JP2001218137A - Image edit system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image edit system in which a client instructs editing of an image and a server edits the image based on the editing instruction and which can relieve the load of a user in establishing connections to a network. SOLUTION: When a user 1 makes a request of transfer of low resolution image data SL of a user image and an editing software program to a lab 2, the lab 2 transfers them to a personal computer 10. When receiving the transfer data, the personal computer 10 disconnects a network 3. The user 1 uses the editing software to edit the user image and to generate edit instruction information H denoting editing contents. The editing instruction information H is transferred to the lab 2 and the personal computer 10 is connected to the network 3 in this case. The lab 2 applies editing processing to image data S0 of the user based on the editing instruction information H to obtain processed image data S1 and to print out the data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image editing system in which a client issues an image editing instruction at a client, and the server edits the image based on the editing instruction, a transfer control method, and a computer for executing the transfer control method. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various digital photo services related to photographs, such as digitizing photograph images taken by a user and storing them in an image server, recording them on a CD-R and providing them to the user, and responding to an order for reprinting photographs. A digital photo service system that performs the operation is known. As one form of such a system, a network photo service system that stores (registers) a user's digital image in a service provider's system and receives a print order or the like via a network such as the Internet has been proposed.

In such a network photo service system, when providing a digital photo service to a user, a scanner, printer,
A server computer having a large capacity disk
An "image server" is installed to store the pictures taken by the user as image data in the image server, and allow the user to access the image server via a network. It has been considered to provide various services such as attaching a photo image to an e-mail and downloading image data. In such a service, the lab stores image data representing a user image, as well as low-resolution image data representing a reduced image of the user image, template data, and editing software for issuing various editing instructions to the image data. ing. Then, the user enters W
Access the lab image server using application software such as an e-browser, download low-resolution image data and editing software or template data, edit the image using the editing software, and edit the editing result as editing instruction information Transfer to lab. In the lab, based on the editing instruction information transferred from the user, additional prints, creation of postcards with photos, creation of albums, synthesis of images, trimming, etc. are performed on the image data, and the processing is performed. The user can transfer the image data to the user or notify the user of the completion of the processing by e-mail.

[0004]

In the network photo service system described above, the network is connected while the user edits the image data using the editing software. There is a problem in that the usage fee of the provider is increased and the user's financial burden is large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image editing system capable of reducing a user's burden such as a communication charge, a transfer control method, and a computer-readable recording program for causing a computer to execute the transfer control method. It is an object to provide a possible recording medium.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image editing system, comprising: a client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data; A storage unit for storing the image data; and a server having an image editing device for editing the image data, wherein editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data is transferred from the server to the client. The client performs editing work of the image data,
An image editing system that transfers an editing result to the server as editing instruction information, and performs editing of the image data based on the editing instruction information to obtain processed image data in the server. After receiving the transfer, the network is disconnected.

Here, the "editing information necessary for editing" includes at least image data, and further includes template data representing a template combined with the image data, editing software necessary for giving an editing instruction, and the like. It may be something. The image data transferred from the server to the client is preferably low-resolution image data obtained by reducing the original image data in order to reduce the amount of data.

The "edit instruction information" is information obtained as a result of editing on a client using editing software, and includes details of image processing for image data, a position to be inserted for a template, an image size, characters to be inserted. Represents the contents of editing processing performed on image data to obtain processed image data such as fonts.

In the image editing system according to the present invention, when the client disconnects the network, it is preferable that the client outputs information indicating the disconnection.

Here, "when cutting" may be immediately before or immediately after cutting, or may be during cutting.

Preferably, the client connects to the network when transferring the editing instruction information.

Here, "at the time of transfer" means a state after an instruction to transfer the edit instruction information is given.

Further, when the client connects to the network, it is preferable that the client outputs information indicating that fact.

Here, “when connecting” may be immediately before or immediately after connection, or may be during connection.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the client outputs information indicating that it is necessary to connect to the network when transferring the editing instruction information.

