JP2008299472A - Server, point imparting system, method of imparting point by server, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server capable of providing camera users who use a site with services for enhancing photographic techniques, a point imparting system, a method of imparting points by the server, a program, and a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The server includes an image management part for managing posted images posted from users through a network; a point imparting part for imparting, depending on the posted images, points to users who have posted the images, the points usable for discount in the purchase of photographic equipment; a commodity managing part for selecting the photographic equipment recommended to the users according to the posted images and, in setting discount points to the selected recommended photographic equipment according to the points imparted, setting different discount points for different kinds of photographic equipment; a display control part for creating advertisement information including information about the selected recommended photographic equipment and the set discount points; and a sending/receiving part for sending the advertisement information created to the users. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server at a site that provides various services to camera users via a network.

In Internet shopping, which has become very popular recently, a system that gives discount points according to the amount of money purchased has been widely put into practical use. And about the discount point rate, the system which provides a high point reduction rate with respect to an expensive user is also proposed (patent document 1).
In addition, on the Internet site, various electronic gallery-like sites that freely present individual photographed images have been established. At such sites, amateurs can easily post their own shot images, receive comments from others, and learn shooting techniques. In other words, until now, photography could only be enjoyed at home and within friends, but through exchanges at these sites, it is possible to expect improvement in photographic technology by making people aware of taking images that many people can enjoy. I can do it.

In addition, there is a system that allows you to purchase other people's photos depending on the amount of sales if the posted photos are sold to other people in such sites. Too inconvenient. Therefore, a system has been proposed in which points are given to users who have posted according to the number of posted images and the image size when the images are posted (Patent Document 2).
JP 2005-322190 A JP 2002-099746 A

In addition to exhibiting images posted by users and selling photography equipment, an Internet site that can be used as a place for camera users to communicate is expected.

  However, users who post to such sites are highly interested in photographic technology and have a strong desire to shoot better images, so conventional image display sites cannot always satisfy the user's request. Will. Compared to users who only take family photos and gatherings of friends, such users are trying to shoot with expressiveness by taking ingenuity at the time of shooting, so this attitude is evaluated and even more valuable content You should expect a site that circulates online. In addition, it is desired to develop a method for dealing with such users when promoting sales of photography equipment.

  In view of the above, the present invention provides a server, a point granting system, a server point granting method, a program, and a recording medium that can provide a service capable of improving photographing technology to a camera user who uses a site via a network. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, a server according to a first invention includes an image management unit that manages a posted image posted by a user through a network,
A point granting unit that grants points that can be used for discounts on the purchase of photographic equipment to the user who posted this image according to the posted image,
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Product management department to set,
A display control unit that creates an advertisement image including information about the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points, and a transmission unit that transmits the created advertisement image to the user. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, the point granting system according to the second invention is:
In a point granting system consisting of a camera and a server that gives points to posted images posted via the network by users of this camera and allows others to view the posted images,
The above server
An image management unit that manages posted images posted by users over the network;
A point granting unit that grants points that can be used for discounts on the purchase of photographic equipment to the user who posted this image according to the posted image,
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Product management department to set,
The camera comprising: a display control unit that creates an advertisement image including information on the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points; and a transmission unit that transmits the created advertisement image to the user. Is
A theme determination unit for determining the shooting theme of the shot image;
A communication unit that posts an image with information on the determined shooting theme to the server;
A storage unit is provided for storing the advertisement image transmitted from the server.

In order to achieve the above object, a server point assigning method according to a third invention comprises:
In the server point grant method that gives points to posted images posted by users through the network and introduces the shooting equipment to the users,
Manage post images posted by users over the network,
In response to the above posted image, the user of this posted image will be given points that can be used to discount the purchase of photography equipment,
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Set
An advertisement image including information on the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points is created.

  According to the present invention, there are provided a server, a point granting system, a server point granting method, a program, and a recording medium that can provide a camera user who uses a site via a network with a service capable of improving the photographing technique.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
The point assigning system to which the present invention is applied mainly includes a camera 20 and a site server 100 connected via a network 30. In this system, an image taken from the camera 20 is posted to the site server 100, and the site server 100 allows other members to view the posted image. Points are given to posted users according to the number of posted images, the number of others viewing, and evaluation. The user can purchase camera equipment from the site server 100 at a point discount. The site server 100 is also simply called a server.

   FIG. 1 is a block diagram centering on a camera 20 used in a point assignment system to which the present invention is applied. The camera 20 includes an MPU 1, a lens unit 2, an AF control unit 2 a, an aperture shutter unit 3, an exposure control unit 3 a, an image sensor 4, an analog front end (hereinafter abbreviated as AFE) unit 5, an image processing unit 6, and an image determination unit. A unit 7, a display control unit 8, a display unit 9, a compression / decompression unit 10, a recording / reproduction control unit 11, and a recording medium 12 are provided.

  An MPU (microprocessor) 1 is a control unit that controls the entire camera 20 such as shooting and reproduction according to a program. The MPU 1 has a built-in clock means 1a for measuring the time when a photograph is taken.

