JP2002191001A - Print system, image pickup device, print reception processing unit, print service method and print reception processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system that the user can simply place a print order for an image picked up by e.g. a digital camera and to provide a device/ method used for the print system. SOLUTION: The print system where an image pickup device that picks up and records image data, a print management unit that manages print of the image data recorded by the image pickup device, a print reception processing unit that transmits the image data to the print management unit, and a print processing unit that prints out the image on the basis of an instruction from the print management unit are interconnected by a network, is characterized by that the print reception processing unit issues identification information in the unit of the image data received from the image pickup device, and the print system allows the image pickup device to store the identification information so as to manage the printed image data by relating the received image data with the identification information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for performing printing based on a print order, and more particularly to a printing system capable of easily ordering and receiving prints.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras and home digital printers have been remarkably popularized by improvements in image processing technology. Along with this, the users who use the digital images are becoming more conscious of digital images, and are being used for various purposes such as creating homepages for the Internet and digital printing. On the other hand, of course, output centers and mini-labs (small-scale laboratories) that provide image print services and large laboratories that perform centralized processing are also increasing the services that handle digital image data, and the service variations are diverse.

As an example of a service for handling such digital image data, a customer uploads image data of a negative film at a store to a server open to the public on the Internet, and requests a reprint based on unique authentication information. Also, there are known those capable of ordering a mug with an image, a T-shirt, and the like. It should be noted that those who are permitted to browse by the customer can also receive the same service.

For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-134124 discloses a reading device for reading image data from a removable medium on which image data is recorded, an image display based on the read image data, and display. A print order receiving device having a touch panel for selecting an image to be printed from among the displayed images is described.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-112964, an operator who inputs a document image is identified, the display state of the document image input from the image input unit is checked on the display unit, and the user intends. An information providing terminal device is described which transfers an image to an information providing server device and registers the image, and automatically updates hypertext information managed in a storage unit so that the registered image can be searched.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-235642 discloses that a unique user ID and a password are issued to a user, a user area corresponding to the user ID is obtained in a storage device, and whether the user is a valid user according to the user ID and the password. And an image processing system that allows only a valid user to process image data in a directory corresponding to the user ID is described.

[0007]

In the above service, a slip is issued at the time of accepting a print, or an order ID is issued, a print is received in exchange for the slip or the order ID, or the image data on the Internet is received. In order to access the server area storing the order ID, the order ID has to be entered.

However, the management of the order ID and the slip until the print is received is troublesome, and is often lost or forgotten.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a print system and an apparatus / method used for the print system, which can easily order a print of an image captured by a digital camera, for example. The purpose is to:

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus for photographing and recording image information, a print management apparatus for managing printing of the image information recorded by the image pickup apparatus, and a print management apparatus. A print reception processing device that transmits the image information to the print management device, and a print processing device that performs printing based on an instruction from the print management device. Issue identification information for identifying the captured image information, store the identification information in the imaging device, and manage the printing by associating the received image information with the identification information. Achieved by a printing system.

[0011] Further, the object is to provide an image pickup apparatus for photographing and recording image information, a print management apparatus for managing printing of the image information recorded by the image pickup apparatus, and a print for transmitting the image information to the print management apparatus. In a print system in which a reception processing device and a print processing device that performs printing based on an instruction from the print management device are network-connected, the print reception processing device identifies image information captured by the imaging device. A print system that issues identification information, stores the identification information in a storage medium that is detachable from the imaging device, and manages the printing by associating the received image information with the identification information. Achieved by

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of capturing and recording image information and communicating with another information processing apparatus, wherein the other information processing apparatus receives identification information issued in association with the image information. This is achieved by an imaging apparatus comprising: identification information receiving means; storage means for storing the identification information; and transmission means for transmitting the identification information to another information processing device.

[0013] Further, the above object is to provide an image pickup apparatus for photographing and recording image information and detachably attaching a storage medium, wherein the image information writing means writes the image information into the storage medium.
Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information issued by another information processing apparatus in association with the image information; storage means for storing the identification information; and identification information writing means for writing the identification information in the storage medium This is achieved by an imaging device having the following.

The object of the present invention is also a print reception processing device connected to a network and capable of communicating with an imaging device storing image information, wherein the image information reading means reads image information stored by the imaging device; Issuing means for issuing identification information in association with the obtained image information, identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information to the imaging device, and transmitting means for transmitting the image information and the identification information via a network, The present invention is attained by a print reception processing device characterized by having the above.

[0015] The above object is also a print accepting processing apparatus which is connected to a network and which is detachable from a storage medium on which image information is written, wherein the image information reading means reads image information written on the storage medium. Issuing means for issuing identification information in association with the read image information; identification information writing means for writing the identification information to the storage medium; and transmitting the image information and the identification information via a network. And a print reception processing device.

