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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
In a digital camera having a wireless communicator with a server,
a storage controller treats full size image data and display size
image data unequally if the full size image data has been already
sent to the server. For example, the display size image data is
not allowed to be replaced by new digital image data unless the
digital camera is not in use over a prescribed time. Own image data
and other's image data are treated equally. Image data received
from outside and retrieved from inside memory are treated equally.
Search key for own image data and related search keys existing in
the outside are indicated in a comparable manner. The digital camera
receives search key from neighboring advertiser to send it for Internet
search of advertisement. Search key received from neighboring notable
site is sent for Internet search of photographs of the notable site
taken by others.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera with communication function comprising:an image
taking portion adapted to capture an image;a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking
portion to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital
image data from outside of the digital camera;a display adapted
to display digital image data;an image storage portion adapted to
store digital image data derived form the image taking portion and
digital image data received through the wireless communicator, the
digital image data stored in the image storage including full size
image data depending on the image taking portion and display image
data in a size suitable for displaying on the display; anda storage
controller adapted to treat the full size image data and the display
image data unequally in the image storage portion if the full size
image data has been already sent to outside of the digital camera.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the storage
controller is adapted to allow the full size image data to be replaced
by new digital image data in the image storage portion more easily
than the display image data.
3. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the storage
controller is adapted to allow the display image data to be replaced
by new digital image data under a condition.
4. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the new digital
image data includes one of digital image data derived form the image
taking portion and digital image data received through the wireless
communicator.
5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the storage
controller is adapted to treat the digital image data received through
the wireless communicator the same as the digital image data derived
form the image taking portion.
6. The digital camera according to claim 1 further comprising a
display controller adapted to treat the digital image data received
through the wireless communicator the same as the digital image
data retrieved from the image storage portion, whereby the display
with the wireless communicator effective is equal to the display
with the wireless communicator ineffective.
7. The digital camera according to claim 1 further comprising a
capacity indicator adapted to indicate information relating to the
room for the image storage portion to store new digital image data,
wherein the capacity indicator is adapted to make an indication
if an extra room for the new digital image data can be secured by
replacing the stored display image data.
8. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising
a search key affixing controller adapted to affix a search key to
the image data as an attribute thereof and a search key indication
controller adapted to indicate the affixed search keys and related
search keys on the display in a comparable manner, the related search
keys being received through the wireless communicator among search
keys existing outside the digital camera and including a search
key related to the affixed search key and a search key identical
with the affixed search key if any.
9. A digital camera with communication function comprising:an image
taking portion adapted to capture an image;a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking
portion to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital
image data from outside of the digital camera;a display adapted
to display digital image data;an image storage portion adapted to
store digital image data derived form the image taking portion and
digital image data received through the wireless communicator;a
storage controller adapted to control the digital image data in
the image storage portion in relation to the sending and receiving
of the digital image data through the wireless communicator;a search
key affixing controller adapted to affix a search key to the image
data as an attribute thereof; anda search key indication controller
adapted to indicate the affixed search keys and related search keys
on the display in a comparable manner, the related search keys being
received through the wireless communicator among search keys existing
outside the digital camera and including a search key related to
the affixed search key and a search key identical with the affixed
search key if any.
10. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the search
key indication controller is adapted to indicate on the display
a search key which is in common between the affixed search keys
and related search keys.
11. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the search
key affixing controller is adapted to copy one of the related search
keys as a new affixing search key.
12. The digital camera according to claim 9 further comprising
a manual operating portion, wherein the search key affixing controller
is responsive to the manual operating portion in affixing the search
key.
13. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the search
key affixing controller is adapted to automatically affix the search
key received through the wireless communicator.
14. The digital camera according to claim 9 further comprising
a search controller adapted to send the search key to an outside
server on Internet through the wireless communicator to have it
carry out the search on the sent search key, wherein the search
controller is further adapted to receive a search key from the neighborhood
of the digital camera through the wireless communicator and send
it to the outside server on Internet through the wireless communicator
15. A digital camera with communication function comprising:an
image taking portion adapted to capture an image;a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking
portion to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital
image data from outside of the digital camera;a display adapted
to display digital image data;an image storage portion adapted to
store digital image data derived form the image taking portion and
digital image data received through the wireless communicator;a
storage controller adapted to control the digital image data in
the image storage portion in relation to the sending and receiving
of the digital image data through the wireless communicator; anda
search controller adapted to receive search key from the neighborhood
of the digital camera through the wireless communicator and to send
it to an outside server on Internet through the wireless communicator
to have it carry out the search on the sent search key.
16. The digital camera according to claim 15 further comprising
a search result controller adapted to receive search result form
the outside server through the wireless communicator for displaying
the received search result on the display.
17. The digital camera according to claim 16, wherein the search
result includes digital image data relating to the search key.
18. The digital camera according to claim 16, wherein the search
result includes Weblog relating to the search key.
19. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the neighborhood
includes an advertiser, and wherein the search result includes the
advertisement of the advertiser.
20. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the neighborhood
includes a notable site, and wherein the search result includes
digital image data of photographs of the notable site taken by others,
which may be of some help of taking a new photograph of the same
notable site.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001]1. Field of the Invention
[0002]This invention relates to a digital camera, and more specifically
to a digital camera capable of communication function.
[0003]2. Description of the Related Art
[0004]Various types of digital cameras capable of communication
function have been proposed in this field of art. For example, it
is proposed that digital image data taken by the digital camera
is sent to an outside server.
[0005]One reason of sending the digital image data to the outside
server is caused by a limited capacity of the digital camera to
store the digital image data. In other words, the digital camera
would become free from the limitation to the image storing capacity
if the taken image data is sent to the server for making it possible
for the digital camera to delete the sent image data for securing
a room for newly taken image data. Another reason of sending the
digital image data to the outside is to share the taken images among
a closed group or in open public for fun.
[0006]Also in the field of mobile phones capable of photo taking
function, which is considered to be a type of digital camera capable
of communication function, the similar sending or sharing of digital
images by means of a picture archiving and communication system
on Internet becomes popular as well as the direct sending of the
digital image data between the mobile phones.
[0007]U.S. Pat. No. 6,636,259 and Japanese Laid-open Patent Application
No. 2002-199 each disclose digital camera capable of communication
function.
[0008]In terms of the sharing of the digital image data, on the
other hand, various proposals have been also made from the side
of picture archiving and communication systems on Internet, which
provide services for accepting uploaded digital image data from
the creator thereof or allowing anyone to download digital images
of others open to the public.
[0009]In this field of art, however, proposals relating to the
sending of the digital image data have not been fully enjoyed as
a function of digital cameras easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010]An object of this invention is to provide a digital camera
capable of communication function easy to use.
[0011]Another object of this invention is to provide a digital
camera in which the communication function is naturally incorporated
into the conventional digital camera utility.
[0012]Still another object of this invention is to provide a digital
camera with its usefulness broadened.
[0013]To achieve one of the above objects, this invention provides
a digital camera comprising an image taking portion, a wireless
communicator adapted to send digital image data derived from the
image taking portion to outside of the digital camera and to receive
digital image data from outside of the digital camera, a display,
and an image storage portion adapted to store digital image data
derived form the image taking portion and digital image data received
through the wireless communicator. The digital image data stored
in the image storage includes full size image data depending on
the image taking portion and display image data in a size suitable
for displaying on the display. And, the digital camera according
to this invention further comprises a storage controller adapted
to treat the full size image data and the display image data unequally
in the image storage portion if the full size image data has been
already sent to outside of the digital camera.
[0014]For example, the storage controller is adapted to allow the
full size image data to be replaced by new digital image data in
the image storage portion more easily than the display image data.
In more specifically, the storage controller is adapted to allow
the display image data to be replaced by new digital image data
under a condition.
[0015]The new digital image data includes, for example, digital
image data derived form the image taking portion or digital image
data received through the wireless communicator, or the both.
[0016]In the above digital camera according to this invention,
the full size image data which has been already sent to outside
of the digital camera is needless to be kept in the image storage
portion at all. On the contrary, the display image data, which is
basically to be replaced by new image data sometime, is kept as
long as it is highly expected to be played back again. For example,
display image data for a picture newly taken by the digital camera
is protected from being replaced by new image data unless the digital
camera is not in use over a prescribed period of time, e.g. more
than three hours, after the date changes. This is also true for
display image data newly received through the wireless communicator
for playback. Thus, playback of the image highly expected soon is
possible without receiving the same through the wireless communicator.
This is the reason why the full size image data and the display
image data are treated unequally in the image storage portion.
[0017]According to a detailed feature of this invention, the storage
controller is adapted to treat the digital image data received through
the wireless communicator the same as the digital image data derived
form the image taking portion. Thus, the display is equal regardless
of whether the digital image data is own or of others.
