U.S. patent application number 14/538708 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for apparatus and method for generating slide show and program therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Facebook, Inc.. Invention is credited to Hajime Shirasaka, Masayuki Takahira.
Application Number | 20150067518 14/538708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36931631 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150067518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takahira; Masayuki ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING SLIDE SHOW AND PROGRAM
THEREFOR
Abstract
When slide show image data sets are generated from a plurality
of image data sets, the image data sets, DVD-Video files
representing the slide shows generated from the image data sets,
and information representing reproduction order are stored in a
manner that allows a user to access them S0 that pleasure of the
slide shows for the user is not ruined. The user changes the images
to be included in the DVD-Video files and the reproduction order,
while referring to the image data sets, the DVD-Video files, and
the information. A digitalization center newly generates DVD-Video
files according to the changed images and the changed reproduction
order.
Inventors: |
Takahira; Masayuki;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Shirasaka; Hajime;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Facebook, Inc. |
Menlo Park |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
36931631 |
Appl. No.: |
14/538708 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12850859 |
Aug 5, 2010 |
|
|
|
14538708 |
|
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|
11360616 |
Feb 24, 2006 |
7805679 |
|
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12850859 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/731 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 2220/218 20130101;
G11B 2220/2562 20130101; G06F 16/54 20190101; G06F 16/40 20190101;
G11B 27/036 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101;
G11B 27/034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/731 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0482 20060101
G06F003/0482; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 24, 2005 |
JP |
048461/2005 |
Feb 24, 2005 |
JP |
048462/2005 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: analyzing, by a
computing system, metadata associated with a set of content items
relating to a user; selecting, by the computing system, at least
one content item from the set of content items based on the
metadata associated with the set of content items; and generating,
by the computing system, multimedia content based on the at least
one content item and a subset of contents items from the set of
content items.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
multimedia content is based on at least one image file and at least
one audio file.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the metadata
associated with the set of content items includes time of capture
of an image.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the metadata
associated with the set of content items includes location of
capture of an image.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the location
of capture of an image is based on a GPS function of a camera.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the metadata
associated with the set of content items includes at least one
comment associated with an image.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the set of
content items includes at least one image file and at least one
audio file having a predetermined relationship based on time.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
selecting at least one content item is based on a selection by the
user.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
multimedia content is associated with at least one significant life
event of the user.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
multimedia content is a slide show.
11. A system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory
storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one
processor, cause the system to perform: analyzing metadata
associated with a set of content items relating to a user;
selecting at least one content item from the set of content items
based on the metadata associated with the set of content items; and
generating multimedia content based on the at least one content
item and a subset of contents items from the set of content
items.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the multimedia content is based
on at least one image file and at least one audio file.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the metadata associated with
the set of content items includes time of capture of an image.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the metadata associated with
the set of content items includes location of capture of an
image.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the multimedia content is a
slide show.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including
instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a
computing system, cause the computing system to perform: analyzing
metadata associated with a set of content items relating to a user;
selecting at least one content item from the set of content items
based on the metadata associated with the set of content items; and
generating multimedia content based on the at least one content
item and a subset of contents items from the set of content
items.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein the multimedia content is based on at least one image
file and at least one audio file.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein the metadata associated with the set of content items
includes time of capture of an image.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein the metadata associated with the set of content items
includes location of capture of an image.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein the multimedia content is a slide show.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/850,859, filed Aug. 5, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/360,616, filed Feb. 24, 2006, issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,679 on Sep. 28, 2010, which claims priority
from JP 2005-048461, filed Feb. 24, 2005, and JP 2005-048462, also
filed Feb. 24, 2005, each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method
for generating a slide show image from images that are changed
serially in the slide show image and a program for causing a
computer to execute the method.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Prints generated from conventional silver-salt photographic
films have been used in various manners. For example, such prints
and films are used for checking how images look, for communicating
with friends by showing the prints, for sending additional prints
to friends, for display of enlargements thereof, and for generating
photo albums. However, prints generated from silver-salt
photographic films only accumulate if the prints are not set in
order. Therefore, using the prints and the films, such as finding a
desired one of the prints and generating an additional print,
becomes difficult. Especially, in the case where the number of
prints becomes large, the prints tend to be left without
consideration of photography order, which makes setting the prints
in order more difficult.
[0006] Prints can be used easily if frequently arranged in order.
However, classification of prints according to time and date of
photography or theme is troublesome. Even if prints are set in
order in the form of a photo album, no copy of the photo album is
usually made. Therefore, enjoying photographs therein is difficult
for a large number of people or for a person living in a remote
place.
[0007] If classification of prints is neglected, not only prints
but also negative films accumulate. Negative films are in most
cases left as they are or stored in bags or boxes without
classification thereof. If a user as a photographer ages and the
number of family members increases, the number of prints and
negative films also increases more and more. Therefore, a large
amount of prints and negative films are neglected if no
classification is carried out thereon. Prints and negative films
are seldom discarded since no additional prints can be made if they
are discarded. Consequently, many households are troubled by how to
classify and store such prints and films.
[0008] Meanwhile, a photograph service system has been proposed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 10 (1998)-150538 or 10
(1998)-150541, for example. In such a system, images recorded on a
negative film or prints are read by a reading apparatus such as a
scanner for obtaining image data sets. The image data sets are
stored in a recording medium such as a CD-R and reproduced by a
reproduction apparatus such as a personal computer for appreciation
thereof. Furthermore, the image data sets are printed at the
request of a user. In addition, a network photograph service system
including an image storage system has also been proposed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11(1999)-154218, for
example. In the network photograph service system, image data sets
are sent to and stored in an image storage server via a network
such as the Internet, and various kinds of processing regarding the
image data sets, such as viewing the image data sets and placing a
printing order, can be carried out with use of a terminal remote
from the image storage server.
[0009] However, in the image storage system described above, images
are read from a negative film at the same time as the images are
printed after development of the film. Therefore, image data sets
are stored collectively for each roll of film. Consequently,
relating a user who requested storage of the image data sets to the
film roll is a troublesome task. In addition, images are only read
from a negative film and stored thereafter. Therefore, a large
amount of image data sets are simply stored without being set in
order if images are read from prints or negative films neglected in
a household. In this case, a user who accesses the image storage
server needs to set the image data sets in order, which is as
troublesome as in the case of classification of the prints and the
negative films. Therefore, such a system is not convenient.