  The lens unit 2 forms an image of the incident subject 25 on the image sensor 4. The AF control unit 2a controls the focus position of the lens unit 2 based on an instruction from the MPU 1. The focus position is controlled such that the MPU 1 outputs the image data whose contrast is detected by the image processing unit 5 to the AF control unit 2a, and the AF control unit 2a maximizes the contrast signal of the image data. The lens unit 2 may be an interchangeable lens for a single lens reflex camera.

  The aperture shutter unit 3 incorporates a shutter mechanism, an aperture mechanism, and the like, and selectively blocks the light that has passed through the lens unit 2 from entering the image sensor 4 to adjust the exposure amount. In response to an instruction from the MPU 1, the exposure control unit 3 a controls opening and closing of the aperture shutter unit 3. The exposure control unit 3a controls to close the shutter of the aperture shutter unit 3 in a short time when it is bright, and closes the shutter in a long time in a dark region, thereby keeping the amount of light incident on the image sensor 4 at a predetermined amount. I do. The image sensor 4 is composed of a CMOS or a CCD, and converts the formed subject image into an image signal.

  The AFE unit 5 converts an analog electric signal output from the image sensor 4 into digital image data and outputs the digital image data. The AFE unit 5 has a function of reading several pixels at once from the image sensor 4 and a function of selecting signals output from the image sensor 4, and a limited range of image data from all light receiving surfaces. It can be extracted. The AFE unit 5 can perform output addition processing for improving S / N and changing sensitivity by adding and using several adjacent pixel signals of the same color of the image sensor 4. For example, when the signal level of each pixel is small, such as 4 pixels (2 × 2) and 9 pixels (3 × 3), several pixel signals can be added to improve the S / N. Sensitivity can be increased by such an operation. At the time of monitor display, the AFE unit 5 outputs an image of the number of pixels from the image sensor 4 in accordance with the pixels of the display unit 9 in order to display the subject image at high speed.

  The image processing unit 6 performs correction processing such as gamma (gradation correction), color, gradation, and sharpness on the image data output from the AFE unit 5. The image processing unit 6 also includes sensitizing means for amplifying the obtained image signal to a predetermined level and setting the correct gray level and the correct gray level. This is a digital operation so that the digitized signal level becomes a predetermined level. The image processing unit 6 performs simple image processing for monitor display during monitor display, and image processing for storage and recording for captured images.

  The image determination unit 7 uses the image data from the image processing unit 6 to determine the characteristics of the subject. When taking a picture, the image determination unit 7 determines what kind of picture the user is going to take and optimizes the shooting control. For example, a distance determination unit 7a, a face detection unit 7b, and a shape determination unit 7c are provided in the image determination unit 7 in order to determine the characteristics of the subject. The distance determination unit 7a determines the distance of the subject, the distance of the background, and the like using the information on the lens position of the focus of the AF control unit 2a when the AF control unit 2a controls the autofocus. The face detection unit 7b detects the position of the face part by examining the characteristics of the image from the shadow information obtained by processing the image information. The shape determination unit 7c detects the contour of the main subject from the contrast of the image, and determines the shape of the subject.

  The image processing unit 6 is provided with a theme determination unit 6a. The theme determination unit 6a determines a photo theme indicating what kind of photograph the user is going to take based on each determination result by the image determination unit 7. The photo theme is a theme such as “snap, flower, bird, landscape” as shown in FIG. When a theme can be determined at the time of shooting, shooting control, for example, the MPU 1 optimizes the aperture and shutter speed for the theme by the exposure control unit 3a according to the theme.

  The display control unit 8 controls the display unit 9 to display the image data output from the image processing unit 6. The display unit 9 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal or an organic EL, and displays a monitor image at the time of shooting, and displays an expanded recorded image at the time of reproduction. At the time of shooting, the user determines the composition and timing while performing the shooting operation while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 9. The image data limited to the display size by the AFE unit 4 is processed at high speed by the image processing unit 5 so that the image signal from the image sensor 4 is displayed almost in real time, and is displayed via the display control unit 8a. It is displayed on the display unit 9.

  The compression / decompression unit 10 includes a still image compression / decompression unit such as a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) core unit (not shown), MPEG4, H.264, and the like. It has a compression / decompression unit for moving images composed of a compression core unit such as H.264.

  The recording / reproduction control unit 11 records the image data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 10 on the medium 12 during recording, and reads out the compressed image data from the medium 12 during reproduction. Further, when the image is stored and recorded, the recording / playback control unit 11 records the attached information, for example, the determined theme information, on the medium 12 by attaching it to the image data.

  The camera 20 is provided with a ROM 13, operation switches 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, a flash unit 15, and a communication unit 17. The ROM 13 is a non-volatile and recordable memory, for example, a flash ROM, and stores a control program that is read into the MPU 1 and performs control processing of the camera 20. In addition to the control program, the ROM 13 stores unique information 13a and advertisement information 13b. The specific information 13a and the advertisement information 13b will be described in detail below.

  The operation switches 14a, 14b, and 14c are representative examples of the operation unit, and notify the MPU 1 of a photographer's instruction. The switch 14a is a release switch, and 14b is a cross key switch used for mode switching such as shooting / playback. The switch 14c is another instruction switch.

