The frame description information is information for explaining the contents of a photo arranged in the frame, in other words, advice for taking a photo corresponding to the frame. For example, when the frame is selected in response to a predetermined operation by the user in a state where the template is displayed on the device on which the photo layout advice program is executed, the frame description information is displayed in the balloon window 321 shown in FIG. The message is displayed and displayed in the message, such as "Description of this cut-Let's take a picture of the main dish as much as possible.

  In the image information, for example, the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the image, the arrangement coordinates of the image, the scale of the image, the clip-path of the image, and the like are described. The first photographic image displayed on the template) and the photographic image taken or laid out by the user are described. The text information includes the arrangement coordinates of the text description portion, the text body, and attribute information such as the font and size of the text. These pieces of information are respectively displayed on the sample text (first displayed in the template). 23, the text 331-1 and 331-2) shown in FIG. 23 and the text rewritten by the user are described. The background image is preset according to the design of the template.

  The wire frame is a frame that serves as a guide for taking a photo with the same composition as the template or laying out the photo as described by the thick solid line in FIG. 24, for example. The frame information is described in a vector format or a raster format. The re-editing password is used to confirm the creator of data when the data taken or laid out based on the template is temporarily stored in the data sharing server 18 of FIG. 1 and edited again. It is a password. Hereinafter, data taken or laid out based on a template by a photography advice program or a photography layout advice program will be referred to as layout data, distinguished from a template.

  Next, a photography advice program, a photography layout advice program, and a photography viewer program that execute processing using the template described above will be described. Here, it is assumed that a photography advice program is downloaded and executed on the mobile phone 32 or a digital camera (not shown), and a photography layout advice program is downloaded and executed on the personal computer 31, and the CE device. It is assumed that the photo viewer program is downloaded and executed on the PC 33 or the PDA 34.

  FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions when the photography advice program 351 is downloaded and executed on the mobile phone 32 or a digital camera (not shown).

  The data input / output unit 361 exchanges information with various servers via the Internet 1 and is connected to other devices by wire or wireless to execute processing for exchanging information.

  The device information and application key storage unit 362 includes information related to the device (for example, device ID, information indicating a model, information indicating a displayable image size and a format that can be processed, or an IP address), and The application key described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 is stored. The ticket storage unit 363 stores the ticket supplied together with the template when the supply of the template is received.

  The template data download processing unit 364 downloads template data from various servers or other devices held by the same user connected by wire or wireless via the data input / output unit 361. Or a process for downloading the template to another device owned by the same user. The template data storage unit 365 stores the template data acquired by the template data download processing unit 364.

  The layout data input / output control unit 366 exchanges layout data with various servers or other devices held by the same user connected by wire or wirelessly via the data input / output unit 361. To control the processing. The layout data storage unit 367 stores layout data whose input is controlled by the processing of the layout data input / output control unit 366 or generated by the processing of the data generation unit 371.

  The operation input unit 268 corresponds to, for example, the operation key 106 or the introductory dial 107 in the mobile phone 32, receives a user operation input, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the template data download processing unit 364, layout data input / output The data is supplied to the control unit 366, the imaging processing unit 369, and the data generation unit 371.

  The imaging processing unit 369 corresponds to, for example, the CCD camera 109 in the mobile phone 32, takes a photograph (image data), performs predetermined image processing, and stores it in the display unit 373 and the photograph data storage unit 370. The photo data storage unit 370 temporarily stores the photo data shot by the shooting processing unit 369.

  The data generation unit 371 uses the template stored in the template data storage unit 365 based on the operation input to the operation input unit 268 by the user referring to the display screen displayed on the display unit 373 by the processing of the display processing unit 372. Based on the layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367 and the photo data stored by the photo data storage unit 370, new layout data is generated.

  The display control unit 372 generates the template stored in the template data storage unit 365, the layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367, the photograph data shot by the shooting processing unit 369, and the data generation unit 371. In response to the supply of the new layout data, the display of the display unit 373 is controlled. The display unit 373 corresponds to, for example, the liquid crystal display 108 in the mobile phone 32 and displays photographic data photographed by the photographing processing unit 367 or image data whose display is controlled by the processing of the display processing unit 372. To do. When the photograph data photographed by the photographing processing unit 367 is displayed on the display unit 373 in real time, the display unit 373 plays a role of a finder when the user takes a photograph.

  The frame display processing unit 381 controls the display of the frame described with reference to FIG. The text data display processing unit 382 controls the display of the text data described with reference to FIG. The button / window display processing unit 383 controls the display of buttons, windows, and the like that assist user operation input. The shooting advice display processing unit 384 controls the display of a message serving as shooting advice described with reference to FIG. The wire frame display processing unit 385 controls the display of the wire frame as described with reference to FIG. The photo data display processing unit 386 controls processing for displaying photo data included in the template data in advance or taken by the user in accordance with the frame.

  FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions when the photo layout advice program 401 is downloaded to the personal computer 31 and executed.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part corresponding to the case demonstrated using FIG. 25, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  That is, the data input / output unit 361 to the layout data storage unit 367 have the same configuration as that described with reference to FIG.

  The operation input unit 268 corresponds to, for example, the input unit 56 in the personal computer 31, receives a user operation input, and receives a signal corresponding to the operation input as a photo data search and acquisition unit 412, a layout data input / output control unit 366, And it supplies to the data generation part 414.

  The photo data storage unit 412 stores photo data. The photo data search and acquisition unit 413 is based on an operation input to the operation input unit 411 by a user who refers to the display screen displayed on the display unit 373 by the processing of the display processing unit 415, or Photo data desired by the user is retrieved and obtained from another device, and is stored in the photo data storage unit 412 or supplied to the data generation unit 414.

  The data generation unit 414 uses the template stored in the template data storage unit 365 based on the operation input to the operation input unit 411 by the user who refers to the display screen displayed on the display unit 373 by the processing of the display processing unit 415. Based on the layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367 and the photo data supplied from the photo data search and acquisition unit 413, new layout data is generated.

  The display control unit 415 receives supply of the template stored in the template data storage unit 365, the layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367, and new layout data generated by the data generation unit 414. The display of the display unit 373 is controlled. The display unit 373 corresponds to, for example, the display of the output unit 57 in the personal computer 31 and displays image data.

  The frame display processing unit 381, the text data display processing unit 382, the button / window display processing unit 383, the wire frame display processing unit 385, and the photo data display processing unit 386 are added to the display control unit 372 described with reference to FIG. Each has the same configuration as that provided.

  The layout advice display processing unit 421 controls display of an advice message that assists the user in laying out a photograph. The thumbnail image display processing unit 422 controls the display of thumbnail images indicating photo data that are candidates for layout. The hierarchical structure information display control unit 423 controls display of information indicating a hierarchical structure in data storage used when a user searches for photo data or selects an upload destination of generated layout data.

  FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions when a photo viewer program is downloaded to the CE device 33 or the PDA 34 and executed.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part corresponding to the case demonstrated using FIG. 25, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  That is, the data input / output unit 361 to the layout data storage unit 367 have the same configuration as that described with reference to FIG.

  The operation input unit 451 corresponds to, for example, the operation input unit 140 and the touch pad control unit 131 in the PDA 34, receives a user operation input, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the layout data analysis unit 452 and the layout data input. This is supplied to the output control unit 366.

  The layout data analysis unit 452 analyzes the layout data based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 451 and supplies the analysis result to the display processing unit 454. The button / window display processing unit 453 controls the display of buttons, windows, and the like that assist the user's operation input based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 451.

  The display processing unit 454 uses the layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367 based on the analysis result of the layout data supplied from the layout data analysis unit 452 or the template stored in the template data storage unit 365. Is displayed on the display unit 373 and displayed, and buttons and windows that assist the user's operation input are displayed based on the control of the button / window display processing unit 453. The display unit 373 corresponds to the display unit 130 in the PDA 34 and displays image data, for example.

  Next, FIG. 28 is a diagram for executing processing for downloading a template to a device on which the photography advice program, the photo layout advice program, and the photo viewer program described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27 are executed. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function of one template download server.

  The data input / output unit 481 receives various information input by the user using the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 via the Internet 1, Necessary information and application programs are transmitted to the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the user via the Internet 1, or the user information database 12 or the template database 14. Necessary information is read out, and information is exchanged with various servers such as the accounting server 24 via the Internet 1. The user data reading unit 482 executes processing for reading necessary user information from the user information database 12. The data acquisition unit 483 acquires information received by the data input / output unit 171, and a user data reading unit 482, a user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 484, a template search and supply processing unit 485, or a web page display processing unit 487.

  The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 484 recognizes the user identifier and application key, confirms the download destination of the template, and executes authentication processing. The ticket issuing unit 486 outputs a ticket, which is information transmitted together with the template download, to the template search and supply processing unit 485. The ticket is information necessary for constructing the same local network information in a plurality of devices by processing described later. The template search and supply processing unit 485 searches for a template stored in the template database 14 based on the information supplied from the data acquisition unit 483, and is held by the user together with the ticket supplied from the ticket issuing unit 486. The information is transmitted to the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 via the data input / output unit 481, and information related to the billing process is output to the billing server 24.

  The web page display processing unit 487 presents information necessary for application purchase to the user and displays a web page (described later with reference to FIGS. 30 to 34) provided with a text box for prompting an operation input on the Internet. In addition, the data corresponding to the display screen of the template download page is sent out and displayed on any device owned by the user.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29, template download processing 1 executed by the template download server 13 for a device on which a photography advice program, a photo layout advice program, and a photo viewer program are executed will be described. .

  In step S61, the web page display processing unit 487 publishes the template download page on the Internet 1.

  In step S62, the web page display processing unit 487 receives access from any of the devices owned by the user via the data input / output unit 481, and transmits data corresponding to the display screen of the template download page. Is displayed on any of the devices owned by the user, and the IP address of the device owned by the user (the device that accessed the template download server 13) is acquired. The data acquisition unit 483 receives an IP address supplied from the data input / output unit 481 and supplies the IP address to the user data reading unit 482.

  FIG. 30 shows an example of a template download page display screen 501. The template download page display screen 501 shows, for example, the category name of the template stored in the template database 14, and the user can select the text to display the template screen corresponding to the category. Link text display area 511, pick up recommended templates and categories, link text such as template names, categories or group names, or template names of different templates in the same category, or those A link text display area that shows a thumbnail image corresponding to the URL, and the user can move the display screen to a page displaying the corresponding template by selecting the text or image. 513, and help button 512 is provided that can use the method of template download page to move the display to the pages that are listed.

  The template database 14 stores templates classified into various categories. For example, the user can display template download page display screens 501, 521, 541, 542 as shown in FIGS. 30 to 34, or , 543 and the like, a desired template can be searched and a download can be requested. A template is displayed on the display screens 521, 541, 542, or 543 of the template download page, and when the user requests to download the displayed template, the template download button 531 in the display screen is selected. Accordingly, the corresponding template data is supplied to the user, and when the user desires to refer to a template different from the template being displayed, the template name described in the link text display area 513 is described. By selecting the text, a template different from the template being displayed is displayed.

  The template download page display screen 541 shown in FIG. 32 is suitable, for example, when it is desired to introduce a delicious restaurant in the gourmet category. The template download page display screen 542 shown in FIG. 33 is suitable for use, for example, when it is desired to introduce a recipe for a delicious dish in a gourmet or cooking or home category. The template download page display screen 543 shown in FIG. 24 is suitable, for example, when introducing pets that the user has purchased or tail pets that are popular in the media in the category of pets.

  In step S63, the data acquisition unit 483 downloads the template displayed on the display screens 521, 541, 542, or 543 shown in FIGS. 31 to 34 by the user via the data input / output unit 481. A signal indicating that the button 531 has been selected is received and supplied to the template search and supply processing unit 485.

  In step S64, the data acquisition unit 483 uses the data input / output unit 481 to access the template download server 13 (the personal computer 31-1 or 31-2 owned by the user, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34). , Or CE device 33), an application key including an internal user identifier and application ID, and a signal requesting transmission of information on the transmission source device as necessary, and a template download server 13, an application key including a user identifier for identifying a user to be used is received from the device accessing the device 13 and supplied to the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 484.

  In step S65, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 484 controls the user data reading unit 482 to search the user data registered in the user information database 12 and determine whether or not the application key is correct. .

  If it is determined in step S65 that the application key is correct, then in step S66, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 484 passes the data acquisition unit 483 to the template search and supply processing unit 485, and the user identifier is correct. Notify that it has been determined. The template search and supply processing unit 485 searches and reads out the designated template from the template database 14 based on the information for designating the template to be purchased input in step S63, and the read template data, and The ticket issued by the ticket issuing unit 486 is supplied to a device held by the user via the data input / output unit 481.

  In step S67, the template search and supply processing unit 485 transmits the charging information for the downloaded template to the charging server 24 connected to the Internet 1 via the data input / output unit 481, and the processing is terminated. The The billing information may be transmitted from the template download server 13 to the billing server 24 via the Internet 1, or may be transmitted from the template download server 13 to the billing server 24 via a dedicated line. It may be.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the application key is not correct, in step S68, the web page display processing unit 487 newly displays a message window on the current display screen or changes the display screen to an error message display screen. In order to download a template to a device that is currently accessing the template download server 13 for a user who is accessing the device using a device that does not have the correct user identifier, for example, by downloading the application The data input / output unit 481 outputs data for notifying that processing is necessary or for displaying an error message for prompting confirmation of whether the application download processing has been completed correctly. The process is finished . In addition, it is preferable that the link text for proceeding to the application download page is displayed together with the error message because the user can be effectively prompted to download the application.

  By such processing, the template download server 13 can download the template stored in the template database 14 to the device where the application has been downloaded.

  The template stored in the template database 14 may be created based on the page layout of publications such as magazines and comics. In recent years, publications such as magazines and comics may be created using XML, so a template may be created using the XML data, and the layout data of the publication may be used as XML data. After conversion into a template, a template may be created.

  For example, when a template is created based on the design of a predetermined page of a magazine or comic book (which may be all pages), it is one of the publications (the page corresponding to the template). In addition to information on introduction and billing for various applications and templates, how to download various applications, etc., the URL of the web page that needs to be accessed to download the corresponding page template, etc. It is preferable to prompt the user who wants to take a photograph based on the layout of the publication or to lay out the photograph to download the template. The layout of the publication used for the template is, for example, the top page of the magazine's hot spring feature as shown in FIG. 35, or a photograph to introduce fashionable miscellaneous goods in the magazine as shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 37, it is a page with a side-by-side composition, or a page of a gourmet manga with a delicious dish at the center of the story. As shown in Fig. 38, the racer is the main character. A page of comics popular with people who like cars.

  FIG. 39 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions that can be executed by the content creator server 17 and the template creation server 16.

  The content design acquisition unit 601 of the content creator's server 17 acquires information on the layout design of content such as magazines and comics as described with reference to FIGS. The data conversion unit 602 converts the content design information supplied from the content design acquisition unit 601 into XML data. The XML data storage unit 603 stores content design information converted into XML data.

