Patent Publication Number: US-2012036228-A1

Title: Image sharing system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an image sharing system, a server, an image sharing method, an image sharing controlling method, and a recording medium recorded with the image sharing controlling method. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, there has been known an arrangement in which an image is shared among a plurality of terminals (see Patent Literature 1). 
     In Patent Literature 1, a terminal at a user&#39;s side (hereinafter, referred to as a user terminal) and a terminal at a support center (hereinafter, referred to as a support terminal) log in to a server and are connected to each other via the server. The server generates display data based on image data uploaded by the support terminal. This display data is transmitted to the user terminal for display, whereby the display data is shared between the support terminal and the user terminal. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1 JP-A-2003-108504 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     In such an arrangement as that in Patent Literature 1, an image is transmitted and received via the server. Accordingly, the larger the number of image sharing terminals is, the more load may be applied on the server. A server at higher performance may be used for dealing with such load. However, such a high-performance server is expensive. 
     Moreover, when the image is shared via a network, it cannot be judged whether it is caused by the network, a network connection configuration at a personal terminal, image sharing software or a configuration of the image sharing software. Accordingly, an appropriate countermeasure may not be promptly taken. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an image sharing system capable of taking an appropriate countermeasure even in connection failure without increasing costs, a server, an image sharing method, an image sharing controlling method, and a recording medium recorded with the image sharing controlling method. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     An image sharing system according to an aspect of the invention includes: a first terminal provided with a first terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image; a second terminal provided with a second terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image, the second terminal being connectable to the first terminal via a network; and a server connectable to the first and second terminals via the network, the image sharing system performing an image sharing process in which the image displayed on the second terminal is simultaneously displayed on the first terminal, in which the server includes: a server storage in which first terminal information for identifying the first terminal and a second image sharing software for performing the image sharing process at the second terminal are stored; and a server distributor that distributes the first terminal information and the second image sharing software to the second terminal in response to distribution request information transmitted from the second terminal, the first terminal includes a first image sharing processor that acquires a first image sharing software for performing the image sharing process and performs the image sharing process with the second terminal according to the first image sharing software, and the second terminal includes: a distribution request information transmitter that transmits the distribution request information to the server each time a start of the image sharing process is recognized; a data acquirer that acquires the first terminal information and the second image sharing software in response to the distribution request information; and a second image sharing processor that runs the second image sharing software after the data acquirer acquires the second image sharing software and that performs the image sharing process with the first terminal identified by the first terminal information, not through the server. 
     An image sharing system according to another aspect of the invention includes: a first terminal provided with a first terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image; and a second terminal provided with a second terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image, the second terminal being connectable to the first terminal via a network, the image sharing system performing an image sharing process in which the image displayed on the second terminal is simultaneously displayed on the first terminal, in which the first terminal includes: a first terminal storage in which a second image sharing software for performing the image sharing process at the second terminal is stored; a first terminal distributor that distributes the second image sharing software to the second terminal in response to distribution request information transmitted from the second terminal; and a first image sharing processor that acquires a first image sharing software for performing the image sharing process and performs the image sharing process with the second terminal according to the first image sharing software, and the second terminal includes: a distribution request information transmitter that transmits the distribution request information to the first terminal each time a start of the image sharing process is recognized; a data acquirer that acquires the second image sharing software in response to the distribution request information; and a second image sharing processor that runs the second image sharing software after the data acquirer acquires the second image sharing software to perform the image sharing process with the first terminal. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, a server that controls an image sharing process, the server being connectable via a network with: at least one first terminal provided with a first terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image; and a second terminal provided with a second terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image, the second terminal being connectable to the first terminal via the network, the image sharing process allowing an image displayed on the second terminal to be simultaneously displayed on the first terminal, the server includes: a server storage in which a first terminal information for identifying the first terminal and a second image sharing software for performing the image sharing process at the second terminal are stored; an image-sharable terminal recognition unit that recognizes the first terminal among a plurality of the first terminals, the first terminal having a first image sharing software running and being capable of performing the image sharing process with the second terminal, the first terminal information of the plurality of the first terminals being stored in the server storage; and a server distributor that distributes the first terminal information of the first terminal being recognized by the image-sharable terminal recognition unit to be capable of performing the image sharing process and the second image sharing software to the second terminal in response to the distribution request information, and that runs the second image sharing software on the second terminal in response to the distribution to perform the image sharing process between the second terminal and the first terminal identified by the first terminal information not through the server. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, an image sharing method of performing an image sharing process using: a first terminal provided with a first terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image; a second terminal provided with a second terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image, the second terminal being connectable to the first terminal via a network; and a server connectable to the first and second terminals via the network, the image sharing process allowing the image displayed on the second terminal to be simultaneously displayed on the first terminal, the server including a server storage that stores first terminal information for identifying the first terminal and a second image sharing software for performing the image sharing process at the second terminal, the method including: transmitting distribution request information from the second terminal to the server each time a start of the image sharing process is recognized at the second terminal; distributing the first terminal information and the second image sharing software from the server to the second terminal in response to the distribution request information; and when the second image sharing software is acquired on the second terminal, running the second image sharing software on the second terminal to perform the image sharing process between the second terminal and the first terminal that is identified by the first terminal information and is capable of performing the image sharing process according to a first image sharing software, not through the server. 
     According to a still further aspect of the invention, an image sharing method of performing an image sharing process using: a first terminal provided with a first terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image; and a second terminal provided with a second terminal display capable of displaying a predetermined image, the second terminal being connectable to the first terminal via a network, the image sharing process allowing the image displayed on the second terminal to be simultaneously displayed on the first terminal, the first terminal including a first terminal storage in which a second image sharing software for performing the image sharing process at the second terminal is stored; the method including: transmitting distribution request information from the second terminal to the first terminal each time a start of the image sharing process is recognized at the second terminal; distributing the second image sharing software from the first terminal to the second terminal in response to the distribution request information; and when the second image sharing software is acquired on the second terminal, running the second image sharing software on the second terminal to perform the image sharing process between the second terminal and the first terminal that is capable of performing the image sharing process according to a first image sharing software, not through the server. 