  The strobe unit 15 is an auxiliary light irradiating unit that assists exposure, and is a light source such as a Xe discharge arc tube so that the amount of light can be controlled by the amount of current that flows. The MPU 1 irradiates the subject 25 with light using the flash unit 15 according to the situation, thereby preventing insufficient brightness and uneven brightness. Various effects can be given to the image by making the strobe light not emitted.

  The communication unit 17 is an interface for transmitting / receiving image data and other data to / from an external device via the network 30. The network 30 is, for example, the Internet, and various external devices can be connected. A site server 100 and a personal computer (PC) 40 are connected to the camera 20 via the network 30.

  The site server 100 substantially controls the site of the company that operates this point grant system, and is also referred to as a point grant server. Details will be described with reference to FIG. The PC 40 includes not only a PC owned by the camera user but also a third party PC of another person 41. The PC 40 accesses the site server 100 and browses an image posted from the camera 20 or gives an evaluation comment to the browsed image.

  The unique information 13a is information attached to the image uploaded to the site server 100 by the MPU 1 at the time of transmission. The unique information 13a may be attached for each image or may be attached for each transmission unit. The unique information 13a includes model information if the camera 20 is a compact camera, and accessory information such as a mounted lens and flash in addition to the model information of the main body if the camera is a single lens reflex camera. Further, the unique information 13a includes information such as the number of images uploaded to the site server 100 from this camera and the date.

  The advertisement information 13b is information downloaded from the site server 100 to the camera 20 and stored in the ROM 13. The advertisement information 13b is transmitted from the site server 100 at the time of image posting, stored in the ROM 13b via the communication unit 17, and displayed on the display unit 9 in the advertisement display mode. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

  The site server 100 can provide a detailed service to each camera user by using the unique information 13a and the theme information. For example, information such as what kind of image the photographer is good at can be acquired. Since the distance information can be used to know the distance of the subject that the photographer is good at, whether this information is recommended is a macro lens, a telephoto lens, or a landscape lens. Judgment such as is possible.

  In addition, there is a limit to the amount of light with a built-in flash, and there are many cases where a more powerful external type can shoot brighter and more beautifully. Therefore, a large strobe may be recommended for users who take pictures with the maximum amount of light.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram centering on the site server 100 for explaining the detailed functions of the site server 100 which is a point grant server. The site server 100 is mainly provided with a CPU 101, a transmission / reception unit 102, and a storage unit 103. The CPU 101 controls the entire site server. The transmission / reception unit 102 receives and transmits various data including image data with the camera 20 and the PC 40 connected to the network 30.

  The storage unit 103 stores the control program 103a that is read into the CPU 101 and controls the server 100, the image data 103b posted through the user's camera 20 and the PC 40, the number of posted images, and the image browsing status of others. Stored is point data 103c given to the user who is the photographer, user data 103d which is the ID and password information of the user registered as a member, product data 103e such as the name, appearance image, price, and stock status of the photographing equipment. The

  In the CPU 101, various functional units such as an access determination unit 101a, a display control unit 101b, an image management unit 101c, a product management unit 101d, and a point assignment unit 101e exist as functional units realized during execution processing. The access determination unit 101a determines whether each connected user is a member and determines the contents of the access operation. It is determined whether the access content is, for example, image posting, image browsing, or ordering of photographing equipment.

  The display control unit 101b controls creation of an image to be displayed on the camera 20 or the PC 40. The display control unit 101b creates an advertisement image to be displayed on the camera 20 or the PC 40 that displays the number of points of each user and recommended equipment for each user as one of the display images. The display control unit 101b also creates a browsing screen for allowing the member to browse the posted image as a display image.

  The image management unit 101c manages posted images, and includes a theme determination unit 101c-1 and an image evaluation unit 101c-2. The theme determination unit 101c-1 analyzes the image data itself submitted by the user, the unique information 13a attached to the posted image data, the theme information, and the like, and determines the theme of the image. Examples of the theme are “snap, flower, bird, landscape, underwater” and the like.

  The image evaluation unit 101c-2 evaluates whether the posted image is a success photo or a failure photo while also using theme information and unique information 13a. Specifically, for example, if there is a face, the degree of focus and the brightness of the face part are appropriate from the contrast value of the face, or the size and position of the face on the screen are evaluated. This evaluation value is used when the product management unit 101d searches for recommended photography equipment.

  The merchandise management unit 101d uses the information in the merchandise data unit 103e to manage the recommendation and sale of photographing equipment according to orders from each member user. If the user has points, the amount is adjusted to discount the amount corresponding to the points. The product management unit 101d also searches for recommended equipment recommended for the user from among the camera equipment, interchangeable lenses, strobes, and other photography equipment. The product management unit 101d provides fine-tuned photography equipment according to the user's photography style. To introduce. Specifically, the product management unit 101d uses the user's camera type, posted image specific information 13a, and shooting theme information in order to select a recommended device depending on what kind of shooting the user has performed. To do.

  The point assigning unit 101e determines points according to the number of uploaded images, the number of times a posted image has been viewed by others, the evaluation of others with respect to the posted images, and the determined points are provided to each user. Furthermore, instead of simply counting the numbers, the number of points may be displayed so that the number of added numbers increases gradually as they accumulate.