[0010] For this reason, a so-called "photo mining" service system
has been proposed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
20030151767. In this system, image data sets are obtained from
recording media such as prints and negative films, and related to
recording media information representing the recording media from
which the image data sets have been obtained. The image data sets
related to the recording media information are then stored for each
user, based on user information. In this system, if a user only
requests image readout from a DPE store although a large amount of
prints and negative films neglected in his/her household have not
been set in order, the user can view image data sets obtained
through the image reading in a state wherein the image data sets
are classified according to the recording media information.
[0011] By using the system described in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 20030151767, image data obtained by readout can be
provided to a user by being recorded in a recording medium such as
a DVD-R. At this time, image data in the form of a slide show can
be generated from the image data obtained by reading, and can be
recorded in the recording medium together with the original image
data. In this manner, the user can enjoy the slide show by using
his/her DVD player and can appreciate the image data by using
his/her terminal such as a personal computer.
[0012] Since the recording medium provided to the user in the photo
mining service has a large amount of image data, the data may
include images that the user is not willing to view or show to
others. In addition, the data may include images representing
people in too small sizes. Therefore, the slide show may include
the images that are not preferred by the user, which may spoil fun
of the slide show. Furthermore, since the slide show generated in
this manner is represented as a set of data, the user cannot edit
the data even if the user wishes to change reproduction order in
the slide show.
[0013] In addition, although the image data of the slide show
include background music played in reproduction of the slide show,
the slide show includes only predetermined music. For this reason
is desired inclusion of background music in accordance with the
content of the slide show or the preferences of the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been conceived based on
consideration of the above circumstances. An object of the present
invention is therefore to enable generation of a slide show in
reproduction order desired by a user without spoiling fun of the
slide show for the user.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to enable
inclusion of background music in a slide show image in accordance
with the content thereof and the preferences of a user.
[0016] A first slide show generation apparatus of the present
invention is a slide show generation apparatus for generating an
image of slide show from an image group comprising a predetermined
number of images, and the first slide show generation apparatus
comprises: [0017] image selection means for selecting the
predetermined number of images from a plurality of images whose
quantity is larger than the predetermined number; [0018]
reproduction order setting means for setting reproduction order of
the predetermined number of images; [0019] change reception means
for receiving change of the reproduction order and change in any
one or more of the images in the image group, from a user; and
[0020] generation means for generating the image of slide show
based on the changed image group and the changed reproduction
order.
[0021] In the first slide show generation apparatus of the present
invention, the generation means may generate a simplified slide
show image in a size that is smaller than that of the image of
slide show, based on the image group before the change and the
reproduction order before the change. In this case, the first slide
show generation apparatus of the present invention further
comprises storage means for storing the plurality of images, the
simplified slide show image, and information representing the
reproduction order in an externally accessible manner.
[0022] In the case where the plurality of images are added with
photography date information representing date of photography of
each of the images, the first slide show generation apparatus of
the present invention may further comprise information changing
means for changing the photography date information added to the
image or images whose reproduction order has been changed, based on
the photography date information added to the images immediately
before and after the image or images in the changed reproduction
order.
[0023] A first slide show generation method of the present
invention is a method for generating an image of slide show from an
image group comprising a predetermined number of images, and the
method comprises the steps of: [0024] selecting the predetermined
number of images from a plurality of images whose quantity is
larger than the predetermined number; [0025] setting reproduction
order of the predetermined number of images; [0026] receiving
change of the reproduction order and change of any one or more of
the images in the image group, from a user; and [0027] generating
the image of slide show based on the changed image group and the
changed reproduction order.
[0028] The first slide show generation method of the present
invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to
execute the method.
[0029] According to the first slide show generation apparatus and
the first slide show generation method of the present invention,
the change in the predetermined number of images in the image group
comprising the image of slide show and the change in the
reproduction order in the slide show are received from the user,
and the slide show image is generated from the changed image group
and in the changed reproduction order. Therefore, any one or more
of the images that is/are not preferable for the user can be
deleted from the slide show image while any one or more of the
images that is/are preferable for the user can be included in the
slide show image. Furthermore, the images can be re-arranged in the
order desired by the user.
[0030] In the case where the simplified slide show image having a
smaller size than the slide show image is generated from the image
group before the change and in the reproduction order before the
change so that the simplified slide show image and the information
on the reproduction order can be stored in addition to the images
in an externally accessible manner, the user can easily understand
the images included in the slide show image, the images that can be
included in the slide show image, and the reproduction order
thereof. Therefore, the user can change any one or more of the
images included in the image group and the reproduction order with
ease.
[0031] In the case where the photography date information
representing the date of photography is added to each of the
images, the photography date information added to any one or more
of the images whose reproduction order has been changed may be
changed based on the photography date information added to the
images immediately before and after the image or images in the
changed reproduction order. In this manner, the photography date
information added to the image or images can be changed especially
in the case where the photography date information thereof
represents a wrong photography date.
[0032] A second slide show generation apparatus of the present
invention is a slide show generation apparatus for generating a
slide show image from a plurality of images, and the second slide
show generation apparatus comprises: [0033] a first selection means
for making selection of at least one of musical pieces that can be
included in the slide show image from the musical pieces, based on
information on at least one of: date of photography of each of the
images, a photography location thereof, information on a user
requesting generation of the slide show image, and a story of the
images inferred from the images; [0034] list generation means for
generating a list of the selected musical piece or pieces; [0035] a
second selection means for receiving further musical piece
selection from the list; and [0036] generation means for generating
the slide show image including the further selected musical piece
or pieces.
[0037] The information on the user refers to information that can
reflect the preferences of the user. More specifically, information
on date of birth, gender, family composition, and a hobby of the
user may be used as the information on the user.
[0038] A second slide show generation method of the present
invention is a method for generating a slide show image from
images, and the second slide show generation method comprises the
steps of: [0039] making selection of at least one of musical pieces
that can be included in the slide show image from the musical
pieces, based on information on at least one of: date of
photography of each of the images, a photography location thereof,
information on a user requesting generation of the slide show
image, and a story of the images inferred from the images; [0040]
generating a list of the selected musical piece or pieces;
receiving further musical piece selection from the list; and [0041]
generating the slide show image including the further selected
musical piece or pieces.
