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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
Group keys and image group names of image groups to which the owner
of a digital camera belongs are transmitted from a server to the
digital camera. The image group names are displayed in list form
and an image group name is selected from the list. The group key
of the selected image group is transmitted from the digital camera
to the server. The server sends the digital camera access information
for accessing the user computer of another user who belongs to the
image group identified by the received group key. The digital camera
accesses the user computer based upon the access information and
receives the image file desired.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image file sharing method implemented by digital cameras
and computers possessed by each of a plurality of users, and a center
server capable of data communication with the digital cameras and
computers via a network, said method comprising the steps of: said
center server storing, on a per-user basis, image group information
specifying one or a plurality of image groups to which the user
belongs, and access information for accessing each computer; each
computer storing image group information specifying one or a plurality
of image groups to which the user possessing said computer belongs;
in upload processing for uploading an image file, said digital camera:
receiving the image group information specifying one or plurality
of image groups from its own computer in the possession of the user
who possesses this digital camera, and transmitting to its own computer
an image file, which has been obtained by image sensing using the
digital camera, and image group information in which the image file
is to be included; and said own computer, which has received the
image file and the image group information, storing the received
image file in linkage with an image folder corresponding to the
received image group information; in download processing for downloading
an image file, said digital camera: receiving from said center server
the image group information specifying one or plurality of image
groups to which the user possessing this digital camera belongs,
accepting selection of any one item of image group information from
among the items of image group information received, and transmitting
the image group information selected to said center server; and
said center server transmitting, to said digital camera, access
information for accessing other computers possessed by one or a
plurality of other users who belong to the image group specified
by the image group information received; the digital camera that
has received this access information transmitting the selected image
group information to another computer based upon the access information
received; and the other computer that has received the image group
information from the digital camera transmitting an image file,
which has been linked to an image folder corresponding to the image
group information received, to said digital camera.
2. A digital camera used in an image file sharing system constituted
by said digital camera and a computer possessed by each of a plurality
of users, and a center server capable of data communication with
the digital cameras and computers via a network, wherein said center
server has a management information storage device for storing,
on a per-user basis, management information that includes image
group information specifying one or a plurality of image groups
to which the user belongs and access information for accessing each
computer, and each computer has an image group information storage
device for storing image group information specifying one or a plurality
of image groups to which a user possessing said computer belongs,
and an image file storage device for storing an image file, which
is transmitted from a digital camera, in linkage with an image folder
corresponding to image group information transmitted from the digital
camera together with the image file, said digital camera comprising:
first image group information receiving means for receiving the
image group information specifying one or plurality of image groups
from its own computer in the possession of the user who possesses
this digital camera; image file transmitting means for transmitting
an image file, which has been obtained by image sensing using the
digital camera, and image group information in which the image file
is to be included, to its own computer; second image group information
receiving means for receiving from said center server the image
group information specifying one or plurality of image groups to
which the user possessing this digital camera belongs; image group
information selecting means for accepting selection of any one item
of image group information from among the items of image group information
received; image group information transmitting means for transmitting
the image group information selected to said center server; access
information receiving means for receiving access information, which
is transmitted from said center server, for accessing other computers
possessed by one or a plurality of other users who belong to the
image group specified by the image group information received; accessing
means for transmitting the selected image group information to another
computer based upon the access information received; and image file
receiving means for receiving an image file, which has been linked
to an image folder corresponding to the image group information,
transmitted from another computer that has received the image group
information from the digital camera.
3. The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising
image group name display means for displaying an image group name
on a display screen of a display unit based upon image group information
specifying one or a plurality of image groups received by said first
image group information receiving means and said second image group
information receiving means.
4. The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising:
a removable memory card; and memory card control means for recording
an image file, which has been received by said image file receiving
means, on said memory card.
5. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the image file
includes original image data and thumbnail image data, and said
digital camera further comprises: thumbnail image data receiving
means for receiving thumbnail image data, which is transmitted from
another user computer that has received the image group information
transmitted by said accessing means, contained in an image file
that has been linked to an image folder corresponding to an image
group identified by the image group information; thumbnail image
display means for displaying a thumbnail image represented by the
thumbnail image data; desired-image selecting means for selecting
an image, which is desired to be downloaded, from among thumbnail
images display by said thumbnail image display means; and download
request transmitting means for transmitting a download request to
another computer having the image selected; said image file receiving
means receiving an image file, which is desired to be downloaded,
transmitted from another computer that has received a download request.
6. In an image file sharing system constituted by digital cameras
and computers possessed by each of a plurality of users and a center
server capable of data communication with the digital cameras and
computers via a network, said center server comprises: image group
information/access information storage means for storing, on a per-user
basis, image group information specifying one or a plurality of
image groups to which the user belongs and access information for
accessing each of the computers; image group information transmitting
means for transmitting to said digital camera the image group information
specifying one or plurality of image groups to which the user possessing
the digital camera belongs; image group information receiving means
for receiving any one item of image group information transmitted
from a digital camera; and access information transmitting means
for transmitting to said digital camera access information for accessing
other computers possessed by one or a plurality of other users who
belong to the image group specified by the image group information
received.
7. A digital camera used in an image file sharing/printing system
constituted by said digital camera and a computer possessed by each
of a plurality of users, a center server capable of data communication
with the digital cameras and computers via a network, and a printer
capable of data communication with the digital cameras and computers
via a network, wherein said center server has a management information
storage device for storing, on a per-user basis, management information
that includes image group information specifying one or a plurality
of image groups to which the user belongs and access information
for accessing each computer, each computer has an image file storage
device for storing an image file, which includes thumbnail image
data and original image data, in linkage with an image folder corresponding
to one or a plurality of image groups to which a user possessing
the computer belongs, and said printer has a communication unit
which, on the basis of image specifying information and computer
specifying information transmitted from said digital camera, accesses
a computer specified by the computer specifying information and
receives an image file specified by the image specifying information
transmitted from said computer, said digital camera comprising:
image group information receiving means for receiving, from said
center server, the image group information specifying one or plurality
of image groups to which the user possessing said digital camera
belongs; image group information selecting means for accepting selection
of any one item of image group information from among the items
of image group information received; image group information transmitting
means for transmitting the image group information selected to said
center server; access information receiving means for receiving
access information, which is transmitted from said center server,
for accessing a computer or computers possessed by one or a plurality
of other users who belong to the image group specified by the image
group information selected; accessing means for transmitting the
selected image group information to said one or plurality of computers
based upon the access information received; thumbnail image data
receiving means for receiving thumbnail image data, which is transmitted
from a computer that has received the image group information from
the digital camera, contained in an image file that has been linked
to an image folder corresponding to an image group identified by
the image group information; display means for displaying a thumbnail
image represented by the thumbnail image data; selecting means for
selecting an image, which is desired to be printed, from among thumbnail
images displayed by said display means; and specifying information
transmitting means for transmitting, to said printer, information
specifying an image to be printed selected by said selecting means
and information specifying a computer having an image file that
represents the image to be printed.
8. The digital camera according to claim 7, further comprising
print-number designating means for designating number of prints
of an image to be printed; wherein said specifying information transmitting
means further transmits information representing number of prints.