  Then, the merchandise management unit 101d discounts the photographing equipment according to the accumulated points. However, the discount points that can be used for the recommended equipment are changed according to the possessed equipment and the type of photographed posted image, rather than a fixed discount regardless of the product. In other words, a user who owns a compact camera is given a lot of discount points for accessories of the compact camera, and a user who owns a single-lens reflex camera is given many discount points for the purchase of an interchangeable lens, for example. For example, if a user of a compact camera has 200 points, 400 points can be used twice for a waterproof case for a compact camera, and only 200 points can be used for a single-lens reflex strobe. In addition, for example, a user who frequently uses macro photography can make more points available for purchasing macro photography equipment than for other equipment.

  Next, the process from when an image is posted by the user, to which an advertisement image with points and recommended equipment displayed is displayed will be briefly described. The site server 100 is accessed from the camera 20. The access determination unit 101a of the site server 100 confirms the user ID and password using the user data 103d and permits the connection. If permitted, the user transmits the selected captured image 21 to the site server 100 via the network 30. The site server 100 records the posted image in the image data 103b. For the recorded image, the theme determination unit 101c-1 determines a shooting theme, and the image evaluation unit 101c-2 determines whether there is a shooting failure. Further, the point giving unit 101e gives, for example, 5 points as a posting point according to the number of posted images.

  Next, the product management unit 101d searches for recommended photographic equipment based on the camera model of the user and the photographic theme of the posted image from the camera equipment prepared in the product data 103e. And we will make many discount points available for more recommended photography equipment. When there is a request for advertisement image display from the user's camera or PC 40, the display control unit 101b creates an advertisement image and transmits it to the user's camera or PC 40.

  The lower right of FIG. 2 is an example of an advertisement image displayed on the camera user's PC 40. Two images 40a posted this time are displayed on the left side of the screen of the PC 40, and an image 40b of discount points corresponding to the recommended equipment is displayed on the right side. It is assumed that this user is a single-lens reflex user and the current number of points is 100, and there are few macro shootings in the shooting theme of the image posted this time or so far. The merchandise management unit 101d determines that this user should be encouraged to use a telephoto lens that the user does not currently have, and the macro lens has 100 points and the telephoto lens has 200 points. Give a lot of discount points to purchases. Here, the person who takes the bird (telephoto) sometimes shoots the flower (macro), so even if the shooting theme of the posted image is mainly bird (telephoto), it is less than the discount points that can be used by purchasing a telephoto lens The point can be used for macro lenses.

  FIG. 3 shows an image displayed on the screen of the display unit 9 provided on the back surface of the camera 20 as another display example of the advertisement image. This advertisement image displays advertisement information 13b transmitted from the site server 100. This advertisement image is an image that has been created and transmitted to a small display unit size for the camera by the display control unit 101b of the site server 100. A switch 14a that is a release switch is disposed on the upper surface of the camera 20, and a cross key switch 14b that is for mode switching is disposed beside the display unit 9. The number of pages of the advertisement image is arbitrary, but here, it is assumed that it is composed of a plurality of pages, and two pages (9-1, 9-2) will be introduced.

  The advertisement image 9-1 shows the appearance, price, and discount point of the telephoto lens. As a result, it is possible to clearly notify the user of images of recommended photography equipment and discount prices, and a high appealing effect can be expected. In the advertisement image 9-2, which is the next screen, a sample photograph taken with a telephoto lens and a shooting know-how explanation are displayed. If you provide examples of images that can be taken with the recommended equipment and comments about the shooting know-how as part of the advertisement image, it will be a useful shooting guide.

  FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of recommended recommended equipment corresponding to the equipment used for the posted image and the shooting theme. The equipment used is divided into single-lens reflex cameras and compact cameras, and examples of typical themes include snaps, flowers, and so on. For example, a strobe is recommended for users with a single-lens reflex camera and a lot of snapshots, and a macro lens is recommended for users with a lot of flowers. As a result, the corresponding user can further pursue the photographic expression.

  Many users have changed the depth of field of the lens by changing the aperture, adjusted the blurring of the background, etc. to float the subject or draw the background firmly, etc. I knew that I could do it, but instead of using up all of these various ways of expression, I tended to leave it to monotonous expression by leaving it to automatic camera control. In addition, SLR users knew that it would be possible to take more effective shots by exchanging lenses and accessories in consideration of differences in the rendering power of the lens itself, but many users were unable to achieve their own shooting style. Didn't know what equipment to buy next.

  According to this embodiment, since the accessory of the single-lens reflex camera suitable for one's photography subject or the accessory equipment according to the photography theme is selected and shown, it is easy to purchase. For system products such as SLR cameras, it is difficult to select the next accessory to be obtained. With such an invention, you can determine the next equipment to buy without wondering while looking at examples or comparing with your own photos. It becomes possible to do.

  For compact camera users who cannot exchange lenses, there is no point in recommending interchangeable lenses, so we recommend single-lens reflex cameras themselves, camera cases, and accessories for compact cameras. Providing recommended equipment information selected according to each user's posted image will also raise awareness in the direction of expanding the range of shooting expressions.