[0042] The second slide show generation method of the present
invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to
execute the method.
[0043] Note that the programs of the present invention may be
provided being recorded on a computer readable medium. Those who
are skilled in the art would know that computer readable media are
not limited to any specific type of device, and include, but are
not limited to: floppy disks, CD's, RAM's, ROM's, hard disks,
magnetic tapes, and internet downloads, in which computer
instructions can be stored and/or transmitted. Transmission of the
computer instructions through a network or through wireless
communication means is also within the scope of this invention.
Additionally, computer instructions include, but are not limited
to: source, object, and executable code, and can be in any
language, including higher level languages, assembly language, ad
machine language.
[0044] According to the second slide show generation apparatus and
the second slide show generation method of the present invention,
the musical piece or pieces to be included in the slide show image
is/are selected from the musical pieces based on the information on
at least one of: the photography date of the images included in the
slide show, the photography location thereof, the information on
the user requesting generation of the slide show image, and the
story inferred from the images, and the list of the selected
musical piece or pieces is generated. Further musical piece
selection from the list is then received, and the selected musical
piece or pieces is/are included in the slide show image. Therefore,
the slide show image generated in this manner includes the musical
piece or pieces in accordance with a year range or the location of
the images, or the user information, or the story inferred from the
images. Consequently, background music can be played in
reproduction of the slide show image, reflecting the preferences of
the user and the content of the images.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a photo mining system
adopting a slide show generation apparatus of a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an
image generation apparatus in the first embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a change in photography
date information;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out at
the time an order is placed for a photo mining service in the first
embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure in classification
carried out in a digitalization center in the first embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out in
the digitalization center after the classification in the first
embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out after
a photo mining server is notified of storage of simplified image
data sets, simplified image files, and reproduction order files in
the first embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an
image generation apparatus in a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 9 shows an example of title list;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out in a
digitalization center after classification in the second
embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out
after a photo mining server is notified of storage of the title
list in the second embodiment; and
[0056] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out by a
user at the time of generation of DVD-Video files in the second
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows
the configuration of a photo mining system adopting a slide show
generation apparatus of a first embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, various kinds of information,
negative films, prints, and the like are exchanged in a photo
mining system 1 between users 2, a photo mining server 3
(hereinafter referred to as the PM server 3) that receives an order
for a photo mining service placed by any one of the users 2
(hereinafter referred to as the user 2) via the Internet, and a
digitalization center 4 that deals with the order.
[0058] In the photo mining service in this embodiment, image data
sets S0 are obtained from negative films NF, prints P, and
recording media M such as a CD-R and a memory card owned by the
user 2. The image data sets S0 are recorded in a recording medium
such as a DVD-R (in this embodiment, the recording medium is a
DVD-R) together with a DVD-Video file or DVD-Video files
(hereinafter referred to as DVD-Video files V0) enabling
reproduction of a slide show or slide shows generated from the
image data sets S0. The DVD-R is then provided to the user 2.
[0059] The user 2 owns the negative films NF and the prints P
without classification thereof, and stores a large amount of image
data sets that are not set in order in the recording media M. The
user 2 places the order for the photo mining service from the PM
server 3 regarding the large amount of the negative films NF, the
prints P, and the recording media M. More specifically, the user 2
has a user terminal 20 such as a personal computer connected to the
Internet 7, and accesses the PM server 3 by using the user terminal
20 for placing the order.
[0060] The photo mining system 1 in this embodiment is limited to
use by members only, and the user 2 has registered himself/herself
with the PM server 3 to obtain a user ID and a password for
identification. At the time of membership registration, the user 2
registers user information comprising items such as the name, the
address, age, the phone number, the e-mail address, and family
composition thereof. The user information is stored in the PM
server 3 and in a user information database in the digitalization
center 4 as will be described later.
[0061] The PM server 3 has a Web site for receiving the order for
the photo mining service placed by the user 2. The user 2 accesses
the Web site of the PM server 3 by using the user terminal 20, and
inputs the user ID and the password for placing the order. The PM
server 3 issues an order number upon reception of the order, and
sends to the user 2 an e-mail message that notifies the user 2 of
the order number and date of delivery, for confirmation of order
reception. The PM server 3 sends notification of reception of the
order to the digitalization center 4, and the notification includes
the user information, the order number, the date of delivery, and
date of order reception.
[0062] When the notification of order reception is received from
the PM server 3, an operator in the digitalization center 4 sends a
delivery box B to the address of the user 2 with reference to the
user information included in the notification and the user
information database stored in the digitalization center 4 so that
the user 2 can send the negative films NF, the prints P, and the
recording media M (hereinafter collectively referred to as
recording media 10) owned by the user 2 to the digitalization
center 4. An order form recorded with information on the order
number and the like of the user 2 is also sent to the user 2,
together with the delivery box B. The order form is also pasted on
the delivery box B. A bar code corresponding to the order number is
printed on the order form. The delivery box B may be sent by a
company other than the digitalization center 4.
[0063] When the user 2 receives the delivery box B, the user 2
encloses the recording media 10 of his/her own in the delivery box
B, and sends the delivery box B to the digitalization center 4. At
this time, the user 2 describes the type and quantity of the
recording media 10, a comment, and the like on the order form, and
sends the order form to the digitalization center 4.
[0064] When the delivery box B is received, the digitalization
center 4 carries out processing for the photo mining service by
using an image generation apparatus 40.
[0065] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
image generation apparatus 40. The image generation apparatus 40
obtains the image data sets S0 from the recording media 10, and
generates the DVD-R recorded with the image data sets. As shown in
FIG. 2, the image generation apparatus 40 comprises three film
scanners 41A-41C for obtaining the image data sets S0 by reading
images recorded on the negative films NF, a print scanner 42 for
obtaining the image data sets S0 by reading images recorded on the
prints P, a media drive 43 for obtaining the image data sets S0 by
reading the image data sets S0 from the recording media M, an
information acquisition unit 44 that obtains information on date of
photography (hereinafter referred to as the photography date
information D) from the negative films NF and the prints P and from
the image data sets S0 read from the recording media M and obtains
various kinds of information to be added to the image data sets S0,
an image processing unit 45 for obtaining processed image data sets
S1 by carrying out image processing and image restoration
processing such as red-eye correction processing on the image data
sets S0, and a storage unit 46 for storing various kinds of
information including the processed image data sets S1.