  The content insertion data storage unit 605 includes information on introduction and billing for various applications and templates, a method for downloading various applications, a URL of a web page that needs to be accessed to download a corresponding page template, etc. Information that needs to be described in the publication is stored.

  Based on the XML data read from the XML data storage unit 603, the publication design processing unit 604 reads information necessary to be described in the publication as needed from the content insertion data storage unit 605, and publishes it. Executes the process of generating the object design. Based on the data generated by the publishing design processing unit 604, printing and bookbinding are performed to generate a publication, and the generated publication is sold.

  The data output control unit 606 reads out data stored in the XML data storage unit 603 from which a template is generated and outputs it to the template creation server 16.

  The XML data acquisition unit 611 of the template creation server 16 acquires the XML data output from the data output control unit 606 and supplies it to the template data generation unit 612. When there is information used as a template design other than a publication, the template design acquisition unit 613 acquires the information. The template design processing unit 614 receives an operation input from a predetermined operator and executes processing for generating an original template design.

  When the data acquired by the template design acquisition unit 613 or the data generated by the template design processing unit 614 has a data format other than XML data, the data conversion unit 615 converts the data format into XML data. And supplied to the template data generation unit 612. The template data generation unit 612 uses the XML data supplied from the XML data acquisition unit 611 or the data conversion unit 615 to generate template data as described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, for example. The data output control unit 616 outputs and saves the generated template data to the template database 14.

  Next, processing for creating a template based on content such as comics and magazines will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 81, the content design acquisition unit 601 of the content creator's server 17 acquires content designs such as comics and magazines and supplies them to the data conversion unit 602.

  In step S <b> 82, the data conversion unit 602 converts the supplied data into XML data and stores it in the XML data storage unit 603.

  In step S <b> 83, the publishing design processing unit 604 reads from the content insertion data storage unit 605 information such as an explanation regarding acquisition of an application or a template and a URL of a download page.

  In step S84, the publishing design processing unit 604 creates a publishing design in which a message for the user is described on a page on which a corresponding template is created.

  In step S85, printing is performed by a predetermined printing apparatus, bookbinding is performed by a predetermined bookbinding apparatus, a publication is generated, and the publication is sold.

  In step S86, the XML data acquisition unit 611 of the template creation server 16 acquires the XML data of the design that is the basis of the template output from the data output control unit 606 of the content creator server 17, and the template data generation unit 612 is supplied.

  In step S87, the template data generation unit 612 generates a template as described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, for example, based on the acquired XML data, and supplies the template to the data output control unit 616.

  In step S88, the data output control unit 616 outputs and saves the supplied template data to the template database 14, and the process ends.

  By such processing, a template is created based on contents such as magazines and comics. That is, publications such as magazines and comics are sold and can be noticed by the user, thereby promoting template purchase. In this example, publications such as magazines and comics have been described as examples. However, for example, layouts such as electronic publishing can be used as contents, and comics and magazines such as posters and calendars can be used. It is also possible to use a paper medium layout other than a publication.

  As described above, the template stored in the template database 14 is downloaded from the template download server 13 to the device used by the user by various methods other than being downloaded to the device used by the user.

  For example, devices owned by the same user who downloads an application that can operate in conjunction with each other and share data with each other have a common application key. As another example of the download method using this, it is assumed that the templates can be downloaded to each other without charge even between devices that can mutually confirm that the application key is the same. Also good.

  A template download process 2 executed between different devices (first device and second device) owned by the same user will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Either the first device that downloads the template to another device or the second device that receives the template download downloads either the photography advice program, the photo layout advice program, or the photo viewer program It is assumed that it is being executed.

  In step S <b> 101, the template data download processing unit 364 of the first apparatus receives input of information specifying a template to be downloaded via the data input / output unit 361.

  In step S102, the device information and application key storage unit 361 of the first device acquires the device accessing the device itself (the personal computer 31, the portable phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the same user). Among them, a signal requesting transmission of the application key held therein is transmitted to the device that transmitted the information specifying the template to be downloaded in step S101. The device information and application key storage unit 361 of the second device that has received the application key transmission request sends the stored application key, so that the device information and application key storage unit 361 of the first device 2 receives the application key input.

  In step S103, the device information and application key storage unit 361 of the first device compares the supplied application key with the application key stored in itself, and determines whether or not the application key matches correctly.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the application key is correct, in step S104, the device information and application key storage unit 361 of the first apparatus determines that the application key is correct in the template data download processing unit 364. And the ticket stored in the ticket storage unit 363 (the ticket corresponding to each template supplied at the time of template download) is read and supplied. The template data download processing unit 364 searches and reads the specified template from the template storage unit 365 based on the information specifying the template to be downloaded input in step S101, and reads the read template data, The ticket read from the ticket storage unit 363 is supplied to the second device via the data input / output unit 461. The data input / output unit 361 of the second apparatus receives the template data and the ticket, supplies the template data to the template data download processing unit 364, stores the template data in the template data storage unit 365, and stores the ticket in the ticket storage unit 363. To be stored.

  In step S105, the ticket storage units 363 of the first device and the second device construct local network information as shown in FIG. 42 based on the information exchanged by the processing of steps S101 to S104, respectively. Then, the process is terminated.

  In the local network information, for example, an application ID, a user identifier, and information related to devices that construct the same local network information are described.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the application key is not correct, in step S106, the device information and application key storage unit 361 executes a template download process between devices to which the user intends to exchange templates. An error message for notifying the user that the data cannot be displayed is displayed or voiced, and the process ends.

  By such processing, in the devices owned by the same user who is downloading the application that can share data mutually, it is mutually confirmed that the application key is the same, and charging is imposed. You can download templates to each other without having to. In addition, if the device owned by the same user who downloads an application that can share data with each other by such a process holds the same template data, The apparatus can simplify the mutual user authentication when constructing the same local network information and subsequently exchanging data. That is, the personal computer 31-1, the mobile phone 32, and the CE device 33 held by the first user, and the personal computer 31-2 and the PDA 34 held by the second user are: Even if the same template data is downloaded with the same application program, the local network information held in each device is different, and thus information cannot be shared with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a malicious third party from illegally downloading templates between devices without being charged.

  In the processing described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 92, the second device that receives the template download requests the first device that has the template to download the template, and the first device performs the second process. However, the first device holding the template requests the second device to send a predetermined template (data data). A data transmission request corresponding to upload or data push may be performed).

  Next, details of a case where the photography advice program 351 is executed in a device that has downloaded the photography advice program 351 and acquired template data will be described. Here, it is assumed that the photography advice program 351 has been downloaded to the mobile phone 32 and the template data has been acquired.

  The photography advice program execution process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 43 to 46 and the display screens shown in FIGS. 47 to 72.

  In step S131, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 activates the photography advice program 351 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not an operation input to be commanded has been received. If it is determined in step S131 that an operation input commanding activation of the photography advice program 351 has not been received, the process of step S131 is repeated until it is determined that an operation input commanding activation has been received.

  If it is determined in step S131 that an operation input commanding activation of the photography advice program 351 has been received, in step S132, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 is, for example, as shown in FIG. The startup screen 631 is displayed on the display unit 373. The startup screen 631 includes a command text 641 described as “Resume saved work” selected by the user when a new shooting process using the stored data is started, and a new shooting process. A command text 642 described as “select template”, which is selected by the user when selecting a template to perform the operation, is provided.

  In step S <b> 133, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 performs an operation input for instructing the start of new imaging based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not the command text 642 described as “select template” on the startup screen 631 has been selected. If it is determined in step S133 that an operation input commanding the start of new imaging has not been received, that is, if the command text 641 described as “resume saved work” is selected, the process proceeds to step S140.

  If it is determined in step S133 that an operation input commanding the start of new shooting has been received, in step S134, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays a list of category names as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 373. On the display screen 651, the part corresponding to the category name selected by the user is highlighted or displayed in a color different from other text.

  The categories displayed on the display screen 651 include not only the template categories stored in the template data storage unit 365 but also the template categories that can be downloaded from the template download server 13 or other servers or other devices. It may be included.

  In step S135, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 is displayed on the display screen 651 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not an operation input for selecting a category has been received. If it is determined in step S135 that an operation input for selecting a category has not been received, the process in step S135 is repeated until it is determined that an operation input for selecting a category has been received.

  If it is determined in step S135 that an operation input for selecting a category has been received, in step S136, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 corresponds to the display screen 661 as shown in FIG. Display the template list of categories.

  In step S <b> 137, the display processing unit 372 selects any one of the template lists displayed on the display screen 661 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not an operation input for selecting a template has been received. If it is determined in step S137 that an operation input for selecting a template has not been received, the process in step S137 is repeated until it is determined that an operation input for selecting a template has been received.

  In step S138, the template download processing unit 364 determines whether or not it is necessary to download the selected template based on whether or not the template selected by the user in step S137 is stored in the template data storage unit 365. Judging. If it is determined in step S138 that it is not necessary to download the selected template, the process proceeds to step S142 described later.

  If it is determined in step S138 that the selected template needs to be downloaded, in step S139, the template download processing unit 364 selects the template download server 13, or another server or other device by the user. A process for downloading the template is executed and stored in the template data storage unit 365.

  In step S133, when the operation input commanding the start of new photographing is not received, that is, when the command text 641 described as “Resume saved work” is selected, the button of the display processing unit 372 is selected in step S140. The window display processing unit 383 displays, for example, layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367 on the display screen 665 as shown in FIG. 50, or shared layout data that can be acquired (shared by the server 18). The details of the layout data to be displayed will be displayed on the display unit 373, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 123 and 124.

  In step S <b> 141, the display processing unit 372 outputs any of the layout data displayed on the display screen 665 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not an operation input to be selected has been received. If it is determined in step S141 that an operation input for selecting any of the layout data has not been received, the process of step S141 is performed until it is determined that an operation input for selecting any of the layout data has been received. Is repeated. When the layout data is shared, the layout data input / output control unit 366 acquires the corresponding layout data from the data sharing server 18 via the data input / output unit 361, and stores it in the layout data storage unit 367. save.

  If it is determined in step S138 that it is not necessary to download the selected template, it is determined that an operation input for selecting one of the layout data has been received after the processing of step S139 or in step S141. In step S142, the frame display processing unit 381, the text data display processing unit 382, and the photo data display processing unit 386 of the display processing unit 372 convert the designated template or layout data into the template data storage unit 365. Alternatively, an image acquired from the layout data storage unit 367 and corresponding to the acquired data is displayed on the display unit 373. Further, the template data storage unit 365 or the layout data storage unit 367 supplies the template or layout data supplied to the display processing unit 351 to the data generation unit 371.

  In step S143, the frame display processing unit 381 and the photographing advice display processing unit 384 of the display processing unit 372, for example, as shown in FIG. 51, the frame included in the template or layout data displayed in step S142. One of the frames is highlighted, and a description about the frame is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen. In FIG. 51, six frames 684-1 to 684-6 are displayed on the display screen 671, of which the frame 684-1 is highlighted. Here, frames 684-1 to 684-4 are photographic display frames, and frames 684-5 and 684-6 are text display frames (frame 684-6 has a frame border attribute). Hidden). Then, information related to the frame corresponding to the frame 684-1 (for example, the shooting point of the photograph displayed in this frame and advice at the time of shooting) is displayed in the advice display area 681. Further, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 selects a menu that is selected when the user wants to display an operation menu on the display screen 671 when the selected frame is a frame for displaying a photograph. A button 682 and a shooting button 683 selected when the user wants to shift to a shooting mode of a photo to be displayed in the selected frame are displayed.

  In step S144, the display processing unit 372 receives the frame selected in the currently displayed template or layout data based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. Determines whether another different frame has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S144 that another frame different from the selected frame has been selected, in step S145, the frame display processing unit 381 and the imaging advice display processing unit 384 of the display processing unit 372 A frame newly selected by the user is highlighted, and an explanation regarding the corresponding frame is displayed in the advice display area 681.

  For example, when the frame 684-2 is selected by the user as shown in FIG. 52 in a state where the frame 684-1 of the display screen 671 is highlighted as described with reference to FIG. The frame display processing unit 381 highlights the frame 684-2, and the imaging advice display processing unit 384 displays information related to the frame corresponding to the frame 684-2 in the advice display area 681.

  If it is determined in step S144 that no other frame different from the selected frame has been selected, or after the process of step S145 ends, the button / window display of the display processing unit 372 is displayed in step S146. The processing unit 383 determines whether the selected frame is a photo display frame. If it is determined in step S146 that the selected frame is not a photo display frame, the process proceeds to step S157 described later.

  If it is determined in step S146 that the selected frame is a photo display frame, in step S147, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays the menu as shown in FIG. A button 682 and a shooting button 683 are displayed on the display screen. Then, the operation input unit 668 determines whether or not the shooting button 683 has been selected by the user.

  If it is determined in step S147 that the shooting button 683 has not been selected, in step S148, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays a menu button 682 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the user has selected. If it is determined in step S148 that the menu button 682 has not been selected, the process returns to step S144, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S148 that the menu button 682 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S162 described later.

  If it is determined in step S147 that the shooting button 683 has been selected, in step S149, the wire frame display processing unit 385 of the display processing unit 372 displays the wire frame display by the device on which the photography advice program 351 is executed. It is determined whether or not this is a device that can be used. That is, depending on the information processing and image processing capabilities of the device and the image display capability of the display unit 373, it may be difficult to display the wire frame. In such a case, the device may not be able to display a wire frame.

  If it is determined in step S149 that the device is capable of displaying a wire frame, in step S150, the imaging processing unit 369 starts imaging and displays the acquired photo data in the photo data storage unit 370 and the display. The button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays a button or the like on the display screen of the display unit 373 so that the user can command on / off of the guide. 385, a frame display processing unit 381, and a photographic data display processing unit 386 display a wire frame and a frame on the photographic image supplied from the shooting processing unit 363, as shown in FIG. 691 is displayed on the display unit 373.

  53 corresponds to a photographic image 701 supplied from the photographic processing unit 363, a button 702 that allows the user to command on / off of the guide, and a photographic image 701 that is currently displayed. A shooting button 703 for instructing capture as a frame image is provided, and when layout data is configured, a frame 704 indicating a range of a photograph displayed during layout, and an effective composition within the layout data, A wire frame 705 for indicating the position of the subject is displayed so as to overlap the photographic image 701.

  In step S 151, the wire frame display processing unit 385 of the display processing unit 372 is instructed to hide the wire frame 705 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. Whether or not the button 702 has been selected in the state in which the wire frame 705 is displayed on the shooting finder screen 691 is determined.