  As described above, this site introduces new equipment selected according to the equipment and themes that users already have, and further recommends by changing the number of discount points at the time of purchase according to the equipment. Users are encouraged to purchase photography equipment, so users can improve their photography skills by interacting with the site.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of control processing by the camera 20 in the point grant system. This process is mainly performed by the image processing unit 6, the image determination unit 7, the communication unit 17, and the like under the control of the MPU 1.

  After the power supply of the camera 20 is activated, it is determined whether or not the camera is in the shooting mode based on the position of the mode switch 14b (step S1). If the shooting mode state or switching to the shooting mode is performed (YES in step S1), the processing of the shooting mode is performed (step S2). First, a monitor image is displayed on the display unit 9 for subject image confirmation (step S3). At the same time, while repeatedly executing the AF / AE operation, an imaging instruction by the switch 14a is waited (step S4).

  If there is a shooting instruction (YES in step S4), an image signal is captured from the image sensor 4, and the AFE unit 5, the image processing unit 6, and the compression / decompression unit 10 perform each shooting process on the captured image data (step S5). Further, the theme determination unit 6a determines the theme of the image taken with reference to each determination result by the image determination unit 7 (step S6).

  Next, the MPU 1 determines the equipment information (step S7). When the camera 20 is a single-lens reflex camera, the MPU 1 is notified of an identification number from an accessory attached such as an interchangeable lens, and therefore determines the type from the number. In the case of a compact camera, model information is built-in. The recording / playback control unit 11 attaches the theme name specified by the theme determination unit 6a to the compressed image data (step S8) and records it on the medium 12 (step S9). In the single-lens reflex camera, since the accessory changes, the equipment information is also attached to the image data. However, in the compact camera, there is no change, so it is not necessary to attach it to the image data. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an end instruction from the user (step S10), and if there is an end instruction (YES in step S10), the end process is performed. If there is no end instruction, the process returns to step S1 and photographing is performed until the camera mode is switched. repeat.

    Returning to Step 1, if it is not the shooting mode (NO in Step S1), it is determined whether or not it is the reproduction mode (Step S11). If there is an instruction for the reproduction mode (step S11 YES), the reproduction mode processing is performed (step S12). The recording / playback control unit 11 reads the thumbnail image from the medium 12, decompresses it by the compression / decompression unit 10, and reproduces the index image on the display unit 9 (step S13). An image selection instruction by the user is determined (step S14), and if there is a selection instruction (YES in step S14), the main image of the selected image is read from the medium 12 and enlarged and displayed (step S15).

  Although it has been described that the theme of the photographed image is automatically determined at the time of photographing (step S6), it is difficult to automatically determine whether the subject is a butterfly photograph or a flower photograph even if the rough theme is automatically determined. In some cases, the user can manually add a theme to the image. It is determined whether or not there is a theme assignment instruction by the user (step S16). If there is a theme assignment instruction by the user (YES in step S16), a screen for accepting the theme input is displayed. When the theme is input, the theme is incidentally recorded in the image data of the medium 12. If a theme has already been recorded in the image of the medium 12, the theme is rewritten to the input theme (step S17). When there is no theme input (NO in step S16), the process jumps to step 17 and proceeds to step S18.

  You can also make a reservation if you want to post the image during playback. After determining whether or not there is a posting request instruction from the user (step S18) and receiving the instruction from the user (YES in step S18), a selection screen for selecting a posting destination is displayed based on the site name recorded in the ROM 13. . When the destination is designated according to the screen (YES in step S19), the information (address) of the designated destination is read from the ROM 13 (step S20), and the destination information is recorded on the medium 12 in association with the image (step S20). S21). When a destination is blown into a microphone (not shown) by voice, it may be analyzed and used as a destination signal, which can be recorded in association with an image. By performing such an operation, when it becomes possible to connect to the network, image transmission can be easily performed. If there is no instruction in step S18 or step S19, the process jumps to step S10. Thereafter, if there is an end instruction (YES in step S10), the end process is performed, and otherwise (NO in step 10), the process returns to step 1.

    If it is not playback mode in step 11 (step S11 NO), it is judged whether it is advertisement display mode (step S31). If it is the advertisement display mode (step S31 YES), the process of the advertisement display mode is performed (step S32). It is confirmed whether the advertisement information 13b is stored in the ROM 13, and if there is advertisement information, it is displayed on the display unit 9 in order. Specifically, an image as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed (step S33). The presence / absence of a screen switching instruction from the user is determined (step S34). If there is a switching instruction (YES in step S34), the advertisement image pages are sequentially switched and displayed (step S35). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1 via step 10. If there is no switching instruction (NO in step S34), the process jumps to step 10.