[0066] The image generation apparatus 40 further comprises a
classification unit 47 for assigning any one of the film scanners
41A-41C, the print scanner 42, or the media drive 43 (hereinafter
collectively referred to as an image acquisition unit 12) to obtain
the image data sets S0 from the recording media 10 sent by the user
2, an operations management unit 48 for managing the type of the
image acquisition unit 12 used for obtaining the image data sets S0
from the recording media 10 for each of processes of acquisition
(hereinafter referred to as a job), a comment input unit 49 for
receiving input of a comment on the images for each of the jobs or
10 for each of the images, an image confirmation unit 50 for
confirming and correcting the images represented by the processed
image data sets S1, an image conversion unit 51 for converting the
image data sets S1 into image data sets S2 of Exif format by adding
various kinds of information such as the comment to the
corresponding image data sets S1, a DVD generation unit 52 for
generating the DVD-Video files V0 in the form of slide shows from
the image data sets S2 and for generating the DVD-R recorded with
the image data sets S2 and the DVD-Video files V0, and a
communication unit 53 for communicating with the PM server 3.
[0067] The components in the image generation apparatus 40 are
connected by a bus 55.
[0068] Each of the film scanners 41A.about.41C sequentially reads
the images recorded on the negative films NF, and obtains the image
data sets S0 representing the images.
[0069] The print scanner 42 obtains the image data sets S0
representing the images printed on the prints P by reading the
prints P.
[0070] The media drive 43 obtains the image data sets S0 by reading
the image data sets S0 from the recording media M. Since the type
of the recording media M varies, the media drive 43 of the type
corresponding to the recording media M available on the market is
used.
[0071] The information acquisition unit 44 obtains the photography
date information D from the negative films NF, the prints P, and
the like. Each of the negative films NF is recorded with a code
number specific thereto (hereinafter referred to as a DX code). By
referring to the DX code, a year range in which the film was
produced can be inferred. Therefore, the information acquisition
unit 44 reads the DX code recorded on each of the negative films
NF, and obtains the photography date information D representing the
year range of production of the corresponding negative film NF by
referring to a year range database stored in the storage unit
46.
[0072] In the case where the negative films NF include so-called
APS films each having a magnetic coating for recording magnetic
information, the date of photography can be recorded as magnetic
information in the magnetic coating. In this case, the photography
date information D can be obtained by reading the magnetic
information representing the date of photography recorded in the
magnetic coating thereof.
[0073] In the case where the date is printed in each of the images,
the date is read and character recognition is carried out thereon
for obtaining the photography date. In this case, information
obtained by reading the date printed in each of the images can be
used as the photography date information D. In some cases, the date
is hard to read, depending on the images. In such a case, the
photography date information D of each of the images whose
photography date was not readable may be obtained based on the date
of photography readable from the images arranged immediately before
and after the image in a sequence of image reading.
[0074] For the prints P, the date of photography is known by
reading the date printed in each of the prints P and by carrying
out character recognition thereon if the date is printed on each of
the prints P. In this case, information obtained by reading the
date in each of the prints P can be used as the photography date
information D.
[0075] In the case where some of the prints P have white margins,
information representing a year range in which the corresponding
prints P were printed, such as "Fujicolor 99", may be present
therein. Furthermore, the information representing the year range
(such as a brand mark varying according to year of production) may
be printed on the backside of the prints P. In such a case,
information obtained by reading the margin or the backside and
carrying out character recognition thereon may be used as the
photography date information D.
[0076] In some cases, the user 2 has written the date of
photography on film storage sheets, a bag containing the sheets,
and/or on the backside of the prints P. Furthermore, the user 2 may
have written the date of photography on the order form for each of
the recording media 10. In such a case, the comment input unit 49
or the like may receive input of the date from the operator in the
digitalization center 4, and the date is used as the photography
date information D.
[0077] For the image data sets S0 read from the recording media M,
the photography date information is described in a tag of each of
the image data sets S0. Therefore, the photography date information
D is obtained based on the information described in the tag.
[0078] As has been described above, the photography date
information D can be obtained from the various sources such as the
DX code, the date printed in each of the images, the date specified
by the user 2, the information recorded on the margin or backside
of the prints P, and the information in the tag. Therefore,
priority of the sources is preferably determined so that the
photography date information D can be obtained according to the
priority. At this time, it is preferable for the sources to be
recognizable. Alternatively, the photography date information D may
be obtained in relation to each of the sources available, without
determination of the priority in advance. The higher the priority
of each of the sources is, the more reliable the photography date
information D obtained from the source becomes. Therefore, a degree
of reliability of the photography date information D may be
generated according to each of the information sources.
[0079] In addition to the photography date information D, the
information acquisition unit 44 obtains the various kinds of
information such as a frame number in the case of reading the
negative films NF, and the type of the recording media 10 (either
the negative films NF, the prints P, or the recording media M) from
which the image data sets S0 were obtained, and generates pertinent
information including the photography date information D. In the
case where the reliability is generated, the pertinent information
includes the reliability.
[0080] The photography date information D obtained by the
information acquisition unit 44 may be obtained at the same time as
acquisition of the image data sets S0 by the image acquisition unit
12. In this case, the information acquisition unit 44 is installed
together with the image acquisition unit 12, and an operator of the
image acquisition unit 12 operates the information acquisition unit
44.
[0081] The image processing unit 45 obtains the processed image
data sets S1 by carrying out image quality enhancement processing
such as gradation processing, color conversion processing, and
sharpness processing on the image data sets S0.
[0082] The storage unit 46 comprises a large-capacity hard disc,
and temporarily stores the processed image data sets S1 as well as
the image data sets S0 obtained by the film scanners 41A-41C, the
print scanner 42, and the media drive 43. In addition, the storage
unit 46 stores the user information database and the year range
database representing a relationship between the DX code and the
year range of production of the films and a relationship between
the brand mark of the prints and the year range of use of the brand
mark. The storage unit 46 also stores simplified files V1 of the
DVD-Video files V0 that are generated as will be described later,
in a state where the user 2 can access the simplified files V1 by
using the user terminal 20. The storage unit 46 further stores the
image data sets S2 that will be described later.
