Method and apparatus for processing image, method and apparatus for transmitting data and program therefor

• US 7,199,815 B2
• Filed: 03/19/2003
• Issued: 04/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc. (f/k/a Facebook, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co Limited (Fujifilm Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Aoyama, Tatsuya
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramakrishnaiah; Melur
• Application Number:
  US10/390,608
• Publication Number:
  US 20030179284A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,476 Days
• Field of Search: 348 1401- 1409, 348/207.1, 348/207.11, 348/207.2, 348/211.1, 348/211.2, 348/211.3, 709/217, 709/206, 455/556.1, 455/556.2
• US Class Current: 348/14.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32101 Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/40 Picture signal circuits H04N1/387 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2007/145 Handheld terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/001 Sharing resources, e.g. processing power or memory, with a connected apparatus or enhancing the capability of the still picture apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3214 of a date
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3215 of a time or duration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3242 of processing required or performed, e.g. for reproduction or before recording H04N2201/3256 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3253 Position information, e.g. geographical position at time of capture, GPS data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3278 Transmission

Abstract

Photographic information J0 is read by photographic information acquiring means 12 from image data S10 to which the photographic information J0 containing a photographing location and photographing time has been added to and, based on the photographic information J0, a first image processing condition G1 is set by first image processing condition setting means 13. On the other hand, based on the image data S10, a second image processing condition G2 is set by second image processing condition setting means 14. A final image processing condition GF0 is set by a final image processing condition setting means 15, based on the image processing conditions G1, G2. Then, image processing is carried out for the image data S10 based on the final image processing condition GF0 to obtain processed image data S11.

Claims

1. An image processing method for acquiring processed image data by carrying out image processing under predetermined image processing conditions for image data to which photographic information containing a photographing location and photographing time is added, comprising the steps of:

acquiring the photographic information from the image data;

setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the photographic information;

setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data; and

setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first and second image processing conditions,

wherein the photographing location comprises any of a latitude and longitude obtained by a global positioning system function, a location of a base station of a camera-equipped portable terminal nearest to the location where a photograph was taken, and a fact that a portable terminal is located indoors.

2. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the image processing method accounts for both the photographing location and the photographing time when setting the first image processing condition for the image processing.

3. An image processing method for reading image data stored in image storage means, carrying out image processing under predetermined image processing conditions for the read image data to obtain processed image data, and transmitting the processed image data to a portable terminal which requests transmission of the processed image data, comprising the steps of:

acquiring terminal information containing any of a location of the portable terminal, a time of making the transmission request and model information of the portable terminal;

setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the terminal information;

setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data; and

setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first and second image processing conditions.

4. The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein the portable terminal is camera-equipped.

5. An image processing method for acquiring processed image data by carrying out image processing under predetermined image processing conditions, for image data acquired by a camera-equipped portable terminal, to which photographic information containing a photographing location and photographing time is added, and transmitting the processed image data to the camera-equipped portable terminal, comprising the steps of:

acquiring the photographic information from the image data;

setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the photographic information;

setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data;

acquiring terminal information containing any of a location of the camera-equipped portable terminal, a time of making a transmission request and model information of the camera-equipped portable terminal;

setting a third image processing condition for the image processing based on the terminal information; and

setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first, second and third image processing conditions,

wherein the photographing location comprises any of a latitude and longitude obtained by a global positioning system function, a location of a base station of a camera-equipped portable terminal nearest to the location where a photograph was taken, and a fact that a portable terminal is located indoors.

6. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the image processing method accounts for both the photographing location and the photographing time when setting the first image processing condition for the image processing.

7. An image processing apparatus including processing means for acquiring processed image data by carrying out image processing, under predetermined image processing conditions, for image data to which photographic information containing a photographing location and photographing time are added, an image processing apparatus comprising:

photographic information acquiring means for acquiring the photographic information from the image data;

first image processing condition setting means for setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the photographic information;

second image processing condition setting means for setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data; and

final image processing condition setting means for setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first and second image processing conditions,

wherein the photographing location comprises any of a latitude and longitude obtained by a global positioning system function, a location of a base station of a camera-equipped portable terminal nearest to the location where a photograph was taken, and a fact that a portable terminal is located indoors.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first image processing condition setting means accounts for both the photographing location and the photographing time when setting the first image processing condition for the image processing.