  If it is not the advertisement display mode in step 31 (step S31 NO), it is determined whether it is the communication mode (step S41). If the camera 20 is in the communication mode (YES in step S41), processing in the communication mode is performed (step S42). Then, it is determined whether or not the site server 100 is connected (step S43). If communication connection with site server 100 is confirmed (YES in step S43), communication is enabled, and if the user selects a transmission image and instructs transmission, the selected image data and its accompanying information (theme information and The unique information is transmitted to the site server 100 (step S44). In addition, the advertisement information for the user is transmitted from the site server 100, and the camera 20 receives it (step S45). The advertisement information is as described in FIG. 3, and includes information on the number of discount points and recommended equipment. Then, the received advertisement information is stored in the ROM 13 as advertisement information 13b.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure of the site server 100 mainly related to communication with the camera 20 and the PC 40 in the point grant system.

  When the transmission / reception unit 102 detects a connection request from an external device, the access determination unit 101a checks the connection partner by comparing the transmitted ID and password with the user data 103d (step S51). Next, it is determined whether the connected device is a camera (step S52). If it is determined that the connected device is a camera (YES in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53.

  When the posted image is uploaded from the camera 20, the image management unit 101c classifies the posted image according to the theme information attached to the image and records it in the image data area 103b of the storage unit 103 (step S53). Then, the point assigning unit 101e calculates a point corresponding to the number of images posted this time as a posting point Pa. Then, the point grant unit 101e reads the total point Ps that is the current total point of the posting user from the point data 103c, adds the current posting point Pa to the total point Ps, and points the added total point Ps. Record in the data 103c (step S54).

  Next, it is determined whether the user's browsing points Pb are accumulated (step S55). The browsing point Pb is a point given by the user viewing his / her own post image so far. If the browsing points Pb are accumulated (YES in step S55), the accumulated browsing points Pb are added to the total points Ps, and the added total points Ps are recorded in the point data 103c. (Step S56). If there is no viewing point, the process jumps to step S57.

  The product management unit 101d searches the product data unit 103e for recommended photography equipment for the user according to the camera / accessory used for the posted image, the shooting theme of the posted image, or the history of the posted image so far. Select. The merchandise management unit 101d further sets discount points according to recommended equipment from the user's total points Ps. As described with reference to FIG. 2, discount points are set to, for example, twice the total points Ps for photographing equipment that is preferentially recommended.

  Then, the display control unit 101b creates an advertisement image (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3) including the determined recommended equipment and discount points. The transmission / reception unit 102 replies to the user who has posted the created advertisement image (step S57).

  On the other hand, if the camera is not connected (NO in step S52), it is determined whether there is an image transmission instruction from a device such as a mobile phone or a PC (hereinafter referred to as a PC) (step S61). In response to an image transmission instruction, processing in a mode for browsing an image posted to the server, that is, an image stored in the image data 103b is performed. If there is an image transmission instruction (YES in step S61), a browsing image including the instruction image is transmitted to the PC or the like (step S62). The browsing image is created by the display control unit 101b.

  Next, it is determined whether the connected PC or the like is the person who posted the instruction image (step S63). In the case of the person himself (step S63 YES), the browsing point is not given, but an advertisement image showing the recommended equipment and the discount point is transmitted. However, for example, for users who have already used the recommended equipment, it is displayed again and some users do not need the recommended equipment information, so the recommended equipment information is made selectable. The transmission request for the recommended equipment information is determined (step S64), and for the user who has made the request (YES in step S64), the display control unit 101b creates an advertisement image including the recommended equipment and discount points, and the transmission / reception unit 102 This advertisement image is returned to the user (step S65). On the other hand, for the user who answered that it is unnecessary (NO in step S64), the display control unit 101b creates an advertisement image of only the total point Ps from which the recommended equipment is removed, and the transmission / reception unit 102 returns this advertisement image to the user. (Step S66).

  If the access is from a person other than the user (step S63 NO), the viewing point Pb is given to the viewed image. The point granting unit 101e gives a viewing point Pb to an image browsed by another person, and stores the given viewing point Pb. The point assigning unit 101e further determines, for example, whether or not each viewer has liked and viewed the image, for example, whether it has been viewed for a predetermined time or more, and writes a comment, and converts it into a viewing point Pb. The browsing point Pb based on the popularity is also stored (step S68). As a result, even if many photos of flowers are posted, if the photos of birds are more popular with third parties, points that take them into account are added. The addition of the browsing point Pb to the total focus Ps is executed in step S56 as described above.

  In addition, an image that can select which image is most popular from each photographer or among all images may be provided as one of the advertisement image or the browsing image. Moreover, you may provide an image which displays the popular image by each theme on one screen from the browsing result to a part of advertisement image. This popular image may be the best 3 for each user and each theme, or may include all images, the best 3 for each theme, and the like, and is composed of several images. By knowing such a popular image, the photographer can also imitate it and take a popular photograph.

  The site server 100 also provides services other than those described above. If it is not an image transmission instruction from the PC or the like (NO in step S61), it is determined whether there is a request for another service from the PC or the like (step S71), and the other service is executed. For example, it is determined whether the request is for creating a blog (step S72). If there is a blog creation request (YES in step S72), a blog creation process is executed (step S73). If the request is not a blog creation request (step S72 NO), for example, another content browsing is executed (step S74).