[0083] The information acquisition unit 44 reads the DX code
recorded on each of the negative films NF, and can obtain the
photography date information D representing the year range in which
the corresponding negative film NF was produced, with reference to
the year range database. The information acquisition unit 44 also
reads the brand mark printed on the backside of each of the prints
P, and can obtain the photography date information D representing
the year range in which the brand mark was used, with reference to
the year range database.
[0084] The classification unit 47 assigns which of the parts in the
image acquisition unit 12 obtains the image data sets S0 for each
of the recording media 10 according to an instruction input by an
operator.
[0085] The operations management unit 48 manages processing for the
photo mining service carried out by the digitalization center 4.
More specifically, the operations management unit 48 manages the
entire processing carried out in the photo mining service, such as
order reception, delivery of the delivery box B, receipt of the
delivery box B, classification, acquisition of the image data sets
S0, image processing, comment input, image confirmation, image
conversion, DVD generation, DVD delivery, and payment reception,
for each order number for each of the users 2.
[0086] The comment input unit 49 receives input of the comment for
the image data sets. The comment can be the name of an event
described by the user 2 on the film storage sheets of the negative
films NF or on the backside of the prints P or on the order form,
for example.
[0087] The image confirmation unit 50 is used for confirmation and
20 correction of the image data sets S1 having been subjected to
the image processing.
[0088] The image conversion unit 51 converts the image data sets S1
having been subjected to the image confirmation into the image data
sets S2 in Exif format by adding the information registered with an
operations management database for each of the images as a tag to
the corresponding image data sets S1. At this time, the image
conversion unit 51 carries out the conversion into the image data
sets S2 by rotating the image data sets S1 whose orientation needs
to be changed.
[0089] The DVD generation unit 52 records all the image data sets
S2 generated by the image conversion unit 51 in the DVD-R, and
calculates a total free space size in the DVD-R in the case where
all the image data sets S2 are recorded in the DVD-R. The DVD
generation unit 52 generates the DVD-Video files V0 whose size is
appropriate for the free space size, and records the DVD-Video
files V0 in the DVD-R. Hereinafter, how the DVD-Video files V0 are
generated will be described.
[0090] The DVD generation unit 52 generates a list of year range
information on all the image data sets S2, based on the photography
date information D described in the tag of each of the image data
sets S2. At this time, the list does not include a part of the
image data sets S2 whose exclusion from the slide shows has been
instructed via the image confirmation unit 50.
[0091] The DVD generation unit 52 then calculates the free space
size of the DVD-R by subtracting a total size of the image data
sets S2 from the capacity of the DVD-R. It is preferable for the
free space size to have some margin. The number of the image data
sets S2 appropriate for the free space size is then calculated, and
the calculated number of the image data sets S2 are selected. A
part of the image data sets S2, whose inclusion in the slide shows
has been instructed, is necessarily selected. MPEG files in which
the images are changed serially are generated from the selected
image data sets S2, and authoring is carried out through inclusion
of a title menu and background music. In this manner, the DVD-Video
files V0 are generated.
[0092] The part of the image data sets S2 to be included in the
DVD-Video files V0 is selected with reference to the list. For
example, the image data sets S2 are classified according to year
ranges based on the date of photography represented by the
photography date information D described in the tag of each of the
image data sets S2. A number of the image data sets S2 are selected
evenly from the respective year ranges, and arranged in order of
the year ranges to form the DVD-Video files V0.
[0093] The DVD generation unit 52 also generates the simplified
files V1 having smaller sizes than the corresponding DVD-Video
files V0, and stores the simplified files V1 in the storage unit
46. The simplified files V1 are generated by reducing the sizes of
the images included in the DVD-Video files V0 or by degrading image
quality thereof. The DVD generation unit 52 further generates
reproduction order files R0 describing reproduction order of the
image data sets S2 in the corresponding DVD-Video files V0, and
stores the reproduction order files R0 in the storage unit 46.
Furthermore, the DVD generation unit 52 generates simplified image
data sets S2' having smaller sizes than the corresponding image
data sets S2, and stores the simplified image data sets S2' in the
storage unit 46. Instead of the simplified image data sets S2', the
image data sets S2 including characters "Sample" or the like may be
generated and stored.
[0094] After the simplified image data sets S2', the simplified
files V1, and the reproduction order files R0 have been stored in
the storage unit 46, the digitalization center 4 notifies the PM
server 3 of this fact. An e-mail message is then sent to the user
2, describing URL of where the simplified image data sets S2', the
simplified files V1, and the reproduction order files R0 are
stored, and an ID and a password for accessing the URL. The user 2
accesses the URL by using the user terminal 20, and can obtain the
simplified image data sets S2, the simplified files V1, and the
reproduction order files R0. In this manner, the user 2 can confirm
the images and the reproduction order of the images in the slide
shows represented by the DVD-Video files V0, by using the user
terminal 20.
[0095] The user 2 can also instruct to include any one or more of
the images that is/are not included in the slide shows but the user
2 wishes to include therein (hereinafter simply referred to as an
insertion image), and can instruct to delete any one or more of the
images in the slide shows (hereinafter simply referred to as a
deletion image). For this instruction, the user 2 sends to the PM
server 3 an e-mail message describing the file name of the image
data sets S2 representing the insertion or deletion image, and an
insertion position at which the insertion image is inserted (such
as the file name of the image data set S2 of the image before or
after which the insertion image is inserted). The user 2 can also
instruct to change the reproduction order in the slide shows. For
this instruction, the user 2 describes in an e-mail message the
file name of the image data set S2 representing the image whose
reproduction order is changed (hereinafter referred to as an order
change image), and the file name of the image data set S2
representing the image before or after which the order change image
is to be inserted, and sends the e-mail message to the PM server 3.
Hereinafter, the processing carried out by the user 2 is referred
to as editing processing and the content described in the e-mail
message is referred to as an editing result.
[0096] The slide show reproduction order is changed in the case
where the year ranges of the images to be reproduced are arranged
in erroneous order, for example.
[0097] Upon reception of the e-mail message informing the change,
the PM server 3 forwards the e-mail message to the digitalization
center 4. An operator in the digitalization center 4 generates new
DVD-Video files V0 by deleting the deletion image from the old
DVD-Video files V0, adding the insertion image at the specified
position, and by changing the reproduction order while referring to
the e-mail message.