9. An image processing apparatus including reading means for reading image data stored in image storage means, processing means for carrying out image processing for the read image data under predetermined image processing conditions to obtain processed image data, and communication means for transmitting the processed image data to a portable terminal which requests transmission of the processed image data, an image processing apparatus comprising:

terminal information acquiring means for acquiring terminal information containing any of a location of the portable terminal, a time of making the transmission request and model information of the portable terminal;

first image processing condition setting means for setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the terminal information;

second image processing condition setting means for setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data; and

final image processing condition setting means for setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first and second image processing conditions.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the portable terminal is camera-equipped.

11. An image processing apparatus including processing means for acquiring processed image data by carrying out image processing under predetermined image processing conditions, for image data acquired by a camera-equipped portable terminal, to which photographic information containing a photographing location and photographing time is added, and communication means for transmitting the processed image data to the camera-equipped portable terminal, an image processing apparatus comprising:

photographic information acquiring means for acquiring the photographic information from the image data;

first image processing setting means for setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the photographic information;

second image processing condition setting means for setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data;

terminal information acquiring means for acquiring terminal information containing any of the location of the portable terminal, the time of making the transmission request and the model information of the portable terminal;

third image processing condition setting means for setting a third image processing condition for the image processing based on the terminal information; and

final image processing condition setting means for setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first, second and third image processing conditions,

wherein the photographing location comprises any of a latitude and longitude obtained by a global positioning system function, a location of a base station of a camera-equipped portable terminal nearest to the location where a photograph was taken, and a fact that a portable terminal is located indoors.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first image processing condition setting means accounts for both the photographing location and the photographing time when setting the first image processing condition for the image processing.

13. A program for making a computer execute an image processing method for acquiring processed image data by carrying out image processing, under predetermined image processing conditions, for image data to which photographic information containing a photographing location and photographing time is added, comprising the steps of:

acquiring the photographic information from the image data;

setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the photographic information;

setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data; and

setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first and second image processing conditions,

wherein the photographing location comprises any of a latitude and longitude obtained by a global positioning system function, a location of a base station of a camera-equipped portable terminal nearest to the location where a photograph was taken, and a fact that a portable terminal is located indoors.

14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the image processing method accounts for both the photographing location and the photographing time when setting the first image processing condition for the image processing.

15. A program for making a computer execute an image processing method for reading image data stored in image storage means, carrying out image processing, under predetermined image processing conditions, for the read image data to obtain processed image data, and transmitting the processed image data to a portable terminal which requests transmission of the processed image data, comprising the steps of:

acquiring terminal information containing any of a location of the portable terminal, a time of making the transmission request and a model information of the portable terminal;

setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the terminal information;

setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data; and

setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first and second image processing conditions.

16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the portable terminal is camera-equipped.

17. A program for making a computer execute an image processing method for acquiring processed image data by carrying out image processing, under predetermined image processing conditions, for image data acquired by a camera-equipped portable terminal, to which photographic information containing a photographing location and photographing time is added, and transmitting the processed image data to the camera-equipped portable terminal, comprising the steps of:

acquiring the photographic information from the image data;

setting a first image processing condition for the image processing based on the photographic information;

setting a second image processing condition for the image processing based on the image data;

acquiring terminal information containing any of a location of the camera-equipped portable terminal, a time of making a transmission request and model information of the camera-equipped portable terminal;

setting a third image processing condition for the image processing based on the terminal information; and

setting the predetermined image processing conditions based on the first, second and third image processing conditions,

wherein the photographing location comprises any of a latitude and longitude obtained by a global positioning system function, a location of a base station of a camera-equipped portable terminal nearest to the location where a photograph was taken, and a fact that a portable terminal is located indoors.

18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the image processing method accounts for both the photographing location and the photographing time when setting the first image processing condition for the image processing.