  In the above description, the method for selecting the recommended equipment by the product management unit 101d is described based on the equipment used for the posted image and the shooting theme, but is not limited thereto. Another possible method is to analyze the problems with the submitted images and recommend equipment that can solve them. This is an effective method for beginners. For example, for the posted image, the image evaluation unit 101c-2 evaluates the shooting level of the image, and analyzes the failed photo and the cause of the failure. Then, the merchandise management unit 101d refers to the relationship data of the cause of failure recorded in the storage unit 103 and the recommended shooting equipment for preventing the failure, and specifically specifies the shooting equipment recommended for preventing the failed photo. select. The selected recommended photographic equipment is displayed as an advertisement image.

  FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show examples of tables of failure causes and recommended equipment for preventing the failure. These tables are stored as data in the storage unit 103.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a table showing the cause of the failure of the posted image and the photographing equipment recommended for preventing the failure, depending on whether the user's camera is a single lens reflex camera or a compact camera. In this table, the recommended photographic equipment is raised one representative example at a time, but if there are a plurality of recommended photographic equipment, a plurality may be displayed.

  For example, when the image evaluation unit 101c-2 determines that the cause of the failure of the posted image is mainly due to “camera shake” in the posted image by the user of the single-lens reflex camera, the product management unit 101d determines that the “single-lens reflex tripod” Is recommended. Similarly, if it is determined that the posted image is a failed photograph due to motion blur (subject blur), a “bright lens” is recommended in order to further increase the shutter speed. If it is determined that the “subject size” is not appropriate, for example, small, a “telephoto lens” is recommended so that the subject can be further increased. If it is determined to be “backlight”, “LED light source strobe” is recommended. If it is determined that “strobe light has not been achieved”, a “high light strobe” that can emit a larger amount of light is recommended.

  Next, when the user of the compact camera determines that “shake”, the merchandise management unit 101d recommends the “compact tripod”. If it is determined that the “subject size” is not appropriate, a close-up lens is recommended so that it is closer to the subject. If it is determined that “strobe light has not been achieved”, for example, “underwater strobe” is recommended as one of the external strobes.

  FIG. 8 is an example of the table shown in FIG. 7 in which the shooting theme of the posted image is added to the item of recommended equipment search. By adding a shooting theme, we can recommend more appropriate equipment to prevent failure. Since the shooting theme is attached to the posted image, 101c-1 determines based on this. This table is for a single-lens reflex camera, and a compact camera is omitted here. This is the case where there are many “flowers” as the shooting theme of the posted image. If the cause of the post image failure is “camera shake”, “single-lens reflex tripod” is recommended. If the cause of the post image failure is “motion blur”, “bright lens” is recommended. If it is determined that the “subject size” is not appropriate, a “macro lens” is recommended so that it is closer to the subject. And when it is judged as “backlight”, a “spot meter” for accurately measuring the brightness of the flower is recommended.

  As described in the above embodiment, a system that reflects not only the number of images posted on the network but also popularity as a point system leads to an improvement in user motivation for shooting and image publication. The user is encouraged by the situation of uploading the image to an environment that is easy to receive evaluation from other people. By receiving comments from many people, the viewpoints and prowess of each user are improved, and the quality of images distributed on the Internet is improved. A user who puts a photographed image in a public and easy-to-evaluate environment can raise his / her skill better than a camera user who only captures images for personal enjoyment.

  Furthermore, since we will introduce the best equipment for a specific theme, we will make efforts by accumulating points to obtain it (pursuit and release of a certain theme), and after taking it, through shooting using it, In addition, the quality of the work can be improved. In particular, if the person is devoted to shooting in a specific category, recommending dedicated equipment according to the theme may further draw out the photographer's characteristics and help to pursue the theme. I can do it. And since the discount rate of the above points has been increased for recommended photography equipment, it is easier to buy equipment. Also, how to use the recommended equipment is displayed on the camera of each individual, so that the user can see it for reference and create an opportunity to try to raise their skills.

  As described above, by operating a system that combines image submission, equipment recommendation, and purchase, it is possible to provide a site that is useful for improving photography technology.

(Other examples)
In each of the above embodiments, part or all of the processing of the MPU 1 and the CPU 101 described in the above embodiments may be configured by hardware. Conversely, the hardware of the image determination unit 7 may be configured by software. The specific configuration is a design matter.

  Each control process by the MPU 1 and the CPU 101 is realized by the software programs stored in the ROM 19 and the storage unit 103a being supplied to the MPU 1 and the CPU 101, respectively, and operating according to the supplied programs. Therefore, the software program itself realizes the functions of the MPU 1 and the CPU 101, and the program itself constitutes the present invention.