[0098] In the slide shows represented by the DVD-Video files V0,
the images are changed in chronological order. Therefore, in the
case where the user 2 has instructed to change the reproduction
order, the order of year ranges of the images to be reproduced is
not correct. This fact proves that the photography date information
D of the order change image is not correct. For this reason, in the
case where the operator has changed the reproduction order in the
slide shows, the DVD generation unit 52 changes the photography
date information D included in the pertinent information and added
to the order change image, according to the photography date
information D added to the images immediately before and after the
order change image in the changed reproduction order.
[0099] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a change in the
photography date information D. In FIG. 3, the date of photography
represented by the photography date information D of an image 1, an
image 2, and an image X is Jan. 21, Jan. 25, and Feb. 25, 2005, and
the image X has been changed to be reproduced between the images 1
and 2. The date of photography of the image X is supposed to be
between Jan. 21 and 25, 2005. Therefore, the DVD generation unit 52
changes the photography date information D included in the
pertinent information of the image X and added to the image X to
represent a date between 21 and 25 of January (such as Jan. 23,
2005).
[0100] The photography date information D has been changed
according to the instruction by the user. Therefore, it is
preferable for the priority to become the highest regarding the
information source of the corresponding photography date
information D. In the case where the reliability is generated, it
is also preferable for the reliability thereof to be the
highest.
[0101] In the case where the image X has been obtained from any one
of the negative films NF, the photography date information D of the
image X may be changed according to the photography date
information D of the images obtained from the same negative film as
the image X.
[0102] The DVD generation unit 52 stores the image data sets S2 in
the DVD-R by recording the image data sets S2 in folders in which
the image data sets S2 have been classified, by using a DVD drive.
The DVD generation unit 52 also records the newly generated
DVD-Video files V0 in the DVD-R.
[0103] Procedures carried out in the first embodiment will be
described next. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried
out at the time the user 2 places the order for the photo mining
service in the first embodiment. When the user 2 accesses the web
site of the PM server 3 by using the user terminal 20 and inputs
the user ID and the password for causing the PM server 3 to
authenticate the user 2, the procedure starts. The user 2 places
the order for the photo mining service from the web site (Step S1).
When the PM server 3 receives the order, the PM server 3 issues the
order number (Step S2). The PM server 3 then sends the e-mail
message notifying the user 2 of the order number and the date of
delivery to the user 2 (Step S3). The PM server 3 notifies the
digitalization center 4 of reception of the order (Step S4) to end
the procedure.
[0104] When the operator in the digitalization center 4 receives
the notification of order reception from the PM server 3, the
operator issues the order form by using the operations management
unit 48, and sends the order form together with the delivery box B
to the user 2.
[0105] The user 2 receives the delivery box B and encloses in the
delivery box B the recording media 10 regarding which the photo
mining service is requested, and sends the box B to the
digitalization center 4.
[0106] When the digitalization center 4 receives the delivery box
B, the digitalization center 4 carries out the processing for the
photo mining service, by using the image generation apparatus
40.
[0107] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out in
the digitalization center 4 at the time of classification. In FIG.
5, processing carried out by the operator is shown by double lines.
The operator firstly carries out receipt operation (Step S11). The
operator opens the delivery box B, and confirms the content therein
for classification. At this time, a classification screen is
displayed on a display unit of the classification unit 47 (Step
S12), and an instruction input by the operator is received for
classification (Step S13). Whether the operator has input an
instruction to register the classification is judged (Step S14). If
a result at Step S14 is affirmative, classification information
representing a result of the classification is generated (Step
S15). The operations management unit 48 registers the
classification information with the operations management database
(step S16) to end the classification procedure.
[0108] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out in
the digitalization center 4 after the classification. After the
classification, the image acquisition unit 12 obtains the image
data sets S0 (Step S21), and the image processing unit 45 carries
out 30 the image processing for obtaining the processed image data
sets S1 (Step S22). The storage unit 46 stores the image data sets
S1 (Step S23). The information acquisition unit 44 obtains the
pertinent information including the photography date information D
(step S24), and the comment input unit 49 receives the comment
input by the operator (Step 25) after acquisition of the image data
sets S1.
[0109] The image confirmation unit 50 receives image confirmation
regarding orientation registration, comment correction, and
inclusion or exclusion of each of the images, from the operator
(step S26). The operations management unit 48 registers the
pertinent information, the comment, and information on orientation
and the like with the operations management database (Step
S27).
[0110] The image conversion unit 51 converts the image data sets S1
into the image data sets S2 of Exif format, by adding the
information registered with the operations management database as
the tag of each of the image data sets S1 (Step S28). The DVD
generation unit 52 generates the DVD-Video files V0 in the form of
slide shows, from the selected part of the image data sets S2 (Step
S29). The DVD generation unit 52 also generates the simplified
image data sets S2', the simplified files V1, and the reproduction
order files R0, and stores these in the storage unit 46 (Step S30).
The DVD generation unit 52 notifies this fact to the PM server 3
(Step S31) to end the procedure.
[0111] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out after
the PM server 3 has been notified of storage of the simplified
image data sets S2', the simplified files V1, and the reproduction
order files R0. The PM server 3 starts the procedure after
receiving the notification of storage, and sends the e-mail message
describing the URL where the simplified image data sets S2', the
simplified files V1, and the reproduction order files R0 are Stored
and the ID and the password for accessing these (Step S41). When
the user receives the e-mail message, the user 2 obtains the
simplified image data sets S2', the simplified files V1, and the
reproduction order files R0 by accessing the URL (Step S42). The
user 2 then carries out the editing processing for inclusion of the
insertion image or deletion of the deletion image in the slide
shows or for changing the reproduction order, by referring to the
simplified image data sets S2', the simplified files V1, and the
reproduction order files R0 (Step S43). The user 2 sends the e-mail
message including the editing result to the PM server 3 (Step
S44.
[0112] When the PM server 3 receives the e-mail message including
the editing result, the PM server 3 forwards the e-mail message to
the digitalization center 4 (Step S45). The operator in the
digitalization center 4 refers to the e-mail message, and deletes
the deletion image from the DVD-Video files, inserts the insertion
image at the specified position, and changes the reproduction order
for generating the new DVD-Video files V0 (Step S46). The DVD
generation unit 52 records the image data sets S2 and the new
DVD-Video files V0 in the DVD-R (Step S47) to end the
procedure.