     An image-sharing controlling program according to a still further aspect of the invention is a program that causes a computer to function as the aforementioned server. 
     A recording medium according to a still further aspect of the invention is a recording medium on which the aforementioned image sharing controlling program is recorded in a computer-readable manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of an image sharing system according to first and second exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of first, second and third shared terminals according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a server according to the first and second exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a personal terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing an overall operation of the server according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing distribution process to the shared terminals in the server according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing image-sharable terminal recognition process in the server according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing selection request process to the personal terminal in the server according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing distribution process to the personal terminal in the server according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing an operation of the first shared terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing an operation of the personal terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing an operation of the personal terminal according to the first and second exemplary embodiments and a modification of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of first, second and third shared terminals according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a personal terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing an operation of the first shared terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing an operation of the personal terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of an image sharing system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of first shared terminal according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a server according to the modification. 
         FIG. 20  is a flow chart showing an operation of a personal terminal according to the modification. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     First Exemplary Embodiment 
     A first exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. 
     This first exemplary embodiment and later described second and third exemplary embodiments illustrate an image sharing system that performs an image sharing process in which an image being displayed on a first terminal is simultaneously displayed on a second terminal. Moreover, the first and third exemplary embodiments illustrate an arrangement of the image sharing system in which software for the image sharing process is run without being installed. The second exemplary embodiment illustrates an arrangement of the image sharing system in which software for the image sharing process is run after being installed. The third exemplary embodiment is a modification of the first exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment illustrates an arrangement of the image sharing system in which a decimal IP address of the second terminal is converted to a hexadecimal IP address for a display on the first terminal. An idea represented by “simultaneously” in the image sharing process includes slightly different timing as well as strictly the same timing. 
     Arrangement of Image Sharing System 
     Firstly, an arrangement of the image sharing system will be described. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of the image sharing system according to the first and second exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of first, second and third shared terminals.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a server.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a personal terminal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an image sharing system  1  includes: a network  2 ; first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C (the first terminal); a server  4 ; and two personal terminals  5  (the second terminal). Hereinafter, an unspecified one of the first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C is represented by a shared terminal  3  for description. The number of each of the shared terminal  3  and the personal terminal  5  is not limited to the number described above. 
     The first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C, the server  4  and the personal terminal  5  are connected to each other by the network  2  in such a manner that various information is transmittable and receivable. 
     The first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C each are a desk-top computer or a lap-top computer that is provided, for instance, in a meeting room and is usable by an unspecified user. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C each include: a shared-terminal input unit  31  with a manipulation button (not shown); a shared-terminal display  32  (a first terminal display) capable of displaying an image (not shown) shared with the personal terminal  5 ; a shared-terminal main memory  33  (e.g., a memory); a shared-terminal sub memory  34  (e.g., a hard disc); and a shared-terminal controller  35 . The shared-terminal display  32  may be integrally formed with the shared-terminal input unit  31 , the shared-terminal main memory  33 , the shared-terminal sub memory  34  and the shared-terminal controller  35 . Alternatively, the shared-terminal display  32  may be separately provided. The shared-terminal display  32  may be a liquid crystal panel, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) or a liquid crystal projector. 
     A shared-terminal image sharing software  411  (a first image sharing software) that is downloaded from the server  4  is run on the shared-terminal main memory  33 . 
     First shared-terminal information  341 A (first terminal information) about the first shared terminal  3 A is stored in the first shared-terminal sub memory  34  of the first shared terminal  3 A. Second shared-terminal information  341 B (first terminal information) about the second shared terminal  3 B is stored in the shared-terminal sub memory  34  of the second shared terminal  3 B. Third shared-terminal information  341 C (first terminal information) about the third shared terminal  3 C is stored in the shared-terminal sub memory  34  of the third shared terminal  3 C. The first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C at least includes information capable of identifying the first to second shared terminals. The first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C may further include quality information for controlling quality of the shared image. The information capable of identifying the first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C is a decimal IP address of each of the first, second and third shared terminals  3 A,  3 B and  3 C: “172.24.11.157” (see  FIG. 1 ), “172.24.11.158” (see  FIG. 1 ), and “172.24.11.159” (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Combination of the IP address with a port number and a serial number may be used as the information that is included in the first terminal information of the invention and is capable of identifying the terminal. Any one of the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C is represented by shared-terminal information  341  for description. 
     The shared-terminal controller  35  includes a shared-terminal download unit  351  and a shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  (a first image sharing processor), both of which are provided by various programs. 
     The shared-terminal download unit  351  downloads the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the server  4  according to input by the user. 
     The shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  performs the image sharing process when the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  stored in the shared-terminal main memory  33  is run on the shared-terminal main memory  33  without being installed according to the user&#39;s input for running the shared-terminal image sharing software  411 . Subsequently, for instance, the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  of the first shared terminal  3 A transmits the first shared-terminal information  341 A to the server  4  according to the user&#39;s input to the shared-terminal input unit  31 , whereby the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  registers the first shared terminal  3 A as a device capable of performing the image sharing process with the personal terminal  5 . When recognizing an image sharing connection request from the personal terminal  5 , the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  performs the image sharing process. 
     When the user inputs to terminate the shared-terminal image sharing software  411 , the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  deletes the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the shared-terminal main memory  33 . Thus, the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  runs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  without installation thereof. Accordingly, when the image sharing process is repeated after termination of the shared-terminal image sharing software  411 , the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is newly downloaded from the server  4 . The shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  may automatically perform the above process after the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is downloaded irrespective of the presence of the input by the user. An operation of the shared-terminal controller  35  will be described in detail below. 
     “To run the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  without installation thereof” will be described in detail. 
     “To install (or installation)” means to copy a program or data composing an application software (hereinafter, referred to as an application) to the shared-terminal sub memory  34  such as a hard disc for necessary configuration. In short, “to install” means to store the application in the shared-terminal sub memory  34 . With this arrangement, the next activation of the application can be performed by reading out the program or data from the shared-terminal sub memory  34 . 
