JP2002063507A - Ordering system and digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print service business which can limit the ordering of prints of image data using a portable communication terminal and provides digital cameras and communication terminals at low prices. SOLUTION: When a print of photographed image data obtained by a digital camera 200 is ordered to a print shop 400 through a portable communication terminal 100, the digital camera 200 detects the ID code that the portable communication terminal 100 has and outputs the image data to the portable communication terminal 100 on condition that the detected ID code meets specific conditions. When the image data are inputted from the digital camera 200, the image data are sent to a database 300a that the print shop 400 makes a contract with.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print ordering system, and more particularly to a print ordering system for ordering processing (for example, printing on a photograph) of image data photographed by a digital camera to a processing service shop.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a digital camera for generating image data to be transmitted to a database of a processing service shop.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional processing service business of this type, there has been a business in which image data is transferred to a print shop using a personal computer connected to the Internet, and a photograph printed in the print shop is received by mail. .

[0004]

However, in order to use such a print service via the Internet, it is necessary to purchase a communication terminal such as a personal computer in addition to a digital camera, and the introduction cost is high. There was a problem.

[0005] Here, even if the service provider provides the system including the digital camera and the communication terminal to the consumer at a low price, if the consumer frequently uses the print service, the profit is increased. be able to. However, for that purpose, it is necessary to have a specific print shop order an image data print using a specific digital camera and a specific communication terminal constituting the system.

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an ordering system capable of restricting the handling of image data.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a digital camera capable of restricting the handling of image data.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera for photographing a subject, and a communication terminal for performing data communication. Processing of image data photographed by the digital camera is transmitted to a processing service shop through the communication terminal. An ordering system for placing an order, wherein the digital camera includes a detecting unit for detecting an identifier held by the communication terminal, and an output unit for outputting image data to the communication terminal when the identifier satisfies a predetermined condition. Input means for inputting image data from a digital camera, and transmission means for transmitting the image data input by the input means to a database of a processing service shop,
This is a print ordering system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera for generating image data to be transmitted to a database of a processing service shop through a communication terminal. A digital camera comprising output means for outputting image data to a communication terminal when the condition is satisfied.

[0010]

According to the first invention, when ordering processing of image data shot by a digital camera to a processing service shop through a communication terminal, the digital camera detects an identifier held by the communication terminal, and the detected identifier is a predetermined identifier. When the condition is satisfied, the image data is output to the communication terminal. When image data is input from the digital camera, the communication terminal transmits the image data to the database of the processing service shop. As described above, the output destination of the image data captured by the digital camera is limited to the communication terminal having the identifier satisfying the predetermined condition.

The image data preferably includes main image data and reduced image data. At this time, the communication terminal displays a reduced image based on the reduced image data, and the operator selects desired main image data with reference to the displayed reduced image. When the desired image data is selected, the communication terminal requests the digital camera to output the selected main image data. Digital cameras, when requested,
The desired main image data is output to the communication terminal.

[0012] More preferably, the communication terminal notifies the operator of the selection when the reduced image corresponding to the selected main image data is displayed.

In a digital camera, photographed image data is recorded on a recording medium. This recording medium is mounted inside, and attachment / detachment is restricted.

According to the second aspect, the identifier held by the communication terminal is detected by the detecting means. If the detected identifier satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data is output to the communication terminal. The output image data is transmitted to the database of the processing service shop through the communication terminal.

[0015]

According to these inventions, the output destination of image data captured by a digital camera is limited to a communication terminal having an identifier that satisfies a predetermined condition. Orders can be restricted. As a result, a processing service business for providing digital cameras and communication terminals at low prices is established.

The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The print service business of this embodiment is as follows.
Manufacturers of portable communication terminals and digital cameras, sales companies that purchase manufactured portable communication terminals and digital cameras and provide consumers with low prices (cost reduction), and provide communication services using sold portable communication terminals. This is realized by a carrier (telecommunications carrier) and a print service shop that prints image data shot by a digital camera on a photograph.