[0113] The DVD-R generated in this manner is sent to the user 2 who
placed the order.
[0114] The user 2 can enjoy the slide shows by reproducing the
DVD-Video files V0 recorded in the DVD-R. Furthermore, the user 2
can display a list of the image data sets S2 recorded in the DVD-R,
and can process the image data sets S2.
[0115] As has been described above, in the first embodiment, the
changes in the images included in the DVD-Video files V0 and in the
reproduction order are received from the user, and the new
DVD-Video files V0 are generated according to the changed images
and the changed reproduction order. Therefore, the image not
preferable for the user can be deleted from the slide shows or the
image preferred by the user can be included therein. Furthermore,
the images included in the slide shows can be arranged in the
reproduction order desired by the user.
[0116] Furthermore, the simplified image data sets S2', the
simplified files V1, and the reproduction order files R0 are stored
in the manner accessible by the user 2. Therefore, the user 2 can
easily understand the images included in the DVD-Video files V0,
the images that can be included therein, and the reproduction order
thereof. In this manner, the user 2 can easily change the images or
the reproduction order in the DVD-Video files V0.
[0117] In addition, by changing the photography date information D
of the order change image according to the photography date
information D added to the images reproduced immediately before and
after the order change image in the changed reproduction order, the
date of photography represented by the photography date information
D added to the order change image can be corrected especially in
the case where the date of photography thereof is wrong.
[0118] In the first embodiment described above, the photography
date information D of the order change image is changed. However,
only the reproduction order may be changed without the change in
the photography date information D.
[0119] In the embodiment described above, the simplified image data
sets S2', the simplified files V1, and the reproduction order files
R0 are stored in the manner accessible by the user 2. However, the
image data sets S2 and the DVD-Video files V0 may be stored in a
manner accessible by the user 2.
[0120] A photo mining system adopting a slide show generation
apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described next. The configuration of the photo mining system
adopting the slide show generation apparatus in the second
embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except for
processing carried out by an image generation apparatus. Therefore,
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0121] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an
image generation apparatus 40' in the second embodiment. In the
image generation apparatus 40', the same elements as in the image
generation apparatus 40 in the first embodiment have the same
reference numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In
the second embodiment, the image generation apparatus 40' has a
musical piece storage unit 54, which is different from the first
embodiment. In addition, the DVD generation unit 52 does not
generate the simplified image data sets S2', the simplified files
V1, and the reproduction order files R0, which is another
difference from the first embodiment.
[0122] The musical piece storage unit 54 stores music data sets
representing various kinds of music. Each of the music data sets is
added with a header in which various kinds of information regarding
the music represented by the music data set is described. More
specifically, the header describes the title of music represented
by the corresponding music data set, the name of a singer, date of
release thereof, a category (such as for children, young people,
men, and women), a genre, and a rank in song charts, for example.
The musical piece storage unit 54 synchronizes with an external
music server that distributes the music, and always stores the
latest music data sets.
[0123] Processing for including background music will be described
below. For determining the background music to be included in the
DVD-Video files V0 in the second embodiment, the DVD generation
unit 52 selects at least one of the music data sets representing a
musical piece or musical pieces that was/were popular in the year
range/ranges represented by the photography date information D by
searching the musical piece storage unit 54 therefor with reference
to the photography date information D of at least one of the image
data sets S2 included in the list of year range information. This
search is carried out by referring to the description in the header
of each of the music data sets stored in the musical piece storage
unit 54.
[0124] For example, in the case where 3 of the music data sets are
used as the background music in one of the slide shows comprising
100 images whose reproduction takes 15 minutes, assume that the
year range for the 1.sup.st to 35.sup.th images is from 1970 to
1980 and the year range for the 36.sup.th to 70.sup.th images is
from 1981 to 1990 while the year range for the 71.sup.st to
100.sup.th images is from 1991 to 2000. In this case, the DVD
generation unit 52 uses 1970, 1981, and 1991 as key words for the
year ranges, and searches for at least one of the music data sets
stored in the musical piece storage unit 54, regarding each of the
key words. In this manner, at least one of the music data sets
is/are searched for, regarding the year of 1970, 1981, and 1990,
respectively. The DVD generation unit 52 generates a list of the
music data sets that have been found, and stores the list in the
storage unit 46.
[0125] FIG. 9 shows an example of the list of the music data sets.
As shown in FIG. 9, a title list L0 of the music data sets includes
the years 1970, 1981, and 1991, and the titles of the music data
sets found therefor (titles A.about.J in FIG. 9).
[0126] After the title list L0 is stored in the storage unit 46,
the digitalization center 4 notifies the PM server 3 of this fact,
and e-mail message is sent to the user 2 for describing URL of
where the title list L0 is stored and an ID and a password for
accessing the URL. The user 2 accesses the URL by using the user
terminal 20, and obtains the title list L0. The user selects any
one of the music data sets to be included in the DVD-Video file V0,
and sends to the PM server 3 an e-mail message including a result
of selection (the title of the musical piece selected for each of
the years).
[0127] When the PM server 3 receives the e-mail message, the PM
server 3 forwards the e-mail message to the digitalization centre
4. An operator in the digitalization center 4 refers to the e-mail
message, and generates the corresponding DVD-Video file V0 by
including the selected music data sets as the background music
therein.
[0128] In this manner, musical pieces that were popular in the year
ranges of the images in the slide shows are included as the
background music of the slide shows. Therefore, the user 2 can
enjoy the slide shows in an atmosphere reflecting the days.
[0129] The DVD generation unit 52 stores the image data sets S2 in
the DVD-R by recording the image data sets S2 in the folders in
which the image data sets S2 have been classified, by using the DVD
drive. The DVD generation unit 52 also records the generated
DVD-Video files V0 in the DVD-R.
[0130] Procedures carried out in the second embodiment will be
described next. In the second embodiment, the procedure carried out
at the time the user 2 places the order for the photo mining
service and the procedure carried out in the digitalization center
4 at the time of classification are the same as in the first
embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0131] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure carried out in
the digitalization center 4 in the second embodiment after the
classification. In FIG. 10, the procedure from Step S51 to S58 is
the same as Step S21 to S28 in the first embodiment. After Step
S58, the DVD generation unit 52 generates the title list L0 of the
music data sets and stores the list in the storage unit 46 (Step
S59). The PM server 3 is notified of storage of the title list L0
in the storage unit 46 (Step S60), and the procedure ends.