19. A data transmission method for transmitting predetermined data to a terminal in response to a request from the terminal, comprising the steps of:

acquiring transmission request information transmitted from the terminal requesting transmission of desired data, and terminal information indicating a model of the terminal;

deciding a type of data to be transmitted to the terminal based on the transmission request information and the terminal information; and

transmitting the decided type of data to the terminal,

wherein said type of data to be transmitted is decided from among requested data processed by image processing, requested data along with an image processing application program, and requested data only.

20. A data transmission method according to claim 19, wherein if the transmission request information is requesting transmission of image data stored in image storage means, based on the transmission request information, requested image data is read from the image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information and, based on the terminal information, a decision is made as to whether either one of first data constituted of processed request image data acquired by carrying out image processing for the requested image data, and second data constituted of the requested image data and the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the request image data is to be transmitted to the terminal.

21. A data transmission method according to claim 20, wherein if the transmission of the second data is decided, a determination is made as to whether the image processing application program has been transmitted to the terminal which transmitted the transmission request information, if the determination is positive, transmission of third data constituted of only the requested image data to the terminal is decided in location of the second data and, if the determination is negative, transmission of the second data to the terminal is decided.

22. A data transmission method according to claim 19, wherein if the transmission request information is requesting transmission of image data stored in image storage means, based on the transmission request information, requested image data is read from the image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information, a determination is made as to whether the transmission request information contains information for transmission of processed requested image data acquired by carrying out image processing for the requested image data, if the determination is positive, transmission of first data constituted of the processed requested image data acquired by carrying out the image processing for the requested image data to the terminal is decided and, if the determination is negative, based on the terminal information, transmission of either one the first data constituted of the requested image data and second data constituted of the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the request image data is decided.

23. A data transmission method according to claim 22, wherein if the transmission of the second data is decided, a determination is made as to whether the image processing application program has been transmitted to the terminal which transmitted the transmission request information, if the determination is positive, transmission of third data constituted of only the requested image data to the terminal is decided in location of the second data and, if the determination is negative transmission of the second data to the terminal is decided.

24. A data transmission method according to claim 19, wherein the terminal is a camera-equipped terminal having a camera for acquiring image data by photographing and, if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of information indicating advisability of image processing in the camera-equipped terminal for the image data acquired by the camera-equipped terminal, based on the terminal information, a decision is made as to whether either one of fourth data representing information for request of transmission of the acquired image data, and fifth data constituted of the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the acquired image data is transmitted to the camera-equipped terminal.

25. The data transmission method according to claim 19, wherein the type of data comprises an image processing application program or an image data file.

26. A data transmission apparatus for transmitting predetermined data to a terminal in response to a request from the terminal, comprising:

information acquiring means for acquiring transmission request information transmitted from the terminal to request transmission of desired data, and terminal information indicating a model of the terminal;

transmission data deciding means for deciding a type of data to be transmitted to the terminal based on the transmission request information and the terminal information; and

transmission means for transmitting the decided type of data to the terminal,

wherein said type of data to be transmitted is decided from among requested data processed by image processing, requested data along with an image processing application program, and requested data only.

27. A data transmission apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising image storage means for storing the image data, and reading means for reading requested image data based on the transmission request information from the image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of the image data stored in the image storage means,

wherein the transmission data deciding means makes a decision, if the transmission request information is for requesting the transmission of the image data stored in the image storage means, based on the terminal information, as to whether either one of first data constituted of processed request image data acquired by carrying out image processing for the requested image data, and second data constituted of the requested image data and the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the request image data is transmitted to the terminal.

28. A data transmission apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the transmission data deciding means makes a determination, if the transmission of the second data is decided, as to whether the image processing application program has been transmitted to the terminal which has transmitted the transmission request information, decides transmission of third data constituted of only the requested image data to the terminal in location of the second data if the determination is positive, and decides transmission of the second data to the terminal if the determination is negative.