     In contrast, “to run without installation thereof” according to this exemplary embodiment means to run the downloaded program or data on the shared-terminal main memory  33  to execute the application. Since the application is only run on the shared-terminal main memory  33 , the application will be deleted when the application is not necessary to be present on the shared-terminal main memory  33 , for instance, when the application is terminated. Accordingly, for activating the application next time, as described above, the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  newly downloads the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the server  4 . 
     In a general arrangement in which an application is downloaded via a browser on the web, a region (i.e., a temporary folder) is created in the shared-terminal sub memory  34  and the application is temporarily kept in the region. In such a case, the contents of the temporary folder, which are temporarily kept, are not stored in the shared-terminal sub memory  34 . Accordingly, such a case is included in the idea of “to run without installation thereof” according to this exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the server  4  (a computer) includes a server storage  41  (a hard disc) and a server controller  42 . 
     The shared-terminal image sharing software  411  for causing the shared terminal  3  to perform the image sharing process, personal-terminal image sharing software  412  (a second image sharing software) for causing the personal terminal  5  to perform image sharing process, and the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C are stored in the server storage  41 . When all of the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C are registered as an image-sharable device, all of the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C can be stored. For instance, when only the first shared terminal  3 A is registered, only the first shared-terminal information  341 A is stored. 
     The server controller  42  includes a shared-terminal registration unit  421 , an image-sharable terminal recognition unit  422 , a selection requesting unit  423 , and a server distributor  424 , all of which are provided by an image sharing controlling program of the invention. 
     The shared-terminal registration unit  421  receives the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C transmitted from the first to third shared terminals  3 A to  3 C and stores the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C in the server storage  41 . 
     The image-sharable terminal recognition unit  422  recognizes such a shared terminal  3  that is capable of performing the image sharing process while the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is running. 
     When receiving distribution request information from the personal terminal  5 , the selection requesting unit  423  transmits a destination selection request image (not shown) as selection request information to the personal terminal  5 . The selection request information requests the personal terminal  5  to select at least one of the shared terminals  3  recognized by the image-sharable terminal recognition unit  422  as being capable of performing the image sharing process. The selection requesting unit  423  may transmit the destination selection request image when the selection requesting unit  423  recognizes the request from the personal terminal  5  or when the selection requesting unit  423  recognizes establishment of connection with the personal terminal  5 . 
     The server distributor  424  distributes the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  to the first to third shared terminals  3 A to  3 C. Also, when the server distributor  424  receives selection result information from the personal terminal  5  indicating that the shared terminal  3  as a destination has been selected from the shared terminals  3  recognized as being capable of performing the image sharing process, the server distributor  424  distributes to the personal terminal  5  the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the shared-terminal information  341  of the shared terminal  3  as a destination. 
     An operation of the server controller  42  will be described in detail below. 
     The personal terminal  5  is a desk-top computer provided on a desk of a specific user or a lap-top computer owned by the user. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the personal terminal  5  includes: a personal-terminal input unit  51  with a manipulation button (not shown); a personal-terminal display  52  (a second terminal display and notifier) capable of displaying an image (not shown) shared with the first to third shared terminals  3 A to  3 C; a personal-terminal main memory  53  (e.g., a memory) in which the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is temporarily stored; a personal-terminal sub memory  54  (e.g., a hard disc) in which the personal-terminal information  541  is stored; and a personal-terminal controller  55 . 
     The personal-terminal controller  55  includes a distribution request information transmitter  551 , a selection result information transmitter  552 , a personal-terminal download unit  553  (a data acquirer), and a personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  (a second image sharing processor), all of which are provided by various programs. 
     When recognizing that the image sharing process is started according to the input by the user to the personal-terminal input unit  51 , the distribution request information transmitter  551  activates a web browser to display a browser screen (not shown) on the personal-terminal display  52 . The distribution request information transmitter  551  judges whether or not the connection with the server  4  is established. When determining that the connection with the server  4  is not established, the distribution request information transmitter  551  displays on the personal-terminal display  52  that failure of the network  2  causes non-connection. On the other hand, when determining that the connection with the server  4  is established, the distribution request information transmitter  551  transmits distribution request information to the effect to the server  4 . 
     When the connection with the server  4  is established, the selection result information transmitter  552  receives the destination selection request image from the server  4  and displays the destination selection request image on the browser screen. When the shared terminal  3  as a destination is selected according to the input by the user from the shared terminals  3  being capable of performing the image sharing process, the selection result information transmitter  552  transmits the selection result information to the effect to the server  4 . 
     The personal-terminal download unit  553  downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the shared-terminal information  341  of the shared terminal  3  as a destination from the server  4  according to the input by the user. 
     The personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  performs image sharing process when the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is downloaded and is run on the personal-terminal main memory  53  without being installed according to the input by the user. Specifically, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  establishes the connection with the shared terminal  3  as a destination which is identified by the IP address of the shared-terminal information  341 , and transmits the image to be displayed on the personal-terminal display  52  not through the server  4 . 
     After the image sharing process, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  deletes the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the personal-terminal main memory  53 . Thus, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof. Accordingly, when the image sharing process is repeated after deletion of the personal-terminal image sharing software  412 , the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is newly downloaded from the server  4 . The personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  may automatically perform the above process after the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is downloaded irrespective of the presence of the input by the user. 
     “To run the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof” is similar to what is meant by “to run the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  without installation thereof.” An operation of the personal-terminal controller  55  will be described in detail below. 
     Operation of Image Sharing System 
     Next, an operation of the image sharing system  1  will be described.  FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing an operation of the server.  FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing distribution process to the shared terminal in the server.  FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing image-sharable terminal recognition process in the server.  FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing selection request process to the personal terminal in the server.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing distribution process to the personal terminal in the server.  FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing an operation of the first shared terminal.  FIGS. 11 and 12  are a flow chart showing an operation of the personal terminal. 