[0018]According to another detailed feature of this invention,
the digital camera further comprises a display controller adapted
to treat the digital image data received through the wireless communicator
the same as the digital image data retrieved from the image storage
portion. Thus, the display is equal regardless of whether the wireless
communicator is used or not.
[0019]According to still another detailed feature of this invention,
the digital camera further comprises a capacity indicator adapted
to indicate information relating to the room for the image storage
portion to store new digital image data, wherein the capacity indicator
is adapted to make an indication if an extra room for the new digital
image data can be secured by replacing the stored display image
data. Thus, the user is informed of the deletion of the display
image data in advance.
[0020]This invention also provides a digital camera comprising
an image taking portion adapted to capture an image, a wireless
communicator adapted to send digital image data derived from the
image taking portion to outside of the digital camera and to receive
digital image data from outside of the digital camera, a display,
an image storage portion adapted to store digital image data derived
form the image taking portion and digital image data received through
the wireless communicator, and a storage controller adapted to control
the digital image data in the image storage portion in relation
to the sending and receiving of the digital image data through the
wireless communicator. The digital camera according to this invention
further comprises a search key affixing controller adapted to affix
a search key to the image data as an attribute thereof, and a search
key indication controller adapted to indicate the affixed search
keys and related search keys on the display in a comparable manner.
The related search keys are received through the wireless communicator
among search keys existing outside the digital camera. And, the
related search keys include a search key related to the affixed
search key and a search key identical with the affixed search key
if any.
[0021]In the above digital camera according to this invention,
search key affixation to the own digital image data is facilitated
since the affixed search keys and related search keys existing outside
the digital camera are indicated on the display in a comparable
manner. In other words, the user who wants own digital image hit
in search by others can edit the own search key affixation by consulting
with the comparison with the related search key indication.
[0022]According to a detailed feature above of this invention,
the search key indication controller is adapted to indicate on the
display a search key which is in common between the affixed search
keys and related search keys. This informs the user of whether or
not the affixed search key is popular.
[0023]According to another detailed feature above of this invention
the search key affixing controller is adapted to copy one of the
related search keys as a new affixing search key. Thus, the user
can easily adopt a popular search key.
[0024]The above various features relating to the indication of
the affixed search keys and related search keys on the display in
a comparable manner are also useful if they are applied to a personal
computer.
[0025]According to still another detailed feature above of this
invention, the digital camera further comprises a manual operating
portion, wherein the search key affixing controller is responsive
to the manual operating portion in affixing the search key. Or,
alternatively, the search key affixing controller is adapted to
automatically affix the search key received through the wireless
communicator. Thus, the initial affixation of the search key is
possible by manual or automatic means.
[0026]This invention also provides a digital camera comprising
an image taking portion, a wireless communicator adapted to send
digital image data derived from the image taking portion to outside
of the digital camera and to receive digital image data from outside
of the digital camera, a display, an image storage portion adapted
to store digital image data derived form the image taking portion
and digital image data received through the wireless communicator,
and a storage controller adapted to control the digital image data
in the image storage portion in relation to the sending and receiving
of the digital image data through the wireless communicator. The
digital camera according to this invention further comprises a search
controller adapted to receive search key from the neighborhood of
the digital camera through the wireless communicator and to send
it to an outside server on Internet through the wireless communicator
to have it carry out the search on the sent search key.
[0027]In the above digital camera according to this invention,
the neighboring information automatically comes in the form of the
search key by means of approaching there, and is obtainable in detail
as the form of search result.
[0028]According to a detailed feature above of this invention,
the digital camera further comprises a search result controller
adapted to receive search result form the outside server through
the wireless communicator for displaying the received search result
on the display. In more detail, the search result includes digital
image data or Weblog relating to the search key.
[0029]The above feature according to this invention is typical
applicable to a case that the neighborhood includes an advertiser,
and that the search result includes the advertisement of the advertiser.
[0030]Another example of application of the above feature is a
case that the neighborhood includes a notable site, and that the
search result includes digital image data of photographs of the
notable site taken by others, which may be of some help of taking
a new photograph of the same notable site.
[0031]Other features and advantages according to this invention
will be readily understood from the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according
to the first embodiment of this invention.
[0033]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according
to the second embodiment of this invention.
[0034]FIG. 4 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera in FIG. 3 to show camera operating portion and
monitor in which thumbnails are shown for playback of the image.
[0035]FIG. 5 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera in the playback mode, which is similar to FIG.
4 except for what is displayed on monitor.
[0036]FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera in the playback mode, which is similar to FIGS.
4 and 5 except for what is displayed on monitor.
[0037]FIG. 7 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera in the photo taking mode, which is similar to
FIGS. 4 and 5 except for what is displayed on monitor.
[0038]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the basic function of camera controller
in the first digital camera of the first embodiment in FIG. 3.
[0039]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller
when thumbnail button is pushed in the display condition in FIG.
5.
[0040]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image display
process in step S16 of FIG. 8 and step S26 of FIG. 9.
[0041]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image search
process in step S30 of FIG. 9.
[0042]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the detail of the photo taking
mode process in step S34 of FIG. 9 and step S62 of FIG. 10.
[0043]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the detail of the display
image getting process in step S50 of FIG. 10.
[0044]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image recording
process in step S112 of FIG. 12.
[0045]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image upload
process in step S124 of FIG. 12.
[0046]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the detail of the capacity
indication process in step S9 of FIG. 8 and step S128 of FIG. 12.
[0047]FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the detail of the automatic
attribute affixation process in step S122 of FIG. 12.
[0048]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the detail of the attribute
edition process in step S58 of FIG. 10 and step S126 of FIG. 12.
[0049]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the detail of the advertisement
utilizing process in step S304 of FIG. 18.
[0050]FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the detail of the edition
executing process in step S300 of FIG. 18.
[0051]FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the search function carried
out by integrated image administration server in cooperation with
the search result updating process of the first digital camera carried
out in step S10 of FIG. 8 or step S92 of FIG. 11.
[0052]FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller
of the first digital camera relating to advertisement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according
to the first embodiment of this invention. The system in FIG. 1
includes the first digital camera 1 and the second digital camera
2 as the most simplified case. However, the system according to
this invention may further includes a third or more digital cameras
[0054]The first digital camera 1 and the second digital camera
2 have functions identical with each other. Therefore, the explanation
is basically made only on the basis of the first camera 1 unless
the first digital camera 1 and the second digital camera 2 cooperate
with each other.
[0055]The first digital camera 1 has a local wireless communication
function which automatically connects the first digital camera 1
with wireless access point 3 to access Internet 4 when the digital
camera 1 comes into the communication range of access point 3. The
connection is kept in constant connection until the first digital
camera 1 goes out of the communication range. Alternatively, the
first digital camera 1 is capable of accessing Internet 4 through
a wired access point. If any access point is not available, the
digital camera 1 can be in communication with a mobile phone by
way of wired or wireless connection, the mobile phone connecting
the digital camera 1 to Internet by means of the phone line
[0056]The first digital camera 1 is capable of being charged by
a power source at the access point through a wired connection or
a wireless electromagnetic induction. For example, the first digital
camera 1 is charged by and in communication with a wired access
point by means of connecting the first digital camera 1 to a composite
power and communication cable taken from under the table if the
wired access point is a coffee shop. Or, the first digital camera
1 is charged by a wireless access point by means of putting the
first digital camera 1 on a table with an electromagnetic induction
charger build onto the table if the wireless access point is another
type of coffee shop. In this case, a wireless communication is possible
since the table is located within the communication range of the
access point.
[0057]Thus, the first digital camera 1 in constant connection to
Internet 4 is to automatically send digital image taken by the first
digital camera 1 to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 in accordance with a contract which has been made between
the first digital camera 1 and the first picture archiving and communication
system 5.
[0058]The digital image sent to and kept by the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 can be retrieved by the first digital
camera 1 for display in response to a playback operation at the
first digital camera 1. In other words, the playback operation automatically
causes the first digital camera 1 to access the contracted web page
provided by the first picture archiving and communication system
5 through Internet 4 to thereby download the image in a size suitable
for display on the monitor of the first digital camera 1.
[0059]Provided that the original of the image in full size is kept
by the first picture archiving and communication system 5, the full
size image data itself is not retrieved by the first digital camera
1 for keeping it on the digital camera 1 side, but the image data
in the reduced size suitable for display on the monitor of the first
digital camera 1 is temporarily downloaded every time when the playback
operation is done to access the first picture archiving and communication
system 5. In other words, the first digital camera 1 serves as a
browser of the reduced size of image data provided by the first
picture archiving and communication system 5. The reduced size of
image data once downloaded is not positively deleted after the playback
but is kept as long as the capacity of the memory is available in
case a possible communication failure when the same image will be
desired to be displayed again. The oldest one of such image data
unless protected, however, is to be replaced by a newly downloaded
image if the capacity of the memory will be full.