[0016] A second image editing system according to the present invention comprises:
A client having an image editing instruction device for instructing editing of image data, a storage unit connected to the client via a network and storing the image data, and an image editing device for editing the image data A server having the following configuration: transferring editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, performing editing work on the image data in the client, and editing the editing result as editing instruction information. Transferred to the server as, in the image editing system to obtain the processed image data by editing the image data based on the editing instruction information in the server,
After the client has received the transfer of the editing information,
And outputting information indicating that the network may be disconnected.

A first transfer control method according to the present invention is the transfer control method in the first image editing system according to the present invention, wherein the network is disconnected after receiving the transfer of the edit information. It is.

In the first transfer control method according to the present invention, when disconnecting the network, it is preferable to output information indicating that fact.

Further, when transferring the editing instruction information,
Preferably, it is connected to the network.

Furthermore, when connecting to the network, it is preferable to output information indicating that fact.

Further, it is preferable that, when transferring the editing instruction information, output information indicating that it is necessary to connect to the network.

According to a second transfer control method of the present invention, in the transfer control method of the second image editing system according to the present invention, the network may be disconnected after the transfer of the editing information. It is characterized by outputting information.

The transfer control method according to the present invention may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the transfer control method.

[0024]

According to the present invention, since the network is disconnected after the client receives the transfer of the editing information including the image data, the communication fee and the usage fee of the provider are not charged during the editing work. Thus, the user's financial burden can be reduced.

Further, by outputting information indicating that when the network is disconnected, the user can easily confirm that the network is disconnected.

Further, when the client transfers the editing instruction information, the client is connected to a network,
Since the editing instruction information is transferred to the server without the user being particularly aware of the work of connecting to the network, the work load on the user can be reduced.

At this time, by outputting information indicating connection to the network, the user can easily confirm connection to the network.

Before the client transmits the editing instruction information, the client outputs information indicating that it is necessary to connect to the network, and the user performs a work of connecting to the network based on the output. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be achieved.

Further, in the second image editing system of the present invention, after the client receives the transfer of the editing information including the image data, the client outputs information indicating that the network may be disconnected. Can perform a task of disconnecting the network based on this output, thereby making it easier for the user. Further, if the network is disconnected based on this output, the communication fee and the service fee of the provider are not charged during the editing work, so that the user's financial burden can be reduced.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image editing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the image editing system shown in FIG. 1, a user 1 and a laboratory 2 are connected via a network 3, and data and prints are exchanged between the user 1 and the laboratory 2.

The user 1 has a personal computer 10 as an image editing instruction device, and can exchange data with the laboratory 2 via the network 3. That is, the user 1 makes a transfer request of the user image to the lab 2 and receives the transfer of the user image, generates the edit instruction information H indicating the content of the edit instruction to be applied to the user image, and sends the edit instruction information H to the lab 2. It is possible to transfer.

The lab 2 is a system for performing print output, and a reading means 4 for reading an image from a film brought in by the user 1 to obtain high-resolution image data S0.
A database 5 for storing the read image data S0, a reducing unit 6 for generating low-resolution image data SL of the image data S0, a reception of editing instruction information H from the user 1, and a low-resolution image data to the user 1. Input / output means 7 for transferring SL, image editing means 8 for editing image data S0 based on editing instruction information H to obtain processed image data S1, and output means 9 for printing out processed image data S1 And The database 5
Stores editing software for editing an image. The user 1 accesses the lab 2 to edit the image and downloads the editing software. The information H can be generated. This editing software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-R and provided to the user 1. The database 5 stores template data representing a template for creating a postcard or the like in combination with the image of the user. The template data is transferred to the user 1 at the request of the user 1 and used for editing. Is done. The template data to be transferred to the user is preferably a low-resolution template obtained by reducing the original template.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment. First, the user 1 directly brings a negative film into the laboratory 2 and registers an image (step S1). In the lab 2, the film deposited by the user 1 is read by the reading means 4 to obtain high-resolution image data S0 representing an image recorded on the film (step S2).
The high-resolution image data S0 is stored in the database 5 (Step S3). On the other hand, the reducing means 6 generates low-resolution image data SL having a lower resolution than the high-resolution image data S0 (step S4). Then, in response to an instruction from the personal computer 10 of the user 1, the low-resolution image data SL and the editing software are transferred to the personal computer 10 of the user 1 via the network 3 (step S).
5). When the editing software is provided by being recorded on a recording medium, or when the editing software is already installed in the personal computer 10, only the low-resolution image data SL is transferred.