Referring to FIG. 1, digital camera 200
Is transferred to the mobile communication terminal 100 by a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth), and the mobile communication terminal 100
The received image file is transmitted to the host computer 300 of the carrier via the Internet 500. A part of the database 300a provided in the host computer 300 is rented to the print shop 400 by contract, and the photographed image data is stored in the database 300a.
Is stored in

When a new image file is stored in the database 300a, the print shop 400 reads out the new image file from the database 300a through the Internet 500, assuming that a print order for a photograph has been received from a consumer. Then, the image data (main image data) included in the read image file is printed on a photograph, and the printed photograph is sent to the ordering consumer by mail.

By realizing such a print service business, consumers can obtain the portable communication terminal 100 and the digital camera 200 at a low introduction cost.
In addition, it is possible to order prints of image data and obtain printed photos without visiting the print shop 400.

However, in order to make this print service business successful, the image file must not be easily taken out of the digital camera 200, and the image file is printed only at a specific print shop 400 contracted with the carrier. There must be. A common ID code is assigned to the portable communication terminal 100 and the digital camera 200 as a set in order to set restrictions on handling of image files. Digital camera 2
00 compares the ID code fetched from the mobile communication terminal 100 with its own ID code, and transfers the image file to the mobile communication terminal 100 only when both match.

The portable communication terminal 100 stores the transferred image file in the database 300a of the host computer 300 as described above. As a result, printing of the image data photographed by the digital camera 200 is performed only by the print shop 400, and the print price is paid only to the print shop 400. In this way, a mechanism for returning a part of the print price to the sales company can be formed, and the loss of the sales company caused when the mobile communication terminal 100 and the digital camera 200 are provided at a low price can be reduced by the returned price. Covered.

It should be noted that the charge for the consumer who ordered the print is unified by the carrier, and the consumer can purchase the portable communication terminal 100 and the digital camera 200 and order the print with a single contract.

The mobile communication terminal 100 is configured as shown in FIG. The transmission / reception circuit 12 demodulates a high-frequency signal received by the antenna 10 to generate reception data, and modulates transmission data to generate a high-frequency signal. The display drive circuit 20 drives a display (color liquid crystal screen) 22 in accordance with the image data received from the CPU 16, thereby displaying a desired color image. The key input device 24 provides a key input signal corresponding to an operation of various keys arranged on the front surface to the CPU 16. The Bluetooth I / F 14 performs short-range wireless communication with the digital camera 200 using the above-described Bluetooth technology. In the RAM 18, a print list 18a and counters 18b and 18c to be described later are formed.
The image file or the thumbnail image data transferred from the digital camera 200 is temporarily stored. RO
M24 stores a program to be processed by the CPU 16 and the above-described ID code.

The digital camera 200 is configured as shown in FIG. The photographing circuit 30 includes a shutter button 38
In response to the above operation, the subject is photographed, and a photographed raw image signal is output. The signal processing circuit 32 performs predetermined signal processing on the raw image signal output from the photographing circuit 30 to create an image file including main image data and thumbnail image data. An image number is assigned to the created image file, and this image file is recorded on the recording medium 34 by the signal processing circuit 32. The recording medium 34 is a medium which is mounted in the digital camera 200 and whose attachment / detachment is restricted. The Bluetooth I / F 40 transfers the image file or the thumbnail image data provided from the CPU 36 to the mobile communication terminal 100 using the Bluetooth technology. The ROM 42 stores a program to be processed by the CPU 36 and the above-described ID code.

The communication between the portable communication terminal 100 and the digital camera 200 is entirely performed by the Bluetooth I / F.
Via steps 14 and 40.