[0060]Upon the playback of the image, the first digital camera
1 can access integrated image administration server 6 to search
among a great number of thumbnails for identifying the desired image,
and then jump to the corresponding image kept by the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 in place of directly accessing
to the first picture archiving and communication system 5. This
is possible by assigning a URL to each image data. The image search
on integrated image administration server 6 and its cooperation
with the first picture archiving and communication system 5 will
be explained later in detail.
[0061]The first picture archiving and communication system 5 keeps
not only the digital images but also Weblog created on the digital
images. Further, not only the provider of the digital image but
also anyone of the audience of the digital image can write in the
Weblog an opinion or thought on the image.
[0062]The digital image kept in the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 can be retrieved though the first personal
computer 7 located in the home of the person who owns of the first
digital camera 1, the image being displayed on the first monitor
8 connected to the first personal computer 7. The first computer
7 also accesses the contracted web page provided by the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 through Internet 4. Thus, the
first personal computer 7 also serves as a browser of the image
data provided by the first picture archiving and communication system
5. In other words, full size image data itself is not retrieved
by the first personal computer 7 for keeping it on the first personal
computer 7 side, but the image data in the reduced size suitable
for display on the first monitor 8 is temporarily downloaded every
time when a playback operation is done by the first personal computer
7 to access the first picture archiving and communication system
5. However, the reduced size of image data suitable for display
on the first monitor 8 once downloaded can be kept in the first
computer 7 if an operation is done to do so
[0063]Upon the playback of the image, the first personal computer
7 can also access integrated image administration server 6 to search
among a great number of thumbnails for identifying the desired image,
and then jump to the corresponding image kept by the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 in place of directly accessing
to the first picture archiving and communication system 5.
[0064]It is possible to send image data taken by the first digital
camera 1 by way of the first personal computer 7 to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 thorough Internet 4, in place
of sending the image data to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 directly form the first digital camera 1. This is possible,
for example, by removing a memory card, which keeps the taken image
data, from the first digital camera 1 to insert it into the first
personal computer 7.
[0065]The first personal computer 7, which is a conventional personal
computer, can be replaced by a larger size computer such as a home
server or a home central controller. The first monitor 8, which
is a conventional monitor for a personal computer, can be replaced
by a monitor of a high definition television set. Further, the first
personal computer 7 and the first monitor 8 can be combined with
a television set as an integrated television set with the personal
computer function.
[0066]As has been mentioned above, the image data retrieved for
display is not kept within the first personal computer 7, but is
downloaded every time when a playback operation is done by the first
personal computer 7. The personal computer 7, on the other hands,
in combination with the first home backup storage 9 downloads the
full size image data from the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 to keep it within the first home backup server 9.
[0067]In other words, the first personal computer 7 automatically
downloads the full size image data from the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 through Internet 4 when it receives to
keep full size image data from the first digital camera 1. The downloaded
image data is automatically stored in the first home backup storage
9 under the control of the first personal computer 7. And, every
time when first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer
7 communicates with the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 afterward on the image data bucked up in the backup storage
9, the history of the communication is automatically downloaded
from the first picture archiving and communication system 5 to store
it within the first home backup storage 9 in relation with the backed
up image data. The typical communication of first digital camera
1 or the first personal computer 7 with the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 is the playback of the image on the first
digital camera 1 or the first monitor 8.
[0068]Further, every time when first digital camera 1 or the first
personal computer 7 communicates with integrated image administration
server 6, the history of the communication is automatically downloaded
from integrated image administration server 6 to store it within
the first home backup storage 9 in relation with the backed up image
data. The typical communication of first digital camera 1 or the
first personal computer 7 with integrated image administration server
6 is the search for a desired image among thumbnails.
[0069]The first home backup storage 9 is, however, one-way storage
for storing data from the first personal computer 7 that downloads
the image data or communication history data. In other words, the
first personal computer 7 retrieves the image data or the communication
history not from the first home backup storage 9, but from the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 or integrated image
administration server 6.
[0070]For the purpose of avoiding confusion, the reduced size of
image data suitable for display on the first monitor 8 and kept
within the first personal computer 7 is not bucked up by the first
home backup storage 9 even if it is downloaded by the first personal
computer 7.
[0071]The reason why the first home backup storage 9 is prepared
in the home is a self-defend in case dada or service itself disappears
due to some accident at the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 or integrated image administration server 6. Thus, unless
such accident occurs, the first digital camera 1 or the first personal
computer 7 carries out the playback of the image as a browser functioning
on the software in the first picture archiving and communication
system 5, which is improved day by day.
[0072]Similarly, the first digital camera 1 or the first personal
computer 7 carries out the administration or search of image data
on the software in integrated image administration server 6, which
is also improved day by day. However, the improved software itself
of the first picture archiving and communication system 5 or integrated
image administration server 6, such as new version of image processing,
image keeping, image administration, and image searching, is not
downloaded into the first personal computer 7 unless it directly
relates to the digital camera 1 or the personal computer 7, such
as new display layout on the monitor thereof.
[0073]The data stored in the first home backup storage 9 in relation
to the image data, such as administration data, log and search history
for image, is not an original as it is, but is modified with restoration
of such data taken into consideration in case the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 or integrated image administration
server 6 is destroyed in contingency. For example, if the downloaded
image data or the relating data is handled under a file format,
or data structure, or directory structure specific to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 or integrated image
administration server 6, such data is not stored in the first home
backup storage 9 as it is, but is stored with such modification
made that each image data can be separately handled in a manner
free from the peculiar file format, or data structure, or directory
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 structure.
Further, administration data or the like associated with the image
data is so modified that the associated data is separately attached
to each image data with its data format converted into a simplified
one such as a text file. Thus, image data can be easily located
upon restoration by means of full-text search of the text file data
attached to each image data.
[0074]The first home backup storage 9 is a product specialized
for automatic backup function including a large-capacity storage.
The first home backup storage 9 can be a multipurpose storage for
backuping only the data created by an outside server such as the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 or integrated
image administration server 6, but also various data created by
the first personal computer 7 in case of a hard disk crash or the
like in the first personal computer 7.
[0075]As described above, the first digital camera 1 or the first
personal computer 7 entrusts the functions of image processing,
image keeping, image administration, and image searching to an outside
server such as the first picture archiving and communication system
5 or integrated image administration server 6 according to this
invention. In other words, the first digital camera 1 or the first
personal computer 7 itself serves as a means for merely capturing
and/or browsing images.
[0076]According to the above division of roles, the first digital
camera 1 is developed with the cost focused on improvement of capturing
function by optical system, sensor, and lighting system or the like,
the cost for developing other functions being saved. On the other
hand, the first picture archiving and communication system 5 is
developed with the cost focused on improvement in image processing,
image keeping, image administration, and image searching functions,
the developing cost of which is not directly passed on to the price
of the first digital camera 1. However, since the image capturing
function is deeply relates to the image processing, image keeping,
image administration and image searching functions, the first digital
camera 1 and the first picture archiving and communication system
5 are efficiently developed in collaboration with each other.
[0077]The division of roles between the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 and integrated image administration server
6 is also reasonable since the data administration or data searching
function relates not only to the image data but also to general
data which covers huge market based on computer technology, which
should be assigned to integrated image administration server 6.
On the other hand, the image processing or image keeping function
should be assigned to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5, which is specialized to handle the image data.
[0078]In FIG. 1, the second digital camera 2 and the relating system
components including the second picture archiving and communication
system 10, the second personal computer 11, the second monitor 12
and the second home backup storage 13 are similar to those for the
first digital camera 1. So, the explanation for those components
is omitted for avoiding duplication.
[0079]FIG. 1 shows that the first digital camera 1 and the second
digital camera both access to wireless access point 3 in common.
This is on the assumption that the owner of the first digital camera
1 (hereinafter referred to as "the first user") and the
owner of the second digital camera 2 (hereinafter referred to as
"the second user") travel with each other, which makes
it possible for the first user and the second user to share the
same access point. The following explanation will be made on this
assumption. However, if the first user and the second user locate
apart from each other, they of course connect Internet 4 through
different access points.
[0080]FIG. 1 shows that the second user sends or retrieves image
to or from the second from the second picture archiving and communication
system 10. This is on the assumption that the first user makes a
contract with the first picture archiving and communication system
5 while the second user with the second picture archiving and communication
system 10. The following explanation will be made on this assumption.
However, there is no problem if the first user and the second user
make contract with the same picture archiving and communication
system.
[0081]FIG. 1 shows only one integrated image administration server
6. This is on the assumption that the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and communication
system 10 share the same integrated image administration server
in the most simplified case of collaboration. The following explanation
will be made on this assumption. However, this invention is not
limited to a system which includes only one integrated image administration
server, but is also applicable to a system including a plurality
of integrated image administration servers in collaboration with
number of picture archiving and communication systems.