  If it is determined in step S149 that the device is not capable of displaying a wire frame, or if it is determined in step S151 that an instruction to hide the wire frame 705 has been issued, in step S151, the display processing unit 372 As shown in FIG. 54, the wire frame display processing unit 385 overlaps the photographic image 701 on the shooting finder screen 691, displays only the frame 704, and displays the shooting finder screen 691 with the wire frame 705 hidden. 373 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 54, when the button 702 is selected on the shooting finder screen 691 in which only the frame 704 is displayed over the photographic image 701 and the wire frame 705 is not displayed, the wire frame 705 is displayed. It is determined that the display is instructed, and the frame 704 and the wire frame 705 are displayed so as to overlap the photographic image 701 as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S151, when it is determined that the non-display of the wire frame 705 is not instructed, or after the process of step S152 is completed, in step S153, the data generation unit 371 receives the user supplied from the operation input unit 368. Based on the operation input, it is determined whether or not the shooting button 703 is selected on the shooting finder screen 691 of FIG. If it is determined in step S153 that the shooting button 703 has not been selected, the processing in step S153 is repeated until it is determined that the shooting button 703 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S153 that the shooting button 703 has been selected, in step S154, the data generation unit 371 acquires, from the photo data storage unit 370, photo data taken at the timing when the user selects the shooting button 703. Then, layout data in which the frame data corresponding to the template data or the layout data is updated to the newly acquired photo data is generated and supplied to the display processing unit 372.

  In step S155, as shown in FIG. 55, the display processing unit 372 displays the updated layout data supplied from the data generation unit 371 so that the photographed photograph data is displayed in the corresponding frame. 373 is displayed. For example, when the photographic image 701 displayed on the shooting finder screen 691 described with reference to FIG. 53 or 54 is acquired as photographic data displayed on the frame 684-1, as shown in FIG. In 684-1, photographic image data within the range of the frame 702 in the photographic image 701 displayed on the shooting finder screen 691 of FIG. 53 or 54 is displayed.

  In step S156, the frame display processing unit 381 and the shooting advice display processing unit 384 of the display processing unit 372 highlight and highlight any frame that is different from the frame processed in the previous process. The explanation about the displayed frame is displayed in the advice display area 681, and the process returns to step S146, and the subsequent processes are repeated. Here, when the frame processed in the previous process is the frame 684-1, for example, as shown in FIG. 56, the frame 684-2 is highlighted and corresponds to the frame 684-2. Advice for taking a photograph is displayed in the advice display area 681.

  If it is determined in step S146 that the selected frame is not a photo display frame, the selected frame is a text display frame, so that, for example, as shown in FIG. A frame for text display (here, frame 684-6) is highlighted, and advice for inputting text data in the corresponding frame is displayed on the shooting advice display processing unit 384, and instead of the shooting button 683, a character is displayed. Since the input button 711 is provided, in step S157, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 determines whether or not the character input button 711 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S157 that the character input button 711 has been selected, in step S158, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays, for example, a text input text box as shown in FIG. A window 721 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 373. In the text input text box window 721, a text box 731 in which the user can input text, and text displayed in the corresponding frame are updated using the text input in the text box 731. An OK button 732 to be selected is provided.

  In step S159, the data generation unit 371 acquires text data input to the text box 731 of the text input text box window 721 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368, and the OK button. It is determined whether or not 732 is selected. If it is determined in step S159 that the OK button 732 has not been selected, the processing in step S159 is repeated until it is determined that the OK button 732 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S159 that the OK button 732 has been selected, in step S160, the data generation unit 371 determines that the text data of the corresponding frame is a character based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368. The layout data updated to the text data input in the text box 731 of the input text box window 721 is generated and supplied to the display processing unit 372 to display the updated layout data on the display unit 373 for processing. Returns to step S156, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  Through the processing from step S143 to step S160, the user is displayed on the message displayed on the shooting advice display processing unit 384 or the shooting finder screen 691 in FIG. 53 or 54 based on the selected template or layout data. By using the frame 704 or the wire frame 705 to take a photograph and input text data, for example, as shown in FIG. 59, the layout of the photograph and the composition of the subject of the photograph can be Thus, it is possible to easily generate such sophisticated layout data without specialized knowledge or experience.

  If it is determined in step S157 that the character input button 711 has not been selected, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 is supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371 in step S161. Whether or not the menu button 682 has been selected is determined based on the user's operation input. If it is determined in step S161 that the menu button 682 has not been selected, the process returns to step S157, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S148 or step S161 that the menu button 682 has been selected, in step S162, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays the menu 751 as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display screen displayed in the part 373.

  In the menu 751 shown in FIG. 60, when a command to save the generated layout data is given, a “save” command text 761 selected by the user and the generated layout data are transmitted via the Internet 1, for example, The “public” command text 762 selected by the user when the command is issued to the WWW server 19, the blog server 20, the network album providing server 21, and the like, and the generated layout data is selected. When the user wants to send it as electronic data or as a printed matter such as a postcard to another person, the display of the “send” command text 763 and the menu 751 selected by the user is deleted, and the display returns to the previous display screen. When the command is issued, the “return” command text selected by the user Kist 764, “Help” command text 765 selected by the user when referring to usage details for these menus, and “Exit” button 766 selected by the user when exiting this application program Is provided.

  In step S <b> 163, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 selects “open” from the menu 751 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether command text 762 has been selected. If it is determined in step S163 that the “public” command text 762 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S180 described later.

  If it is determined in step S163 that the “public” command text 762 has been selected, in step S164, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays, for example, a disclosure destination selection window 771 shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  61, a “network album” selection command text 781 selected by the user when a network album published by the network album service providing server 21 is designated as a publication destination is displayed in the publication destination selection window 771. As described above, the display of the “Blog site” selection command text 782 and the publishing destination selection window 771 selected by the user when the blog site published by the blog server 20 is designated is deleted, and the display returns to the previous display screen. A “return” command text 783 selected by the user when instructing this, and a “help” command text 784 selected by the user when referring to the details of the method of selecting the publishing destination are provided. .

  In step S165, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 selects a network album as a publication destination based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. That is, it is determined whether or not the “network album” selection command text 781 of the disclosure destination selection window 771 has been selected. In step S165, if it is determined that the network album is not selected as the disclosure destination, that is, if it is determined that the “Blog site” selection command text 782 in the disclosure destination selection window 771 is selected, the processing will be described later. Proceed to step S172.

  If it is determined in step S165 that a network album has been selected as a publication destination, in step S166, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays a network album login window 801 as shown in FIG. Are displayed on the display unit 373.

  In the network album login window 801 shown in FIG. 62, a text box 811 for entering a login ID for logging in to the network album service providing server 21, a text box 812 for entering a password, a login ID and a password are entered. A login button 813 for transmitting to the network album service providing server 21 to log in, and when the user has not performed user registration for the service provided by the administrator of the network album service providing server 21 (that is, A “user registration” command text 814 for executing a process of browsing a web page or the like on which user registration can be performed when the login ID and password are not registered, Refer to the details of how to use the “return” command text 815 selected by the user and the login method when instructing to clear the display of the album login window 801 and return to the previous display screen. A “help” command text 816 is provided to be selected by the user.

  Since the user inputs a login ID in the text box 811, inputs a password in the text box 812, and performs an operation input by pressing the login button 813, the operation input unit 368 stores the input login ID and password in the data The data is transmitted to the network album service providing server 21 via the input / output unit 361.

  In step S167, the data generation unit 371 determines whether or not the user has logged in correctly via the Internet 1 based on the signal supplied from the network album service providing server 21. If it is determined in step S167 that the login has not been correctly performed, the process proceeds to step S179 described later.

  If it is determined in step S167 that the user has logged in correctly, in step S168, the data generation unit 371 supplies the information that is provided from the network album service providing server 21 via the Internet 1 and that can be disclosed by the user. Is supplied to the display processing unit 373. The button window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays an album selection window 821 as shown in FIG. 63 based on the information indicating the supplied album name. The user selects a desired album name from the album names displayed in the album selection window 821.

  In step S169, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 causes the display unit 373 to display a title input window 831 as illustrated in FIG. In the title input window 831 of FIG. 64, a text box 841 for describing the title of the layout data to be uploaded, and the title data described in the text box 841 are used to upload the layout data to the network album service providing server 21. In this case, an upload button 842 selected by the user and a cancel button 843 selected by the user when canceling the operation input for publishing to the network album and canceling the display of the title input window 831 are provided. The user selects the upload button 842 after describing the title of the layout data to be uploaded in the text box 841.

  In step S <b> 170, the data generation unit 371 acquires the title name input by the user from the operation input unit 368 and sets it as the data name of the generated layout data, which is input via the data input / output unit 361. The created layout data and corresponding template data are uploaded to the network album service providing server 21 in the selected album with the title, and the process proceeds to step S178. During the process of uploading the layout data to the network album service providing server 21, an upload process process notification window 851 as shown in FIG. 65 is displayed. When the upload is finished, the upload is finished as shown in FIG. A notification window 861 may be displayed. In the upload end notification window 861 shown in FIG. 66, a “view album” button 871 that is selected when accessing the corresponding network album of the network album service providing server 21 and executing the process of referring to the album, A “return to application” button 872 is provided which is selected when the process returns to step S162.

  If it is determined in step S165 that the network album is not selected as the publishing destination, that is, if it is determined that the “Blog site” selection command text 782 in the publishing destination selection window 771 is selected, the display is performed in step S171. The button / window display processing unit 383 of the processing unit 372 causes the display unit 373 to display the Blog selection window 891 of FIG. 67, which is a list of connectable Blogs. The user selects a desired blog name from among the blog names displayed in the blog selection window 891. If the user can access only one blog server 20, this process is skipped.

  In step S172, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 causes the display unit 373 to display a Blog site login window 901 as shown in FIG.

  In the Blog site login window 901 shown in FIG. 67, a text box 911 for inputting a login ID for logging in to the Blog server 20, a text box 912 for inputting a password, and the login ID and password are input to the Blog server 20. Login button 913 for logging in, and when the user has not registered as a user for the service provided by the administrator of the Blog server 20 (that is, the login ID and password are not registered) ) To delete the display of the “user registration” command text 914 and the blog site login window 901 for executing a process of browsing a web page where user registration can be performed, and to return to the previous display screen. Selected by user when commanding "Back" command text 915 and, is, when you see the details of how to use the information on how to log, is "help" command text 916 to be selected is provided by the user.

  Since the user inputs a login ID in the text box 911, inputs a password in the text box 912, and performs an operation input of pressing the login button 913, the operation input unit 368 stores the input login ID and password in the data The message is transmitted to the blog server 20 selected by the blog selection window 891 via the input / output unit 361.

  In step S <b> 173, the data generation unit 371 determines whether or not the user has logged in correctly based on the signal supplied from the blog server 20. If it is determined in step S172 that the login has not been correctly performed, the process proceeds to step S179 described later.

  If it is determined in step S173 that the user has logged in correctly, in step S174, the data generation unit 371 selects a category name that can be disclosed by the user from the blog server 20 selected by the blog selection window 891 via the Internet 1. Information to be displayed is supplied to the display processing unit 373. The button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays a category selection window 931 as shown in FIG. 69 based on the information indicating the supplied category name. The user selects a desired category name from album names displayed in the category selection window 931.

  In step S175, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 causes the display unit 373 to display a title input window 941 as shown in FIG. In the title input window 941 of FIG. 70, a text box 951 for describing the title of the uploaded layout data, a text box 952 for describing the text data uploaded as the body of the blog, and a text box 952 are described. Together with the main text, the upload button 953 selected by the user when the layout data is uploaded to the Blog server 20 with the title name described in the text box 951, and the operation input for publishing to the Blog, A cancel button 954 selected by the user when canceling the display of the title input window 941 is provided. The user describes the title of the layout data to be uploaded in the text box 951, describes the text corresponding to the body text in the text box 952, and then selects the upload button 853.

  In step S 176, the data generation unit 371 acquires the title name input by the user from the operation input unit 368 and sets it as the data name of the generated layout data, which is input via the data input / output unit 361. In the title, layout data and corresponding template data created for the selected album, and text data corresponding to the input blog text are uploaded to the blog server 20, and the process proceeds to step S178. During the process of uploading layout data to the blog server 20, an upload process process notification window 961 as shown in FIG. 71 is displayed. When the upload is completed, an upload end notification window 971 as shown in FIG. 72 is displayed. May be displayed. The upload end notification window 971 shown in FIG. 72 is provided with a “return to application” button 982 that is selected when the process returns to step S162.

  After the processing of step S170 or step S176 is completed, in step S177, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 receives the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. Based on, for example, the “return to application” button 872 of the upload end notification window 861 described using FIG. 66 or the “return to application” button 982 of the upload end notification window 971 described using FIG. 72 is selected. Based on whether or not it has been done, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the continuation of the execution of the application.

  If it is determined in step S178 that the execution of the application has been instructed, the process returns to step S156, and the subsequent processes are repeated. In step S178, when it is determined that the execution of the application is not instructed, that is, for example, it is determined that the “view album” button 871 in the upload completion notification window 861 described with reference to FIG. 66 is selected. If so, the process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S167 or step S173 that the login has not been performed correctly, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 notifies the user that the login has not been performed correctly in step S179. An error message is displayed, the created layout data is stored in the layout data storage unit 367, the process returns to step S156, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S163 that the “public” command text 762 has not been selected, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 receives the operation input unit via the data generation unit 371 in step S180. Based on the user operation input supplied from 368, it is determined whether or not the “Save” command text 761 is selected from the menu 751.

  If it is determined in step S180 that the “save” command text 761 has been selected, in step S181, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays a data name input window for the layout data to be stored. . The user inputs text corresponding to the data name of the saved layout data in a text box of a data name input window (not shown).

  In step S182, the data generation unit 371 stores the created layout data in the layout data storage unit 367 with the data name input by the user supplied from the operation input unit 368, and the process proceeds to step S156. Return, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S180 that the “save” command text 761 has not been selected, in step S183, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 receives the operation input unit 368 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not the “Send” command text 763 is selected from the menu 751 based on the user's operation input supplied from.

  If it is determined in step S183 that the “send” command text 763 has been selected, in step S184, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 displays the data name, output format, and destination of the layout data. An input window for prompting the user to input is displayed on the display unit 373.

  The created layout data can be transmitted as electronic data to the user's desired transmission destination via the Internet 1 as well as to other people as a printed matter such as a picture postcard. The user specifies the layout data format (for example, electronic data, postcard, sheet, etc.) to be transmitted together with the data name of the layout data in an input window (not shown), and when outputting as electronic data, the address of the transmission destination When outputting as a printed matter, input the name of the address of the recipient.

  In step S185, the data generation unit 371 acquires the data name input by the user supplied from the operation input unit 368, assigns the data name to the created layout data, and supplies the data name to the data input / output unit 361. . The data input / output unit 361 acquires the output format of the layout data to be transmitted input by the user and supplied from the operation input unit 368, and information on the transmission destination, and transmits the created layout data as electronic data. In the case where the layout data is transmitted to the set transmitted address and sent to another person as a printed matter such as a postcard, the application key is stored in the application key storage unit 362 and the ticket storage unit 363 from the application key. Among the user identifiers or tickets, information used by the output service providing server 22 for authentication is acquired, and together with these information, the supplied layout data to the specified destination in the specified output format. A signal for requesting transmission of data is output via the Internet 1 Send bis providing server 22, the process returns to step S156, and the subsequent processing is repeated. The processing executed by the output service providing server 22 for sending the printed matter to the destination desired by the user will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S183 that the “send” command text 763 is not selected, in step S186, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 receives the operation input unit via the data generation unit 371. Based on the user's operation input supplied from 368, it is determined whether or not the “end” button 766 is selected from the menu 751.