The CPU 16 of the portable communication terminal 100 specifically processes the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, and the CPU 36 of the digital camera 200 specifically processes the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. I do. Here, steps S1 to S29 shown in FIG. 7 are the authentication processing of the ID code on the portable terminal 100 side, and the corresponding authentication processing on the digital camera 200 side is steps S101 to S1 shown in FIG.
Follow 21. Steps S31 to S57 shown in FIG.
Represents a process of selecting an image file on the mobile terminal 100 side, and the corresponding selection process on the digital camera 200 side follows steps S123 to S129 shown in FIG. Further, steps S59 to S81 shown in FIG. 9 are print order processing, and the corresponding order processing on the digital camera 200 side complies with steps S131 to S137 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 16 of portable communication terminal 100 first displays a menu shown in FIG. According to FIG. 4, four items of "mail", "Internet connection", "DPE" and "setting" are displayed, and the cursor points to any one item. Note that DPE is an acronym for Developing, Printing, and Enlargement.

When the operator selects "mail", "Internet connection" or "setting", the CPU 1
6 proceeds from step S5 to step S7, and performs a process corresponding to the selected item. Upon completion of the process in the step S7, the process returns to the step S1. On the other hand, if the operator
If "PE" is selected, the CPU 16 proceeds from step S3 to step S9, and tries to establish a protocol with the digital camera 200. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the protocol has been successfully established. B), and returns to step S1 via the error display processing in step S13.

If the establishment of the protocol is successful, the flow advances to step S15 to determine whether or not the digital camera 200 has given an ID code transfer request. Further, it is determined in step S17 whether a predetermined period has elapsed after the establishment of the protocol (whether the time has elapsed). When the time is up without transferring the ID code, the CPU 16 determines YES in step S17,
After the error display process in step S19, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the ID code transfer request is given before the time is up, steps S15 to S21
Then, the ID code stored in the ROM 24 is transmitted to the digital camera 200.

In steps S23 and S25, the contents of the response notification from digital camera 200 to the transmitted ID code are determined. If the notification given from the digital camera 200 is an authentication success notification, YES is determined in the step S23, and the process proceeds to the step S31. If the notification given from the digital camera 200 is an authentication failure notification, YES is determined in the step S25, and a step S29 is performed.
The process returns to step S1 via the error display processing in. If the predetermined period has elapsed without receiving any response notification, it is determined that the time is up in step S27,
After the error display processing in step S29, the process returns to step S1.

CPU 36 of digital camera 200
Processes the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 for the authentication processing in steps S1 to S29 described above. First, in step S101, it is determined whether a protocol establishment request has been given. This protocol establishment request is a request transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 100 in step S9 shown in FIG. 7, and if such a request is not given, step S103
Then, the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the request is given, YES is determined in step S101,
In step S105, a protocol is established with the mobile communication terminal 100. In step S107, it is determined whether or not the protocol has been successfully established.
The process returns to step S109, but proceeds to step S109 if YES.

In step S109, a transfer request for the ID code is transmitted to portable communication terminal 100. If the ID code is not transferred from portable communication terminal 100 within a predetermined period in response to the transfer request, CPU 36 proceeds to step S113.
It is determined that the time is up, and the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the ID code is transferred within the predetermined period,
No. 6 determines YES (ID code reception) in step S111, and determines its own ID code (ROM 4
2) and the received ID code. In step S117, it is determined whether or not the two ID codes match each other. If YES, the mobile communication terminal 100 is notified of authentication success in step S119, and if NO, authentication failure is notified to the mobile communication terminal 100 in step S121. Notice.

When an authentication success notification is received in the authentication process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 16 of the portable communication terminal 100
In steps S31 to S59 shown in FIG. 8, an image file selection process is performed. First, in each of steps S31 and S33, the print list 18a and the counter 18b (count value N) formed in the RAM 18 are initialized. In a succeeding step S35, the transfer of the thumbnail image data included in the image file of the image number N is performed by the digital camera 2.
Request 00. When the thumbnail image data is transferred from the digital camera 200 in response to the transfer request, C
The PU 16 proceeds from step S37 to step S39,
The display drive circuit 20 is controlled based on the received thumbnail image data. Thereby, the corresponding thumbnail image (color image) is displayed on the display 22.