[0082]The following explanation relates to the printing of the
image data. The first picture archiving and communication system
5 and the second picture archiving and communication system 10 are
connected to the first print service 14 and the second print service
15 through dedicated line connections, respectively. Thus, the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 can accept an order
of print from the first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer
7. Similarly, or the second picture archiving and communication
system 10 can accept an order of print from the second digital camera
2 or the second personal computer 11. The connection to the first
print service 14 or the second print service 15 may be by way of
Internet in place of the dedicated line connections.
[0083]The first picture archiving and communication system 5 or
the second picture archiving and communication system 10 has the
first print service 14 or the second print service 15 make print
in response to the accepted order. The print made by the first print
service 14 or the second print service 15 is brought to the orderer
by means of a delivery service.
[0084]According to the first embodiment in FIG. 1, a print can
be made by the first home printer 16 or the second home printer
17 connected to the first personal computer 7 and the second personal
computer 11, respectively. If the print is desired to be made in
home, the first personal computer 7 of the second personal computer
11 downloads the image data of a desired print size to have the
first home printer 16 or the second home printer 17 make the print.
[0085]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according
to the second embodiment of this invention. Since the second embodiment
in FIG. 2 is almost similar to the first embodiment in FIG. 1. So
the same numeral is used for identifying the same system component
throughout FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, duplicate explanation being omitted
in FIG. 2.
[0086]The difference between the first and second embodiments is
the components for backuping data. In other words, the first personal
computer 7 and the second personal computer 11 of the second embodiment
in FIG. 2 rely on external backup service 21 through Internet 4
in place of the first home backup storage 9 and the second home
backup storage 13 in FIG. 1.
[0087]The function of external backup service 21 is basically similar
to that of the first home backup storage 9 or the second home backup
storage 13. So, the explanation is focused on the difference therebetween.
[0088]First, external backup service 21 is specialized for keeping
home data with high privacy protection required outside the home.
Therefore, external backup service is characterized by a high capacity
of storage for a great number of homes, a high reliability against
data disappearance and a high security against privacy violation.
[0089]For example, external backup service 21 adopts a cryptosystem
of a friendly usability and a high reliability, which encourages
the first personal computer 7 or the second personal computer 11
to send the private data to external backup service 21 through Internet
4.
[0090]Second, external backup service 21 is adopts an administration
function for treating data from great number of personal computers,
such as the first personal computer 7 or the second personal computer
11 without confusion.
[0091]Further, external backup service 21 can backup data sent
through Internet 4 not only from the first personal computer 7 or
the second personal computer 11, but also from the first picture
archiving and communication system 5, or from the second picture
archiving and communication system 10, or from integrated image
administration server 6. In more detail, external backup service
21 can backup the image data kept by the first picture archiving
and communication system 5, or by the second picture archiving and
communication system 10, or by integrated image administration server
6 under the contract with and in response to the actual access by
the first personal computer 7 or the second personal computer 11.
Further the history of communication between the first personal
computer 7 and the first picture archiving and communication system
5 or the like is directly sent from the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 to the external backup service 21 for
backup. The history of communication received by t external backup
service 21 is stored therein in relation to the image data on which
the communication has been made.
[0092]For the purpose of further strengthening the reliability
against data disappearance, external backup service 21 is connected
with private lines of high security to the first sub-backup 22 and
the second sub-backup 23 or the like to each further automatically
copy and keep the backup data, respectively. The first sub-backup
22 and the second sub-backup 23 or the like are located globally
apart from each other so that some one will survive even if the
others will be destroyed by a giant earthquake or the like.
[0093]As has been apparent, the second embodiment in FIG. 2 includes
the first picture archiving and communication system 5, the second
picture archiving and communication system 10, integrated image
administration server 6 and external backup service 21, which each
take its share of handling image data originated and utilized by
the first digital camera 1 or the second digital camera 2. Thus,
the digital image handling service to the owners of the digital
cameras is improved in combination by the variety of features of
system components.
[0094]Now, the function of integrated image administration server
6 is to be explained along with its cooperation with the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 and the second picture archiving
and communication system 10. The function to be explained includes
not only the service for the first digital camera 1 or the second
digital camera 2 alone, but also a service relating to a combination
between the first digital camera 1 and the second digital camera
2 as well as a service for sharing image among a plurality of users.
Since these functions are common to the first embodiment and the
second embodiment, the following explanation will be made in accordance
with the first embodiment in FIG. 1.
[0095]As has been mentioned, the image data taken by the first
digital camera 1 is kept by the first picture archiving and communication
system 5, which provides the image administration system to be utilized
as an online album for the first user. The image administration
system provided by the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 includes function for automatically affixing to each kept
image data a criterion for search, such as user ID, user nickname,
trademark of camera, photo taking date and time, photo taking place
including point and direction, information of the object, and image
sending date and time etc. The system further makes it possible
for user to manually add a criterion for search, such as title of
the image or search tag to each image data to be kept. The automatically
given criteria such as photo taking place or information of the
object may be treated as the form of search tag or search key.
[0096]By means of such image administration system operable through
the first camera 1 or the first personal computer 7, the first user
can search into the kept images to hit an image or images to be
played pack. The user can freely add, or delete, or change criteria
for search an image on the occasion of playing back the image by
operating the first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer
7 in accordance with the administration system provided by the first
picture archiving and communication system 5.
[0097]The first picture archiving and communication system 5 can
allow anyone to access the kept images under some condition or without
any condition in accordance with the direction from the first digital
camera 1 or the first personal computer 7. Further, some criteria
for search relating to the image are laid open along with the image
as long as the criteria meet the privacy condition allowed by the
creator of the image.
[0098]Thus, the second user can also search for and access to the
image of the first user kept in the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 by operating the second digital camera 2
or the second personal computer 11. If the image is laid open without
any condition, the second user even unacquainted with the first
user can access to the image of the first user. If the image is
laid open with some condition, on the other hand, the second user
can access only to the images which are allowed by the first user
under such condition.
[0099]The above is vice versa. Namely, the first user can search
for and access to the image of the second user kept in the second
picture archiving and communication system 10 by operating the first
digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 as long as the
first user meets the condition set by the second user. More detailed
explanation will not be repeated for avoiding duplication.
[0100]The above is true for the images of the first user kept not
only in the first picture archiving and communication system 5,
but also in the second picture archiving and communication system
10. Similarly, the above is true for the images of the second user
kept not only in the second picture archiving and communication
system 10, but also in the first picture archiving and communication
system 5. In summary, the first user or the second user can search
for and playback its own images in private regardless of the picture
archiving and communication system actually keeping the images,
and can also search for and playback images of any other user as
long as they are laid open.
[0101]As to integrated image administration server 6, it makes
it possible to search for all images regardless of the picture archiving
and communication systems. In other words, a borderless search for
images is possible once integrated image administration server 6
is accessed. This will be explained in more detail in accordance
with the most simplified case including the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and
communication system 10.
[0102]Integrated image administration server 6 is a so-called search
engine capable of making search into the images kept by the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 and the second picture
archiving and communication system 10 with respect to the criteria
set by the user. For the efficiency of the search, integrated image
administration server 6 functions based on criteria according to
its own search system, such as user ID, user nickname, trademark
of camera, photo taking date and time, photo taking place, information
of the object, image sending date and time, title of the image and
search tag, the search being to be done with respect to each criterion.
[0103]Since the search system with the criteria used therein is
released by integrated image administration server 6 to the public
and free, the first picture archiving and communication system 5
and the second picture archiving and communication system 10 can
easily incorporate the search system. In other words, the first
picture archiving and communication system 5, the second picture
archiving and communication system 10 and integrated image administration
server 6 share the same search system to constitute a tightly united
system, which is extremely convenient for the first and second users.
Further, the first picture archiving and communication system 5
and the second picture archiving and communication system 10 become
free from cost for developing and establishing own search system
and to concentrate to the development and establishment of the image
keeping and processing system.
[0104]Integrated image administration server 6 searches into image
data treated by not only the own search system, but also another
search system provided by an independent picture archiving and communication
system. This is done by means of conducting a full-text search into
the data relating to image data treated by such an independent picture
archiving and communication system regardless of its unique data
structure. And, if the full-text search hits some data, integrated
image administration server 6 converts the hit data into a data
structure according to the own search system in indicating the result
of search. Thus, the first picture archiving and communication system
5 or the second picture archiving and communication system 10 may
not necessarily incorporate the search system provided by integrated
image administration server 6, but may insist on its own search
system if such a search system has already existed. However, it
is of course true that the incorporation of the search system provided
by integrated image administration server 6, which is a major portal
site, may increase the ability for the picture archiving and communication
system to pull in more customers due to the convenience, increased
search efficiency, and less erroneous or miss search.