  If it is determined in step S186 that “END” has not been selected, the process returns to step S156, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S186 that “end” has been selected, the process ends.

  As described above, the user can download and execute the photography advice program 351 on the mobile phone 32 or a device having a photography function such as a digital camera (not shown), and can easily follow the guide and advice. A photograph can be taken with an effective composition, and the photographed picture is beautifully laid out like a magazine, for example. Further, the created layout data can be stored or released to the Internet 1, and can be transmitted not only to electronic data but also as printed matter to a desired destination.

  When the created layout data is uploaded to the blog server 20 and published, the layout data is displayed on the display screen of the browser software of the device that accessed the corresponding URL, for example, a blog page 1001 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. In many blogs, blog rolling, update ping, track back, and the like can be performed. In the comment portion of the layout data 1002, for example, as shown in FIG. 74, another blog page 1011 is displayed. When a link is described, an explicit link relationship can be established between entries of the Blog page 1001 and the Blog page 1011 by transmitting Track Back Ping to the address of the Blog page 1011.

  When the created layout data is published on the Internet 1, not only the layout data but also the corresponding template data is uploaded to the WWW server 19, the Blog server 20, and the network album service providing server 21. Accordingly, the WWW server 19, the blog server 20, and the network album service providing server 21 have a user authentication function and a template download function, and the web page displaying the uploaded layout data is displayed in FIGS. 31 to 34. A template download button 531 similar to the above may be displayed. An example of a web page 1021 provided with a template download button 531 is shown in FIG. In this way, when the third user who refers to the web page 1021 likes the composition and layout of the photo, the user can select the template download button 531 to select the device owned by the third user. Since the corresponding template can be downloaded, the template can be effectively sold. Needless to say, the template download button 531 may be displayed not only on the web page but also on the blog page and network album.

  Next, details of processing when the photo layout advice program 401 is executed in a device that has downloaded the photo layout advice program 401 and acquired template data will be described. Here, it is assumed that the photo layout advice program 401 has been downloaded to the personal computer 31 and the template data has been acquired.

  The photography advice program execution process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 76 to 80 and the display screens shown in FIGS. 81 to 102.

  In step S <b> 211, the operation input unit 411 determines whether or not the user has received an operation input instructing activation of the photo layout advice program 401. If it is determined in step S211 that an operation input commanding activation of the photo layout advice program 401 has not been received, the process of step S211 is performed until it is determined that an operation input commanding activation of the photo layout advice program 401 has been received. Is repeated.

  The operation input for instructing activation of the photo layout advice program 401 is a normal application activation instruction (when the OS used by the personal computer 31 is Windows (registered trademark), for example, it is activated by selecting a start button). In addition to selecting a program name or double-clicking the icon corresponding to the photo layout advice program 401 displayed on the display screen), for example, on a page on which layout data such as the web page 1021 described above is disclosed. Instead of the template download button 531 provided, or in addition to the template download button 531, as shown in FIG. 81, an EDIT button 1031 is provided, and the user selects the EDIT button 1031. In this case, the photo layout advice program 401 may be activated, and a template corresponding to the displayed layout data may be downloaded and stored in the template data storage unit 365 by the processing of the template data download processing unit 364. .

  If it is determined in step S211 that an operation input commanding activation of the photo layout advice program 401 has been received, the display processing unit 415 is supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 414 in step S212. Based on the user's operation input, it is determined whether or not the template used for the following processing has already been specified by the user. For example, when it is determined that the operation input commanding the activation of the photo layout advice program 401 is received by selecting the EDIT button 1031 described with reference to FIG. 81, the template used for the following processing is specified, but the start Operation input for instructing activation of the photo layout advice program 401 by selecting a button to select a program name to be activated or double-clicking an icon corresponding to the photo layout advice program 401 displayed on the display screen If it is determined that the template has been received, the template used for the following processing has not yet been specified.

  If it is determined in step S212 that the template has not yet been specified, in step S213, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 415 lists the categories for the user to select available templates. Or, data corresponding to the list of template names is generated and displayed on the display unit 373. Here, a list of categories and a list of template names displayed on the display unit 373 for receiving user's selection are not only template categories or template names stored in the template data storage unit 365 but also template downloads. You may make it include the category of the template which can be downloaded from the server 13, or another server or another apparatus. Then, the display processing unit 415 receives a template specification based on a user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371, and receives a corresponding template from the template data storage unit 365. read out. If the template selected by the user is a template that can be downloaded from the template download server 13 or another server or another device, the template data download is performed prior to the display processing unit 415 reading the template data. The template designated by the processing of the processing unit 364 is downloaded and stored in the template data storage unit 365.

  If it is determined in step S212 that the template has already been specified, or after the processing in step S213 is completed, in step S214, the display processing unit 415 determines whether there is a sample image that can be initially displayed. to decide.

  If it is determined in step S214 that there is a sample image that can be initially displayed, in step S215, the data generation unit 414 converts the template or layout data designated by the user into the template data storage unit 365 or the layout data storage unit. The layout data in which the layout data in which the sample image data that can be initially displayed is arranged is arranged is stored inside, and the display processing unit 415 displays the edit mode display screen with the sample image as shown in FIG. 2001 is displayed on the display unit 373.

  The edit mode display screen 2001 in FIG. 82 includes a layout display area 2011 in which a template or layout data is displayed, image data that can be displayed in each frame of the template or layout data (image data by a photograph). Needless to say, any image data in a format that can be processed by the photo layout advice program 401 may be non-photo image data). Image data corresponding to the thumbnail images displayed in the command button display area 2013 and the thumbnail display area 2012 in which various command buttons for performing editing processing of the image data arranged in the layout display area 2011 are displayed. A hierarchical structure display area 2014 for designating an existing folder or an area for publishing the created layout data, a menu display area 2015 for a user to input a save, publish, order command, and A drag and drop icon 2016 is provided to display image data corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail display area 2012 in the selected frame among the frames displayed in the layout display area 201. Yes.

  In the layout display area 2011, frames 2942-1 to 2042-6 corresponding to displayed templates or layout data are displayed, and a message serving as a layout advice corresponding to each frame is displayed. ? Buttons 2042-1 to 2042-6 are displayed.

  In the command button display area 2013, a scale lever 2021 for inputting a command for enlarging or reducing the image of the selected frame, a rotation button 2022 for rotating the image of the selected frame to a desired inclination, are selected. Brightness setting button 2023 for changing the brightness of the image of the selected frame, contrast setting button 2024 for changing the contrast of the image of the selected frame, sample image display non-display for switching the display and non-display of the sample image A display setting button 2025, a wire frame image display non-display setting button 2026 for switching between display and non-display of the wire frame, and an explanation button 2027 for displaying a help file related to operation input using the command button display area 2013 Composed That.

  In a menu display area 2015, a save button 2031 selected when the user saves the created layout data, and the user publishes the created layout data on a network album, a blog page, or a normal web page. There are provided a release button 2032 selected when the user orders and an order button 2033 selected when the user orders a printed matter such as a postcard corresponding to the created layout data.

  If it is determined in step S214 that there is no sample image that can be initially displayed, in step S216, the data generation unit 414 converts the template or layout data designated by the user into the template data storage unit 365 or the layout data storage unit. The display processing unit 415 displays the editing mode display screen 2001 without a sample image as shown in FIG. 83.

  The edit mode display screen 2001 in FIG. 83 has the same configuration as the edit mode display screen 2001 in FIG. 82 except that no image is displayed in the frames 2942-1 to 2042-6.

  After the process of step S215 or step S216 is completed, in step S217, the layout advice display processing unit 421 is based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether any of the marks 2042-1 to 2042-6 has been selected.

  In step S217,? If it is determined that any one of the marks 2042-1 to 2042-6 has been selected, the layout advice display processing unit 421 in step S218 explains the corresponding frame as shown in FIG. The described explanation window 2061 is displayed in a pop-up on the edit mode display screen 2001 displayed on the display unit 373. As shown in FIG. 84 or 85, whether or not an image is displayed in the frame? When any of the marks 2042-1 to 2042-6 is selected, an explanation window 2061 is displayed.

  In step S217,? If it is determined that none of the marks 2042-1 to 2042-6 has been selected, or after the process of step S218, the hierarchy of the photo data search processing unit 413 and the display processing unit 415 is determined in step S219. The structure information display processing unit 423 is displayed in the hierarchical structure display area 2014 based on a user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 from the operation input unit 411 or via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not an operation input for selecting one of the folders stored in the apparatus is received. If it is determined in step S219 that an operation input for selecting any of the folders stored therein has not been received, the process proceeds to step S235.

  If it is determined in step S219 that an operation input for selecting any of the folders stored therein has been received, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 in step S220, for example, as shown in FIG. The text corresponding to the selected folder name is highlighted, and the photo data search processing unit 413 reads the data in the selected folder of the photo data storage unit 412.

  In step S <b> 221, the photo data search processing unit 413 determines whether the data in the selected folder of the photo data storage unit 412 is in a format that can be used by the photo layout advice program 401. If it is determined in step S221 that the format is not usable, the process returns to step S219, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S221 that the format is usable, in step S222, the photo data search processing unit 413 supplies the read image data to the display processing unit 415 via the data generation unit 414. The thumbnail image display processing unit 422 generates thumbnail image data corresponding to the supplied image data, and displays the thumbnail image in the thumbnail display area 2012 as shown in FIG.

  In step S223, the frame display processing unit 381 and the button / window display processing unit 383 are displayed in the thumbnail display area 2012 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether any one of the thumbnail images is selected.

  If it is determined in step S223 that one of the thumbnail images has been selected, in step S224, the frame display processing unit 381 can arrange the selected thumbnail image among the frames 2942-1 to 2042-6. A possible frame, that is, a frame in which image data can be arranged instead of text data is highlighted. In step S225, the button / window display processing unit 383 highlights the drag-and-drop icon 2016. .

  In step S226, the data generation unit 414 instructs the image data corresponding to any one of the thumbnail images to be arranged in the selected frame based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411. It is determined whether or not an operation has been input.

  If it is determined in step S226 that it has been instructed to place image data corresponding to any thumbnail image in the selected frame, in step S227, the data generation unit 414 is stored internally. The image data of the frame corresponding to the layout data is replaced with the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the user, and the layout data is updated and supplied to the display processing unit 415. Upon receiving the updated layout data, the display processing unit 415 displays the layout data in which the selected thumbnail image is displayed at the corresponding frame position in the layout display area 2011 and highlights the frame.

  In step S228, the data generation unit 414 determines whether or not an operation input has been performed on the image in the frame based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411, that is, the command button display area 2013. It is determined whether any of the buttons displayed on the button is operated or an input such as a drag operation for shifting the display position of the image in the frame is received.

  If it is determined in step S228 that an operation input has been performed on the image in the frame, in step S229, the data generation unit 414 updates the layout data based on the user operation input, and the display processing unit. 415 is supplied. The display processing unit 415 receives the updated layout data, displays the updated layout data based on the user's operation input, and highlights the frame. After the process of step S229 ends, the process returns to step S226, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S223 that no thumbnail image has been selected, it is determined in step S226 that it is not instructed to place image data corresponding to any thumbnail image in the selected frame. If it is determined that the operation input is not performed on the image in the frame in step S228, the user operation supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371 is performed. Based on the input, it is determined whether one of the frames for text data display is selected from the frames 2942-1 to 2042-6.

  If it is determined in step S230 that one of the frames for displaying text data has been selected, in step S231, the button / window display processing unit 383 displays the text data for display as shown in FIG. A text box window 2071 for receiving input of text described in the frame is displayed on the edit mode display screen 2001. In the text box window 2071, a text box 2081 for receiving input of text described in the frame for displaying the text data, and text data corresponding to the text input in the text box 2081, the selected text data display An OK button 2082 is provided for instructing to update the layout data as text data to be written in the frame for use.

  In step S232, the data generation unit 414 performs an operation for instructing to update the layout data based on the text data input to the text box 2081 based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411. It is determined whether or not an input has been made, that is, whether or not an OK button 2082 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S232 that an operation for instructing to update the layout data has been input, in step S233, the data generation unit 414 uses the input text data based on the user's operation input. The corresponding frame of the layout data is updated and supplied to the display processing unit 415. The display processing unit 415 receives the updated layout data, displays the updated layout data based on the user's operation input, and highlights the frame. After the process of step S233 ends, the process returns to step S230, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S230 that no text data display frame is selected, or if it is determined in step S232 that an operation for instructing to update layout data has not been input, In step S234, the data generation unit 414 determines whether photos or characters are input in all the frames of the latest layout data created. If it is determined in step S234 that no photos or characters have been input in all frames, the process returns to step S223, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S234 that a photo or character has been input to all frames, the process proceeds to step S246.

  If it is determined in step S219 that an operation input for selecting any of the folders stored therein has not been received, the button window of the photo data search processing unit 413 and the display processing unit 415 is determined in step S235. The display processing unit 383 and the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 are arranged in a hierarchical structure display area based on a user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 from the operation input unit 411 or via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not an operation input for selecting any one of folders stored in any external device among the folders displayed in 2014 has been received.

  If it is determined in step S235 that an operation input for selecting any folder stored in any external device has been received, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 selects the selected folder name in step S236. The text corresponding to is highlighted, and the button / window display processing unit 383 displays a login window 2091 as shown in FIG. In the login window 2091, a text box 2101 for inputting a login ID for logging in to the network album service providing server 21, a text box 2102 for inputting a password, and the login ID and password are input to the network album service providing server 21. The login button 2103 for sending and logging in, and when the user has not performed user registration for the service provided by the administrator of the network album service providing server 21 (that is, the login ID and password are When not registered, a “user registration” command text 2104 is provided for executing a process of browsing a web page or the like that allows user registration.

  In step S237, the operation input unit 411 determines whether or not input of information necessary for login is received, that is, the login ID is input to the text box 2101, the password is input to the text box 2102, and the login button 2103 is pressed. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S237 that the information necessary for login has not been received, the process in step S237 is repeated until it is determined that the information necessary for login has been received.

  If it is determined in step S237 that input of information necessary for login has been received, in step S238, the operation input unit 411 stores information required for authentication processing, including the input login ID and password. The data is transmitted to the network album service providing server 21 via the input / output unit 361.

  In step S239, the photo data search / acquisition unit 413 determines whether or not the user has correctly logged in based on a signal supplied from the network album service providing server 21 via the Internet 1. If it is determined in step S239 that the login has not been correctly performed, the process proceeds to step S245 described later.

  If it is determined in step S239 that the user has logged in correctly, in step S240, the data search and acquisition unit 413 accesses the network album service providing server 21 via the Internet 1 and searches for information that can be received by the user. To the display processing unit 373. The hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 of the display processing unit 372 displays receivable information in the hierarchical structure display area 2014 based on the supplied search results.