When the transfer of the low-resolution image data SL and the editing software has been completed, a message "Disconnect the line" is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer 10 (step S).
6), the network 3 is disconnected (step S7).

The user 1 installs the editing software, activates it, displays the low-resolution image data SL on the monitor of the personal computer 10, and edits the image (step S8). Editing of this image includes sharpness processing, color change, red-eye processing, etc.
It may be a process of combining a template and a user image. In this case, the template data representing the template is stored in the laboratory 2, and is transferred to the personal computer 10 together with the low-resolution image data SL and used by the instruction of the user 1. When the editing is completed, the editing instruction information H is generated (step S9),
(Step S10). This transfer instruction is performed, for example, by clicking a button “Transfer” displayed on the editing screen of the editing software.

As a result, a message "Connect the line" is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer 10 (step S11), and the network 3 is connected (step S1).
2), the editing instruction information H is transferred to the laboratory 2 (step S13).

In the laboratory 2, the editing instruction information H is received by the input / output means 7, and based on the editing instruction,
The high-resolution image data S0 is read from the database 5. Then, based on the editing instruction information H, the image editing means 8
Is edited (step S14), and processed image data S1 is generated (step S15). Then, the processed image data S1 is printed out by the output means 9 (step S16), and the processing is terminated. The obtained print image is provided to the user 1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user 1
Since the network 3 is disconnected after receiving the transfer of the low-resolution image data SL and the editing software, the communication fee and the usage fee of the provider are not charged during the editing work, thereby reducing the financial burden on the user 1. can do.

Further, by displaying information indicating the fact on the monitor of the personal computer 10 before disconnecting the network 3, the user 1 can easily confirm that the network 3 is disconnected.

Further, since the editing instruction information H is connected to the network 3 when transferring the editing instruction information H, the editing instruction information H is transferred to the server 2 without the user 1 being particularly aware of the work of connecting to the network 3. Therefore, the work load on the user 1 can be reduced.

At this time, the fact that connection to the network 3 is to be displayed on the monitor of the personal computer 10 allows the user 1 to easily confirm connection to the network 3.

In the above embodiment, when the network 3 is disconnected and connected, the fact is notified to the personal computer 10.
Is displayed on the monitor, but the network 3 may be disconnected or connected without displaying. Also,
Disconnect and connect network 3 by voice to user 1
May be notified.

In the above embodiment, the network 3 is disconnected after the transfer of the low-resolution image data SL and the editing software. However, the disconnection of "Please disconnect the network" is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer 10. Only a prompt may be displayed. The user 1 can disconnect the network 3 by confirming this display. If disconnection is not necessary, the connection state can be maintained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the connection to the network 3 is made when the editing instruction information H is transferred. However, only the display prompting the user to connect to the network is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer 10. It may be. The user 1 can connect to the network 3 by confirming this display. In addition, when there is another operation to be performed, the disconnected state can be maintained without immediately connecting to the network 3.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image editing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 user 2 lab 3 network 4 reading means 5 database 6 reducing means 7 input / output means 8 image editing means 9 output means 10 personal computer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/387 G06F 15/62 320A 5C076 5/91 H04N 5/91 J F-term (Reference) 2H106 BA55 BA72 BA95 BH00 5B050 BA06 CA08 FA03 FA19 GA02 5C052 AA01 AA11 CC06 DD08 EE02 FA03 FA06 FA08 FB01 FD07 FD08 FD10 5C053 FA04 FA05 FA06 FA07 FA14 FA23 FA29 KA08 KA24 LA03 LA14 5C062 AA05 AA13 A24 AC43 A24 AC23 AC24