     Operation of Server 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the server  4  of the image sharing system  1  performs the distribution process to the shared terminal (Step S 110 ), the image-sharable terminal recognition process (Step S 120 ), the selection request process to the personal terminal (Step S 130 ), and the distribution process to the personal terminal (Step S 140 ). Each process will be described in detail below. 
     In the distribution process to the shared terminal of Step  110 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , the server distributor  424  of the server  4  judges whether or not at least one of the first to third shared terminals  3 A to  3 C requests download of the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  (Step S 111 ). When determining in Step S 111  that the request is made, the server distributor  424  distributes the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  to the shared terminal  3  of requesting source (Step S 112 ) and terminates distribution process to the shared terminal. On the other hand, when determining in Step S 111  that the request is not made, the server distributor  424  terminates distribution process to the shared terminal without performing the process of Step S 112 . 
     In recognition process of the terminal capable of sharing an image of Step  120 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , the shared-terminal registration unit  421  of the server  4  judges whether to have received a notification of registering the shared-terminal information  341  from the shared terminal  3  in order to register this shared terminal  3  as one capable of sharing an image (Step S 121 ). When determining reception of the notification in Step S 121 , the shared-terminal registration unit  421  registers (stores) the shared-terminal information  341  in the server storage  41  (Step S 122 ). After the process of Step S 122  or when determining in Step S 121  that the notification of registration is not received, the shared-terminal registration unit  421  judges whether a notification of cancelling the registration of the shared-terminal information  341  has bee received from the shared terminal  3  in order to cancel the registration as the shared terminal  3  capable of sharing an image (Step S 123 ). This notification of cancelling the registration is issued, for instance, when power of the shared terminal  3  is turned OFF by the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  or when the user inputs to terminate the image sharing process. 
     When determining in Step S 123  that the notification of cancelling the registration is received, the shared-terminal registration unit  421  deletes the shared-terminal information  341  from the server storage  41  (Step S 124 ). After the process of Step S 124  or when determining in Step S 123  that the notification of cancelling the registration is not received, the image-sharable terminal recognition unit  422  judges whether or not all the registered shared terminals  3  are under operation (Step S 125 ). This judging process in Step S 125  is performed based on, for instance, whether or not a communication session with the registered shared terminal  3  is maintained, or a result obtained by checking an operation in response to an operation check request. 
     When determining in Step S 125  that the registered shared terminal  3  is not operated, the shared-terminal registration unit  421  deletes the shared-terminal information  341  of this registered shared terminal  3  from the server storage  41  and terminates the image-sharable terminal recognition process. On the other hand, when determining in Step S 125  that all of the registered shared terminals  3  are under operation, the shared-terminal registration unit  421  terminates the image-sharable terminal recognition process without performing the process of Step S 126 . 
     In selection request process to the personal terminal (Step S 130 ), as shown in  FIG. 8 , the selection requesting unit  423  of the server  4  judges whether the connection with the personal terminal  5  is established via the web browser (Step S 131 ). When determining that the connection is not established, the selection requesting unit  423  terminates the selection request process to the personal terminal. On the other hand, when determining that the connection is established, the selection requesting unit  423  generates the destination selection request image based on the shared-terminal information  341  registered in the server storage  41  and transmits the destination selection request image to the personal terminal  5  (Step S 132 ). 
     Subsequently, the selection requesting unit  423  judges whether the selection result information has been received from the personal terminal  5  (Step S 133 ). When determining that the selection result information is not received, the selection requesting unit  423  terminates the selection request process to the personal terminal. When determining in Step S 133  that the selection result information is received, the selection requesting unit  423  transmits to the personal terminal  5  the download image of the corresponding shared terminal  3  as a destination according to the selection result information and terminates selection request process to the personal terminal. 
     In distribution process to the personal terminal of Step S 140 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the server distributor  424  of the server  4  judges whether or not the download image is under display on the personal terminal  5  (Step S 141 ). When determining that the download image is not under display, the server distributor  424  terminates the distribution process to the personal terminal. On the other hand, when determining in Step S 141  that the download image is under display, the server distributor  424  judges whether the download request has been received from the personal terminal  5  (Step S 142 ). When determining that the download request is not received, the server distributor  424  terminates the distribution process to the personal terminal. 
     When determining in Step S 142  that the download request is received, the server distributor  424  distributes the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the shared-terminal information  341  to the personal terminal  5  (Step S 143 ) and terminates the distribution process to the personal terminal. 
     Operation of Shared Terminal 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first shared terminal  3 A of the image sharing system  1  activates the web browser according to the input (Step S 1 ). When the input is made so as to connect to the server  4 , the first shared terminal  3 A performs connection process to the server  4  and judges whether or not the connection is established (Step S 2 ). Such activation of the web browser according to the input by the user may be automated by an automatically run batch program and the like stored in the shared-terminal sub memory  34 . 
     When determining in Step S 2  that the connection is not established, the first shared terminal  3 A displays (notifies) on the shared-terminal display  32  that failure of the network  2  causes non-connection (Step S 3 ) and terminates the process. 
     On the other hand, when determined in Step S 2  that the connection is established, the first shared terminal  3 A downloads the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the server  4  (Step S 4 ). The shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is run without being installed according to the input by the user (Step S 5 ). 
     Subsequently, in order to register the first shared terminal  3 A as the shared terminal  3  capable of sharing the image, the first shared terminal  3 A transmits the first shared-terminal information  341 A to the server  4  (Step S 6 ) and judges whether the image sharing connection request has been received from the personal terminal  5  (Step  7 ). 
     When determining in Step S 7  that the image sharing connection request is received, the first shared terminal  3 A starts the image sharing process with the personal terminal  5  not through the server  4  (Step S 8 ). When determining in Step S 7  that the image sharing connection request is not received, the first shared terminal  3 A judges whether or not an input to continue waiting for the reception of the image sharing connection request is made (Step S 9 ). Alternatively, the first shared terminal  3 A judges whether or not an input to continue waiting for the reception of the image sharing connection request is made when the image sharing process started in Step S 8  is aborted by abort of the shared-terminal image software  411 . The shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is aborted, for instance, when the user aborts the image sharing process through the personal terminal  5 , the power of the personal terminal  5  is turned OFF, or another image sharing connection request is received from another personal terminal  5 . A transition condition (not shown) from Step S 8  to Step S 9  is the abort of the started image sharing process. The abort of the image sharing process is considered to be caused by the abort of the shared-terminal image software  411 , for instance, when the user aborts the image sharing process through the personal terminal  5 , the power of the personal terminal  5  is turned OFF, or another image sharing connection request is received from another personal terminal  5 . 