  In step S241, the photo data search processing unit 413 and the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 of the display processing unit 415 are supplied from the operation input unit 411 or the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. Based on the user's operation input, it is determined whether or not an operation input for selecting one of the folders indicating information stored outside displayed in the hierarchical structure display area 2014 has been received. If it is determined in step S241 that no folder is selected, the process proceeds to step S274.

  If it is determined in step S241 that an operation input for selecting one of the folders has been received, in step S242, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 highlights the text corresponding to the selected folder name, The data search processing unit 413 accesses the network album service providing server 21 via the Internet 1 and reads the data in the selected folder.

  In step S243, the photo data search processing unit 413 determines whether the data in the selected folder read in step S424 is in a format that can be used by the photo layout advice program 401. If it is determined in step S243 that the format is not usable, the process returns to step S241 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S243 that the format is usable, in step S244, the photograph data search processing unit 413 supplies the read image data to the display processing unit 415 via the data generation unit 414. The thumbnail image display processing unit 422 generates thumbnail image data corresponding to the supplied image data, displays the thumbnail image in the thumbnail display area 2012 in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. Proceed to step S223.

  If it is determined in step S239 that the login has not been correctly performed, in step S245, the button window display processing unit 383 causes the display unit 373 to display an error message for notifying the user that login has not been performed correctly. The process proceeds to step S274.

  If it is determined in step S234 that photos or characters have been input to all frames, in step S246, the button / window display processing unit 383 highlights the menu display area 2015 as shown in FIG. To do.

  In step S247, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 of the display processing unit 372 opens the menu display area 2015 based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not the button 2032 has been selected. If it is determined in step S243 that the disclosure button 2032 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S268 described later.

  If it is determined in step S247 that the publish button 2032 has been selected, in step S248, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 displays the publishing destination candidate name in the hierarchical structure display area 2014 as shown in FIG. To do. Here, the “publish to online album” button 2111 and the “publish to Blog article” button, which are command buttons one level below the publish button 2032 displayed in the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423, are displayed. 2112 is displayed.

  In step S249, the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 selects a network album as a publication destination based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. Whether or not the “Publish to Online Album” button 2111 displayed in the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 has been selected is determined. If it is determined in step S249 that the “Publish to online album” button 2111 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S258.

  If it is determined in step S249 that the “Publish to online album” button 2111 is selected, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 highlights the text corresponding to the selected publication destination in step S250. The button window display processing unit 383 displays a login window 2121 as shown in FIG. In the login window 2121, a text box 2131 for inputting a login ID for logging in to the network album service providing server 21, a text box 2132 for inputting a password, and the login ID and password are input to the network album service providing server 21. The login button 2133 for sending and logging in, and when the user has not performed user registration for the service provided by the administrator of the network album service providing server 21 (that is, the login ID and password are A “user registration” command text 2134 is provided for executing a process of browsing a web page or the like on which user registration can be performed.

  In step S251, the operation input unit 411 determines whether or not input of information necessary for login is received, that is, a login ID is input to the text box 2131, a password is input to the text box 2132, and the login button 2133 is pressed. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S251 that the information necessary for login is not received, the process in step S251 is repeated until it is determined that the information necessary for login is received.

  If it is determined in step S251 that input of information necessary for login has been received, in step S252, the operation input unit 411 stores information necessary for authentication processing, including the input login ID and password, as data. The data is transmitted to the network album service providing server 21 via the input / output unit 361.

  In step S <b> 253, the photo data search and acquisition unit 413 determines whether or not the user has correctly logged in based on a signal supplied from the network album service providing server 21 via the Internet 1. If it is determined in step S253 that the login has not been correctly performed, the process proceeds to step S264 described later.

  If it is determined in step S253 that the user has logged in correctly, in step S254, the data search and acquisition unit 413 can supply the layout data supplied from the network album service providing server 21 via the Internet 1 to the user. Information indicating the album name is supplied to the display processing unit 373. Based on the supplied album name, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 of the display processing unit 372 displays an album list in which the user can publish layout data in the hierarchical structure information display area 2014 as shown in FIG. indicate. The hierarchical structure information display area 2014 is provided with a button 2151 which is pressed when the selected album is confirmed.

  In step S <b> 255, the button / window display processing unit 383 includes the albums displayed in the hierarchical structure information display area 2014 based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. It is determined whether or not any of the selections has been confirmed, that is, whether or not the button 2151 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S255 that an album has not been selected, the process in step S255 is repeated until it is determined that an album has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S255 that an album has been selected, in step S256, the button window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372 causes a display unit 373 to display a title input window (not shown). In the title input window, for example, a text box for describing the title of the layout data to be uploaded, and the title name described in the text box are displayed to the user when the layout data is uploaded to the network album service providing server 21. There is an upload button to be selected. The user selects the upload button after describing the title of layout data to be uploaded in the text box.

  In step S257, the data generation unit 371 obtains the title name input by the user from the operation input unit 411 and sets the generated layout data as the data name, which is input via the data input / output unit 361. The created layout data and corresponding template data with a title are uploaded to the selected album in the network album service providing server 21, and the process proceeds to step S268. During the process of uploading layout data to the network album service providing server 21, an upload process process notification window 2161 as shown in FIG. 94 may be displayed.

  If it is determined in step S249 that the network album is not selected as the publishing destination, that is, if it is determined that Blog is selected as the publishing destination, in step S258, the button / window display processing unit of the display processing unit 372 is selected. 383 displays a blog site login window 2181 as shown in FIG. 95 on the display unit 373. In the Blog site login window 2181 shown in FIG. 95, a text box 2191 for inputting a login ID for logging in to the Blog server 20, a text box 2192 for inputting a password, and the login ID and password are input to the Blog server 20. The login button 2193 for logging in and the user does not register as a user for the service provided by the administrator of the Blog server 20 (that is, the login ID and password are registered). If not, a “user registration” command text 2194 is provided for executing a process of browsing a web page or the like on which user registration can be performed.

  In step S259, the operation input unit 411 determines whether or not input of information necessary for login is received, that is, a login ID is input in the text box 2191, a password is input in the text box 21092, and the login button 2193 is pressed. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S259 that input of information necessary for login has not been received, the process of step S259 is repeated until it is determined that input of information necessary for login has been received.

  If it is determined in step S259 that input of information necessary for login has been received, in step S260, the operation input unit 411 stores information necessary for authentication processing, including the input login ID and password, as data. The data is transmitted to the blog server 20 via the input / output unit 361.

  In step S <b> 261, the photo data search and acquisition unit 413 determines whether or not the user has logged in correctly based on a signal supplied from the blog server 20 via the Internet 1. If it is determined in step S261 that the login has not been performed correctly, the process proceeds to step S245 described later.

  If it is determined in step S261 that the user has logged in correctly, in step S262, the data search and acquisition unit 413 accesses the blog server 20 via the Internet 1, and the blog name that allows the user to upload layout data. And the category is searched and supplied to the display processing unit 373. As shown in FIG. 96, the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 and the button / window display processing unit 383 of the display processing unit 372, as shown in FIG. An input text box 2211 is displayed.

  A blog and category selection window 2201 is displayed in the hierarchical structure display area 2014. When uploading to a plurality of blogs is possible, a plurality of blog names are displayed, and the category in the blog in which layout data is uploaded as an entry is displayed in the hierarchy Display in structure. A title input text box 2211 is provided in the entry creation window 2202 together with a layout data display area 2212 for displaying layout data uploaded as an entry. In the entry creation window 2202, radio buttons and drops for setting whether to perform blog rolling, whether to accept comments and pings, as necessary, based on the functions supported by the blog server 20. A down list box is provided.

  In step S262, the photo data search processing unit 413 and the hierarchical structure information display processing unit 423 of the display processing unit 415 are supplied from the operation input unit 411 or the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. Based on the user's operation input, it is determined whether a blog and category selection and title input have been received. In step S262, if it is determined that the selection of the blog and category and the input of the title have not been received, the process of step S262 is repeated until it is determined that these inputs have been received.

  In step S262, when it is determined that the selection of the blog and category and the input of the title have been received, in step S263, the data generation unit 371 acquires the title name input by the user from the operation input unit 411. Information indicating the generated layout data and corresponding template data, text data corresponding to the input body of the blog, and various settings via the data input / output unit 361 as the data name of the generated layout data Is uploaded to the selected category of the blog server 20 with the input title, and the process proceeds to step S268. During the process of uploading layout data to the blog server 20, an upload process process notification window 2231 as shown in FIG. 97 is displayed. When the upload is completed, an upload end notification window 22411 as shown in FIG. 98 is displayed. May be displayed.

  If it is determined in step S243 that the public button 2032 has not been selected, the button / window display processing unit 383 in step S268 performs the user operation supplied from the operation input unit 411 via the data generation unit 371. Based on the input, it is determined whether or not the “Save” button 2031 in the menu display area 2015 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S268 that the “save” button 2031 in the menu display area 2015 has been selected, in step S269, the button / window display processing unit 383 inputs the data name of the layout data as shown in FIG. A window 2251 is displayed. The data name input window 2251 is provided with a text box 2261 for inputting the data name of the layout data, and an OK button 2262 that is selected when the data name input to the text box 2261 is used as the data name of the layout data. Therefore, the user inputs the data name of the layout data in the text box 2261 and selects the OK button 2262.

  In step S <b> 270, the data generation unit 371 stores the created layout data in the layout data storage unit 367 with the data name input by the user supplied from the operation input unit 411.

  If it is determined in step S268 that the “save” button 2031 in the menu display area 2015 has not been selected, or after the processing in step S270 is completed, the button / window display processing unit 383 displays the menu in step S271. It is determined whether or not the “order” button 2033 in the area 2015 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S271 that the “order” button 2033 has been selected, in step S272, the button / window display processing unit 383 displays the data name, output format, and transmission of the layout data as shown in FIG. An input window 2271 for prompting the user to make a previous input is displayed. The input window 2271 includes a text box 2281 for inputting the data name of the layout data, a radio button group 2282 for setting the type of printed matter to be ordered, a text box 2283 for inputting the address of the destination, and a destination address Since the text box 2284 for inputting the name is provided, the user inputs the data name of the layout data in the text box 2281, selects one of the radio button group 2282, the text box 2283, and In the text box 2284, the destination address and name are entered.

  In step S <b> 273, the data generation unit 371 acquires the data name input by the user supplied from the operation input unit 411, assigns the data name to the created layout data, and supplies the data name to the data input / output unit 361. . The data input / output unit 361 obtains the output format of the layout data to be transmitted input by the user and supplied from the operation input unit 368, and the information of the transmission destination, and stores the device information and application key storage unit 362, the ticket Among the application key, user identifier, or ticket, information used for authentication by the output service providing server 22 is acquired from the storage unit 363, and together with these information, the supplied layout data is output in the designated output format. A signal for requesting transmission to the designated destination is transmitted to the output service providing server 22 via the Internet 1. The processing executed by the output service providing server 22 for sending the printed matter to the destination desired by the user will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S241 that no folder is selected, after the process of step S245 is completed, if it is determined in step S271 that the “order” button 2033 is not selected, or in step S273. After the processing is completed, in step S274, the photograph data table processing unit 386 turns on / off the user sample image based on the signal indicating the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the data input / output unit 361. It is determined whether or not an operation input for switching OFF has been received.

  If it is determined in step S274 that a user sample image ON / OFF switching operation input has been received, in step S275, the photograph data table processing unit 386 executes processing for switching ON / OFF of the display of the sample image. . That is, as shown in FIG. 101, the photo data table processing unit 386 displays an image in the frame as shown in FIG. 102 when the image is not displayed in the frame, as shown in FIG. Thus, when an image is displayed in the frame, the display of the image in the frame is stopped as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S274 that the user sample image ON / OFF switching operation input has not been received, or after the processing in step S275 is completed, the wire frame display processing unit 385 performs data input in step S276. Based on a signal indicating the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 368 via the output unit 361, it is determined whether or not an operation input for ON / OFF switching of the wire frame has been received.

  When it is determined in step S276 that an operation input for switching ON / OFF of the wire frame has been received, in step S277, the wire frame display processing unit 385 switches ON / OFF of the display of the wire frame. That is, when the wire frame is displayed in the frame as shown in FIG. 101 or 102, the wire frame display processing unit 385, for example, as shown in FIG. When the wire frame is not displayed in the frame as shown in FIG. 82 or 83, the wire frame is displayed in the frame as shown in FIG. 101 or FIG.

  If it is determined in step S276 that the operation input for switching the ON / OFF of the wire frame has not been received, or after the process of step S277 is completed, the operation input unit 411 is terminated by the user in step S278. It is determined whether or not an operation input to be commanded has been received. If it is determined in step S278 that an operation input commanding termination has not been received, the process returns to step S217, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S278 that an operation input commanding termination has been received, the process is terminated.

  As described above, for example, the user can download the photo layout advice program 401 to the personal computer 31 or the like and execute the photo layout advice program 401 or can obtain the photo layout advice program 401 via the Internet 1 or the like. Photos and images can be easily laid out beautifully like a magazine according to guides and advice. Further, the created layout data can be stored or released to the Internet 1, and can be transmitted not only to electronic data but also as printed matter to a desired destination.

  Next, processing of the photo viewer program 441 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 291, the button / window display processing unit 453 determines whether an operation input for instructing activation of the photo viewer program 441 is received based on the user's operation input supplied from the operation input unit 451. If it is determined in step S291 that an operation input commanding activation of the photo viewer program 441 has not been received, the process of step S291 is repeated until it is determined that an operation input commanding activation of the photo viewer program 441 has been received. It is.

  If it is determined in step S291 that an operation input commanding activation of the photo viewer program 441 has been received, in step S292, the display processing unit 367 refers to the layout data stored in the layout data storage unit 367 and displays the display data. A list of possible layout data is displayed on the display unit 373.

  In step S293, the layout data analysis unit 452 selects layout data that the user desires to display from the list of layout data displayed on the display unit 373 based on the user operation input supplied from the operation input unit 451. It is determined whether or not the designation is received. If it is determined in step S293 that the layout data has not been specified, the process of step S293 is repeated until it is determined that the layout data has been specified.

  If it is determined in step S293 that the layout data has been designated, in step S294, the layout data analysis unit 452 performs an analysis process in order to convert the designated layout data into display data that can be displayed by itself. And the analysis result is output to the display processing unit 454.

  In step S295, the display processing unit 454 reads the designated layout data from the layout data storage unit 367, and the layout data designated by the user based on the analysis result of the layout data supplied from the layout data analysis unit 452. Is displayed on the display unit 373 and the process is terminated.

  When the photo viewer program 441 is downloaded to the mobile phone 32 and executed, for example, as shown in FIG. 104, six frames 684-1 to 684-6 can be displayed on the display screen 671. Among them, by selecting the frame 684-1 and selecting the overall button 2301, as shown in FIG. 105, the frame 684-1 is not displayed but includes a portion that exists as photographic data. It is also possible to display a display screen 2311 that displays the entire photo data.