[0105]Integrated image administration server 6 displays the thumbnails
of hit images in the same manner regardless of whether they are
from the first picture archiving and communication system 5 or the
second picture archiving and communication system 10. In other words,
thumbnails of images derived from a plurality of picture archiving
and communication systems are displayed under the control of integrated
image administration server 6 as if they are the result of search
into a single database system on integrated image administration
server 6.
[0106]If a criterion for search set by the first user on integrated
image administration server 6 hits an image uploaded from the first
digital camera 1 and another image uploaded from the second digital
camera 2, integrated image administration server 6 has the first
digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 display thumbnails
of the hit images in the same manner regardless of whether they
are derived from the first digital camera 1 or the second digital
camera 2. In other words, thumbnails of the owe image data and other's
image data are displayed on the own digital camera as if they are
all taken by the own digital camera.
[0107]If the user selects one of the hit thumbnails displayed on
the first digital camera 1 or the first monitor 8 under the control
of integrated image administration server 6, URL of the corresponding
image data for display size is designated to jump to one of the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 and the second
picture archiving and communication system 10 that actually keeps
the image data. Thus, the first digital camera 1 or the first personal
computer 7 automatically accesses to the image data of the size
suitable for display on the first digital camera 1 or the first
monitor 8.
[0108]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a digital camera 1 of the first
embodiment in FIG. 1. The structure in FIG. 3 is the same as that
in the second digital camera 2 in the first embodiment, the first
digital camera 1 and the second digital camera 2 in the second embodiment.
[0109]The first digital camera 1 controlled by camera controller
31 takes a photograph in response to an operation of a release button
included in camera operating portion 32 in such a manner that an
image captured by image taking portion 33 is processed by image
processor 34 to be stored in image storage portion 35. The processed
image data to be stored in image storage portion 35 includes main
image data of full-size, a display image data in a size suitable
for displaying on display 40, and thumbnail data. Thumbnail data
generally stored as a part of the main image data can also be copied
as a data to be separately treated in relationship to the main image.
[0110]The image data sorted in image storage portion 35 is normally
kept at internal storage 36. Image storage portion 35 further includes
storage media drive 37 for receiving removable storage media 38
such as memory disk or memory card, in which the image data is stored
if internal storage 36 is full. The image data stored in removable
media 38, however, will be transferred to internal storage 36 if
a room for overwriting will be secured therein due to a sending
of image data to the first picture archiving and communication system
5. The removable storage media 38 is also used in manually taking
out image data outside the first digital camera 1. In other words,
image data is coped from internal storage 36 into removable storage
media 38, which is then taken out from storage media drive 37 for
the purpose of insertion into a storage media slot of another device
such as the first personal computer 7.
[0111]As has been explained, the image data which has been taken
by first digital camera 1 is automatically sent to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 from local wireless communicator
39 through Internet 4 when the digital camera 1 comes into the communication
range of access point 3. On the other hand, the image data to be
taken by first digital camera 1 will be instantly sent to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 from local wireless
communicator 39 through Internet 4 if the digital camera 1 has been
already within the communication range of access point 3.
[0112]If the first digital camera 1 cannot come into the communication
range of access point 3 in spite of little room left in image storage
portion 35 for overwriting new image data, such a caution is made
that the first user is recommended to manually connect the digital
camera 1 to his or her mobile phone with local wireless communicator
39 to send the image in image storage portion 35 to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 through Internet 4 by way of
the mobile phone. Alternatively, the first digital camera 1 is designed
in response to such a case to automatically connect to and control
the mobile phone to send the image in image storage portion 35 to
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 through Internet
4 by way of the mobile phone.
[0113]In a case that the first user is visiting a notable site,
wireless communicator 39 automatically receives information about
the object to be photographed from automatic information communicator
located at the object. The received information is automatically
added to the image data as criterion for search when the image data
is sent to the first picture archiving and communication system
5 from the first digital camera 1. Since the information is used
as a tag in the search system, it is automatically affixed to the
image data as a form of the tag.
[0114]The information about the object in the notable site can
be a form of a barcode printed on the guide sign of the object.
And, the barcode is automatically read by the first digital camera
1 if it is so directed that the guide sign is in the angle of the
camera lens which focuses the image of the barcode on the image
sensor in image taking portion 33, which can decode the barcode.
Thus, the information to be added to the image as the tag for searching
the image can be optically gotten by the camera image sensor in
place of the wireless communicator 39.
[0115]Among image data, the main image data of full-size is automatically
made deletable from image storage portion 35 to secure a room for
internal storage 36 to accept new image data if the main image data
has been sent to the first picture archiving and communication system
5. The main image data made thus deletable is not instantly deleted,
but will be overwritten by a new image data. If desired, however,
a manual setting is possible to set the main image data not to be
automatically made deletable but is protected within image storage
portion 35 even if the main image data has been sent to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5. In this case, the
main image data is kept with a mark indicating that it has been
sent to the first picture archiving and communication system 5.
The main image data with such a mark is prevented from being sent
again in the first digital camera 1, or is rejected by the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 even if erroneously
sent. Further, in case that the main image data is erroneously accepted
in duplicate, it will be afterward detected through the duplication
check to neglect the redundant one form the result of search.
[0116]The display image data in a size suitable for displaying
on display 40 for the taken photography, on the contrary, is automatically
protected within image storage portion 35 under some reasonable
condition and time limit even if the main image data has been sent
to the first picture archiving and communication system 5. This
makes it possible for the first user to play back the image again
on the first digital camera 1 without accessing the first picture
archiving and communication system 5. For example, the display image
data for the photographs taken on the day are protected within image
storage portion 35 unless the first digital camera 1 is not in use
over a prescribed period of time, e.g. more than three hours, after
the date changes, the display image data being made deletable from
image storage portion 35 in automatic response to the lapse of the
period to secure a room for internal storage 36 to accept new image
data. If the first user wants to playback the display image data
on the display 40 and the image data has been overwritten in image
storage portion 35, he or she is to access to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 to retrieve the image data.
[0117]The display image data in a size suitable for displaying
on display 40 is regularly prepared on the side of the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 on the basis of the received
main image data of full-size. So, the display image data is basically
downloaded by the first digital camera 1 upon playback, though the
display image data is once made by the first digital camera 1 when
the photograph is taken.
[0118]Memory 41 stores the basic software for operation the first
digital camera 1 as well as various data necessary in the camera
operation. Memory 41 also stores data necessary for the first digital
camera 1 to collaborate with the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 and integrated image administration server 6
[0119]Power source 42 for powering the entire elements in the first
digital camera 1 is of an ordinary type including a structure for
receiving a rechargeable battery. Power source 42 is connected to
noncontact power receiver 43, which receives power from noncontact
power transmitter located at wireless access point 3 to charge the
rechargeable battery in power source 42.
[0120]GPS and direction sensor 44 detects the location of the first
digital camera 1 and the direction to which the lens of the first
digital camera 1 is facing. The information detected by GPS and
direction sensor 44 is automatically added to the image data as
criterion for search when the image data is sent to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 from the first digital camera
1. Since the information is used as a tag in the search system,
it is automatically affixed to the image data as a form of the tag.
[0121]GPS and direction sensor 44 is also capable of displaying
on display 40 how to get to the nearest access point if the first
digital camera 1 is outside the communication range of any access
point.
[0122]It is possible for the first user to display on display 40
relevant photographs taken by others if such photographs are searched
on criteria relating to the current location of the first digital
camera 1 such as information gotten by one or combination of GPS
and direction sensor 44, local wireless communicator 39 and image
taking portion 33 reading the barcode. Further, not only the photographs
but also Weblog created in relation to the photographs can be searched
to be displayed on display 40. Thus, the user of the first digital
camera 1 can get the latest travel information in the form of photograph
and Weblog about the place where he or she now is. Further, is can
be expected that someone uploads photographs and Weblog on neighborhood
shops or cafes, the system according to this invention serves as
an effective local advertising media for such shops and cafes.
[0123]FIG. 4 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera 1 in FIG. 3 to show camera operating portion
32 and display 40 in which thumbnails are shown for playback of
the image. The following explanation will be made on the assumption
that the first digital camera is set to automatically access to
integrated image administration server 6 if the playback mode is
selected in the first digital camera 1.
[0124]The first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode
if power button 51 is operated. In other words, if power button
51 is operated, the first digital camera 1 is checked whether or
not it is within the communication range of access point 3. If it
is determined that the first digital camera 1 is in the communication
range, the first digital camera 1 automatically accesses to integrated
image administration server 6 through Internet 4, the first digital
camera 1 afterward being kept in connection with integrated image
administration server 6 until the first digital camera 1 goes out
of the communication range of access point 3 or the first digital
camera 1 is turned OFF by power button 51. Connection status is
displayed by online/off-line indicator 52 in display 40. FIG. 4
shows that the first digital camera 1 is connected with integrated
image administration server 6, which is indicated with online box
automatically ticked at online/off-line indicator 52. The change
in ticking between online box and off-line box at online/off-line
indicator 52 can be made afterward by manually operating arrow key
54 or numeric keypad 55.