     Then, when determining to continue waiting for receiving the image sharing connection request in Step S 9 , the process of Step S 7  is repeated. 
     On the other hand, when determining to discontinue waiting for receiving the image sharing connection request in Step S 9 , abort of the image sharing waiting process (cancellation of the registration) is notified to the server  4  (Step S 10 ), whereby the registration as the shared terminal  3  capable of performing the image sharing process registered in the server  4  is cancelled to terminate the process. 
     Operation of Personal Terminal 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the personal terminal  5  of the image sharing system  1  activates the web browser according to the input (Step S 21 ) to perform the connection process to the server  4  and judges whether or not the connection is established (Step S 22 ). When determining in Step S 22  that the connection is not established, the personal terminal  5  displays (notifies) on the personal-terminal display  52  that failure of the network  2  causes non-connection (Step S 23 ) and terminates the process. 
     On the other hand, when determining in Step S 22  that the connection is established, the personal terminal  5  receives from the server  4  the destination selection request image for identifying the shared terminal  3  capable of performing the image sharing process for display (Step S 24 ). Subsequently, the personal terminal  5  recognizes destination selection for selecting a predetermined shared terminal  3  as a destination (Step S 25 ) and transmits selection result information to the server  4  (Step S 26 ). 
     The personal terminal  5  receives a download image corresponding to the selection result information from the server  4  for display (Step S 27 ) and judges based on the download image whether or not an input to download the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  has been made (Step S 28 ). 
     When determining not to download the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  in Step S 28 , the personal terminal  5  terminates the process. On the other hand, when determining to download the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  in Step S 28 , the personal terminal  5  requests for such a download to the server  4  and downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the shared-terminal information  341  (destination shared-terminal information) of the shared terminal  3  as a destination (Step S 29 ). Subsequently, the personal terminal  5  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof according to the input by the user (Step S 30 ). As shown in  FIG. 12 , the personal terminal  5  judges whether or not the input to start the image sharing process is made (Step S 31 ). 
     When determining in Step S 31  that the image sharing process is not started, the personal terminal  5  judges whether to terminate the image sharing process based on, for instance, whether the image sharing process is terminated by the user or whether power of the shared terminal  3  as a destination is turned OFF (Step S 32 ). When determining in Step S 32  that the image sharing process is terminated, the personal terminal  5  terminates the image sharing process. When determining in Step S 32  that the image sharing process is not terminated, the personal terminal  5  repeats the process of S 31 . 
     When determining to start the image sharing process in Step S 31 , the personal terminal  5  establishes the connection with the shared terminal  3  as a destination identified by the shared-terminal information  341  (Step S 33 ) and starts the image sharing process for sharing the image not through the server  4  (Step S 34 ). 
     Subsequently, the personal terminal  5  judges whether or not to temporarily terminate the image sharing process based on whether or not the image sharing process is aborted by the user, whether or not the request to abort the image sharing process is made by the power OFF of the shared terminal  3  as a destination, or whether or not the request to abort the image sharing process is made by the start of the image sharing process between the shared terminal  3  as a destination and another personal terminal  5  (Step S 35 ). When determining to abort the image sharing process, the personal terminal  5  aborts the image sharing process and repeats the process of Step S 31 . On the other hand, when determining not to abort the image sharing process in Step S 35 , the personal terminal  5  repeats the process of Step S 35 , for instance, after a predetermined elapsed time. 
     Advantages of Image Sharing System 
     According to the first exemplary embodiment as described above, the following advantages can be obtained. 
     (1) The personal terminal  5  of the image sharing system  1  transmits the distribution request information to the server  4  each time the start of the image sharing process is recognized and downloads the shared-terminal information  341  of the shared terminal  3  as a destination which is capable of performing the image sharing process and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the server  4 . Then, personal terminal  5  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  to perform the image sharing process with the shared terminal  3  as a destination corresponding to the shared-terminal information  341 , not through the server  4 . 
     Thus, no server  4  is required for transmitting and receiving the image. Accordingly, even when the number of the shared terminal  3  as a destination for sharing the image increases, load applied on the server  4  is not increased, so that it is not necessary for the server  4  to have a higher performance. Moreover, since the personal terminal  5  transmits the distribution request information and subsequently downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  at each image sharing process, a cause can be easily specified in case a problem occurs. Specifically, when connection is not established after the distribution request information is transmitted, such non-connection is attributed to the network  2 . When connection is not established after the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is downloaded, such non-connection is attributed to the download process, the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  or a configuration thereof. Accordingly, the image sharing system  1  capable of appropriately dealing with connection failure without increasing costs can be provided. 
     (2) The personal terminal  5  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof. 
     Generally, installation requires authorization by an administrator and the like of the terminal (a computer). An unauthorized user (hereinafter, referred to as a general user) is prohibited from installation. For this reason, when the terminal is configured such that the installation of the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is a prerequisite, the general user cannot use the terminal to access the image sharing system  1 . 
     In contrast, according to this exemplary embodiment, the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is run without being installed, so that the general user can also access the image sharing system  1 . 
     Further, since the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is also run without being installed in the shared terminal  3 , the same advantages can be obtained. 
     (3) Among the shared terminals  3  registered in the image sharing system  1 , the server  4  can recognize the shared terminal  3  that is capable of performing the image sharing process while running the shared-terminal image sharing software  411 , and distributes the shared-terminal information  341  of the shared terminal  3  to the personal terminal  5 . 
     Accordingly, the shared terminal  3  capable of performing the image sharing process in the personal terminal  5  can be reliably selected. 