  For example, when the shape of the liquid crystal display 108 of the mobile phone 32 is horizontally long but the overall shape of the photographic data is vertically long and the respective shapes do not match, as shown in FIG. 2311 may be displayed so that a margin other than the display screen 2311 is provided in the liquid crystal display 108. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 107, the screen 2311 is displayed on the entire liquid crystal display 108, and photographic data is displayed. May be moved by a user operation input (for example, pressing a cursor button, etc.) so that a portion outside the display area of the liquid crystal display 108 can be displayed.

  By doing so, for example, even when complex photo data as shown in FIG. 108 is used for layout data and a device with a small display screen such as the mobile phone 32 is used. By executing the photo viewer program 441, a desired image can be enlarged and displayed.

  In addition, when the photo viewer program 441 is downloaded to the CE device 33 and executed, the CE device 33 usually has significantly lower user operability than the personal computer 31, the portable phone 32, the PDA 34, or the like. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 109, the layout data analysis unit 452 displays the frames included in the layout data in an order that is easy for the viewer to understand and in an effective display method. The layout data is analyzed so that the display can be controlled.

  At this time, a display effect such as zooming the image or displaying the text described in the text frame superimposed on the photo is displayed as in the display from the fourth frame to the fifth frame in FIG. It is preferable to do so.

  As described above, the layout data created by the photography advice program 351 or the photo layout advice program 401 is uploaded to the Blog server 20 and published, and that the Blog has a function of track back. Therefore, an online gallery can be configured using layout data created by the photography advice program 351 or the photo layout advice program 401 using the trackback function.

  As described above, the template is a frame that allows a photograph related to a specific content to be taken with a good composition, such as gourmet food, pets, sports, etc., or a photographed photograph can be laid out beautifully like a magazine. Since the data includes the composition of the wire frame and advice, the layout data created using the same template is composed of photographs with relevant contents. Therefore, an online gallery can be constructed if layout data created using the same template can be collected.

  Here, a general trackback mechanism will be described.

  Since normal HTML links specify the link destination using a tag on the link source page, the link is a one-way link from the link source to the link source page. There was no way to know explicitly. On the other hand, the trackback is a function that displays a list of link sources when a certain web page is linked from another, that is, a function that realizes a reverse link.

  For example, in a Blog content management system represented by MovableType (trademark), articles are generally managed in units called “entries”, which means posting (registration) of an article once. Trackback, which is a function for referring articles between servers, can be set for each entry. For example, when an entry A is added, the content is managed by another blog system. If it is related to the entry, the “Trackback URL” of entry B is registered when article A is posted. A's Blog system calls B's Trackback URL using a part of the registered contents of A as a parameter. In the B blog system, the trackback information is listed and displayed as “site referring to the B entry”. Here, the contents registered in the track back include the name of the blog, the title of the entry, the link (URL) to the original article, and a part of the entered information.

  Normally, in order for a user who uses a blog-compatible application running on the blog server 20 to perform trackback, when writing his / her blog entry on the blog entry description screen, he / she enters the trackback URL entry field. It is sufficient to input a ping URL of the link destination, whereby the address of the entry of the link source can be notified to the link destination.

  Since the trackback is a relationship from the link source to the link destination, the link source cannot arbitrarily conclude a mutual link connection relationship, and it is necessary to form an agreement with the link destination. Specifically, the owner of the link destination can determine whether or not the link destination enables the trackback. For example, the option “accept trackback ping” can be designated. Ping is an act of informing the link destination that "Link to the page you manage" to the link destination, and even if the link source is "accepting trackback ping" You can also delete the ping later.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 110, a Trackback name space 2341 and a Trackback URL 2342 are described in advance in the XML data of the template. TrackbackURL 2342 is a trackback Ping URL of an online gallery, and the XML namespace provides a mechanism for determining which schema a tag belongs to using the tag name and other information. That is, a tag is defined by the URI of the namespace declaration. When layout data created from this template is uploaded to the Blog server 20, the user causes the Blog server 20 to execute trackback (perform a trackback request) based on the trackback Ping URL of the online gallery. As a result, a link is established from the page of the online gallery to the entry in which the layout data composed of the corresponding template is uploaded.

  FIG. 111 is a functional block diagram showing functions that can be executed by the Blog server 20 having the function of configuring an online gallery using trackbacks.

  The data input / output unit 2321 receives various information input by the user using the personal computer 31-1 or 31-2, the portable telephone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33, or the personal computer 31 owned by the user. -1 or 31-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 is transmitted necessary information.

  The trackback ping acquisition unit 2322 receives the supply of the trackback ping transmitted from another blog and supplies the trackback ping to the trackback processing unit 2324. The trackback URL acquisition unit 2323 acquires the trackback URL included in the layout data or the trackback URL transmitted from the device used by the user who uploaded the layout data, and supplies the trackback URL to the trackback processing unit 2324. Based on the information supplied from the trackback ping acquisition unit 2322 and the trackback URL acquisition unit 2323, the trackback processing unit 2324 receives the trackback ping from the link source, tracks back to the link destination, and controls the RSS data creation unit 2325. Thus, the RSS data is created or updated and reflected in the entry published on the Internet 1.

  The RSS data creation unit 2325 creates or updates RSS data. RSS is one of the formats for providing blog headline information described in XML, and is a standard for efficiently exchanging blog titles, dates, link destinations, and the like. Making RSS files available for each blog available is called an “RSS feed”. By using RSS feeds, Blogs can display each other's information and provide update information. Recently, not only blogs but also general news sites provide RSS files, which can be easily displayed on other sites.

  The page data publishing unit 2326 controls the entry of the entries stored in the page data storage unit 2327 to the Internet 1, creates a new entry using the uploaded layout data, and creates or updates the blog page. . The page data storage unit 2327 stores data constituting an entry such as layout data uploaded from the user. The upload and download processing unit 2328 acquires information such as layout data uploaded from the user and stores the information in the page data storage unit 2327 or is stored in the page data storage unit 2327 based on a request from the user. Searching for information and downloading it.

  A thumbnail image data creation and storage unit 2329 generates and stores a thumbnail image corresponding to the layout data based on the layout data stored in the page data storage unit 2327.

  The user authentication processing unit 2330 receives the supply of a login ID and password for logging in to the blog server 20, and executes authentication processing with reference to user registration data stored in the authentication data storage unit 2331. The user information of the newly registered user is registered in the authentication data storage unit 2331. The authentication data storage unit 2331 stores the login ID and password of the registered user, and stores personal information of the user as necessary.

  As described with reference to FIG. 110, the online gallery can be opened in any server having a trackback function by setting the trackback URL 2342 of the template. For example, by causing the template download server 13 to have the function of the blog server described with reference to FIG. 111, the template download server 13 can open an online gallery corresponding to the template downloaded by itself. In addition, an individual user can open an online gallery by setting a predetermined URL of the individual user's blog server 13 as the trackback URL 2342 of the template.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 112, processing when a gallery is constructed using trackback will be described. Here, it is assumed that the first user creates layout data and uploads it to his / her own Blog server 13 and also performs trackback on the online gallery specified by the template on which the layout data is based. To do. As described above, the administrator of the online gallery may be the administrator of the template download server 13 or a second user different from the first user.

  In step S301, the template data download processing unit 364 or the layout data input / output processing unit 366 of the photography advice program 351 or the photo layout advice program 401 downloaded and executed on the device used by the first user is: Download of template or layout data including a trackback ping URL (address for receiving trackback ping) as shown in FIG. 110 from the template download server 13 (or the second user's blog server 20-1). Request.

  Here, the trackback Ping URL is equal to the online gallery published by the template download server 13 or the online gallery URL published by the blog server 20-2 of the second user.

  In step S302, the template search and supply processing unit 485 of the template download server 13 (or the second user's Blog server 20-1) includes a template including a trackback Ping URL together with a ticket issued from the ticket issuing unit 486. The layout data is transmitted to the device used by the first user via the Internet 1.

  The processes in step S301 and step S302 are basically the same as the template download process 1 described with reference to FIG. 29 or the template download process 2 described with reference to FIG.

  In step S303, the template data storage unit 365 or the layout data storage unit 367 of the photography advice program 351 or the photo layout advice program 401 downloaded and executed on the device used by the first user Is stored in association with the downloaded template or layout data.

  In step S304, each block of the photography advice program 351 or the photography layout advice program 401 downloaded and executed on the device used by the first user is the photography described with reference to FIGS. By executing processing similar to the advice program execution processing or the photo layout advice program execution processing described with reference to FIGS. 76 to 80, in step S304, using the template or layout data including the trackback Ping URL, New layout data is created, and in step S305, the created layout data is uploaded to the Blog server 20-2 that holds the data of the first user's Blog page.

  In step S306, the page data disclosure unit 2326 of the blog server 20-2 receives the layout data and publishes it on the Internet 1.

  In step S307, each block of the photography advice program 351 or the photograph layout advice program 401 downloaded and executed on the device used by the first user generates new layout data as necessary. Upload to the blog server 20-2 and add the layout data uploaded to the blog server 20-2, or change the contents of the already uploaded layout data and upload to the blog server 20-2 By overwriting, the layout data uploaded to the Blog server 20-2 is updated.

  In step S308, the page data publishing unit 2326 of the blog server 20-2 updates the blog page published on the Internet 1 as necessary by a predetermined process.

  In step S307, the data input / output unit 361 of the photography advice program 351 or the photo layout advice program 401 downloaded and executed on the device used by the first user is the operation input unit 411 or the operation input unit 451. A trackback request is made to the blog server 20-2 based on the user's operation input supplied from. That is, the data input / output unit 361 displays the web page indicated by the trackback Ping URL from the Blog page including the layout data uploaded in Step S305, which is disclosed to the Internet 1 by the Blog server 20-2, that is, FIG. The trackback parameters are requested to be transmitted to the template download pages 501, 521, 541, 542, or 543, or the blog page 1001 or 1011 of FIG. 73 or 74.

  The trackback is performed on the online gallery indicated by the trackback pingURL included in the layout data. On the other hand, as a different implementation method of the trackback request, for example, the trackback pingURL included in the template is stored in the device used by the user, but is not included in the layout data uploaded to the blog server 20. When the user registers the layout data as an entry in the blog server 20-1, the URL of the online gallery is not uploaded together with the layout data, and is stored when the user desires a trackback. The trackback pingURL being recorded may be notified to the blog server 20-1 as the trackback destination.

  In step S310, the trackback processing unit 2324 of the blog server 20-2 receives the trackback request, and sets the trackback parameters as shown in FIG. 113 to the template download server 13 (or the blog server 20-1 of the second user). ).

  As shown in FIG. 113, the trackback parameter includes a userimageURL indicating the URL of the completed layout data, a thumburl indicating the URL of the corresponding thumbnail, a Blog_name indicating the name of the Blog, a title indicating the title of the entry, and a description of the entry. Information such as excerpt indicating a part of the URL and url indicating the URL of the entry.

  FIG. 114 shows a description example of the trackback parameter in XML. As shown in FIG. 114, the trackback parameter is also described in XML, and is transmitted from the link source to the link destination.

  In step S311, the web page display processing unit 487 of the template download server 13 (or the second user's blog server 20-1) uses the trackback parameters supplied via the data input / output unit 481 and the data acquisition unit 483. Based on this, the page is updated to create an RSS described in XML, and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 115 shows an example when the online gallery created by such processing is displayed using a web browser, and FIG. 116 shows an example when it is displayed using an RSS Reader.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 115, on a page 2371 of an online gallery relating to gourmet, layout data created using the template is displayed in the trackback thumbnail image display area 2382 with respect to the thumbnail image 2381 of the base template. The thumbnail image of is displayed. By doing this, for users before downloading the template, it is possible to imagine what kind of layout data can be created using the template, and discover unexpected ways of using the template. For users who download templates and upload layout data created using the templates to the blog server 20 and publish them, their own willingness can be promoted. Can introduce blog widely.

  In addition, in the gallery page 2371 relating to gourmet, by linking the URL of the blog entry where the layout data is disclosed (that is, the trackback URL of the trackback source) to the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail image display area 2382. The user who has viewed the gourmet gallery page 2371 can click the thumbnail image of interest to refer to the page of the Blog entry in which the layout data of interest is published. Can do.

  Further, as described above, the layout created in the output service providing server 22 in the processing executed by the photography advice program 351 or the photography layout advice program 401 downloaded and executed on the device used by the user. By transmitting the data, it is possible to receive a service for transmitting to a desired transmission destination as a printed matter such as a postcard.

  FIG. 116 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions executed by the output service providing server 22.

  The data input / output unit 2431 receives the layout data generated by the user using the personal computer 31-1 or 31-2, the mobile phone 32, or the like via the Internet 1, and the layout data as a printed matter such as a postcard. Receiving various information such as authentication information and destination information necessary for transmission to the destination, and outputting destination information and layout data when the layout data is transmitted as a printed matter such as a postcard to the printer 23. For example, information is exchanged with various servers such as the accounting server 24 via the Internet 1.

  The data acquisition unit 483 acquires information received by the data input / output unit 171, user authentication information is stored in the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2434, and information related to the transmission destination of the printed material is stored in the destination information analysis unit 2435. Information indicating the layout data and the output format is supplied to the layout data analysis unit 2437, respectively.

  The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2434 executes authentication processing based on the user registration information stored in the user data storage unit 3433 using the user identifier or application key as authentication information. Only when the authentication process is correctly executed, the data acquisition unit 483 supplies information related to the transmission destination of the printed material to the destination information analysis unit 2435, and information indicating the layout data and the output format to the layout data analysis unit 2437, respectively. To do.

  The destination information analysis unit 2435 receives and analyzes input information related to the transmission destination of the printed matter, and supplies the analysis result to the destination information output control unit 2436. For example, when the output service providing server 22 is installed in a plurality of regions (the same region of the same country or a plurality of countries) as shown in FIG. 118, the output closest to the transmission destination If the output processing is performed by the service providing server 22, the cost required for sending can be reduced. Therefore, the destination information analysis unit 2435 analyzes the information about the transmission destination of the printed matter, and the output service providing server 22 in another region processes whether it is better to output using the printer 23 connected to itself. It is determined whether it is better, and the determination result is supplied to the destination information output control unit 2436.

  If the destination information output control unit 2436 determines that it is best to output the printed matter using the printer 23 connected to itself, the address label is printed by the printer 23 connected to itself. As described above, information such as the address and name of the transmission destination is supplied to the printer 23. If the destination information output control unit 2436 determines that the output service providing server 22 in another region should process, the output service providing server 22 shown in FIG. -1 to 22-8, the output service providing server 22 closest to the destination of the printed material, such as the address and name of the destination, and the layout data analyzed and converted into print data The input / output control unit 2431 is controlled to transmit.

  For example, when the print destination is country C, the output service providing server 22 closest to the print destination is the output service providing server 22-7. For example, when the print destination is country A The output service providing server 22 closest to the printed material transmission destination closest to the printed material transmission destination is any one of the output service providing servers 22-1 to 22-4.

  Next, a printed matter output process executed by the output service providing server 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S341, the data acquisition unit 2432 is based on the information input via the data input / output unit 2431, from a device used by any user or the output service providing server 22 in another region. Then, it is determined whether or not a request for transmitting a printed matter of layout data has been received via the Internet 1. If it is determined in step S341 that the request for transmission of the printed layout data has not been received, the processing in step S341 is repeated until it is determined that the request for transmission of the printed layout data has been received.