29. A data transmission apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising image storage means for storing the image data, and reading means for reading based on the transmission request information requested image data from the image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of the image data stored in the image storage means,

wherein the transmission data deciding means reads requested image data from image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information, based on the transmission request information if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of image data stored in the image storage means, makes a determination as to whether the transmission request information contains information for transmission of processed requested image data acquired by carrying out image processing for the requested image data, if the determination is positive, decides transmission of first data constituted of the processed requested image data acquired by carrying out the image processing for the requested image data to the terminal, and if the determination is negative, based on the terminal information, decides transmission either one of the first data or second data constituted of the requested image data and the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the request image data.

30. A data transmission apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the transmission data deciding means makes a determination, if the transmission of the second data is decided, as to whether the image processing application program has been transmitted to the terminal which has transmitted the transmission request information, decides transmission of third data constituted of only the requested image data to the terminal in location of the second data if the determination is positive, and decides transmission of the second data to the terminal if the determination is negative.

31. A data transmission apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the terminal is a camera-equipped terminal having a camera capable of acquiring image data by photographing and, if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of information indicating advisability of image processing in the camera-equipped terminal for the image data acquired by the camera-equipped terminal, based on the terminal information, the transmission data deciding means makes a decision as to whether either one of fourth data representing information for requesting of transmission of the acquired image data, and fifth data constituted of the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the acquired image data is transmitted to the camera-equipped terminal.

32. The data transmission apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the type of data comprises an image processing application program or an image data file.

33. A program for making a computer execute a data transmission method for transmitting predetermined data to a terminal in response to a request from the terminal, comprising the steps of:

acquiring transmission request information transmitted from the terminal to request transmission of desired data, and terminal information indicating a model of the terminal;

deciding a type of data to be transmitted to the terminal based on the transmission request information and the terminal information; and

transmitting the decided type of data to the terminal,

wherein said type of data to be transmitted is decided from among requested data processed by image processing, requested data along with an image processing application program, and requested data only.

34. A program according to claim 33, further comprising a reading step of reading based on the transmission request information, requested image data from the image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of the image data stored in the image storage means,

wherein the deciding step makes a decision as to whether either one of first data constituted of processed request image data acquired by carrying out image processing for the requested image data, and second data constituted of the requested image data and the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the requested image data is transmitted to the terminal based on the terminal information.

35. A program according to claim 34, wherein the deciding step makes a determination, if the transmission of the second data is decided, as to whether the image processing application program has been transmitted to the terminal which has transmitted the transmission request information, if the determination is positive decides transmission of third data constituted of only the requested image data to the terminal in location of the second data, and if the determination is negative decides transmission of the second data to the terminal.

36. A program according to claim 33, further comprising a reading step of reading based on the transmission request information, requested image data from the image storage means in accordance with the transmission request information if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of the image data stored in the image storage means,

wherein the deciding step makes a determination as to whether the transmission request information contains information for transmission of processed requested image data acquired by carrying out image processing for the requested image data, if the determination is positive decides transmission of first data constituted of the processed requested image data acquired by carrying out the image processing for the requested image data to the terminal, and if the determination is negative, based on the terminal information decides transmission of either one of the first data, and second data constituted of the requested image data and the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the request image data.

37. A program according to claim 36, wherein the deciding step makes a determination, if the transmission of the second data is decided, as to whether the image processing application program has been transmitted to the terminal which has transmitted the transmission request information, decides if the determination is positive transmission of third data constituted of only the requested image data to the terminal in location of the second data, and if the determination is negative decides transmission of the second data to the terminal.

38. A program according to claim 33, wherein the terminal is a camera-equipped terminal having a camera capable of acquiring image data by photographing and, if the transmission request information is for requesting transmission of information indicating advisability of image processing in the camera-equipped terminal for the image data acquired by the camera-equipped terminal, based on the terminal information, the deciding step makes a decision as to whether either one of fourth data representing information of transmission of the acquired image data, and fifth data constituted of the image processing application program for carrying out image processing for the acquired image data is transmitted to the camera-equipped terminal.

39. The program according to claim 33, wherein the type of data comprises an image processing application program or an image data file.