[0125]Scope section 53 is to show the scope of search conducted
by integrated image administration server 6 to hit images to be
played back. In other words, scope section 53 includes a private
box for searching own images of the first user only, a favorite
box for searching images taken by others and once selected by the
first user, a member box for searching images of a closed member
including the first user, and a pubic box for searching all published
images without limitation, one of the boxes being for selection.
The first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode with
the private box automatically ticked as shown in FIG. 4 so as to
limit the playback function to own images of the first user as in
the case of ordinary digital cameras in the playback mode. The change
in ticking among the four boxes at scope section 53 can be made
afterward by manually operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.
[0126]Search condition box 56 is for inputting free criteria such
as photo taking date and time, photo taking place, information of
the object, image sending date and time, title of the image and
search tag as well as the name of members in scope section 53 by
means of manually operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55. Criteria
in combination should be separated with a space when input in search
condition box 56. The combination of criteria may be possibly between
different types such as "photo taking date and time" and
" "title of the image", or between the same type
such as a plurality of tags. The manner of combination of criteria
is set by ticking one of AND box or OR box at combination designator
57.
[0127]The first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode
with "None" automatically input in condition box 56 and
with no tick in any of the boxes at combination designator 57 as
shown in FIG. 4. Thus, integrated image administration server 6
searches into all images with user ID of the first user to indicate
thumbnails 58 on display 40 in the order of the date and time from
the latest. Thumbnails which cannot be displayed on display 40 can
be viewed by scrolling the display by arrow key 54.
[0128]If one of thumbnails 58 on display 40 is selected by arrow
key 54 or numeric keypad 55, the connection jumps to the picture
archiving and communication system which keeps image data corresponding
to the selected thumbnail to display the image downloaded from the
system with possible area of display 40 used.
[0129]If the first user wants under some condition to search into
own image data which have been uploaded to the first picture archiving
and communication system 5, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are
to be manually operated to input desired criteria at search condition
box 56 with one of AND box or OR box at combination designator 57
ticked. Arrow key 54 can be tilted to the left, right, top and bottom
for selection of the indication elements on display 40 as well as
pushed down for entering a command for some function. Thus, the
pushing down of arrow key 54 with the input or selection of criteria
for search completed causes the searching operation by integrated
image administration server 6 to display thumbnails 58 on display
40 as the result of the search.
[0130]If the first user wants to search into image data of a group
of closed members, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be manually
operated to tick the member box at scope section 53, which causes
condition box 56 to prepare a pull-down menu of options for group
selection, the user being capable of selecting one in the menu by
arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55. The options in the pull-down
menu are shown as a list of group names each consisting of closed
members. Even if an operation to start the search is made with no
group selected in error, integrated image administration server
6 would not respond, but displays an error message informing of
incapability of search due to no group identification.
[0131]If the first user wants to limit search into the selected
group of closed members, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to
be manually operated to input desired criteria at search condition
box 56 with one of AND box or OR box at combination designator 57
ticked.
[0132]If arrow key 54 is pushed down with the input or selection
of criteria for search completed, integrated image administration
server 6 starts to search into the image data of the selected group,
thumbnails 58 as the result of the search being displayed on display
40. In this case, integrated image administration server 6 searches
into image data kept by the first picture archiving and communication
system 5, the second picture archiving and communication system
10 and any other picture archiving and communication systems, the
hit thumbnails being displayed in a uniform format and in a predetermined
order such as date regardless of the picture archiving and communication
systems which keep image data. Further, as long as the image data
hit by the same criteria, the resultant thumbnails are displayed
in a uniform layout and in a predetermined order regardless of whether
they are taken by the first user or another in the selected group.
[0133]If the first user wants to search under some condition into
image data published without limitation, arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55 are to be manually operated to tick the public box at
scope section 53. Further, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are
to be manually operated to input desired criteria at search condition
box 56 with one of AND box or OR box at combination designator 57
ticked.
[0134]If the first user wants to search under some condition into
image data taken by others and once selected by the first user,
arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be manually operated to
tick the favorite box at scope section 53. If the first user wants
to further limit search into the favorite image data, arrow key
54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be manually operated to input desired
criteria at search condition box 56 with one of AND box or OR box
at combination designator 57 ticked.
[0135]If arrow key 54 is pushed down with the input or selection
of criteria for search completed, integrated image administration
server 6 starts to search into the favorite image data, thumbnails
58 as the result of the search being displayed on display 40. Also
in this case, integrated image administration server 6 searches
into image data kept by the first picture archiving and communication
system 5, the second picture archiving and communication system
10 and any other picture archiving and communication systems, the
hit thumbnails being displayed in a uniform format and in a predetermined
order such as date regardless of the picture archiving and communication
systems which keep image data.
[0136]In searching into image data published without limitation,
such an automatic criteria input mode is possible that information
of the object automatically gotten by GPS and direction sensor 44,
or local wireless communicator 39 receiving in a notable site, or
image taking portion 33 reading barcode as well as date and time
information are automatically input at search condition box 56.
According to such automatic input of criteria, integrated image
administration server 6 can automatically hit images of the same
object taken by others in the same season as the object which the
first user is going to take. Such result of the automatic search
may be some help of the first user in determining angle or composition
of his or her own photograph to take.
[0137]In any case of searching into the image data of a closed
member and the image data published without limitation, if one of
thumbnails 58 on display 40 is selected by arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55, the connection jumps to the picture archiving and communication
system which keeps image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail
to display the image downloaded from the system with possible area
of display 40 used.
[0138]If photo button 59 is pushed in half, the first digital camera
1 is switched from the playback mode to the photo taking mode. If
photo button 59 is pushed in full, on the other hand, photo taking
is done in the photo taking mode. Send button 60 is to be pushed
for manually sending the image data by way of the mobile phone when
the first digital camera 1 is outside the communication range of
any of wireless access points. View button 61 is for switching the
first digital camera from the photo taking mode to the playback
mode. Attribute edit button 62 is used upon editing the attribute
such relating to the image kept by the first picture archiving and
communication system 5. In other words, the attribute such as the
title or tags of the image are made changeable if attribute edit
button 62 is pushed. Attribute edit button 62 is also used upon
editing images for making an electric album. If attribute edit button
62 is pushed in the condition of FIG. 4 in which "None"
is in condition box 56 and private box is ticked at scope section
53, thumbnails of images to which attribute is provisionally affixed
are searched and displayed. More detailed explanation as to the
functions of the above buttons will be given later.
[0139]FIG. 5 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera 1 in the playback mode, which is similar to FIG.
4 except for what is displayed on display 40. In other words, FIG.
5 shows a condition of display 40 when one of the hit thumbnails
in FIG. 4 is selected by operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad
55. So the same numeral is used for identifying the same element
throughout FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, duplicate explanation being omitted
in FIG. 5.
[0140]If one of thumbnails 58 on display 40 is selected in FIG.
4, the connection jumps to the picture archiving and communication
system which keeps image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail
to display image 71 downloaded from the system with possible area
of display 40 used. Further, title box 72, photo taking date and
time box 73 and tag box 74 shows their contents, respectively. If
the area of box is insufficient to show the entire contents, an
enlarged box opens in response to a manual operation of arrow key
54 or numeric keypad 55. Tag box 74 shows a apace-divided plurality
of tags, some of the those tags such as "fencing" being
manually affixed while other of tags such as "arena" being
automatically afficed by receiving information at local wireless
communicator 39 or GPS and direction sensor 44.
[0141]In the display above, the selected image is displayed in
a uniform layout in FIG. 5 regardless of whether they are taken
by the first user or another in the selected group.
[0142]In FIG. 5, scope section 53 of similar layout to that in
FIG. 4 is displayed. However, the meaning of scope section 63 somewhat
differs between FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. In other words, scope section
53 in FIG. 4 means the scope of search to hit a plurality of image
data while section 53 in FIG. 5 means origin of the selected one
image data.
[0143]Thumbnail button 75 is to be operated by arrow key 54 or
numeric keypad 55 if the first use desires to return to the display
in FIG. 4. One of a pair of image feed buttons 76 is operated by
arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 in FIG. 5 to replace display image
71 by another image corresponding to the last thumbnail or the next
thumbnail in the order of displayed in FIG. 4.
[0144]The above explanation has been made on a case the first digital
camera 1 is set to be turned ON in the playback mode to display
thumbnails 58 as in FIG. 4 if power button 51 is operated. According
to the explanation, the display of image 71 in FIG. 5 is to be caused
by a manual selection of one of the thumbnails in FIG. 4 through
operation of arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.
[0145]The first digital camera 1, however, can be set to be turned
ON in the playback mode to directly display image 71 as in FIG.