The CPU 16 further displays the DPE menu shown in FIG. According to FIG. 5, "previous thumbnail image", "next thumbnail image", "print order", and "end"
Are displayed, and a cursor pointing to any one of the items is displayed. Here, when the operator selects “next thumbnail image”, the CPU 16 determines in step S43 that Y
ES and the counter 18b in step S45
After returning to step S35, the process returns to step S35. On the other hand, if the operator selects "previous thumbnail image", the CPU 16 determines YES in step S47, and returns to step S35 via the decrement process of the counter 18b in step S49. Therefore, when “next thumbnail image” or “previous thumbnail image” is selected, thumbnail image data is extracted from an image file having the same image number as the updated count value N, and the extracted thumbnail image data is extracted. The display on the display 22 is thereby updated.

The desired thumbnail image is displayed on the display 22.
When the operator selects "print order" when displayed on the screen, the CPU 16 proceeds from step S51 to step S51.
Proceeding to 53, the image number N (current count value N) is registered in the print list 18a. The image number N is associated with each list number P in the manner shown in FIG. Step S
Upon completion of the registration processing of step S53, the CPU 16 proceeds to step S4
Return to 1. The thumbnail image corresponding to the image number written in the print list 18a is displayed on the display 22.
Is displayed in step S41, a character indicating registration is further displayed by OSD. That is, the operator is notified by character display that the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image being displayed has been selected.

When the operator selects "end", the CP
U16 proceeds from step S55 to step S57, and transmits a selection processing completion notification to the digital camera 200.
With this notification, the selection process on the mobile communication terminal 100 side is completed.

The CPU 36 of the digital camera 200
Step S12 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the above selection process
3 to S129 are processed. First, it is determined in step S123 whether a request to transfer thumbnail image data has been given. If YES, the flow advances to step S125. The transfer request also includes the image number. In step S125, the image file having this image number is searched from the recording medium. In a succeeding step S127, the thumbnail image data is extracted from the detected image file and transferred to the mobile communication terminal 100. When the transfer is completed, the process returns to the step S123. If “NO” in the step S123, it is determined whether or not a selection process completion notification is received in a step S129,
If “NO”, the process returns to the step S123, but if “YES”, the process proceeds to a step S131. By the determination of YES, the selection processing on the digital camera 200 side is completed.

The CPU 16 of the portable communication terminal 100 executes an ordering process shown in FIG. 9 following the selecting process shown in FIG. First, in step S59, an attempt is made to connect to the host computer 300 via the Internet 500. If the connection fails here, NO is determined in the following step S61, and after waiting for a predetermined time in step S63, step S61 is performed.
Return to 59. On the other hand, if the connection to the host computer 300 succeeds, the process proceeds from step S61 to step S65, and the count value P of the counter 18c is initialized. In step S67, the P-th image number registered in the print list 18a shown in FIG. 6 is detected, and the subsequent step S69 is performed.
Requests the digital camera 200 to transfer an image file having the detected image number.

The digital camera 2 responds to the transfer request.
When the image file is transferred from 00, the CPU 16
It is determined YES (image file reception) in step S71, and the received image file is transferred to the host computer 300 in step S73. The transferred image file is stored in the database 300a. Step S7
At 5, it is determined whether transfer of all image files having the image numbers registered in the print list 18a has been completed. If “NO” here, the counter 18c is incremented in step S77, and the process proceeds to step S6.
Return to 7. On the other hand, if YES is determined in the step S75, a transfer completion notification of the image file is transmitted to the host computer 300 in a step S79, and a step S81 is performed.
Transmits an order processing completion notification to the digital camera 200. By the processing in step S83, the mobile communication terminal 1
The order processing on the 00 side is completed, and the CPU 16 proceeds to step S1.
Return to

The CPU 36 of the digital camera 200
Step S13 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the order processing described above.
1 to S137 are processed. First, it is determined in step S131 whether an image file transfer request has been given.
If it is ES, a desired image file is searched from the recording medium 34 in step S133. That is, since the image file transfer request also includes the image number, the image file having this image number is searched from the recording medium 34. In a succeeding step S135, the detected image file is transferred to the mobile communication terminal 100, and when the transfer is completed, a step S13 is performed.
Return to 1. If NO in step S131, it is determined in step S137 whether an order processing completion notification has been received. If NO, the process returns to step S131. If YES, the process returns to step S101. With the determination of YES in step S137, the order processing on the digital camera 200 side is completed.