9. A method of controlling a digital camera used in an image file
sharing/printing system constituted by said digital camera and a
computer possessed by each of a plurality of users, a center server
capable of data communication with the digital cameras and computers
via a network, and a printer capable of data communication with
the digital cameras and computers via a network, wherein said center
server has a management information storage device for storing,
on a per-user basis, management information that includes image
group information specifying one or a plurality of image groups
to which the user belongs and access information for accessing each
computer, each computer has an image file storage device for storing
an image file, which includes thumbnail image data and original
image data, in linkage with an image folder corresponding to one
or a plurality of image groups to which a user possessing the computer
belongs, and said printer has a communication unit which, on the
basis of image specifying information and computer specifying information
transmitted from said digital camera, accesses a computer specified
by the computer specifying information and receives an image file
specified by the image specifying information transmitted from said
computer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving, from said
center server, the image group information specifying one or plurality
of image groups to which the user possessing said digital camera
belongs; accepting selection of any one item of image group information
from among the items of image group information received; transmitting
the image group information selected to said center server; receiving
access information, which is transmitted from said center server,
for accessing a computer or computers possessed by one or a plurality
of other users who belong to the image group specified by the image
group information selected; transmitting the selected image group
information to said one or plurality of computers based upon the
access information received; receiving thumbnail image data, which
is transmitted from a computer that has received the image group
information from the digital camera, contained in an image file
that has been linked to an image folder corresponding to an image
group identified by the image group information; displaying a thumbnail
image represented by the thumbnail image data received; selecting
an image, which is desired to be printed, from among thumbnail images
displayed; and transmitting, to said printer, information specifying
a selected image to be printed and information specifying a computer
having an image file that represents the image to be printed.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps
of: accepting designation of number of prints of an image to be
printed; and transmitting information representing number of prints
to said printer.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an image file sharing method,
a digital camera used in an image file sharing system, and a center
server used in such a system.
[0003] 1. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2003-6032 describes a peer-to-peer content sharing system in
which files are made available among individuals in an enterprise
or between enterprises so that a one-on-one file exchange may be
performed. With a peer-to-peer content sharing system, files generally
are exchanged among computers without the intervention of a server
or the like.
[0005] A digital camera is capable of obtaining digital image data
representing the image of a subject in a comparatively simple manner
by sensing the image of the subject. However, a digital camera that
is capable of file sharing the digital image data obtained and a
system that includes such a digital camera do not exist.
[0006] In addition, although there is a desire for the sharing
of files only by a limited number of members, a digital camera with
which such sharing of image files is realized also does not exist.
[0007] Also not available is a digital camera with which a shared
image file, particularly a shared image file possessed by another
user, can be ordered for printing directly (i.e., without first
downloading the file or uploading the file to a server or the like).
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to so
arrange it that an image file that has been obtained by a digital
camera can be disclosed to a group, which is composed of specific
members, by using the digital camera.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to so arrange
it that only specific members can view a disclosed image using a
digital camera.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to so arrange
it that an image that is based upon a shared image file can be printed
directly through a network using a digital camera.
[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to so arrange
it that an image that has been disclosed only to specific members
can be printed directly through a network using a digital camera.
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
foregoing objects are attained by providing an image file sharing
method implemented by a digital camera and a computer possessed
by each of a plurality of users, and a center server capable of
data communication with the digital cameras and computers via a
network.
[0013] The center server stores, on a per-user basis, image group
information specifying one or a plurality of image groups to which
the user belongs, and access information for accessing each computer.
Further each computer stores image group information specifying
one or a plurality of image groups to which a user possessing the
computer belongs. In the image file sharing method according to
the present invention, each user possesses a digital camera and
a computer. Accordingly, image group information of each user stored
at the center server can also be described as image group information
of each digital camera and computer possessed by the user.
[0014] In upload processing for uploading the image file, the digital
camera receives the image group information specifying one or plurality
of image groups from its own computer in the possession of the user
who possesses this digital camera, and transmits to its own computer
an image file, which has been obtained by image sensing using the
digital camera, and image group information in which the image file
is to be included. The own computer, which has received the image
file and the image group information, stores the received image
file in linkage with an image folder corresponding to the received
image group information.
[0015] In download processing for downloading the image file, the
digital camera receives from the center server the image group information
specifying one or plurality of image groups to which the user possessing
this digital camera belongs. If an identification code (ID) specific
to the user of the digital camera (specific to the digital camera)
is transmitted to the center server, then, on the basis of this
identification code, the center server is capable of recognizing
the information specifying one or plurality of image groups to which
the user possessing this digital camera belongs. The digital camera
accepts selection of any one item of image group information from
among the image group information received, and the image group
information selected is transmitted from the digital camera to the
center server. The center server transmits, to the digital camera,
access information for accessing other computers possessed by one
or a plurality of other users (users other than the user possessing
the above-mentioned digital camera) who belong to the image group
specified by the image group information received.
[0016] The digital camera that has received this access information
transmits the selected image group information to another computer
based upon the access information received. The other computer that
has received the image group information from the digital camera
transmits an image file, which is linked to an image folder corresponding
to the image group information received, to the digital camera.
[0017] According to the first aspect of the present invention,
the foregoing objects are attained by providing a digital camera
used in an image file sharing system constituted by the digital
camera and a computer possessed by each of a plurality of users,
and a center server capable of data communication with the digital
cameras and computers via a network, wherein the center server has
a management information storage device for storing, on a per-user
basis, management information that includes image group information
specifying one or a plurality of image groups to which the user
belongs and access information for accessing each computer, and
each computer has an image group information storage device for
storing image group information specifying one or a plurality of
image groups to which a user possessing the computer belongs, and
an image file storage device for storing an image file, which is
transmitted from a digital camera, in linkage with an image folder
corresponding to image group information transmitted from the digital
camera together with the image file. The digital camera comprises
first image group information receiving means for receiving the
image group information specifying one or plurality of image groups
from its own computer in the possession of the user who possesses
this digital camera; image file transmitting means for transmitting
an image file, which has been obtained by image sensing using the
digital camera, and image group information in which the image file
is to be included, to its own computer; second image group information
receiving means for receiving from the center server the image group
information specifying one or plurality of image groups to which
the user possessing this digital camera belongs; image group information
selecting means for accepting selection of any one item of image
group information from among the image group information received;
image group information transmitting means for transmitting the
image group information selected to the center server; access information
receiving means for receiving access information, which is transmitted
from the center server, for accessing other computers possessed
by one or a plurality of other users who belong to the image group
specified by the image group information received; accessing means
for transmitting the selected image group information to another
computer based upon the access information received; and image file
receiving means for receiving an image file, which has been linked
to an image folder corresponding to the image group information,
transmitted from another computer that has received the image group
information from the digital camera.
[0018] The digital camera preferably includes a removable memory
card, and memory card control means for recording an image file,
which has been received by the image file receiving means, on the
memory card.
[0019] In the first aspect of the present invention, the digital
camera has three processing functions.
[0020] The first processing function is a function for sensing
the image of a subject and acquiring an image file that includes
digital image data representing the image of the subject obtained
by such image sensing.
[0021] The second processing function is a function for uploading
an image file. In processing for uploading an image file, the digital
camera communicates with its own computer. The digital camera's
own computer is one possessed by the same owner who possesses the
digital camera. The digital camera receives group image information
to which the owner of the digital camera (the owner of the digital
camera's own computer) belongs from its own computer and transmits
the image file to be uploaded as well as the image group information
in which this image file is to be included to its own computer.
The image file thus uploaded is stored in this computer in linkage
with an image folder that corresponds to the image group information.
[0022] The third processing function is a function for downloading
an image file. With the function for downloading an image file,
an image file that is transmitted from the computer of a user other
than the owner of the digital camera (namely from another computer)
is received by the digital camera. From the center server the digital
camera receives image group information to-which the owner of the
digital camera belongs and selects, from the image group information
received, image group information to which the image file to be
downloaded belongs. The image group information selected is transmitted
to the center server. The latter transmits access information, which
is for accessing the computer of another user (i.e., another computer)
who belongs to an image group that is specified by the image group
information received, to the digital camera. The latter accesses
the other computer based upon the access information received and
transmits the image group information selected. The other computer
sends the accessing digital camera an image file that has been linked
to an image folder corresponding to the image group information
selected.