     (4) The personal terminal  5  displays the destination selection request image obtained from the server  4  thereon and allows the user to select the shared terminal  3  as a destination. Then, the personal terminal  5  transmits the selection result information to the server  4  according to the input by the user and receives the shared-terminal information  341  of the shared terminal  3  as a destination from the server  4  to perform the image sharing process. 
     Accordingly, when there are a plurality of shared terminals  3  capable of performing the image sharing process, the image sharing process can be performed between the personal terminal  5  and a shared terminal  3  desired by the user among the plurality of shared terminals  3 . 
     (5) Whether to download the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  in the personal terminal  5  depends on the input by the user. 
     Accordingly, restriction such as security examination of the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  can be omitted. 
     Second Exemplary Embodiment 
     A second exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. 
     Arrangement of Image Sharing System 
     Firstly, an arrangement of an image sharing system will be described. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of first to third shared terminals.  FIG. 14  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a personal terminal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an image sharing system  1 A includes: the network  2 ; first, second and third shared terminals  6 A,  6 B and  6 C (the first terminal); the server  4 ; and a personal terminal  7  (the second terminal). Hereinafter, an unspecified one of the first to third shared terminals  6 A to  6 C is represented by a shared terminal  6  for description. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first to third shared terminals  6 A to  6 C include the shared-terminal input unit  31 , the shared-terminal display  32 , the shared-terminal main memory  33 , the shared-terminal sub memory  34 , and a shared-terminal controller  65 . 
     On the shared-terminal main memory  33  according to the second exemplary embodiment, the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  stored in the shared-terminal sub memory  34  is run. 
     In the shared-terminal sub memory  34  of the first to third shared terminals  6 A to  6 C respectively, the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C are stored. In the shared-terminal sub memory  34 , the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is also stored. After the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is installed, various configurations required for the image sharing process are made to the first to third shared terminals  6 A to  6 C. 
     The shared-terminal controller  65  includes the shared-terminal download unit  351  and a shared-terminal image sharing processor  652  (the first image sharing processor), both of which are provided by various programs. 
     The shared-terminal image sharing processor  652  performs the image sharing process when the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is installed according to the input by the user and this installed shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is run on the shared-terminal main memory  33 . The shared-terminal image sharing processor  652  performs the same process as the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     After the image sharing process, the shared-terminal image sharing processor  652  deletes the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the shared-terminal main memory  33 , but does not delete the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the shared-terminal sub memory  34 . Thus, the shared-terminal image sharing processor  652  installs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  to run. Accordingly, when an image sharing process is repeated after termination of the shared-terminal image sharing software  411 , the shared-terminal image sharing processor  652  runs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  of the shared-terminal sub memory  34  without newly downloading the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the server  4 . 
     In such an arrangement without the shared-terminal download unit  351 , the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  read from a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory may be stored in the shared-terminal sub memory  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the personal terminal  7  includes the personal-terminal input unit  51 , the personal-terminal display  52 , the personal-terminal main memory  53 , the personal-terminal sub memory  54 , and a personal-terminal controller  75 . 
     On the personal-terminal main memory  53  according to the second exemplary embodiment, the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  stored in the personal-terminal sub memory  54  is run. 
     In the personal-terminal sub memory  54 , the personal-terminal information  541  and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  are stored. After the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is installed, various configurations required for the image sharing process are made to the personal terminal  7 . 
     The personal-terminal controller  75  includes: the distribution request information transmitter  551 ; the selection result information transmitter  552 ; the personal-terminal download unit  553 ; and a personal-terminal image sharing processor  754  (the second image sharing processor), all of which are provided by various programs. 
     The personal-terminal image sharing processor  754  performs the image sharing process when the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is installed according to the input by the user and this installed personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is run on the personal-terminal main memory  53 . The personal-terminal image sharing processor  754  performs the same process as the personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     After the image sharing process, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  754  deletes the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the personal-terminal main memory  53  but does not delete the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the personal-terminal sub memory  54 . Thus, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  754  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  after installation. Accordingly, when image sharing process is repeated after termination of the personal-terminal image sharing software  412 , the personal-terminal image sharing processor  754  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  of the personal-terminal sub memory  54  without newly downloading the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the server  4 . 
     Operation of Image Sharing System 
     Next, an operation of the image sharing system  1 A will be described.  FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing an operation of the first shared terminal. The same process as that shown in  FIG. 10  (a flow chart showing the operation of the first shared terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment) will be denoted by the same references as those in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing an operation of the personal terminal. The same process as that shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  (flow charts showing the operation of the personal terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment) will be denoted by the same references as those in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     Operation of Shared Terminal 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , a first shared terminal  6 A of the image sharing system  1 A performs the process of Steps S 1  to S 3 . When determining in Step S 2  that the connection is established, the first shared terminal  6 A judges whether or not the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is installed (Step S 41 ). 
     When determining in Step S 41  that the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is not installed, the first shared terminal  6 A performs the process of Step S 4  (i.e., downloads the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the server  4 ) and installs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  (i.e., stores the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  in the shared-terminal sub memory  34 ) to run according to the input by the user (Step S 42 ). Subsequently, the processes of Steps S 6  to S 10  are performed. 
     On the other hand, when determining in Step S 41  that the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is installed, the first shared terminal  6 A reads out the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  from the shared-terminal sub memory  34  to run (Step S 43 ). Subsequently, the processes of Steps S 6  to S 10  are performed. 
     Operation of Personal Terminal 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the personal terminal  7  of the image sharing system  1 A performs the processes of Steps S 21  to S 28 . When recognizing based on the download image to download the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  in Step S 28 , the personal terminal  7  judges whether or not the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is already installed (Step S 51 ). 
     When determining in Step S 51  that the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is not installed, the personal terminal  7  performs the process of Step S 29  (i.e., downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the shared-terminal information  341  from the server  4 ) and installs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  (stores the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  in the personal-terminal sub memory  54 ) to run according to the input by the user (Step S 52 ). Subsequently, the processes of Steps S 31  to S 35  shown in  FIG. 12  are performed. 