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data, storage means connected to the client via a network for storing the image data, and editing of the image data And a server having an image editing device that performs editing, transfer editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, perform editing work of the image data in the client,
An image editing system that transfers an editing result to the server as editing instruction information and obtains processed image data by editing the image data based on the editing instruction information in the server. After receiving the transfer,
An image editing system, wherein the network is disconnected. 2. The image editing system according to claim 1, wherein when the client disconnects the network, the client outputs information indicating the disconnection. 3. The image editing system according to claim 1, wherein the client connects to the network when transferring the editing instruction information. 4. The image editing system according to claim 3, wherein when the client connects to the network, the client outputs information indicating the connection. 5. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the client outputs information indicating that it is necessary to connect to the network when transferring the editing instruction information. system. 6. A client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data, storage means connected to the client via a network for storing the image data, and editing of the image data And a server having an image editing device that performs editing, transfer editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, perform editing work of the image data in the client,
An image editing system that transfers an editing result to the server as editing instruction information and obtains processed image data by editing the image data based on the editing instruction information in the server. After receiving the transfer,
An image editing system, which outputs information indicating that the network may be disconnected. 7. A client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data, storage means connected to the client via a network for storing the image data, and editing of the image data And a server having an image editing device that performs editing, transfer editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, perform editing work of the image data in the client,
A transfer control method in an image editing system for transferring an editing result as editing instruction information to the server and editing the image data based on the editing instruction information to obtain processed image data in the server, A transfer control method comprising disconnecting the network after receiving the transfer. 8. The transfer control method according to claim 7, wherein when disconnecting the network, information indicating the fact is output. 9. The transfer control method according to claim 7, wherein the transfer of the editing instruction information includes connecting to the network. 10. When connecting to the network,
10. An information indicating the fact is output.
The transfer control method described. 11. When transferring the editing instruction information,
9. The transfer control method according to claim 7, wherein information indicating that connection to the network is required is output. 12. A client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data, storage means connected to the client via a network for storing the image data, and editing of the image data And a server having an image editing device that performs editing, transferring editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, performing editing work on the image data in the client, and editing A transfer control method in an image editing system for transferring a result as editing instruction information to the server and performing editing of the image data based on the editing instruction information in the server to obtain processed image data. Output information indicating that the network may be disconnected Transfer control method comprising and. 13. A client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data, storage means connected to the client via a network for storing the image data, and editing of the image data And a server having an image editing device that performs editing, transferring editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, performing editing work on the image data in the client, and editing Transferring the result to the server as edit instruction information, and causing the computer to execute a transfer control method in the image editing system for obtaining the processed image data by editing the image data based on the edit instruction information in the server. On a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded The computer-readable recording medium, wherein the program has a procedure of disconnecting the network after receiving the transfer of the editing information. 14. When disconnecting the network,
14. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, further comprising a step of outputting information indicating the fact. 15. When transferring the editing instruction information,
15. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, further comprising a step of connecting to the network. 16. When connecting to the network,
The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 15, further comprising a step of outputting information indicating the fact. 17. When transferring the editing instruction information,
15. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, further comprising a step of outputting information indicating that connection to the network is required. 18. A client having an image editing instruction device for issuing an editing instruction to image data, storage means connected to the client via a network for storing the image data, and editing of the image data And a server having an image editing device that performs editing, transferring editing information necessary for editing the image data including the image data from the server to the client, performing editing work on the image data in the client, and editing Transferring the result to the server as edit instruction information, and causing the computer to execute a transfer control method in the image editing system for obtaining the processed image data by editing the image data based on the edit instruction information in the server. On a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded A computer-readable recording medium, characterized in that the program includes a step of outputting information indicating that the network may be disconnected after receiving the transfer of the editing information.