  If it is determined in step S341 that a request for transmission of printed matter of layout data has been received, in step S342, the data acquisition unit 2432 determines whether the request source is any of the devices held by the user. to decide. If the request source is the output service providing server 22 in another area, the authentication process has already been executed by the output service providing server 22 in another area, and therefore it is not necessary in this process.

  If it is determined in step S342 that the request source is one of the devices owned by the user, in step S343, the data acquisition unit 2432 includes, for example, a user identifier, an application key, among the supplied information. Alternatively, authentication information required by the output service provider such as a ticket is extracted and supplied to the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2434. The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2434 performs authentication processing based on the user registration information stored in the user data storage unit 2433.

  In step S344, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2434 determines whether the user has been correctly authenticated.

  If it is determined in step S344 that the user has been correctly authenticated, the destination information analysis unit 2435 acquires information on the data transmission destination from the data acquisition unit 2432 in step S345.

  In step S346, the destination information analysis unit 2435 analyzes the data transmission destination information, and information necessary for transmission such as layout data and destination information should be transmitted to the output service providing server 22 in another region. Judge whether there is.

  If it is determined in step S346 that the data should not be transmitted to the output service providing server 22 in another area, the layout data analysis unit 2437 acquires the layout data from the data acquisition unit 2432 in step S347, and requests The layout data is analyzed based on the original designated output format (for example, postcard, album, poster, etc.), and in step S348, data for printout is generated and output to the layout data output control unit 2438. .

  In step S349, the layout data output control unit 2438 outputs the print data to the printer 23 via the data input / output unit 2431 for printing.

  In step S350, the destination information output control unit 2436 outputs, via the data input / output unit 2431, information for printing the destination address and name on the tag sticker to the printer 23 based on the destination information and prints it. The process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S344 that the user has not been correctly authenticated, in step S351, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2434 requests the transmission of printed layout data via the data input / output unit 2431. Originally, an error message is transmitted and the process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S346 that the data should be transmitted to the output service providing server 22 in another area, the destination information analysis unit 2435 analyzes the data transmission destination information in step S353, The transmission of the data transmission destination information and the layout data to the output service providing server 22 in the region closest to the data transmission destination that is most suitable for transmission of the destination information and the like is controlled, and the processing is terminated.

  Through such processing, for example, the layout data is provided as printed matter even to a user who has only a device that is not suitable for executing an application program for referring to layout data, such as the personal computer 31. It becomes possible to do. Furthermore, by making the output service providing servers 22 scattered in each area, even when a distant area is a transmission destination, it is possible to transmit the printed matter as cheaply as possible.

  Also, as explained above, guides and messages that assist the user are displayed so that the user can easily and effectively take pictures with a composition that can be beautifully arranged when laid out. A photography advice program 351 that can create image data that can be effectively laid out like a magazine by using the photographed photo data, and image data such as a photo magazine In order to enable effective layout, a photo layout advice program 401 that can display a guide or a message that assists the user, and the created layout data is viewed in a method suitable for the apparatus. Photo viewer program that can analyze the layout data so that Three programs of the arm 441, are using the same template.

  Therefore, for example, the layout data created by the photography advice program 351 can be re-edited using the photography layout advice program 401, and among the layout data generated using the photography layout advice program 401, When there is a frame for which a new photo is desired to be used, the layout data generated using the photo layout advice program 401 is stored in the portable telephone 32 that can execute the photo shooting advice program 351 while referring to the layout data. It is also possible to shoot a desired subject and replace the layout data, and send the layout data created in this way to a user who has only the photo viewer program 441 for enjoyment. Etc. are possible.

  When exchanging template data and layout data between devices that can execute these programs, the same user has the same local network information as described above. It is possible to send and receive information on a one-to-one basis without performing any authentication process. However, when template data and layout data are exchanged between different users, the information cannot be exchanged one-on-one because they do not have the same local network information. Also, when a user who has a lot of template data and layout data wants to use these data at a desired point using a portable device such as a portable telephone 32 or a PDA 34, for example. Depending on the storage capacity of the device, it is difficult to store all template data and layout data inside the apparatus.

  Therefore, a user who uses these applications can save template data and layout data in the data sharing server 18 and can read template data and layout data saved in the data sharing server 18. Thus, template data and layout data can be exchanged between different users, and necessary data can be read out and used at a desired point using a portable device such as a portable phone 32 or a PDA 34. The obtained layout data can be used by personal computers 31 installed at different points.

  At this time, when the device used by the user is a device having sufficient information processing capability, such as the personal computer 31, like a portable device such as the mobile phone 32 or the PDA 34, If the device does not have sufficient information processing capability, or is a device that is excellent in specific functions such as image display processing, such as the CE device 33, but other functions are not sufficient. There is a case. When completely identical information is handled using devices having significantly different functions, there may be a problem due to the difference in functions between the devices.

  Specifically, for example, when a process using a template or layout data is executed using a portable device such as the portable phone 32 or the PDA 34, if the size of the template data is large, the communication time, and In addition, there is a problem that a communication cost is required, a processing time for analyzing the template data is required, and further, a display time is delayed. In order to solve such a problem, it is preferable that the data format can be converted depending on the type of device to which the data is downloaded.

  Therefore, the data conversion server 15 executes processing for converting the data format of the template or layout data based on the request of each server or the device used by the user.

  FIG. 120 is a functional block diagram for explaining the data conversion function executed by the data conversion server 15.

  The data input / output unit 2451 receives various information input by the user using the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 via the Internet 1, Necessary information is transmitted / received to / from the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33 owned by the Internet, or the user information database 12 or the template database 14 Information is exchanged, and information is exchanged with various servers such as the billing server 24 via the Internet 1.

  The data acquisition unit 2452 acquires information received by the data input / output unit 2451, and sends it to the user data reading unit 2454, user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2453, data transmission destination device determination unit 2455, or data conversion unit 2456. Supply. The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2453 recognizes the user identifier and application key, confirms the download destination of the template, and executes authentication processing. The user data reading unit 2454 executes processing for reading necessary user information from the user information database 12.

  The data transmission destination device determination unit 2455 determines the size and format of data that can be processed by the data transmission destination device based on the information supplied from the data acquisition unit 2452, and transmits the determination result to the data conversion unit 4256. .

  In order to prevent problems that occur due to handling completely the same information using devices having significantly different functions, for example, the following situations can be considered.

  First, when template data is downloaded from the template download server 13 or other servers, data conversion may be required depending on the device to which the template is downloaded. In such a case, for example, a device that requests a template download may make a template download request via the data conversion server 15 instead of making a template download request directly to the template download server 13. The template download server 13 that has received the template download request requests the data conversion server 15 to convert the template according to the type of the device requested to download the template, and requests the template download for the converted template. You may make it transmit to a previous apparatus.

  Further, even when templates and layout data are exchanged between devices having the same local network information, data conversion may be necessary due to the difference in the functions of these devices. In such a case, the device on the template or layout data transmission side may request the data conversion server 15 to convert the data and supply the converted template to the destination device. The device on the side of receiving the layout data may request data transmission to the device holding the template and the layout data via the data conversion server 15.

  Furthermore, when data is shared using the data sharing server 18, data conversion may be necessary depending on the function of the device that reads the shared template and layout data. In such a case, the data sharing server 18 requests the data conversion server 15 to convert the template according to the type of device from which the shared template and layout data are read out, and the converted template is sent to the template download request destination. It is preferable to transmit to the device.

  Based on the information supplied from the data acquisition unit 2452, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2455 determines the size and format of data that can be processed by the data transmission destination device in accordance with each situation. Is transmitted to the data converter 4256.

  Based on the information supplied from the data transmission destination device determination unit 2455, the data conversion unit 2456 supplies the template or layout data to be converted, which is supplied from the data acquisition unit 2452, to the data that can be processed by the data transmission destination device. The data is converted into a size and format and transmitted via the data input / output unit 2451.

  For example, the original template data includes sample image data, and the layout data includes image data that is laid out instead of the sample image data. It is not desirable for devices with relatively poor performance to receive and process. Therefore, the data conversion unit 2456 divides the template or layout data to be converted into a “background image” and a “foreground image” that are rendered (data reduced) to the screen size of the transmission destination of these data.

  The “background image” is an image obtained by rendering information that is not included in layout data created by the user, such as a sample image. A “foreground image” is an image obtained by rendering a design other than a photograph, such as a frame design. The data format of the foreground image is an image format (transparent GIF, transparent PNG, etc.) that supports transparent display in the data transmission destination device. That is, the data format of the foreground image is determined depending on the model. The data conversion unit 2456 extracts necessary additional information such as coordinate information and text information, collects the background image, the foreground image, and the additional information file into one JAR format file and transmits it through the data input / output unit 2451. .

  For example, when the transmission destination of the template and layout data is the mobile phone 32, the screen size that can be displayed on the mobile phone 32 and the image format that can be displayed are often different for each model. Since the data conversion unit 2456 dynamically converts the data based on the model of the transmission destination device of the template and layout data, the template download server 13 does not need to create a plurality of templates in advance.

  The SVG format is a data format having a small data size and high compatibility with respect to the XML forming the original template and layout data.

  The SVG data format is based on XML, and all internal data is described as text data. In SVG, images are represented by vector information such as straight lines and curves. Compared to image formats such as GIF and JPEG, which must have all the pixel information that makes up the image, the number of dots is huge even with a small data size. Image data can be expressed. In addition, SVG can display images with optimum quality on any device, such as a high-resolution CRT, printer, or personal digital assistant, and can perform processing independent of the resolution of the display. Furthermore, since SVG is a text format, editing image data only requires rewriting the internal text.

  FIG. 121 shows an example of setting of the hierarchical structure and id attribute of a template or layout data described in SVG.

  g id = "Page *" is an ID for Page * in order to distinguish pages when a template has a plurality of pages. The g tag with ID PictureLayer * represents a single photo area. A number (frame index) is described in *. For example, in the photography advice program, photography can be guided in this frame index order.

  As information of the layer below PictureLayer *, defs path id = "Mask *", g (g tag for Clippath application) image id = "Sample ***" and image id = "User ***" And g id = "Wireframe *" and display = "none". A path tag having an ID of Mask- * represents a drag-and-drop region of a photo and a photo mask. In the portion of *, the same number as the frame index of the corresponding PictureLayer is described. An image tag having an ID of Sample *** means that a sample (reference) image is inserted in the corresponding frame. An image tag having an ID of User *** means that a user image is inserted. The g tag having the ID “Wireframe *” indicates that the data in this tag is “wireframe” data.

  As information of the same layer as PictureLayer *, there is g id = "Description *" display = "none". A g tag having an ID of Description * is a tag for holding “advice text” for shooting, and a path tag for pop-up is always included here. Also, by specifying display = "none", it is set as an object that is not normally displayed.

  g id = "Description *" display = "none" as lower level information, with a path tag indicating a pop-up (for speech bubble) tag and a text tag with an ID of DescText * including "advice text" itself There is a text id = "DescText *". In the portion of *, the same number as the frame index of the corresponding PictureLayer is described.

  As information of the same hierarchy as PictureLayer *, there are text id = "SampleText *" and text id = "UserText *". The text tag having the ID SampleText * indicates the position of the text of the sample of the template, that is, the text input position of the user. In the portion of *, the frame index number of the text frame is described, and a number different from the picture layer frame index is assigned to the index number of the text frame. It is also possible to set an object that is not normally displayed by specifying display = "none". A text tag having an ID of UserText * indicates text edited by the user using the photography advice program or the photo layout advice program. In the part of *, the same frame index as SampleText * is described.

  Next, the data conversion process executed by the data conversion server 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S371, the data acquisition unit 2452 determines whether a data conversion request has been received from a device owned by the user or another server based on information supplied from the data input / output unit 2451. If it is determined in step S371 that a data conversion request has not been received, the process of step S371 is repeated until it is determined that a data conversion request has been received.

  If it is determined in step S371 that a data conversion request has been received, in step S372, the data acquisition unit 2452 determines whether the request source is any of the devices held by the user. If the request source is one of the other servers, authentication processing is not necessary in this processing.

  If it is determined in step S372 that the request source is any of the devices held by the user, in step S373, the data acquisition unit 2452 includes, for example, a user identifier, an application key, among the supplied information. Alternatively, authentication information required by a data conversion service provider such as a ticket is extracted and supplied to the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2453. The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2453 causes the user data reading unit 2454 to read out necessary user information from the user information database 12, receives the supplied user information, and receives the supplied user's information. Authentication processing is performed based on the registration information.

  In step S374, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2453 determines whether or not the user has been correctly authenticated.

  In step S374, if it is determined that the user has been correctly authenticated, in step S375, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2455 displays, from the data acquisition unit 2432, the type of the data transmission destination device or an image display of the model. Information about a data transmission destination including information indicating information processing capability and the like is acquired.

  When the data transmission destination device determination unit 2455 stores therein information related to the size of the display screen and information processing capability for each model, the information related to the type of data transmission destination device individually distinguishes the model name or model. If the data transmission destination device determination unit 2455 does not store information on the size of the display screen and information processing capability for each model, information on the type of the data transmission destination device is included. It is necessary to include specific information regarding the display screen size and information processing capability of each device.

  In step S376, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2455 determines the content of the data conversion to be transmitted based on the type of the data transmission destination device acquired in step S375, and supplies the data conversion unit 2456 with the content.

  In step S377, the data conversion unit 2456 executes data conversion processing of the transmitted template or layout data based on the content of the data conversion to be transmitted determined in step S376, and the converted template or Layout data is supplied to the data input / output unit 2451.

  In step S378, the data input / output unit 2451 transmits the converted template or layout data to the designated data transmission destination, and the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S374 that the user has not been properly authenticated, in step S351, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2453 requests the transmission of the layout data as a printed matter via the data input / output unit 2431. Originally, an error message is transmitted and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the process of the data conversion server 15 can transmit the template or the layout data format so that it can be properly processed depending on the type of the destination device, so that the template, Alternatively, various servers that exchange layout data or devices owned by the user do not have information of multiple formats or have data conversion functions in each of them, and are held by multiple servers or users. Data can be shared while preventing problems that occur due to handling the same information using a plurality of devices such as devices that have significantly different functions.

  Next, FIG. 123 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions that can be realized by the data sharing server.

  The data input / output unit 2481 receives layout data and various information transmitted by the user via the Internet 1 using the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33. Receiving, transmitting layout data and various information to the personal computer 31-1 or 31-2, mobile phone 32, PDA 34, or CE device 33 owned by the user via the Internet 1, Necessary information is read from the information database 12, and information is exchanged with various servers such as the accounting server 24 via the Internet 1.

  The data acquisition unit 2482 acquires information received by the data input / output unit 2481, and a user data reading unit 2484, a user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483, a data transmission destination device determination unit 2487, a shared data storage unit 2486, or The data is supplied to the layout data search and supply processing unit 2485. The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483 recognizes the user identifier and application key, confirms the requester for downloading layout data, and executes authentication processing. The user data reading unit 2484 executes processing for reading necessary user information from the user information database 12.