[0023] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention,
if the owner of a digital camera and another person who is the owner
of another computer both belong to the same image group, an image
file that has been acquired by a digital camera of the this other
person and stored in the other computer can be downloaded. Image
files can be exchanged between users belonging to the same image
group.
[0024] Further, in accordance with the first aspect of the present
invention, an image file that can be exchanged with another user
(namely an image file that is disclosed) is one that has been uploaded
to one's own computer from image files that have been acquired using
a digital camera. If an image file that is not desired to be exchanged
(disclosed) is not uploaded to one's own computer, then the image
file will not be downloaded by another user (i.e., will not be disclosed
to another user). Only an image file that is desired to be disclosed
can be disclosed selectively.
[0025] In an embodiment, the digital camera further includes image
group name display means for displaying an image group name on a
display screen of a display unit based upon one or a plurality of
items of image group information that have been received by the
first image group information receiving means or second image group
information receiving means. On the basis of an image group name
that is displayed on the display screen, image group information
in which an image file to be uploaded to one's own computer is caused
to belong and image group information of an image file to be downloaded
can be selected with ease.
[0026] The above-mentioned image file preferably includes original
image data and thumbnail image data. The digital camera further
includes thumbnail image data receiving means for receiving thumbnail
image data in an image file, which has been linked to an image folder
corresponding to an image group specified by the image group information,
transmitted from another computer that has received image group
information transmitted by the accessing means; thumbnail image
display means for displaying a thumbnail image represented by the
thumbnail image data; desired-image selecting means for selecting
an image, for which download is desired, from thumbnail images displayed
by the thumbnail image display means; and download request transmitting
means for transmitting a download request to another computer having
the selected image; wherein the image file receiving means receives
an image file, for which download is desired, transmitted from the
other computer that has received the download request. Since an
image possessed by another user can be checked based upon a thumbnail
image, an image file can be downloaded efficiently.
[0027] The first aspect of the present invention also provides
the above-described center server used in an image file sharing
system. The center server according this aspect of the present invention
is used in an image file sharing system constituted by a digital
camera and a computer possessed by each of a plurality of users,
and a center server capable of data communication with the digital
cameras and computers via a network. The center server comprises
image group information/access information storage means for storing,
on a per-user basis, image group information specifying one or a
plurality of image groups to which the user belongs and information
for accessing each of the computers; image group information transmitting
means for transmitting to the digital camera the image group information
specifying one or plurality of image groups to which the user possessing
the digital camera belongs; image group information receiving means
for receiving any one item of image group information transmitted
from a digital camera; and access information transmitting means
for transmitting to the digital camera access information for accessing
other computers possessed by one or a plurality of other users who
belong to the image group specified by the image group information
received.
[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the
foregoing objects are attained by providing a digital camera used
in an image file sharing/printing system constituted by the digital
camera and a computer possessed by each of a plurality of users,
a center server capable of data communication with the digital cameras
and computers via a network, and a printer capable of data communication
with the digital cameras and computers via a network, wherein the
center server has a management information storage device for storing,
on a per-user basis, management information that includes image
group information specifying one or a plurality of image groups
to which the user belongs and access information for accessing each
computer, each computer has an image file storage device for storing
an image file, which includes thumbnail image data and original
image data, in linkage with an image folder corresponding to one
or a plurality of image groups to which a user possessing the computer
belongs, and the printer has a communication unit which, on the
basis of image specifying information and computer specifying information
transmitted from the digital camera, accesses a computer specified
by the computer specifying information and receives an image file
specified by the image specifying information transmitted from the
computer.
[0029] The digital camera according to the second aspect of the
present invention comprises image group information receiving means
for receiving, from the center server, the image group information
specifying one or plurality of image groups to which the user possessing
the digital camera belongs; image group information selecting means
for accepting selection of any one item of image group information
from among the items of image group information received; image
group information transmitting means for transmitting the image
group information selected to the center server; access information
receiving means for receiving access information, which is transmitted
from the center server, for accessing a computer or computers possessed
by one or a plurality of other users who belong to the image group
specified by the image group information selected; accessing means
for transmitting the selected image group information to the one
or plurality of computers based upon the access information received;
thumbnail image data receiving means for receiving thumbnail image
data, which is transmitted from a computer that has received the
image group information from the digital camera, contained in an
image file that has been linked to an image folder corresponding
to an image group identified by the image group information; display
means for displaying a thumbnail image represented by the thumbnail
image data; selecting means for selecting an image, which is desired
to be printed, from among thumbnail images displayed by the display
means; and specifying information transmitting means for transmitting,
to the printer, information specifying an image to be printed selected
by the selecting means and information specifying a computer having
an image file that represents the image to be printed.
[0030] A method of controlling a digital camera according to the
second aspect of the present invention is for controlling a digital
camera used in an image file sharing/printing system constituted
by the digital camera and a computer possessed by each of a plurality
of users, a center server capable of data communication with the
digital cameras and computers via a network, and a printer capable
of data communication with the digital cameras and computers via
a network, wherein the center server has a management information
storage device for storing, on a per-user basis, management information
that includes image group information specifying one or a plurality
of image groups to which the user belongs and access information
for accessing each computer, each computer has an image file storage
device for storing an image file, which includes thumbnail image
data and original image data, in linkage with an image folder corresponding
to one or a plurality of image groups to which a user possessing
the computer belongs, and the printer has a communication unit which,
on the basis of image specifying information and computer specifying
information transmitted from the digital camera, accesses a computer
specified by the computer specifying information and receives an
image file specified by the image specifying information transmitted
from the computer.
[0031] The digital camera according to the second aspect of the
present invention is controlled so as to receive, from the center
server, the image group information specifying one or plurality
of image groups to which the user possessing the digital camera
belongs; accept selection of any one item of image group information
from among the items of image group information received; transmit
the image group information selected to the center server; receive
access information, which is transmitted from the center server,
for accessing a computer or computers possessed by one or a plurality
of other users who belong to the image group specified by the image
group information selected; transmit the selected image group information
to the one or plurality of computers based upon the access information
received; receive thumbnail image data, which is transmitted from
a computer that has received the image group information from the
digital camera, contained in an image file that has been linked
to an image folder corresponding to an image group identified by
the image group information; display a thumbnail image represented
by the thumbnail image data received; select an image, which is
desired to be printed, from among thumbnail images displayed; and
transmit, to the printer, information specifying a selected image
to be printed and information specifying a computer having an image
file that represents the image to be printed.
[0032] A digital camera receives thumbnail image data transmitted
from the computer (another computer) of another user who belongs
to an image group that same as that selected from one or a plurality
of image groups to which the user of the digital camera belongs.
Thumbnail images based upon this thumbnail image data are displayed
on the digital camera. Information (e.g., image file names) specifying
image and information (e.g., an address) specifying the other computer
has been linked to the thumbnail image data. When an image to be
printed is selected from the thumbnail images displayed, information
(image specifying information) that specifies the selected image
and information (computer specifying information) specifying a computer
(another computer) having the image file of this image is transmitted
from the digital camera to the printer.
[0033] On the basis of the image specifying information and computer
specifying information transmitted from the digital camera, the
printer access the computer specified by the computer specifying
information and receives an image file specified by the image specifying
information transmitted from the computer. The printer is capable
of printing an image that is based upon the image file possessed
by the computer of the other user selected using the digital camera.