     On the other hand, when determining in Step S 51  that the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is already installed, the personal terminal  7  downloads only the shared-terminal information  341  (Step S 53 ) and reads out the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the personal-terminal sub memory  54  to run (Step S 54 ). Subsequently, the process of Steps S 31  to S 35  is performed. 
     Advantages of Image Sharing System 
     In the second exemplary embodiment as described above, the following advantages can be obtained in addition to the advantages (1), (3) to (5) of the first exemplary embodiment. 
     (6) The personal terminal  7  installs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  to run. 
     Accordingly, the personal terminal  7  is not required to download or install the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  at every access to the image sharing system  1 A. Consequently, once the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is downloaded and configuration thereof is made, no more download or configuration thereof is required, so that the time before the start of the image sharing processing can be shortened. Further, since the shared terminal  3  also installs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  to run, the same advantages can be obtained. 
     Third Exemplary Embodiment 
     A third exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of an image sharing system according to the third exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 18  is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of the first shared terminal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , an image sharing system  1 B includes: the network  2 ; the first, second and third shared terminals  100 ,  3 B, and  3 C (the first terminal); and two personal terminals  5  (the second terminal). 
     The first and second shared terminals  3 B and  3 C are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The first shared terminal  100 , which is a computer, includes the same components as those of the first shared terminal  3 A according to the first exemplary embodiment and has the same functions as those of the server  4  according to the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the first shared terminal  100  includes the shared-terminal input unit  31 , the shared-terminal display  32 , the shared-terminal main memory  33 , the shared-terminal sub memory  34  and a shared-terminal controller  110 . 
     On the shared-terminal main memory  33 , the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is run. In the shared-terminal sub memory  34 , the first to third shared-terminal information  341 A to  341 C, the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  are stored. 
     The shared-terminal controller  110  includes the shared-terminal download unit  351 , the shared-terminal image sharing processor  352 , the shared-terminal registration unit  421 , the image-sharable terminal recognition unit  422 , the selection requesting unit  423  and a shared-terminal distributor  111  (a first terminal distributor), all of which are provided by various programs. 
     The shared-terminal distributor  111  performs the same process as that of the server distributor  424  according to the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the shared-terminal distributor  111  performs the distribution process to the second and third shared terminals  3 B and  3 C as shown in  FIG. 6  and the distribution process to the personal terminal as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     When performing the image sharing process with the second shared terminal  3 B, the personal terminal  5  downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the second shared-terminal information  341 B from the first shared terminal  100 . The personal terminal  5  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  to perform the image sharing process with the second shared terminal  3 B not through the first shared terminal  100 , in which an image being displayed on the personal terminal  5  is displayed on the second shared terminal  3 B. When performing the image sharing process with the first shared terminal  100 , the personal terminal  5  downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the first shared-terminal information  341 A. 
     Advantages of Image Sharing System 
     According to the third exemplary embodiment as described above, the following advantages can be obtained. 
     (7) When the first shared terminal  100  is not selected as the shared terminal  3  as a destination, the image can be transmitted and received not through the first shared terminal  100 . Accordingly, even when the number of the shared terminal  3  as a destination for sharing the image is increased, load applied on the first shared terminal  100  is not increased, so that it is not necessary for the first shared terminal  100  to have a high performance. The personal terminal  5  transmits the distribution request information and subsequently downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  at each image sharing process. Accordingly, when a problem of non-connection occurs after the distribution request information is transmitted, or when a problem occurs after the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is downloaded, a cause of the problem can be easily specified in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment. Consequently, the image sharing system capable of appropriately dealing with connection failure without increasing costs can be provided. 
     Modifications of Embodiment(s) 
     Though the invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto but includes various improvements and variations in the design as long as an object of the invention can be achieved. 
     In place of the server  4  according to the first exemplary embodiment, a server  8  as shown in  FIG. 19  may be used to perform such process as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Specifically, the server  8  includes a server controller  82 . The server controller  82  further includes a terminal information convertor  825  (an identification information convertor) and a selection requesting unit  823  in place of the selection requesting unit  423  in the server controller  42  of the server  4 . Moreover, conversion rule information  413  is also stored in the server storage  41 . The conversion rule information  413  records that a numeral representing the IP address of the shared-terminal information  341  is converted to a hexadecimal numeral. 
     The conversion rule information  413  may record that the numeral of the shared-terminal information  341  is represented by a non-decimal numeral or a letter that is obtained by converting the numeral of the shared-terminal information  341  to a binary numeral, an octal numeral or an alphabet according to a predetermined rule. Further, the conversion rule information  413  may record that the numeral of the shared-terminal information  341  is coded by the hash function and the like. Moreover, the numeral of the shared-terminal information  341  may be converted under different conditions in each of the first to third shared terminals  3 A to  3 C. 
     When receiving the selection result information from the personal terminal  5 , the terminal information convertor  825  converts the IP address corresponding to the shared terminal  3  as a destination to the hexadecimal IP address according to the conversion rule information  413 . For instance, when recognizing that the first shared terminal  3 A is selected as the shared terminal  3  as a destination, the terminal information convertor  825  converts “172.24.11.157” of the IP address of the first shared terminal information  341 A to “AC180B9D.” The IP address converted to hexadecimal IP address is hereinafter referred to as a converted address for description. 
     The selection requesting unit  823  transmits a download image to the personal terminal  5 , the download image being for displaying the converted address obtained by the terminal information convertor  825  on a title of the browser. 
     When receiving the selection result information by the process of Step S 26  from the personal terminal  5 , the server  8  converts the IP address of the shared terminal  3  as a destination to the converted address according to the selection result information. The server  8  creates the download image for displaying the converted address on the title of the browser and distributes the download image to the personal terminal  5 . 
     The personal terminal  5  displays the download image including the converted address in Step S 27 . When determining download of the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  in Step S 28 , the personal terminal  5  makes a download request to the server  8 . 