  The shared data storage unit 2486 stores layout data and various information transmitted by the user via the Internet 1 using the personal computer 31-1 or 3-2, the mobile phone 32, the PDA 34, or the CE device 33. Memorize temporarily. Based on the information supplied from the data acquisition unit 2482, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2487 can process the layout data requested for transmission stored in the shared data storage unit 2486 by the data transmission destination device. And the determination result is transmitted to the layout data search and supply processing unit 2485.

  The layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 searches and reads the layout data requested to be transmitted from the shared data storage unit 2486 based on the information supplied from the data acquisition unit 2482, and at the same time the data transmission destination device determination unit Based on the determination result supplied from 2487, the layout data requested to be transmitted is directly transmitted to the data transmission destination, or the layout data subjected to data conversion by being transmitted to the data conversion server 15 is transmitted to the data transmission destination. And whether to output the data via the data input / output unit 2481.

  Next, the data sharing process executed by the data sharing server 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S401, the data acquisition unit 2482 determines whether or not a shared data upload request has been received from any of the devices owned by the user, based on the information supplied from the data input / output unit 2451.

  If it is determined in step S401 that a request for uploading shared data has been received, in step S402, the data acquisition unit 2452 includes, for example, a user identifier, an application key, a ticket, etc. Authentication information required by the provider is extracted and supplied to the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483. Here, when data is shared only by the same user, it is preferable to use a ticket used for simplifying the mutual authentication process between the devices in which the local network is constructed as the authentication data. When data is shared between users, it is preferable to use not only the user identifier but also the data re-edit password described with reference to FIG. The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483 causes the user data reading unit 2484 to read out necessary user information from the user information database 12, receives the supplied user information, and receives the supplied user information. Authentication processing is performed based on the registration information.

  In step S403, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483 determines whether the user has been correctly authenticated.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the user has been properly authenticated, the data acquisition unit 2452 stores the uploaded layout data in the shared data storage unit 2486 in step S404.

  If it is determined in step S401 that a request for uploading shared data has not been received, or after the processing in step S404 is completed, the data acquisition unit 2452 receives information supplied from the data input / output unit 2451 in step S405. Based on this, it is determined whether or not a shared data download request has been received from any of the devices owned by the user. If it is determined in step S405 that the shared data download request has not been received, the process returns to step S401, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S405 that a shared data download request has been received, in step S406, the data acquisition unit 2452 includes, for example, a user identifier, an application key, a ticket, or the like of the data sharing service. Authentication information required by the provider is extracted and supplied to the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483. Again, in the case of sharing data only with the same user, it is preferable to use a ticket used for simplifying the mutual authentication process between the devices in which the local network is constructed as the authentication data. When data is shared between users, it is preferable to use not only the user identifier but also the data re-edit password described with reference to FIG. The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483 causes the user data reading unit 2484 to read out necessary user information from the user information database 12, receives the supplied user information, and receives the supplied user information. Authentication processing is performed based on the registration information.

  In step S407, the user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483 determines whether the user has been correctly authenticated.

  If it is determined in step S407 that the user has been correctly authenticated, in step S408, the data acquisition unit 2452 performs layout data search and supply processing, for example, information for specifying the requested layout data, such as the contents of a ticket. The information about the model requesting the download request is supplied to the data transmission destination device determination unit 2487. The layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 searches the shared data storage unit 2486 for layout data.

  In step S409, the layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 determines whether or not the requested layout data has been searched from the shared data storage unit 2486.

  If it is determined in step S409 that the requested layout data has been retrieved from the shared data storage unit 2486, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2487 receives the download request source information supplied from the data acquisition unit 2452 in step S410. In step S411, it is determined whether the requested layout data needs to be converted.

  If it is determined in step S411 that data conversion is not necessary, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2487 notifies the layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 that data conversion is not necessary in step S412. The layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 transmits the layout data retrieved and read from the shared data storage unit 2487 to the download request source via the data input / output unit 2481, and the process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S411 that data conversion is necessary, in step S413, the data transmission destination device determination unit 2487 notifies the layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 that data conversion is necessary. The layout data search and supply processing unit 2485 transmits the layout data to the data conversion server 15 together with the information of the download request source, and the processing is completed.

  If it is determined in step S403 or step S407 that the user has not been correctly authenticated, or if it is determined in step S409 that the requested layout data has not been retrieved from the shared data storage unit 2486, in step S414, The user identifier and application key recognition processing unit 2483 transmits an error message to the requester who has requested uploading or downloading of layout data via the data input / output unit 2481, and the processing is terminated.

  In this manner, when template data and layout data are exchanged between different users who do not have the same local network information, or a user who has a lot of template data and layout data, for example, a mobile phone For example, when it is desired to use these data at a desired point using a portable device such as 32 or PDA 34, template data and layout data are stored in the data sharing server 18, or stored in the data sharing server 18. Template data and layout data can be read out, so that template data and layout data can be exchanged between different users, or a portable device such as a mobile phone 32 or PDA 34 can be used to To read out and use the necessary data. Resulting layout data can be utilized by the personal computer 31 installed in the different points.

  As described above, the software for executing the series of processes described above can be implemented by installing a computer in which the program constituting the software is incorporated in dedicated hardware, or by installing various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute the function is installed from the recording medium.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, this recording medium is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer, and includes a magnetic disk 71 (including a flexible disk) on which a program is recorded, an optical disk 72 ( CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory), DVD (including digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disk 73 (including MD (mini-disk) (trademark)), or package media comprising semiconductor memory 74, etc. Composed.

  Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, it goes without saying that the processing described above can be executed using dedicated hardware having the functions described using each functional block, without using software.

  In the present specification, the term “system” represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a network block diagram for providing the service to which this invention is applied to a user. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the hardware constitutions of the various servers of FIG. 1, and a personal computer. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the hardware constitutions of the portable telephone of FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the hardware constitutions of PDA of FIG. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which the application download server of FIG. 1 can implement | achieve. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an application purchase process. It is a figure for demonstrating an application purchase page. It is a figure for demonstrating an application purchase page. It is a figure for demonstrating an application purchase page. It is a figure for demonstrating an application purchase page. It is a figure for demonstrating an application purchase page. It is a figure for demonstrating an application purchase page. It is a figure for demonstrating an application key. It is a figure for demonstrating an application key. It is a figure for demonstrating an application key. It is a figure for demonstrating the user information registered into the user information database of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an application purchase process. It is a figure for demonstrating a template. It is a figure for demonstrating the information described in the template. It is a figure for demonstrating the description by the XML of a template. It is a figure for demonstrating a frame. It is a figure for demonstrating the balloon window displayed on a template. It is a figure for demonstrating the text displayed on a template. It is a figure for demonstrating the wire frame displayed on a template. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which the apparatus by which the photography photography advice program was downloaded and performed is realizable. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which can implement | achieve the apparatus by which the photograph layout advice program was downloaded and performed. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which can implement | achieve the apparatus by which the photograph viewer program was downloaded and executed. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the template download process 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a template download page. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a template download page. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a template download page. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a template download page. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a template download page. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a template download page. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of a template. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of a template. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of a template. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of a template. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function which the server 17 and template creation server of a content creator can implement | achieve. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which produces a template based on a content. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the template download process 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating local network information. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a photography photography advice program execution process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a photography photography advice program execution process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a photography photography advice program execution process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a photography photography advice program execution process. It is a figure for demonstrating a starting screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays a list of available categories. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays the list of the templates of a category. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays the list | wrist of the layout data which can be acquired. It is a figure for demonstrating the displayed template or layout data. It is a figure for demonstrating selection of the frame of the displayed template or layout data. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen with a wire frame at the time of imaging | photography. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen without a wire frame at the time of imaging | photography. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen by which the image | photographed photograph was replaced by the selected frame. It is a figure for demonstrating the highlight display of one flame | frame different from the flame | frame processed in the process before one. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen when the frame which displays a text is selected. It is a figure for demonstrating the text box window for character input. It is a figure for demonstrating the created layout data. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of a menu. It is a figure for demonstrating a publication destination selection window. It is a figure for demonstrating a network album login window. It is a figure for demonstrating an album selection window. It is a figure for demonstrating a title input window. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload process process notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload completion notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating a Blog selection window. It is a figure for demonstrating a blog site login window. It is a figure for demonstrating a category selection window. It is a figure for demonstrating a title input window. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload process process notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload completion notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating a Blog page. It is a figure for demonstrating a Blog page. It is a figure for demonstrating a template download button. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of a layout advice program. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of a layout advice program. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of a layout advice program. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of a layout advice program. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of a layout advice program. It is a figure for demonstrating an EDIT button. It is a figure for demonstrating the edit mode display screen with a sample image. It is a figure for demonstrating the edit mode display screen without a sample image. It is a figure for demonstrating an explanation window. It is a figure for demonstrating an explanation window. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen at the time of receiving the operation input which selects any folder. It is a figure for demonstrating a thumbnail display area. It is a figure for demonstrating a text box window. It is a figure for demonstrating a login window. It is a figure for demonstrating the highlight display of a menu display area. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of a publication destination candidate name. It is a figure for demonstrating a login window. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the album list which a user can publish layout data. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload process process notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating a blog site login window. It is a figure for demonstrating the selection window of a blog and a category, and a title input text box. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload process process notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating the upload completion notification window. It is a figure for demonstrating the data name input window of layout data. It is a figure for demonstrating the input window for prompting a user to input the data name of layout data, an output format, and a transmission destination. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the image is not displayed in the flame | frame. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the image is displayed on the flame | frame. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a photograph viewer program. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays the whole photography data. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays the whole photography data. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays the whole photography data. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen which displays the whole photography data. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where complicated photograph data is used for layout data. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where layout data is displayed on CE apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating trackback URL described in the template. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function which the Blog server 20 has. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in the case of building a gallery using a track back. It is a figure for demonstrating a trackback parameter. It is a figure for demonstrating the description example of the trackback parameter by XML. It is a figure for demonstrating the example at the time of displaying an online gallery using a web browser. It is a figure for demonstrating the example at the time of displaying using RSS Reader. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which an output service provision server has. It is a figure for demonstrating the output service provision server arrange | positioned in each place. It is a flowchart for demonstrating printed matter output processing. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which a data conversion server has. It is a figure for demonstrating about the template or layout data described by SVG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a data conversion process. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which a data sharing server has. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a data sharing process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Internet, 11 Application download server, 12 User information database, 13 Template download server, 14 Template database, 15 Data conversion server, 16 Template creation server, 17 Content creator server, 18 Data sharing server, 19 WWW server, 20 Blog Server, 21 network album service providing server, 22 output service providing server, 23 printer, 2 charging server, 31 personal computer, 32 portable telephone, 33 CE equipment, 34 PDA, 51 CPU, 91 main control unit, 121 CPU, 351 Photo shooting advice program, 401 Photo layout advice program, 441 Photo viewer program

Claims (16)

Storage means for storing first information to assist a user to take a picture;
Display means for displaying an image or text that assists the user in taking a picture based on the first information, and displaying an image that can be taken as the picture;
Photographing means for taking the photograph;
Creating means for creating image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means;
The first information includes second information that specifies an arrangement of the photo in the image data, and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photo. Information processing apparatus. The image data includes a plurality of the photographs,
The first information is second information indicating a position where the plurality of photographs are arranged, and assists when the user takes the photograph corresponding to each position among the plurality of image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes third information that is information. The image data further includes an area where text is described,
The first information further includes fourth information indicating an arrangement of an area in which the text is described, and fifth information which is information that assists the user in describing the text. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The third information includes graphic information indicating which part of the photograph taken by the photographing means is included in the image data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit superimposes and displays the graphic information included in the third information on a subject of the photograph taken by the photographing unit. The third information includes graphic information for guiding a composition of a subject in an area included in the image data of the photograph taken by the photographing unit,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit superimposes and displays the graphic information included in the third information on a subject of the photograph taken by the photographing unit. The third information includes text data serving as advice when the user takes the picture by the photographing means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit further displays the text data included in the third information. The image data includes a plurality of the photographs,
The first information is second information indicating a position where a plurality of the photos are arranged, and advice when the user takes the photo corresponding to each position among the plurality of image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising third information further including text data. Further comprising an operation input means for receiving the user's operation input,
The display means displays graphic information for indicating to the user the position where the plurality of photographs in the image data designated by the second information are arranged, and the operation input means allows the plurality of graphics to be displayed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when any of the information is selected, the text data serving as advice when the photograph selected by the selection unit is taken is further displayed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reception unit configured to receive the first information from another apparatus via a network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the image data generated by the generation unit to another apparatus via a network. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of taking a photograph,
The user obtains first information that assists the user in taking the picture, displays an image or text that assists the user in taking the picture based on the first information, and A display control step for controlling display of an image that can be taken as a photograph;
A shooting step for taking the photo;
Creating image data including at least a portion of the photograph taken by the photographing means; and
The first information includes second information that specifies an arrangement of the photo in the image data, and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photo. Information processing method. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of taking a photograph and generating image data using information of the photographed photograph,
The user obtains first information that assists the user in taking the picture, displays an image or text that assists the user in taking the picture based on the first information, and A display control step for controlling display of an image that can be taken as a photograph;
A shooting step for taking the photo;
Creating the image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means; and
The first information includes second information that specifies an arrangement of the photo in the image data, and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photo. A recording medium on which a program capable of causing a computer to execute the process is recorded. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of taking a photograph and generating image data using information of the photographed photograph,
The user obtains first information that assists the user in taking the picture, displays an image or text that assists the user in taking the picture based on the first information, and A display control step for controlling display of an image that can be taken as a photograph;
A shooting step for taking the photo;
Creating the image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means; and
The first information includes second information that specifies an arrangement of the photo in the image data, and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photo. A program that causes a computer to execute the process. A first information processing device that transmits first information to assist a user to take a picture to the second device;
In the information processing system configured with the second information processing apparatus that takes a picture using the first information and generates image data using the information of the taken picture,
The first information processing apparatus includes a transmission unit that receives the transmission request for the first information from the second information processing apparatus and transmits the first information.
The second information processing apparatus
Receiving means for receiving the first information;
Storage means for storing the first information received by the receiving means;
Display means for displaying an image or text that assists the user in taking the photograph based on the first information, and displaying an image that can be taken as the photograph;
Photographing means for taking the photograph;
First creation means for creating the image data including at least a part of the photograph taken by the photographing means;
The first information includes second information that specifies an arrangement of the photo in the image data, and third information that is information that assists the user when taking the photo. Information processing system. The information processing system further includes a third information processing apparatus that supplies the first information to the first information processing apparatus,
The third information processing apparatus
Obtaining means for obtaining content data used to create the first information;
The information processing system according to claim 13, further comprising: a second generation unit configured to generate the first information based on the content data acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing system according to claim 14, wherein the content data is image data corresponding to a predetermined page of a publication.

Images