Further, the above object is to provide an imaging device for photographing and recording image information, a print management device for managing printing of the image information recorded by the imaging device, and a print for transmitting the image information to the print management device. In a print service method in a system in which a reception processing device and a print processing device that performs printing based on an instruction from the print management device, the print reception processing device captures and records the image using the imaging device. Image information, and identification information issued in association with the image information, transmitting to the print management device, in the print management device, storing the transmitted image information and the identification information, When a print order including the identification information is transmitted to the print management device , Is achieved by print service method characterized by and a step of transmitting the image information corresponding to the identification information to the print processing apparatus.

[0017] The above object is also a print service method for forming an image based on image information recorded by an image pickup apparatus, wherein the step of reading and storing image information photographed by the image pickup apparatus; Issuing identification information in association with each other, writing the identification information to an imaging device or a storage medium detachable from the imaging device, reading the identification information from the imaging device or the storage medium, Reading image information stored in association with the information, selecting any image information from the read image information, inputting a print order of the selected image information, Generating order information associated with the identification information based on the input print order; and storing the image information and the image information on a recording medium. A step of forming an image based on the statement information is accomplished by the print service method characterized by and a step of printing the image corresponding to the individual information or the identification information on the recording medium.

The above object is also a print reception processing method in a reception processing device connected to a network and capable of communicating with an imaging device storing image information, the method comprising: reading image information stored by the imaging device; Issuing the identification information in association with the image information, transmitting the identification information to the imaging device, and transmitting the read image information and the identification information via a network. This is achieved by a print reception processing method which is a feature of the present invention.

[0019] Further, the above object is a print accepting processing method in an image information processing apparatus which is connected to a network and in which a storage medium on which image information is written can be attached and detached, wherein the image information written on the storage medium is Reading, issuing identification information in association with the image information, and writing the identification information to the storage medium,
Transmitting the image information and the identification information via a network.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network service system including a print system according to the present embodiment.

A customer terminal (client PC) 3, a print reception processing device (image data upload device) 2,
The center server 4 and the lab server 5 are connected to a network WAN such as the Internet. In the lab, the lab server 5 is connected to the image forming apparatus 51 via a LAN or the like. The digital camera 1 is connected to a customer terminal (client PC) 3 or an image data upload device 2.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the digital camera 1 according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention.

The digital camera 1 has an identification information storage unit 10
1, operation unit 102, card I / F 103, communication I / F
104, USB connector 105, power supply 106, overall control unit 107, signal processing unit 108, display unit 109, imaging unit 1
10, a ROM 111, and a RAM 112, and a memory card 8 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a removable medium) is detachable. With this configuration, the digital camera 1 uses the image captured by the imaging unit 110 as image data, performs signal processing on the signal processing unit 108, and then writes the processed image data on the memory card 8,
The image data stored in the memory card 8 is read and displayed on the display unit 109, and the image data stored in the memory card 8 and the order ID stored in the identification information storage unit 101 are read.
It has a function of reading (identification information) and transferring it to the client PC 3 via the communication I / F.

Identification information storage unit 101 for storing an order ID
Is a non-volatile storage medium which constitutes an identification information storage means in the present invention and stores an order ID for identifying an order described later.

Note that the order information ID that can be stored in the identification information storage unit 101 is not limited to one, and a plurality of order IDs can be stored. That is, the identification information storage unit 1
At 01, an order ID switching flag is stored in addition to the order ID, and when the second order ID is received, the order ID switching flag is changed to the second order ID and stored in the identification information unit 101. To do. The user performs an operation of changing the order ID switching flag while looking at the display on the display unit 109, and can switch to select which of the first and second order IDs to use. At this time, the operation unit 102 that performs an operation for selecting an order ID acts as identification information switching means.

In this way, even when the user uploads a plurality of image data, the order ID can be switched based on the order ID switching flag, and the desired ID associated with the order ID can be changed. Image data (not limited to one sheet, but may be a plurality of data). The number of order IDs that can be stored may be three or more.

In the present invention, the identification information storage unit 10
Reference numeral 1 is not an essential component, and it is also possible to take in an order ID into image data and store it as described later.

The operation unit 102 is a group of switches related to the operation of the digital camera, such as a power switch, a shutter button, a flash mode setting switch, an imaging mode setting switch, a photographing / reproduction mode setting switch, and a touch panel.

The card I / F 103 corresponding to the image information writing means and the identification information writing means of the present invention is used for writing / writing image data to / from the memory card 8 which is detachable from the digital camera 1.
An interface for reading, writing an order ID, and writing / reading attached data.

A memory card 8 which is a storage medium detachable from the digital camera 1 is a memory for storing image data, order IDs, various attached data, and the like in a file format. It is composed of a flash memory represented by a smart media, an SD card, and a stick memory.