5 if power button 51 is operated. Also in such a setting, the first
digital camera 1 automatically accesses to integrated image administration
server 6 through Internet 4 to automatically tick online box at
online/off-line indicator 52 if it is determined that the first
digital camera 1 is in the communication range. Further, the first
digital camera 1 is turned ON also in this setting with "None"
automatically input in condition box 56 and with no tick in any
of the boxes at combination designator 57 though condition box 56
and combination designator 57 in not overtly displayed in FIG. 5.
In this setting, the latest of the own images hit by integrated
image administration server 6 is automatically selected as display
image 71 in FIG. 5.
[0146]If another image is desired to be displayed, image feed buttons
76 is operated to replace display image 71 in FIG. 5 or thumbnail
button 75 is operated to change into the display in FIG. 4 in which
reselection of thumbnail is possible.
[0147]If an image taken by another person is displayed on display
40 as display image 71, public box or member box is ticked at scope
section 53. Favorite button 77 is to be operated if the first user
wants to designate display image 71 as favorite. And display image
71 is easily registered as favorite image, favorite box at scope
section 53 being automatically ticked in response to the operation
of favorite button 77. Thus, display image 71 thus designated and
registered will be hit if a search will be made with favorite box
ticked as the searching condition.
[0148]FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera 1 in the playback mode, which is similar to FIGS.
4 and 5 except for what is displayed on display 40. In other words,
FIG. 6 shows display 40 in attribute edit mode caused by operation
of attribute edit button 62 in FIG. 5 with display image 71 displayed.
Favorite button 77 is not displayed in FIG. 6 for avoiding confusion.
The same numeral is used for identifying the same element throughout
FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, duplicate explanation being omitted in FIG. 6.
[0149]Display image 71 in FIG. 5 is displayed in FIG. 6 as reduced
size image 81 with its attribute such as title, tags and scope section
selection being made editable. In contrast, title, tags and scope
section selection cannot be edited in FIG. 5 though favorite designation
can be made.
[0150]In editing title of image 81 in FIG. 6, arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55 is operated to rewrite title box 72.
[0151]Also in editing tags affixed to image 81 in FIG. 6, arrow
key 54 or numeric keypad 55 is operated to rewrite tag box 74. Further,
affixed tag window 82 and existing tag window 83 are prepared in
display 40 for assisting the first user in editing tags for the
purpose of boosting the chance for the own image laid open to the
public to become popular. In this view point, public box is ticked
at scope section 53. Though the advantage is less, however, affixed
tag window 82 and existing tag window 83 can also be operable with
member box or private box ticked at scope section 53.
[0152]All tags affixed to displayed image 81 are shown in affixed
tag window 82. On the other hand, tags identical with or resembling
or relating to any of tags in affixed tag window 82 are automatically
searched and shown in existing tag window 83. Most of such tags
in existing tag window 83 are not originated by the first user,
but by others. Identical tags between affixed tag window 82 and
existing tag window 83 are distinguished form other tags with underline
or different color. For example, "fencing" and "sports"
are underlined in both affixed tag window 82 and existing tag window
83 since they are identical with each other. Tags in existing tag
window 83 are of different font size depending on their popularities
which are determined by integrated image administration server 6
counting the frequency of affixing of each tag, respectively. For
example, "sports" in the largest font size is the most
popular tag, and "Olympics" is the second in FIG. 6.
[0153]The first user, who wants own image to be viewed by others
as many as possible through integrated image administration server
6, can change tags with the relation of affixed tag window 82 to
existing tag window 83 taken into consideration. For example, the
first user can know from existing tag window 83 that there is no
image uploaded by another with the tag, "fight" affixed
to reduced size image 81. And, if the first user thinks that reduced
size image 81 has less chance of being hit by others with the tag,
"fight", the fist user may operate arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55 to delete or replace the tag, "fight". Alternatively,
the first user may leave the tag, "fight" undeleted since
there is no limitation to the number of tags for one image.
[0154]Further, the first user can know from existing tag window
83 that other images uploaded with the tag, "sword" which
relates to "fencing" and that "spirit" or "tournament"
which may have some relation to "fight" have been affixed
to some images of others. Thus, the first use can add at least one
of "sword", "spirit" and "tournament"
to affixed tag window 82 if he or she thinks such addition may boost
the chance for reduced size image 81 of being hit by others. The
addition of one of tags, e.g., "sword", in existing tag
window 83 into affixed tag window 82 can be easily done by operating
copy button 84 with "sword" selected in existing tag window
83 by arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.
[0155]On the other hand, the first user can know that many images
are uploaded by others with the tag, "sports" which is
very popular in existing tag window 83. Thus, if the first user
thinks that reduced size image 81 has less chance of being selected
among a great number of images which will be hit by others with
the tag, "sports", the fist user may operate arrow key
54 or numeric keypad 55 to delete or replace the tag, "sports".
Since the popular tag has double meaning that great number of images
will be hit with the popular tag as well as that many persons will
conduct search with the popular tag. So, it is also reasonable not
to delete "sports", but rather to add a popular tag such
as "Olympics" in existing tag window 83 into affixed tag
window 82 to increase the chance for reduced size image 81 to be
hit by others. Especially, the popular tags are useful in combination
with other specific tag.
[0156]As has been understood, the display of both existing tag
window 83 and affixed tag window 82 in a comparable manner, the
indication with underline or different color of relationship between
tags in existing tag window 83 and affixed tag window 82, and the
copy of tag form existing tag window 83 to affixed tag window 82
are very useful assistance for tag edition.
[0157]The functions of causing the display layout on display 40
in the playback mode such as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 can also
be effective even if the first digital camera 1 is not within the
communication range of any access point. In other words, the display
layout in the playback mode is controlled not only by integrated
image administration server 6 online, but also by the display software
downloaded form integrated image administration server 6 and installed
in memory 41 of the first digital camera 1, which functions even
if the first digital camera 1 is not connected to integrated image
administration server 6.
[0158]Accordingly, if the display layout controlled by integrated
image administration server 6 online is improved, the corresponding
new display software is automatically downloaded to update the memory
41, which makes it possible for the first digital camera 1 to control
the display in accordance with the most recent layout even in off-line
state. Thus, the display layout in the playback mode of the first
digital camera 1 continuously and automatically evolves after the
first digital camera 1 is bought.
[0159]The substantially same display layout in the playback mode
throughout the online state and the off-line state of the first
digital camera 1 makes it possible for the first user to operate
the first digital camera 1 in the same manner regardless of whither
the first digital camera 1 is in online state or in off-line state.
The above feature of this invention that operations in the online
state are substantially the same as those in the off-line state,
which is familiar in conventional digital cameras, is advantageous
to remove the barrier otherwise getting in the way of the ordinary
user to enjoy the digital camera within an online system.
[0160]As mentioned above, the basic display layout in the playback
mode does not change throughout the online state and the off-line
state. However, partial differences are naturally caused or intentionally
made for avoiding confusion.
[0161]In FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 for example, the member box and the public
box at scope section 53 are made unseen or pale with off-line box
ticked at online/off-line indicator 52. Further, it is needless
to say that the hit thumbnails or images displayed on display 40
are the result of searching into image data left in image storage
portion 35 within the first digital camera 1.
[0162]In FIG. 6, on the other hand, the member box and the public
box at scope section 53 are indicated in the normal manner for accepting
edition even if the off-line box ticked at online/off-line indicator
52. In other words, the edition at scope section 53 as to the image
81 is possible even in off-line state. Existing tag 83, however,
is not displayed with off-line box ticked at online/off-line indicator
52 since no information of existing tags is obtainable in off-line
state. Further, the underline in affixed tag 82 for some tag, such
as "fencing" is not indicated in off-line state.
[0163]The result of edition made during off-line state will be
automatically transmitted to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 when the first digital camera 1 will come into the communication
range of some access point. And, the searching result will be automatically
updated with the new edition incorporated.
[0164]FIG. 7 is a schematic external view of a principal part of
the digital camera 1 in the photo taking mode, which is similar
to FIGS. 4 and 5 except for what is displayed on display 40. In
other words, FIG. 7 shows display 40 in photo taking mode, which
is caused by pushing photo button 59 in half in one of the conditions
of FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 to switch the first digital camera 1 from the
playback mode to the photo taking mode. Display 40 in the photo
taking mode of FIG. 7 displays video image 91 which is currently
taken by image taking portion 33. The same numeral is used for identifying
the same element throughout FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, duplicate explanation
being omitted in FIG. 6.
[0165]The video image 91 on display 40 in the photo taking mode
helps the first user to decide the framing of the picture to be
taken by the first digital camera 1. If the first user pushed photo
button 59 in full with the framing satisfactory, the image data
taken by image taking portion 33 corresponding to video image 91
is processed by image processor 34 to be recorded in image storage
portion 35.
[0166]The image data store in image storage portion 35 is to be
automatically transmitted form local wireless communicator 39 to
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 by way of
wireless access point 3.