[0034] In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention,
a digital camera can be used to order the printing of an image based
upon an image file possessed by another user who belongs to the
same image group as that of the user of the digital camera. The
image file representing the image to be printed is transmitted to
a printer from the computer having the image file; only the thumbnail
image data is transmitted to the digital camera. Since an image
file representing an image to be printed need not be uploaded to
the server, etc., there is no major increase in traffic with regard
to the network and server, etc. A desired image to be printed can
be selected (ordered for printing) in simple fashion using the digital
camera.
[0035] An image file stored in linkage with an image folder of
every image group stored in the image file storing device of a computer
is, e.g., an image file that has been acquired by the digital camera
of the user who possesses this computer. In this case, the image
file is transmitted from the digital camera to the computer, linked
to an image folder corresponding to a specific image group and stored
in the image file storing device of the computer. It is possible
to print an image that is based upon an image file that another
user has obtained by photography using a digital camera.
[0036] In an embodiment, the digital camera further comprises print-number
designating means for designating number of prints of an image to
be printed. The specifying information transmitting means sends
the printer information representing number of prints. Thus the
printer is capable of printing out the number of desired prints
of an image.
[0037] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration
of an image file sharing system;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the back side
of a digital camera;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall structure
of a digital camera;
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates part of the content of a non-volatile
memory;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure
of a user computer;
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a peer information database;
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a group key/image group
name management table;
[0045] FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a peer-to-peer folder,
and FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a group key/image group name
table;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing
for registering a new image group;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing
for participation in an image group;
[0048] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing
for registering an image file;
[0049] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing
for acquiring an image file;
[0050] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an initial screen;
[0051] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a network connection screen;
[0052] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an upload screen;
[0053] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an image group selection
screen;
[0054] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a download screen;
[0055] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration
of an image sharing/printing system;
[0056] FIG. 19 illustrates part of the content of a non-volatile
memory;
[0057] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of print processing;
[0058] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of print processing;
[0059] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of an initial screen;
[0060] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a selection screen; and
[0061] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a print screen.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0062] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0063] [First Embodiment]
[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates the overall configuration of an image
sharing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] The image sharing system comprises digital cameras, user
computers and a center server that are capable of being connected
to a network (the Internet). The image sharing system can be made
to incorporate a number of digital cameras, a number of user computers
and a single center server. In FIG. 1, three digital cameras 1a
to 1c, three user computers 50a to 50c and one center server 60
are mutually interconnected via the network. In the first embodiment,
it is assumed that the digital camera la and user computer 50a are
possessed by the same owner, and that the same is true for digital
camera 1b and user computer 50b and for digital camera 1c and user
computer 50c. The center server 60 is placed under the supervision
of the administrator of the image sharing system.
[0066] With the image sharing system, an image file that has been
obtained by a digital camera can be transmitted to a user computer
via the network and stored on the hard disk of the user computer.
Further, as will be described later, a group (an image group) to
which members utilizing the image sharing system belong is formed
by the image sharing system. A utilizing member who belongs to a
certain image group can download an image file, which is possessed
by another utilizing member who belongs to the same image group,
from the user computer of this other utilizing member using a digital
camera and can view the image that is based upon the downloaded
image file using the digital camera. Conversely, if an image group
is one to which a person does not belong, then the person cannot
download an image file possessed by another utilizing member who
belongs to this image group.
[0067] The downloading of an image file is performed by peer-to-peer
communication in this embodiment. That is, an image file possessed
by another utilizing member who belongs to the same image group
is not downloaded from the user computer of this utilizing member
via the center server 60, etc. Rather, the image file can be downloaded
to the digital camera through the network.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the back side of the
digital camera 1a. The digital cameras 1b and 1c also have a structure
that is basically identical with that of the digital camera 1a.
The digital camera 1a will be described as representative of the
digital cameras 1a to 1c.
[0069] Provided on the top of the digital still camera 1a is a
shutter-release button 3 disposed at the right-hand corner of the
camera. A mode selection dial 2 is provided on the top of the digital
camera 1a at the right-hand corner. The mode selection dial 2 is
for selecting a shooting mode, a play back mode and a communication
mode, etc. An antenna 4 for wireless communication is provided on
the top of the digital camera 1a at the left-hand corner.
[0070] A display screen 7 of a liquid crystal display device is
provided on the back side of the digital camera 1a substantially
at the center thereof. Displayed on the display screen 7 are an
image captured by an image sensing unit, an image represented by
an image file that has been read out of a memory card inserted into
the digital camera 1a, and an image for making various settings
relative to the digital camera 1a, etc. The display screen 7 also
functions as a touch-sensitive panel (input unit).
[0071] A power switch 12 is provided above the display screen 7.
Provided on the right side of the display screen 7 are an up, down,
left, right key 8 utilized to select a frame to be display on the
display screen 7 and to make various settings, a menu button 9,
an execute button 10 and a cancel button 11.
[0072] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware implementation
of the digital camera 1a.
[0073] The overall operation of the digital camera 1a is controlled
by a CPU 20. A battery 43 supplies power to the CPU 20 and various
other circuits and devices included in the digital camera 1a.
[0074] The digital camera 1a includes a system memory 34 and a
non-volatile memory 35. A program and data, etc., for controlling
the operation of the digital camera 1a have been stored in the system
memory 34. A program and data for peer-to-peer communication and
other programs and data have been stored in the non-volatile memory
35. A timer 36 is used to measure elapsed time when photography
is performed using a self-timer. Date and time are measured by a
calendar and clock 37.
[0075] Output signals from the mode selection dial 2, shutter-release
button 3, up, down, left, right key 8, menu button 9, execute button
10, cancel button 11 and power switch button 12 (assumed to be a
switch 39 in FIG. 3) are input to the CPU 20 via an input/output
(I/O) unit 38. If the digital camera 1a has been provided with a
light-emitting diode (LED), a light-emission signal is output to
the light-emitting element via the input/output unit 38.
[0076] An electronic flash device 5 has its light emission controlled
by a flash controller 24.
[0077] If the shooting mode is selected by the mode selection dial
2, the image of the subject is sensed by a CCD incorporated in an
image sensing unit 21. A video signal representing the image of
the subject is output from the image sensing unit 21 to a signal
processing circuit 22, which proceeds to execute predetermined signal
processing. The analog video signal that has been output from the
signal processing circuit 22 is converted to digital image data
in an analog/digital converting circuit 23.
[0078] The digital image data is input to an LCD (Liquid Crystal
display) control circuit 31 via a frame memory 29 and is converted
in the LCD control circuit 31 to data suited to an LCD display.
Output data from the LCD control circuit 31 is applied to a liquid
crystal display device 32. An image is display on the display screen
7 included in the liquid crystal display device 32.
[0079] Also input to the LCD control circuit 31 is an on-screen
signal from an OSD (On-Screen Device) 30. Characters standing for
date and time represented by the on-screen signal and an image representing
a character can be displayed the display screen 7 in a form superimposed
on the captured image.
[0080] As mentioned above, the display screen 7 included in the
liquid crystal display device 32 also functions as a touch-sensitive
panel. The output signal from the display screen 7 is input to the
CPU 20 via a touch-sensitive-panel control circuit 33.
[0081] If the shutter-release button 3 is pressed when the shooting
mode has been selected by the mode selection dial 2, the image data
obtained as described above is stored temporarily in the frame memory
29. The image data is read out of the frame memory 29 and is compressed
by a compression/expansion circuit 25. Image data (thumbnail image
data) representing an image (thumbnail image) that is a reduction
of the image represented by the image data is generated by the CPU
20. An image file that contains the compressed image data, thumbnail
image data, file name and date and time of photography is created
and the created image file is recorded on the memory card 42, which
has been inserted into the memory-card slot 41, via the card interface
40.