[0132] FIG. 11 shows a procedure carried out after notification to
the PM server 3 of storage of the title list L0 in the storage unit
46. The PM server 3 starts the procedure after reception of the
notification, and sends to the user 2 the e-mail message including
the URL of where the title list L0 is stored and the ID and the
password (Step S61). When the user 2 receives the e-mail message,
the user 2 accesses the URL, and obtains the title list L0 (Step
S62). By referring to the title list L0, the user 2 selects the
titles of the music data sets to be included as the background
music in the slide shows, and sends the e-mail message including
the titles of the selected music data sets to the PM server 3 (Step
S63).
[0133] When the PM server 3 receives the e-mail message, the PM
server 3 forwards the e-mail message to the digitalization center 4
(Step S64). The operator in the digitalization center 4 generates
the DVD-Video files V0 including the selected music data sets as
the background music therein (Step S65) while referring to the
e-mail message. The DVD generation unit 52 records the image data
sets S2 and the generated DVD-Video files V0 in the DVD-R (Step
S66) to end the procedure.
[0134] The DVD-R generated in this manner is sent to the user
2.
[0135] The user 2 can enjoy the slide shows by reproducing the
DVD-Video files V0 stored in the DVD-R. Furthermore, the user 2 can
display the list of the image data sets S2 stored in the DVD-R and
can edit the image data sets.
[0136] As has been described above, in the second embodiment, the
music data sets to be included in the DVD-Video files V0 are
selected based on the photography date information D of the image
data sets S2 included therein, and the title list L0 of the
selected music data sets is generated and provided to the user 2.
Therefore, the user can select the desired music data sets in
accordance with the year ranges and can include the music data sets
in the DVD-Video files V0. In this manner, the DVD-Video files V0
include the music data sets as the background music desired by the
user according to the year ranges of the images to be reproduced,
and the background music can be played in reproduction of the slide
shows according to the preferences of the user and according to the
content of the images.
[0137] In the second embodiment, the digitalization center 4
generates the DVD-Video files V0. However, the image data sets S2
may be sent to the user terminal 20 so that the user 2
himself/herself can generate the DVD-Video files V0 by using
dedicated viewer software. Hereinafter, a procedure carried out in
this case will be described.
[0138] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure carried out in
the case where the user 2 himself/herself generates the DVD-Video
files V0. The image data sets S2 have been sent to the user
terminal 20. The user 2 selects the image data sets S2 to be
included in the DVD-Video files V0 (Step S71). The viewer software
generates the list of year range information on the selected image
data sets S2 (Step S72), and sends the list to the PM server 3
(Step S73).
[0139] The PM server 3 forwards the list to the digitalization
center 4 (Step S74).
[0140] The digitalization center 4 generates the title list L0 in
the same manner as in the second embodiment with reference to the
list of year range information, and stores the title list L0 in the
storage unit 46 (Step S75). The digitalization center 4 then
notifies the PM server 3 of storage of the title list L0 in the
storage unit 46 (Step S76).
[0141] When the PM server 3 receives the notification regarding
storage of the title list L0, the PM server 3 sends to the user 2
the e-mail message including the URL of where the title list L0 is
stored and the ID and the password to access the URL (Step
S77).
[0142] The user 2 receives the e-mail message, and accesses the URL
to obtain the title list L0 (Step S78). The user 2 selects the
titles of the music data sets to be included as the background
music in the slide shows while referring to the title list L0, and
downloads the selected music data sets from the digitalization
center 4 to the user terminal 20 (Step S79). The viewer software
generates the DVD-Video files V0 including the downloaded music
data sets as the background music (Step S80), and records the image
data sets S2 and the generated DVD-Video files V0 in a DVD-R (Step
S81) to end the procedure.
[0143] In the second embodiment, the music data sets may be
selected and included in the title list L0 through consideration of
the gender, the family composition, and the like of the user 2
included in the user information database.
[0144] In the case where photography has been carried out with a
camera having a GPS function, the image data sets S2 are added with
location information (information of the latitude and longitude)
representing places where the image data sets S2 were obtained. For
this reason, the music data sets may be searched for and included
in the title list L0, based on the location information of the
image data sets S2. For example, in the case where the location
information corresponds to Hawaii, titles of the music data sets in
the genre of Hawaiian music are included in the title list L0. In
the case where the location information represents Tokyo Disney
Land, titles of the music data sets of Disney films are included in
the title list L0.
[0145] In this manner, the musical pieces corresponding to the
location of the images in the slide shows can be included as the
background music of the slide shows. Therefore, the user 2 can
enjoy the slide shows in an atmosphere reflecting the location of
the images.
[0146] In the second embodiment, the digitalization center 4
generates the image data sets S2 and the DVD-Video files V0, and
records them in the DVD-R. However, the user 2 may obtain the image
data sets from the recording media 10 by scanning the negative
films NF and the prints P, for example. In this case, the user 2
then sends the image data sets to the digitalization center 4 where
the DVD-Video files V0 are generated from the image data sets sent
by the user 2 and recorded in the DVD-R.
[0147] In the case where the year ranges inferred from the
photography date information D of the image data sets S2 are wide,
the image data sets S2 often represent growth of a person. In the
case where generation of the DVD-R is requested regarding images of
a hobby of the user, words such as "car" representing the hobby are
included in the comment in many cases. In the case of images of
wedding and short trip, a large amount of images have been obtained
in a comparatively short period, and characters such as "wedding"
and "trip" are often included in the comment. For this reason, the
comment and the ranges of the photography date of the images
suggest a story of the slide shows to some degree.
[0148] Therefore, in the case where the story of the images to be
included in title slide shows can be inferred to some degree from
the comment and the ranges of photography date as has been
described above, the music data sets are preferably selected in
relation to the story. For example, in the case of images of growth
record, the music data sets may be selected in accordance with the
year ranges as in the embodiment described above. However, in the
case of images of hobby, wedding, and trip, the music data sets
whose titles include the characters representing the hobby,
wedding, and trip are selected and included in the title list
L0.
[0149] In the second embodiment, the musical piece storage unit 54
is installed in the digitalization center 4. However, the music
data sets may be searched for and selected through access to the
external music server storing the music data sets via the
communication unit 53.
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