[0167]If the first digital camera 1 cannot come into the communication
range of access point 3 in spite of little room left in image storage
portion 35 for overwriting new image data, caution 92 is overlapped
on video image 91 in display 40 for informing the first user of
the full capacity which needs a sending of the taken image data
to secure room for the new image data. If the first user at the
appearance of the caution 92 pushes send button 60, the digital
camera 1 is automatically connected to his or her mobile phone with
local wireless communicator 39 so that the mobile phone automatically
calls a predetermined server on Internet 4 to send the image in
image storage portion 35 to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5.
[0168]Alternatively, the first digital camera 1 is so prepared
in response to the case causing caution 92 to automatically connect
to and control the mobile phone to send the image in image storage
portion 35 to the first picture archiving and communication system
5 through Internet 4 by way of the mobile phone.
[0169]Caution 92 is made in two steps, the preliminary caution
and emergent caution. The following description is for explaining
these two steps of cautions.
[0170]A part of the capacity of image storage portion 35 is assigned
to the display image data in a size suitable for displaying on display
40. An old display image data which can be overwritten will be replaced
by a new display image data if the assigned capacity of image storage
portion 35 is full. Since the display image data has been kept by
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 for being
downloaded upon request, it is basically needless to keep the display
image data in image storage portion 35 in duplicate. However, above
mentioned capacity is secured for keeping the display image data
of high possibility of being viewed again in case the camera will
go out of communication range of any access point. On the other
hand, majority part of the capacity of image storage portion 35
is secured for recording main image data of full-size to be newly
taken.
[0171]On the assumption of capacity assignment above, if the capacity
secured for the main image data to be newly taken becomes full with
no opportunity available for sending the already taken main image
data to the first picture archiving and communication system 5,
a preliminary caution such as "Capacity full, but additional
5 shots possible if replaceable display image data deleted"
is given as caution 92. This means that the photograph itself can
be taken by cutting into the capacity assigned to the display image
data even though the already taken main image data is not sent at
once by means of mobile phone connection. Thus, photo taking action
can be continued with such a preliminary caution being made if the
shutter chance is preferred than securing capacity assigned to the
main image data.
[0172]On the other hand, if the capacity of image storage portion
35 becomes full with all available capacity assigned to the display
image data consumed, an emergent caution such as "Capacity
absolutely full!" to recommend the first user to send at once
the already taken main image data to the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 by means of mobile phone connection to
secure capacity for new main image data to be taken.
[0173]In place of making the above mentioned two steps of cautions,
it is possible to display two levels of indication of remaining
capacity. In other words, in the first level of indication, the
remaining capacity of image storage portion 35 assigned to the main
image data is displayed. And, when the capacity assigned to the
main image data becomes full to have to cut into the capacity assigned
to the display image data, the indication is automatically switched
from the first level to the second level to display the available
capacity assigned to the display image data. For distinguishing
the second level of indication from the first level, the color of
indicating remaining capacity is changed.
[0174]In addition to the remaining capacity indication for image
storage portion 35 in the first digital camera 1, the remaining
capacity in the first picture archiving and communication system
5 secured for the first user under the contract with the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 is to be indicated.
[0175]Above indication of the remaining capacity for image data
and necessary caution about the remaining capacity will be explained
later in more detail.
[0176]Display 40 in FIG. 7 further shows auxiliary window 93 for
displaying the last taken image. Therefore, the first user can decide
the new framing of the picture to be taken by means of comparing
video image 91 with the latest taken image in auxiliary window 93.
[0177]If the setting of the first digital camera 1 is changed,
it is possible to display in auxiliary window 93 the last image
data appearing in the playback mode such as in FIG. 5 before switching
to the photo taking mode. According to such a setting, the first
user can compare video image 91 with the similar photograph of own
or another searched in the playback mode to decide the framing of
the picture to be taken by the first digital camera 1.
[0178]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the basic function of camera controller
31 in the first digital camera 1 of the first embodiment in FIG.
3. The flow chart shows various functions when the first digital
camera is turned ON.
[0179]The flow in FIG. 8 starts when power button 51 is operated
to go to step S1, in which the playback mode is automatically set.
The flow then goes to step S2, in which automatic online selection
is set. The automatic online selection means the function of automatically
switching between online/off-line settings, in which the online
state is set in automatic response to the detection that the first
digital camera comes into the communication range of a wireless
access point, while the off-line state is set in automatic response
to the detection that the first digital camera is not within the
communication range of any wireless access point.
[0180]In manual online selection setting, on the contrary, the
first digital camera 1 would not be switched to online state as
long as the off-line box is ticked at online/off-line indicator
52 even if the first digital camera comes into the communication
range of a wireless access point. So, if the online state is desired,
online box at online/off-line indicator 52 is to be manually ticked
with the first digital camera within the communication range of
a wireless access point. Even if online box at online/off-line indicator
52 is manually ticked with the first digital camera outside the
communication range of any wireless access point, the first digital
camera would not respond to such manual operation, but makes a caution
of outside the communication range for the first user to understand
the reason why online/off-line indicator 52 cannot be changed.
[0181]If the first digital camera 1 is made online state through
any course of the automatic or manual online selections, the ID
and password is automatically sent from the first digital camera
1 to the first picture archiving and communication system 5 and
integrated image administration server 6 to automatically make the
first digital camera 1 into logon state with them.
[0182]After the automatic online selection setting in step S2,
the flow advances to step S3 to automatically tick the private box
at scope section 53. Further in step S4, the flow automatically
sets the unconditioned search, in which "None" is automatically
input in condition box 56 and with no tick in any of the boxes at
combination designator 57. Thus, integrated image administration
server 6 can search into all images with user ID of the first user
[0183]In step S5, it is checked whether or not the first digital
camera is within the communication range of any wireless access
point. And, if it is detected that the first digital camera is within
the communication range of some wireless access point, the flow
advances to step S6 to set the first digital camera into online
state.
[0184]Next, in step S7 it is checked whether or not image storage
portion 35 keeps image data which has not been sent to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 yet. If there has been
no chance for the first digital camera 1 to become online state
after the photograph has been taken in off-line state, image storage
portion 35 keeps such image data. In this case, the flow advances
to step S8 to carry out the uploading process, in which the unsent
image data is uploaded to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 through Internet. The flow then goes to step S9. On the
other hand, if is not detected in step S7 that image storage portion
35 keeps unsent image data, the flow directly goes to step S9.
[0185]In step S9, the capacity indication process is carried out
to update the change in the remaining capacity caused by step S8
or laps of predetermined time. The uploading process in step S8
and the capacity indication process will be explained later in more
detail.
[0186]Next in step S10, the search result updating process is carried
out to get the latest result of the search conducted by integrated
image administration server 6 through Internet 4. Then the flow
advances to step S11, in which the order of displaying the search
result is set so that the hit thumbnails are displayed in the order
of the photo taking date and time from the latest. The hit thumbnails
include the image data uploaded in step S8. The display order set
in step S11 can be set alternatively in the order of the photo taking
date and time from the oldest, or the alphabetical order of the
title or tag for the image data.
[0187]On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S5 that
the first digital camera is within the communication range of some
wireless access point, the flow advances to step S12 to set the
first digital camera into off-line state. The flow then goes to
step S13 to have camera controller 31 search into own image storage
portion 35, the flow then going to step S11 to set the order of
displaying the search result so that the hit thumbnails are displayed
in the order of the photo taking date and time from the latest.
[0188]Following to step S11, the flow advances to step S14 to enable
various interruptions. The enabled interruption includes a jump
to the display in FIG. 4 caused by the operation of thumbnail button
75 since the function of flow in FIG. 8 is according to such a setting
that the first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode
to directly display image 71 as in FIG. 5 if power button 51 is
operated.
[0189]For the reason above, the flow advances to step S15, in which
one image data with the latest photo taking date and time is automatically
selected among all of possibly a plurality of hit image data as
the result of the search. Next in step S16, image display process
is carried out to prepare display image 71 and display the same
as in FIG. 5. The image display process will be explained later
in detail. The flow in FIG. 8 then terminates to make the first
digital camera 1 into the standby state.
[0190]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller
31 when thumbnail button 75 is pushed in the display condition in
FIG. 5. If the flow of FIG. 9 starts in response the push of thumbnail
button 75, thumbnails hit by the search are displayed in step S22
to result in the display of FIG. 4. The display layout in FIG. 4
is the same regardless of whether the search into the images has
been done in accordance with search result updating process in S10
or search into own memory in step S13 of the flow in FIG. 8
[0191]Next in step S24, it is checked whether or not one of thumbnails
58 is selected within a predetermined time period. And, if a thumbnail
selection is detected in step S24, the flow goes to step S26, in
which image display process is carried out. On the other hand, if
any thumbnail selection is not detected in step S24 within the predetermined
time period, the flow goes to step S28.
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