[0082] If the playback mode is selected by the mode selection dial
2, the image file that has been recorded on the memory card 42 is
read out and applied to the compression/expansion circuit 25 via
the card interface 40. The compression/expansion circuit 25 executes
expansion processing and inputs the expanded image data to the LCD
control circuit 31 via the frame memory 29. The image represented
by the image file that has been recorded on the memory card 42 is
displayed the display screen 7.
[0083] The digital camera 1a is equipped with an antenna 4 for
performing a wireless transmission. A wireless interface 26 is connected
to the antenna 4. The sending and receiving of data is performed
between the digital camera 1a and user computer 50a or the center
server 60 via the antenna 4. Further, the digital camera 1a is provided
with a USB interface 27 and a connector 28 connected to the USB
interface 27. One end of a USB cable is connected to the connector
28 and the other end of the USB cable is connected to the user computer
50a. The digital camera 1a and user computer 50a are connected by
the USB cable so as to be capable of communicating.
[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates part of the content of the non-volatile
memory 35 with which the digital camera 1a is equipped.
[0085] In the image sharing system, the digital camera 1a performs
data communication mutually with the center server 60 and with the
user computer (the home peer) 50a in a manner described later. Information
for performing data communication with the center server 60 and
user computer 50a has been stored in the non-volatile memory 35.
The following information (data) typically has been stored in the
non-volatile memory 35:
[0086] (i) Camera information: This is information for specifying
the digital camera 1a in the image sharing system; it includes the
peer ID and the IP address of the digital camera 1a. The peer ID
has been issued (generated) by the center server 60 and is specific
to the digital camera 1a. The IP address is appended dynamically
by the center server 60 (or by another DHCP server) according to
the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The IP address may
be a static IP address as a matter of course.
[0087] (ii) Center server information: This is information used
to access the center server 60 and it includes a service ID, the
peer ID of the center server 60, the IP address of the center server
60 and the port number of the center server 60.
[0088] (iii) Home peer information: This is information used to
connect the digital camera 1a and the user computer (home peer)
50a via the network; it includes owner name, owner hash and owner
ID.
[0089] (iv) Setting information for wireless LAN connection: This
is information used to connect the digital camera 1a to the center
server 60 and user computer (home peer) 50a by radio communication.
The digital camera 1a is connected to the Internet by a wireless
LAN and sends and receives data to and from the center server 60
and user computer (home peer) 50a.
[0090] The setting information for the wireless LAN connection
includes an ID for access point connection, a key for access point
connection, a channel number for access point connection, connection
mode information and setting information for IP acquisition.
[0091] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware implementation
of the user computer 50a. The user computers 50b and 50c also have
hardware implementations basically similar to that of the user computer
50a.
[0092] The user computer 50a includes a CPU 51. The overall operation
of the user computer 50a is controlled by the CPU 51. The latter
is equipped with an input unit (keyboard, mouse, etc.) 52 for inputting
instructions and commands, etc., a display unit 53 for displaying
text and images, etc., a memory 54 for supplying a work area and
buffer area, etc., a communication unit 55 for sending and receiving
data through the network, and a hard disk 56 for storing a program
and data.
[0093] Stored on the hard disk 56 of user computer 50a in a manner
similar to that of the digital camera 1a are information for specifying
the user computer 50a [the peer ID and IP address specific to the
user computer 50a (the IP address may be assigned dynamically or
statically)], center server information (the service ID, peer ID,
IP address and port number of the center server 60) and home peer
information (owner name, owner hash and owner ID). If the user computer
50a is connectable to the network by a wireless LAN, then setting
information for the wireless LAN connection also is stored on the
hard disk 56 of the user computer 50a in a manner similar to that
of the digital camera 1a. Further, as will be described later, other
data for peer-to-peer communication (a peer-to-peer folder and a
group key/image group name table) also is stored on the hard disk
56 of the user computer 50a.
[0094] The center server 60 also has a hardware implementation
similar to that of the user computer 50a described above. The hardware
of the center server 60 is indicated within the parentheses in FIG.
5. Stored on the hard disk 66 of the center server 60 are a program
and data for managing the image sharing system (the IP address of
the center server 60 as well as the port number and other data used
in the image sharing system).
[0095] A peer information database 67 and a group key/group name
management table 68 have been stored on a hard disk 66 of the center
server 60 as data for managing the image sharing system. FIG. 6
illustrates an example of the peer information database 67, and
FIG. 7 an example of the group key/group name management table 68.
[0096] Information (peer information) concerning every device (user
computers and digital cameras) constructing the image sharing system
has been stored in the peer information database 67 (see FIG. 6).
[0097] The peer information that has been stored in the peer information
database 67 includes peer IDs, IP addresses, port numbers and group
keys regarding respective ones of image groups 1, 2, 3, . . . .
[0098] Peer ID: This is an identification code that the center
server 60 has appended to each user computer and digital camera
that construct the image sharing system. The user computers and
digital cameras that construct the image sharing system are identified
by peer IDs.
[0099] IP address: This indicates the network address of each user
computer and digital camera identified by a peer ID. If the IP address
is appended by DHCP, then it is appended dynamically by the center
server 60 (or by another DHCP server) when the user computer and
digital camera are connected to the network. The IP address, therefore,
is registered in the peer information database 67. In case of a
user computer or digital camera that employs a static IP address,
the IP address is registered in the peer information database 67.
[0100] Port number: This is a port number used in sending and receiving
an image file in each user computer and digital camera and is set
in each user computer and digital camera.
[0101] Image group: A group key for identifying an image group
to which a utilizing member of the image sharing system belongs
is registered in the image group section. A utilizing member can
belong to one or a plurality of image groups.
[0102] In this embodiment, a utilizing member of the image sharing
system possesses a user computer and a digital camera. The same
group key is registered in the image group section of the peer information
regarding the user computer and digital camera possessed by a certain
utilizing member. That is, the group key of an image group to which
a utilizing member of the image sharing group belongs is registered
in the peer information regarding this user computer and digital
camera possessed by the utilizing member.
[0103] The corresponding relationship between the above-described
group keys and image group names is stored in the group key/group
name management table 68 (see FIG. 7).
[0104] For example, a utilizing member who possesses a user computer
having a peer ID "001" belongs to groups G001, G002 and
G004, as shown in FIG. 6. A group name "Skiing" corresponds
to group key "G001", a group name "Flowers"
corresponds to group key "G002", and a group name "Wedding
Ceremony" corresponds to group key "G004". Thus it
will be understood that a utilizing member possessing a user computer
of peer ID "001" is one who belongs to each of the image
groups "Skiing", "Flowers" and "Wedding
Ceremony".
[0105] FIG. 8A schematically illustrates the content of a peer-to-peer
folder 58 that has been stored on the hard disk 56 of a user computer
(assumed to be user computer 50a). FIG. 8B illustrates an example
of a group key/image group name table 59 that has been stored on
the hard disk 56 of the user computer 50a.
[0106] User computers 50a to 50c that construct the image sharing
system each have a peer-to-peer folder 58. The latter is a folder
that is accessible by peer-to-peer communication.
[0107] The folder of every image group is linked to the peer-to-peer
folder 58. Folders (referred to as "image folders" below)
regarding respective ones of the image folders corresponding to
the group keys "G001", "G002", "G004",
"G007" and "G009" are linked to the peer-to-peer
folder 58 that has been stored on the hard disk 56 of the user computer
50a shown in FIG. 8A. Image files relating to an image group identified
by a group key are linked to each image folder.