     When receiving the download request, the server  8  distributes the conversion rule information  413  and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  to the personal terminal  5 . At this time, since the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the conversion rule information  413  are not changed depending on the shared terminal  3  as a destination, the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the conversion rule information  413  are transmitted together. 
     The personal terminal  5  downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the conversion rule information  413  from the server  8  (Step S 61 ) and performs the process of Step S 30 , i.e., runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof. 
     Subsequently, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  of the personal terminal  5  reads the converted address of the shared terminal  3  as a destination (the converted address of a destination shared terminal), the converted address being displayed at a predetermined position on the download image (Step S 62 ). The personal-terminal download unit  553  recovers the decimal address of the destination shared terminal from the converted address according to the conversion rule information  413  and recognizes the destination shared-terminal information before conversion (Step S 63 ). Subsequently, the personal-terminal image sharing processor  554  performs the image sharing process, i.e., the process of Steps S 31  to S 35  shown in  FIG. 12 , with the shared terminal  3  as a destination that is identified by the destination shared-terminal information. 
     With the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the IP address of the shared terminal  3  as a destination that is displayed on the download image in the personal terminal  5  is not a decimal IP address but a converted hexadecimal IP address provided by converting the decimal IP. 
     Thus, the converted address is displayed on the download image. Accordingly, the shared terminal  3  as a destination is difficult to be identified from the converted address, thereby improving security. Moreover, a download process sequence of the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  and the conversion rule information  413 , which are not changed depending on the shared terminal  3  as a destination, and a download process sequence of the converted address, which is changed depending on the shared terminal  3  as a destination, are performed separately, thereby avoiding a complicated process. 
     The same modification may be applied to the second and third exemplary embodiments. 
     Alternatively, irrespective of whether or not the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  is running in the shard terminal  3  registered in the image sharing system  1 , the shared-terminal information  341  of all the shared terminals  3  may be distributed from the server  4  to the personal terminal  5  to allow the personal terminal  5  to select the shared terminal  3  as a destination. 
     The first terminal of the invention may be a terminal that is placed on a desk of a specified user or owned by the specified user. The second terminal may be a terminal that is placed, for instance, in a meeting room so as to be usable by an unspecified user. Moreover, the shared terminal  3  may function as the second terminal of the invention, whereby the image displayed on the personal terminal  5  may be displayed on the shared terminal  3  and the image displayed on the shared terminal  3  may be displayed on the personal terminal  5 . 
     The first terminal information of the invention may be one for identifying both the IP address and the port. 
     Although the destination selection request image is displayed in the personal terminal  5 , the same contents as those of the destination selection request image may be notified by a voice to allow the user to select the destination. 
     Although the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  are intended as a single-purpose application in the above exemplary embodiments, the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  may be activated on the web browser. 
     Further, the image sharing system may include the shared terminal  3  according to the first exemplary embodiment which runs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  without installation thereof and the personal terminal  7  according to the second exemplary embodiment which runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  after installation thereof. Alternatively, the image sharing system may include the shared terminal  6  according to the second exemplary embodiment which runs the shared-terminal image sharing software  411  after installation thereof and the personal terminal  5  according to the first exemplary embodiment which runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof. 
     The above-described components are configured as programs. However, the components may be configured in other configurations, for instance, as hardware such as a circuit board or a single IC (Integrated Circuit). When the components are read from the program or the recording medium, operation can be facilitated and usage can be easily expanded. 
     A concrete structure and procedure of the exemplary embodiments of the invention may be changed as needed as long as the object of the invention can be achieved. 
     Advantages of Exemplary Embodiments 
     As described above, in the above exemplary embodiments, the personal terminal  5  of the image sharing system  1  transmits the distribution request information to the server  4  each time the start of the image sharing process is recognized and downloads the shared-terminal information  341  and the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  from the server  4 . Then, the personal terminal  5  runs the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  without installation thereof to perform the image sharing processing with the shared terminal  3  as a destination corresponding to the shared-terminal information  341 , not through the server  4 . 
     Thus, no server  4  is required for transmitting and receiving the image. Accordingly, even when the number of the shared terminal  3  as a destination for sharing the image is increased, load applied on the server  4  is not increased, so that it is not necessary for the server  4  to have a high performance. Moreover, since the personal terminal  5  transmits the distribution request information and subsequently downloads the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  at each image sharing processing, a cause can be easily specified in case a problem occurs. Specifically, when connection is not established after the distribution request information is transmitted, such non-connection is attributed to the network  2  or a network connection configuration of the personal terminal  5 . When connection is not established after the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  is downloaded, such non-connection is attributed to a download process, the personal-terminal image sharing software  412  or a configuration thereof. Accordingly, the image sharing system  1  capable of taking an appropriate countermeasure even at connection failure without increasing costs can be provided. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The invention is applicable as an image sharing system, a server, an image sharing method, an image sharing controlling method, and a recording medium recorded with the image sharing controlling method. 
     EXPLANATION OF CODES 
       1 ,  1 A,  1 B image sharing system 
       2  network 
       3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  6 A,  6 B,  6 C,  100  first, second and third shared terminals as a first terminal 
       4 ,  8  server 
       5 ,  7  personal terminal as a second terminal 
       32  shared-terminal display as a first terminal display 
       34  shared-terminal sub memory also functioning as a first terminal memory 
       41  server storage 
       51  personal-terminal input unit as a terminal input unit 
       52  personal-terminal display as the second terminal display and a notifier 
       341 A,  341 B,  341 C first, second and third shared-terminal information as first terminal information 
       111  shared-terminal distributor as a first terminal distributor 
       352 ,  652  shared-terminal image sharing processor as a first image sharing processor 
       411  shared-terminal image sharing software as a first image sharing software 
       412  personal-terminal image sharing software as a second image sharing software 
       413  conversion rule information 
       422  image-sharable terminal recognition unit 
       423 ,  823  selection requesting unit 
       424  server distributor 
       551  distribution request information transmitter 
       552  selection request information transmitter 
       553  personal-terminal download unit as a data acquirer 
       554 ,  754  personal-terminal image sharing processor as a second image sharing processor 
       825  terminal information convertor as an identification information convertor