As can be seen from the above description, when ordering a print shop of image data taken by a digital camera through a mobile communication terminal to a print shop, the digital camera detects an ID code held by the mobile communication terminal and detects the ID code. When the given ID code satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data is output to the portable communication terminal. When image data is input from a digital camera, the mobile communication terminal transmits the image data to a database contracted by a print shop.

As described above, the output destination of the image data captured by the digital camera is limited to the portable communication terminal having the ID code satisfying the predetermined condition. Restrictions can be placed. As a result, a print service business that provides digital cameras and communication terminals at low prices is established.

In this embodiment, printing of image data on a photograph is mentioned as a processing service, but a processing service for recording image data on a recording medium, such as a photo CD creation service, is also conceivable. .

In this embodiment, after the authentication process between the digital camera and the portable communication terminal is completed, the thumbnail image is displayed on the display of the portable communication terminal. However, since the image quality of the thumbnail image is much lower than that of the main image, it is not necessary to impose strict restrictions on the output of the thumbnail image data from the digital camera as compared with the main image data. Therefore, the transfer of the thumbnail image data to the portable communication terminal may be performed prior to the authentication processing.

Further, in this embodiment, the print ordering process is performed immediately after the selection process of the image file is completed. However, since the data amount of the image file is considerably large, the data is sent to the host computer (database). Communication costs may increase. For this reason, the transfer of the image file to the host computer may be performed at a late night time when the communication fee is low. Also, depending on the congestion of the line during the transfer,
If the resumption is repeated, all the image files can be reliably transferred.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an entire configuration of a print service business according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile communication terminal applied to the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera applied to the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a menu displayed on a display of the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing another example of the menu displayed on the display of the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing a print list formed in a PAM of the mobile communication terminal;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another portion of the operation of the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the digital camera.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of the digital camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100: Portable communication terminal 200: Digital camera 300: Host computer 400: Print shop 500: Internet

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04N 5/76 ZEC H04N 5/76 ZECE // B41J 29/38 B41J 29/38 Z H04N 101: 00 H04N 101: 00 F Terms (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP10 HJ06 HJ08 HK19 5B049 AA05 BB11 CC05 DD00 DD04 EE05 FF03 GG04 5C022 AA13 AB65 AC03 AC13 AC42 AC69 5C052 AA12 AB02 CC11 CC20 DD02 EE03 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA08 FA09 FB01 FB05 FC09 FB01 FB05

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ordering system comprising: a digital camera for photographing a subject; and a communication terminal for data communication, wherein an order for processing image data photographed by the digital camera is sent to a processing service shop through the communication terminal. The digital camera includes a detecting unit that detects an identifier held by the communication terminal, and an output unit that outputs the image data to the communication terminal when the identifier satisfies a predetermined condition. A print ordering system, comprising: input means for inputting the image data from a camera; and transmission means for transmitting the image data input by the input means to a database of the processing service shop. 2. The image data includes main image data and reduced image data, wherein the communication terminal displays a reduced image based on the reduced image data, and displays the reduced image displayed on the display unit. Selecting means for referring to and selecting the desired main image data; and requesting means for requesting the digital camera to output the desired main image data, wherein the output means transmits the desired main image data to the communication device. The print order system according to claim 1, wherein the print order system outputs the print order to a terminal. 3. The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the communication terminal further includes a notifying unit for notifying an operator that the reduced image corresponding to the selected main image data has been selected when the reduced image is displayed. Print ordering system. 4. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a recording medium which is mounted inside and whose attachment / detachment is restricted, and recording means for recording the image data on the recording medium.
4. The print ordering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A digital camera for generating image data to be transmitted to a processing service shop database through a communication terminal, wherein the detection means detects an identifier held by the communication terminal, and the identifier satisfies a predetermined condition. A digital camera, comprising: output means for outputting the image data to the communication terminal.