[0108] Image folders linked to the peer-to-peer folder 58 are provided
in correspondence with respective ones of the image groups to which
the owner of the user computer belongs. As will be described later,
a system utilizing member who belongs to a certain image group can
download, by peer-to-peer communication, an image file that has
been linked to an image folder of this image group in the user computer
of another utilizing member who belongs to this image group.
[0109] Group keys regarding respective ones of the image groups
to which the owner of the user computer belongs and image group
names are stored in linked form in the group key/image group name
table 59 (see FIG. 8B). The five image folders whose group keys
are "G001", "G002", "G004", "G007"
and "G009" have been linked to peer-to-peer folder 58
of the user computer 50a (see FIG. 8A). That is, the owner of the
user computer 50a belongs to the image groups whose group keys are
"G001", "G002", "G004", "G007"
and "G009". These group keys "G001", "G002",
"G004", "G007" and "G009" and the
image group names corresponding to respective ones of these group
keys are stored in the group key/image group name table 59 of the
user computer 50a.
[0110] (2) Operation of image sharing system
[0111] The operation of the image sharing system will now be described
with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 12 and examples of
screens on the display screen 7 of the digital camera shown in FIGS.
13 to 17.
[0112] (I) Processing for registering new image group
[0113] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by
a user computer and center server 60 in processing for registering
a new image group.
[0114] Processing for registering a new image group is processing
by which a utilizing member of the image sharing system creates
(registers) an image group using a user computer. This will be described
with regard to a case where use is made of the user computer 50a.
[0115] Access request information is transmitted from the user
computer 50a to the center server 60 (step 71). Information (peer
ID and IP address) concerning the user computer 50a and center server
information (service ID, peer ID, IP address and port number) has
been stored on the hard disk 56 of the user computer 50a in the
manner described above. The access request information is transmitted
from the user computer 50a to the center server 60 based upon the
center server information. Further, the access request information
contains information (peer ID and IP address) concerning the user
computer 50a.
[0116] On the basis of the information (peer ID) concerning the
user computer 50a contained in the access request information, the
center server 60 that has received the access request information
refers to the peer information database 67 (FIG. 6) to determine
whether the user computer 50a is a computer constituting the image
sharing system (i.e., whether the user of the user computer 50a
is a utilizing member of the image sharing system). Since the user
computer 50a is one constituting the image sharing system (i.e.,
since the peer ID contained in the access request information has
been registered in the peer information database 67), the center
server 60 enables the connection of the user computer 50a and sends
the user computer 50a data indicating that the connection has been
completed (step 72).
[0117] Upon receiving the data indicating completion of connection
from the center server 60, the user computer 50a executes processing
for creating a new image group (step 73). In processing for creating
a new image group, the user of the user computer 50a uses the input
unit 52 to input the name of the image group to be created anew.
New-group registration request information that contains the entered
image group name is transmitted from the user computer 50a to the
center server 60 (step 74).
[0118] Upon receiving the new-group registration request information,
the center server 60 creates a group key. The created group key
is registered in the image group section of the peer information
in the peer information database 67 regarding the user computer
50a identified by the peer ID received from the user computer 50a
beforehand. Furthermore, the center server 60 also registers the
created group key in the image group section of the peer information
in the peer information database 67 regarding the digital camera
1a possessed by the owner of the user computer 50a. (This is a case
where the center server 60 has grasped the corresponding relationship
between the peer IDs of the user computer and digital camera possessed
by the same owner. Of course, the peer ID of the digital camera
1a may be included in the access request information together with
the peer ID of the user computer 50a and the created group key may
be registered in the peer information regarding the user computer
50a and digital camera 1a possessed by the same owner based upon
these two peer IDs.) The created group key and the image group name
contained in the received new-group registration request information
are registered in correspondence with each other in the group key/group
name management table 68 (see FIG. 7) (step 75).
[0119] The center server 60 transmits the created group key to
the user computer 50a (step 76). The latter registers the received
group key and the entered image group name in the group key/image
group name table 59 (FIG. 8B) (step 77). Processing for registering
the new image group then ends.
[0120] It may be so arranged that a group key created at the center
server 60 and transmitted to the user computer 50a is transmitted
upon being encrypted. In this case, the encrypted group key is decoded
at the user computer 50a and registered in the group key/image group
name table 59.
[0121] It goes without saying that in a case where a new image
group has been created using the user computer 50a, an image folder
corresponding to the newly created image group is created in the
peer-to-peer folder 58 (FIG. 8A) of the user computer 50a.
[0122] (II) Processing for participation in an image group
[0123] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flows of processing
executed by a user computer and center server 60 for participation
in an image group.
[0124] Processing for participation in an image group is processing
executed in a case where a utilizing member of the image sharing
system participates in an image group created by the above-described
processing (FIG. 9) for registering a new image group. This will
be described with regard to a case where use is made of the user
computer 50a.
[0125] A utilizing member who wishes to participate in an image
group accepts as by e-mail the group key of the image group in which
participation is desired from the utilizing member who created the
image group (step 81). Of course, the group key may be accepted
from another utilizing member who received the group key from the
utilizing member who created the image group.
[0126] The group key accepted as by e-mail is registered in the
group key/image group name table 59 (FIG. 8B) at the user computer
50a (step 82).
[0127] Access request information is transmitted from the user
computer 50a to the center server 60 (step 83). Upon allowing access,
the center server 60 transmits the fact that access has been achieved
to the user computer 50a (step 84).
[0128] The user computer 50a sends the center server 60 information
requesting registration of the desired participation group (step
85). This information requesting registration of the desired participation
group includes the group key of the image group in which participation
is desired, the group key having been received as by e-mail and
registered in the group key/image group name table 59 in advance
in the manner described above.
[0129] Upon receiving the information requesting registration of
the desired participation group, the center server 60 registers
the group key, which is contained in the information requesting
registration of the desired participation group, in the image group
section of the peer information regarding the user computer 50a
and digital camera 1a in the peer information database 67 (step
86). Further, the center server 60 refers to the group key/group
name management table 68 and sends the user computer 50a the image
group name corresponding to the registered group key (step 87).
[0130] The user computer 50a stores the received image group name
in the group key/image group name table 59 in a form linked to the
group key (step 88). This ends the processing for participating
in an image group.
[0131] As a result of the above-described processing for registering
a new image group (FIG. 9) and processing for participating in an
image group (FIG. 10), the group key of an image group in which
a utilizing member of the image sharing system is participating
is registered in the peer information concerning the user computer
and digital camera possessed by the utilizing member of the image
sharing system. One or a plurality of image groups in which each
utilizing member of the image sharing system is participating is
(are) registered at the center server 60. The corresponding relationship
between group keys and image group names regarding all image groups
created in the image sharing system is registered in the group key/group
name management table 68. The corresponding relationship between
group keys and image group names regarding image groups in which
the user of each user computer is participating is registered at
each user computer.
[0132] (III) Processing for registering an image file (upload processing)
[0133] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flows of processing
executed by a digital camera and user computer for registering an
image file. FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate examples of screens displayed
on the display screen 7 of a digital camera in this processing for
registering an image file.
[0134] Processing for registering an image file is processing whereby
a utilizing member of the image sharing system takes a picture of
a subject using a digital camera and stores an image file, which
has been recorded on the memory card 42 as a result, on the hard
disk of the user computer possessed by this utilizing member. This
will be described with regard to a case where use is made of the
digital camera 1a and user computer 50a.