  A recording medium for storing the program also constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium, besides a flash memory, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, a magnetic recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, or the like can be used. Moreover, although each embodiment demonstrated the example which applied this invention to the digital camera, you may apply not only to this but the camera part of a mobile telephone, for example.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The block diagram centering on the camera 20 in the point provision system to which this invention is applied in 1st Embodiment. The block diagram centering on the site server 100 of the point grant system in 1st Embodiment. An example of an advertisement image transmitted from the site server 100 and displayed on the display unit 9 of the camera 20 in the first embodiment. The table which shows the example of the photography equipment recommended corresponding to the equipment and photography theme of a contribution picture in a 1st embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control processing of the camera 20 in the point grant system in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control processing of the site server 100 in the point grant system in the first embodiment. In 1st Embodiment, the table | surface which shows an example of the cause of failure of a contribution image, and the recommendation photography equipment for the failure prevention according to use equipment. The table which shows an example of the failure cause of a contribution image, and the recommended photography equipment for the failure prevention according to photography equipment of a use equipment and a contribution image in a 1st embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MPU, 1a ... Clock part, 2 ... Lens part, 2a ... AF control part, 3 ... Aperture shutter part, 3a ... Exposure control part, 4 ... Image sensor, 4 ... AFE part, 6 ... Image processing part, 6a ... theme determination unit, 7 ... image determination unit, 7a ... distance determination unit, 7b ... face detection unit, 7c ... shape determination unit,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Display control part, 9 ... Display part, 9-1 ... Product image, 9-2 ... Sample image, 10 ... Compression / decompression part, 11 ... Recording / reproduction control part, 12 ... Recording medium, 13 ... ROM, 13a ... Inherent Information, 13b ... Advertising information,
14a ... Release switch, 14b ... Cross switch, 14c ... Instruction switch, 15 ... Strobe, 17 ... Communication unit, 20 ... Camera, 21 ... Post image,
30 ... Network, 40 ... PC, 40a ... Photographed image, 40b ... Product screen, 41 ... User,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Site server, 101 ... CPU, 101a ... Access determination part, 101b ... Display control part,
101c ... Image management unit, 101c-1 ... Theme determination unit, 101c-2 ... Image evaluation unit, 101d ... Product management unit, 101e ... Point granting unit,
102: Transmission / reception unit, 103: Storage unit, 103a ... Program, 103b ... Image data, 103c ... Point data, 103d ... User data, 103e ... Product data

Claims (12)

An image management unit that manages posted images posted by users over the network;
A point granting unit that grants points that can be used for discounts on the purchase of photographic equipment to the user who posted this image according to the posted image,
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Product management department to set,
A display control unit that creates an advertisement image including information on the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points, and a transmission unit that transmits the created advertisement image to the user. A featured server. The server according to claim 1, wherein the merchandise management unit sets a large number of the discount points for photographing equipment highly recommended to the user. The image management unit includes a theme determination unit that determines a shooting theme of the posted image.
The product management unit selects the recommended photographing equipment according to the type of camera used for photographing the posted image and the photographing theme determined by the theme determination unit. The listed server. The server according to claim 3, wherein the theme determination unit determines a shooting theme based on shooting theme information attached to the posted image. The image management unit includes an image evaluation unit that analyzes a cause of failure at the time of shooting the posted image,
2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the product management unit selects, as the recommended photographic equipment, a photographic equipment that prevents the analyzed cause of failure. The server according to claim 1, wherein the point giving unit gives points that can be used for a discount to the user in accordance with the number of images of the posted image. The server according to claim 6, wherein the point giving unit gives points that can be added to the user and used for a discount depending on a situation in which the posted image is subsequently viewed by another person. The server according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further includes shooting assistance information when using the recommended shooting equipment in the advertisement image. In a point granting system consisting of a camera and a server that gives points to posted images posted via the network by users of this camera and allows others to view the posted images,
The above server
An image management unit that manages posted images posted by users over the network;
A point granting unit that grants points that can be used for discounts on the purchase of photographic equipment to the user who posted this image according to the posted image,
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Product management department to set,
A display control unit that creates an advertisement image including information on the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points; and a transmission unit that transmits the created advertisement image to the user. Is
A theme determination unit for determining the shooting theme of the shot image;
A communication unit that posts an image with information on the determined shooting theme to the server;
A point granting system comprising a storage unit for storing the advertisement image transmitted from the server. In the server point grant method that gives points to posted images posted by users through the network and introduces the shooting equipment to the users,
Manage post images posted by users over the network,
In response to the above posted image, the user of this posted image will be given points that can be used to discount the purchase of photography equipment,
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Set
Create an advertising image that includes information about the selected recommended photographic equipment and the set discount points,
A server point grant method characterized by the above. In a program that gives points to posted images posted by users over the network and causes the server computer to execute point grant processing that introduces the shooting equipment to the users,
The above program
Managing post images posted by users over the network;
In accordance with the posted image, a step of giving the user of the posted image a point that can be used for discounting the purchase of the photographic equipment;
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Process to set,
A program comprising the step of creating an advertisement image including information on the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points. In a computer-readable recording medium for recording a program for giving a point to a posted image posted by a user through a network and causing the server computer to execute a point giving process for introducing the shooting equipment to the user,
The above program
Managing post images posted by users over the network;
In accordance with the posted image, a step of giving the user of the posted image a point that can be used for discounting the purchase of the photographic equipment;
When selecting the recommended shooting equipment for the user based on the posted image and setting the discount points based on the points given to the selected recommended shooting equipment, the discount points differ depending on the type of the shooting equipment. Process to set,
A recording medium comprising a step of creating an advertisement image including information on the selected recommended photographing equipment and the set discount points.

Images