[0135] If the communication mode is selected using the mode selection
dial 2 of the digital camera 1a, an initial screen W1 is displayed
the display screen 7 of the digital camera 1a, as illustrated in
FIG. 13.
[0136] The initial screen W1 includes three selectable areas, namely
"UPLOAD" W1a, "VIEW" W1b and "BACK"
W1a. Any one of "UPLOAD" W1a, "VIEW" W1b and
"BACK" W1a can be selected by operating the up, down,
left, right key 8 or by touching the display screen 7. "UPLOAD"
W1a is selected in image file registration processing.
[0137] If "UPLOAD" W1a is selected, a network connection
screen W2 (see FIG. 14) instead of the initial screen W1 appears
on the display screen 7. The network connection screen W2 includes
an "OK" button W2a and a "BACK" button W2b.
If the "OK" button W2a is selected, a transition is made
to the processing described next. If the "BACK" button
W2b is pressed, the initial screen W1 is displayed the display screen
7 again.
[0138] As mentioned above, information (home peer information)
necessary for data communication with the user computer 50a (home
peer) has been stored in the non-volatile memory 35 (FIG. 4) of
the digital camera 1a. Access request information is transmitted
from the digital camera 1a to the user computer 50a based upon the
home peer information via a network (step 91). The access request
information transmitted from the digital camera 1a to the user computer
50a includes camera information (peer ID and IP address) that has
been stored in the non-volatile memory 35.
[0139] Upon receiving the access request information from the digital
camera 1a, the user computer 50a sends the digital camera 1a data
representing the fact that access has been achieved (step 92).
[0140] Information requesting image group names is transmitted
from the digital camera 1a to the user computer 50a (step 93). Upon
receiving the information requesting image group names, the user
computer 50a sends the digital camera 1a the sets of all group keys
and image group names that have been stored in the group key/image
group name table 59 (step 94).
[0141] The group keys and image group names are stored temporarily
in the non-volatile memory 35 of the digital camera 1a.
[0142] An upload screen W3 (see FIG. 15) is displayed the display
screen 7 of the digital camera 1a (step 95).
[0143] The upload screen W3 includes an image group name display
area W3a and an image display area W3b. Image group names that have
been transmitted from the user computer 50a are displayed in the
image group name display area 3a in list form. The image group names
displayed in the image group name display area W3a are based upon
the image group names that have been stored in the non-volatile
memory 35. Thumbnail images based upon the image files that have
been recorded on the memory card 42 are displayed in the image display
area W3b.
[0144] The user of the user computer 50a selects the image desired
to be uploaded from among the thumbnail images being displayed in
the image display area W3b and selects the group name of the image
group in which the selected image is to be included from among the
image group names being displayed in the image group name display
area W3a (steps 96, 97). If a plurality of images are to be uploaded,
the selection of the image and the selection of the image group
name are repeated.
[0145] If the execute button 10 is pressed, the image file representing
the selected image is read out of the memory card 42 and the group
key of the selected image group is read out of the non-volatile
memory 35. The image file and the group key are linked and transmitted
from the digital camera 1a to the user computer 50a (step 98).
[0146] Upon receiving the image file and the group key, the user
computer 50a stores the received image file in linkage with the
image folder inside the peer-to-peer folder 58 (see FIG. 8A) identified
by the group key (step 99). This ends the processing for registering
an image file.
[0147] (IV) Image file acquisition processing (view mode processing)
[0148] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flows of processing
executed by a digital camera, center server and user computer for
acquiring an image file, and FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate examples
of screens displayed the display screen 7 of the digital camera
in image file acquisition processing.
[0149] Image file acquisition processing is processing by which
a utilizing member acquires the image of another utilizing member
who belongs to an image group that is the same as that to which
the first-mentioned utilizing member belongs. This will be described
with regard to a case where use is made of the digital camera 1a
and user computer 50a.
[0150] When "VIEW" W1b is selected on the initial screen
W1 (FIG. 13) and the "OK" button W2a is selected on the
network connection screen W2 (FIG. 14), a transition is made to
the processing described below.
[0151] Access request information is transmitted from the digital
camera 1a to the center server 60 via the network (step 101). Center
server information that has been stored in the non-volatile memory
35 of the digital camera 1a is used to transmit the access request
information from the digital camera 1a to the non-volatile memory
35. The access request information includes information (peer ID
and ID address) concerning the digital camera 1a.
[0152] In a manner similar to that of the case where processing
for registering a new image group is executed, it is determined
based upon information (peer ID) concerning the digital camera 1a
whether the digital camera 1a is one constituting the image sharing
system. Data indicating the fact that access has been achieved is
transmitted from the center server 60 to the digital camera 1a,
which is one constituting the image sharing system (step 102).
[0153] Request information requesting image group names is transmitted
from the digital camera 1a to the center server 60 (step 103). Upon
receiving this request information, the center server 60 refers
to the peer information database 67 based upon the peer ID transmitted
from the digital camera 1a, reads out the group keys of the image
groups to which the owner of the digital camera 1a (the owner of
the user computer 50a) belongs, reads the image group names that
correspond to these group keys out of the group key/group name management
table 68 and transmits the group keys and the image group names
to the digital camera 1a (step 104). The group keys and the image
group names are stored in the non-volatile memory 35 of the digital
camera 1a.
[0154] An image group selection screen W4 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed
the display screen 7 of the digital camera 1. The image group selection
screen W4 includes an image group name display area W4a, in which
the image group names that have been stored in the non-volatile
memory 35 are display (step 105).
[0155] By operating the up, down, left, right key 8 or touching
the display screen 7, the user of the digital camera 1a selects
the image group name of the image group from which acquisition of
an image is desired from among the image group names being displayed
in the image group name display area W4b (step 106). The group key
regarding the selected image group is read out of the non-volatile
memory 35 and transmitted to the center server 60 (step 107).
[0156] Upon receiving the group key, the center server 60 goes
to the peer information database 67 and reads out access information
(peer IDs, IP addresses and port numbers) for accessing the user
computers of the utilizing members belonging to the image group
specified by the group key received (step 108). The access information
read out is transmitted from the center server 60 to the digital
camera 1a (step 109). It should be noted that if user computers
are connected to a network and the IP addresses appended by the
DHCP, then an IP address will not have been registered in peer information
regarding a user computer that has not been connected to the network.
It goes without saying that access information regarding such a
user computer is not transmitted to the digital camera 1a. Further,
it may be so arranged that the center server 60 accesses the user
computer beforehand based upon access information read out, queries
the user computer as to whether it is in an accessible state and,
as a result of the query, sends the digital camera 1a only access
information regarding a user computer that is accessible.
[0157] Upon receiving access information from the center server
60, the digital camera 1a, based upon the received access information,
transmits access request information, which is for requesting thumbnail
image data, to the user computers specified by the access information
(step 110). Of course, this acquisition request information also
contains the group key regarding the selected image group and camera
information (peer ID and IP address) regarding the digital camera
1a.
[0158] Upon receiving the information transmitted from the digital
camera 1a for the purpose of requesting acquisition of thumbnail
image data, the user computer, based upon the group key contained
in the acquisition request information, reads out thumbnail image
data contained in the image files linked to the image folder regarding
the image group identified by this group key, links its own IP address
with the thumbnail image data and transmits the thumbnail image
data to the digital camera 1a (step 111). If the digital camera
1a has received multiple items of access information from the center
server 60, then the above-mentioned information for requesting acquisition
of thumbnail image data is transmitted by the digital camera 1a
to a plurality of user computers. In this case each of the plurality
of user computers sends the digital camera 1a a set of data that
includes the images (thumbnail image data) regarding the selected
image group and the IP address.
[0159] Thumbnail images that are based upon the received thumbnail
image data are displayed in an image display area W5b on the display
screen 7 of the digital camera 1a (step 112; see download screen
W5 in FIG. 17).
[0160] The owner of the digital camera 1a selects one or a plurality
of images desired for downloading from among the thumbnail images
being displayed in the image display area W5b (step 113). On the
basis of the IP address that has been linked to the selected thumbnail
image, download request information is transmitted to the user computer
having the image file representing the selected thumbnail image
(step 114). The download request information includes the image
file name (contained in the thumbnail image data) for which download
is requested.
[0161] Upon receiving the download request information, the user
computer transmits the requested image file to the digital camera
1a (step 115). The image file transmitted from the user computer
is recorded on the memory card 42 of the digital camera 1a (step
116).
[0162] [Second Embodiment]
[0163] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration
of an image sharing/printing system.
[0164] The image sharing/printing system comprises digital cameras,
user computers, a center server and a printer that are capable of
being connected to a network (the Internet). The image sharing/printing
system can be made to incorporate a number of digital cameras, a
number of user computers, a plurality of printers and a single center
server. In FIG. 18, three digital cameras 1a to 1a, three user computers
50a to 50c, one center server 60 and one printer 70 are mutually
interconnected via the network. This system differs from the image
sharing system of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that the printer
70 has been connected to the network. In the description that follows,
components identical with those of the first embodiment are designated
by like reference characters and need not be described again.
[0165] With this image sharing/printing system, an image based
upon an image file that has been recorded on a memory card inserted
into a digital camera and an image file (stored in a user computer)
that belongs to another utilizing member who belongs to the same
image group can be printed from the printer 70 through use of the
digital camera. This function is in addition to the functions of
the image sharing system according to the first embodiment.
[0166] FIG. 19 illustrates part of the content of the non-volatile
memory 35 with which the digital camera 1a is equipped. This content
differs from that of the non-volatile memory 35 (FIG. 4) in the
digital camera 1a of the first embodiment in that printer peer information
has been added thereto.
[0167] Printer peer information is information used to connect
the digital camera 1a and printer 70 via the network and it includes
the peer ID of the printer 70, the IP address of the printer 70
and port number of the printer 70. The printer peer information
is stored also on the hard disk of the user computer.
[0168] As in the first embodiment, processing (FIG. 9) for registering
a new image group, processing (FIG. 10) for participating in an
image group, processing (FIG. 11) for registering an image file
and processing (FIG. 12) for acquiring an image file can be executed
in the image sharing/printing system of the second embodiment as
well. In addition to the above processing, print processing also
can be executed in the image sharing/printing system of the second
embodiment.
[0169] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flows of processing
executed by a digital camera and printer in print processing.
[0170] Print processing is processing whereby the owner of a digital
camera causes the printer 70 to print an image that is based upon
an image file that has been recorded on the memory card 42. This
will be described with regard to a case where use is made of the
digital camera 1a.
[0171] If the communication mode is selected using the mode selection
dial 2 of the digital camera 1a, an initial screen W1A (see FIG.
22) is displayed the display screen 7. This screen differs from
the initial screen W1 (FIG. 13) of the first embodiment in that
a "PRINT" selection area, indicated at W1a, has been added
thereto.
[0172] If "PRINT" W1a is selected, a selection screen
W6 illustrated in FIG. 23 is displayed. The selection screen W6
is a screen for selecting whether to print an image that is based
upon an image file that has been recorded on the memory card 42
inserted into the digital camera 1a or an image that is based upon
an image file (stored in the user computer of another utilizing
member) possessed by the other utilizing member. If "PRINT
OWN IMAGE" W6a is selected, control proceeds to print processing
(part 1) shown in FIG. 20.
[0173] Access request information is transmitted from the digital
camera 1a to the printer 70 via the network (step 121). Printer
peer information that has been stored in the non-volatile memory
35 of the digital camera 1a is used to transmit this access request
information. The access request information includes information
(peer ID and IP address) concerning the digital camera 1a. The printer
70 sends the digital camera 1a information indicating that access
has been achieved (step 122).
[0174] Images (which are based upon either original image data
or thumbnail image data) based upon image files that have been recorded
on the memory card 42 are displayed the display screen 7 of the
digital camera 1a (step 123; no associated drawing shown).
[0175] An image desired to be printed is selected from among the
images display (step 124). Print request information (print ordering
information) is transmitted from the digital camera 1a to the printer
70 (step 125). The print request information can be made to incorporate
the selected image file, an indication as to how many prints (the
number of prints) are to be made of the image that is based upon
the selected image file, and other information.
[0176] In a case where images based upon image files of multiple
types are printed, selection of the image and transmission of the
print request information are repeated. (It should be noted that
even a single transmission of the print request information will
suffice.) Upon receiving the print request information transmitted
from the digital camera 1a, the printer 70 prints the image, which
is represented by the image file contained in the print request
information, based upon the print request information received (step
126).
[0177] If quit information is transmitted from the digital camera
1a to the printer 70 (e.g., the quit information is transmitted
if the mode selection dial 2 is changed over from the communication
mode to another mode) (step 127), the printer 70 transmits quit
completion information to the digital camera 1a (step 128). Print
processing ends as a result.
[0178] The owner of the digital camera 1a would go to the place
(a photo lab, etc.) of installation of the printer 70 at a later
date to pick up the prints that have been output by the printer
70.
[0179] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flows of processing
executed by a digital camera, printer and user computer in print
processing. The flowchart of print processing shown in FIG. 21 represents
a continuation of processing similar to the processing up to step
112 of the flowchart of processing for acquiring an image file shown
in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. That is, in print processing
(part 2) shown in FIG. 21, the processing executed is similar to
the processing up to display (step 112) of a thumbnail image of
a selected group in image file acquisition processing illustrated
in FIG. 12.
[0180] Print processing is processing whereby the owner of a digital
camera uses the printer 70 to print an image that is based upon
an image file possessed by another utilizing member. When "PRINT
OTHER PERSON'S IMAGE" W6b is selected on the selection screen
W6 shown in FIG. 23, an access request is transmitted from the digital
camera 1a to the printer 70 (step 131) and information indicating
achievement of access is transmitted from the printer 70 to the
digital camera 1a (step 132). A print screen W7 (see FIG. 24) is
displayed the display screen 7.
[0181] The owner of the digital camera 1a selects one or a plurality
of thumbnail images desired to be printed from among thumbnail images
being displayed an image display area W7b on the print screen W7
(step 133).
[0182] Print request information (print ordering information) relating
to the selected thumbnail image is transmitted from the digital
camera 1a to the printer 70 (step 134). The print request information
includes the IP address that has been linked to the selected thumbnail
image (the IP address of the user computer storing the image file
that contains the data representing the selected thumbnail image)
and the image file name. Of course, data representing the number
of prints and other data may be incorporated in the print request
information.
[0183] Upon receiving the print request information from the digital
camera 1a, the printer 70, based upon the IP address included in
the print request information received, transmits download request
information to the user computer having the image file of the image
file name contained in the print request information (step 135).
Upon receiving the download request information, the user computer
reads the request image file out of the hard disk 56 and transmits
the image file to the printer 70 (step 136). The image that is based
upon the received image file is printed by the printer 70 (step
137).
[0184] If quit information is transmitted from the digital camera
1a to the printer 70 (step 138), then the printer 70 transmits quit
completion information to the digital camera 1a (step 139). Print
processing ends as a result.
[0185] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended
claims. |