The memory card 8 has a card I / F 1
The DPOF data is written from 03 onward. At this time, the order ID can be recorded in “VendorUnique” of the job description section in the DPOF 1.10 standard. For DPOF, Canon Inc., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
Reference materials on DPOF Version 1.10 announced by four DPOF proposal companies of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (http: // www.
panasonic.co.jp/avc/video/dpof/dpof_110/white.ht
m).

The transmitting means and the receiving means in the present invention are:
An interface that communicates with the client PC 3 and conforms to a known standard, such as RS232C,
IEEE 1394, USB, IrDA, Bluetooth
th and the like.

In this embodiment, a USB connector 1 conforming to the USB standard is used as a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and a power receiving unit.
In addition to the signal line to the communication I / F 104, the power supply line is connected to the power supply 106, and the power supply 106 supplies power to at least each circuit including the communication I / F 104 and the overall control unit 107. Is done. In this way, even if the power of the digital camera 1 is off, the image data and the order ID can be transferred to the client PC 3 or the image data upload device 2 by the power supply from the client PC 3 or the image data upload device 2. Has become.

The overall control unit 107, which is a control means in the present invention, performs various controls based on a control program in the ROM 111. Some of these controls include the signal processing unit 1
08, read the photographed image signal output from
12, the process of transferring data from the RAM 112 to the display unit 109, the process of transferring image data to the card I / F 103 in a file format, and the order ID stored in the identification information storage unit 101. A process of transferring to the communication I / F is included.

The signal processing unit 108 performs A / D conversion on the output electric signal, and further performs image processing such as gamma correction, color space conversion, and white balance on the digitized signal.

The imaging unit 110 includes a lens, a photoelectric conversion element,
The photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD converts an image projected by a lens into an electric signal, and the strobe emits light in response to an instruction from the overall control unit.

The display unit 109, which is the display means of the present invention,
Liquid crystal display, plasma display or CRT
Can be used to display an image, a text, an input image from the imaging unit, display a menu for setting various conditions, display an order ID stored in the identification information storage unit 101, and the like.

The ROM 111 stores a control program for the overall control unit to perform various controls of the digital camera 1.

The RAM 112 stores the photographed image data transferred from the signal processing unit 108, performs the specified image processing, temporarily stores the compressed image data read from the memory card 8, and stores the image data. It is used as a work area for compression processing and decompression processing, and is used to temporarily save various data.

Further, the overall control unit 107 can arbitrarily restrict the transmission of the order ID to another information processing apparatus and the writing to the storage medium by operating the operation unit 102. For example, when the order ID is not desired to be used, an order ID valid flag is stored together with the order ID, and the order ID can be set to an invalid state by setting a flag indicating invalidity. For example, when a user who receives a print order temporarily borrows another person's digital camera 1 or the like, it goes without saying that the print orderer can receive the print service without worrying about the order ID. Absent. At this time, the operation unit 102 that performs an operation related to the regulation of transmission and writing of the order ID acts as transmission switching means or writing switching means.

The order ID may be added to the Exif tag of the temporarily stored image data. E
About xif tag, Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association standard (JA
PANELECTRONIC INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ATA
NDARD) "Digital Still Camera Image File Format St
andard (Exchangeable image file format for Digital
Still Camera: Exif) Version ”(2.1 JEIDA-49-1998), section“ 2.6.Tags ”.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image upload apparatus 2 according to the print reception processing apparatus of the present invention, and performs print order reception processing and the like.

The image upload device 2 includes a control unit 20
1, memory 202, hard disk (HDD) 203,
Display unit 204, operation unit 205, input interface 2
09, a network interface 208, an order reception ID issuing unit 207, and a card reader 206.

The input interface 209 serving as the image information reading means and the identification information reading means of the present invention can receive various storage media in which image information corresponding to an image captured by the digital camera 1 is written.
A plurality of storage medium receiving openings or connectors and a storage medium reading mechanism are provided. As a storage medium reading mechanism, for example, a magnetic disk drive such as FD or HiFD,
Card I / F corresponding to memory cards such as MD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, and other optical disk drives, smart media (SSFDC), compact flash, memory stick, SD card, and US
B, cable connection I / E including IEEE1394
F, infrared (IrDA), wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth. TIFF, GIF, JP
EG, FlashPix, Exif, and the like.

The network interface 208, which is a transmitting means and a receiving means of the present invention, is a communication interface for exchanging data with another information processing apparatus.
Connected to AN.

The control unit 201 has a memory 202 or H
According to the control program stored in the DD 203, the entire image upload apparatus 2 is controlled. For example, a process of reading image information input from the media input interface 209 and transferring the image information to the HDD 203.
A process of transferring data from the DD 203 to the display unit 204,
The processing includes a process of associating the input image information with the order ID and a process of associating the order input from the operation unit 205 with the order ID and processing the order data into order data.

A hard disk (HDD) 203 stores an application program executable by the control unit 201 and temporarily stores image data and order data input from the media input interface 209.

The display unit 204 is composed of a liquid crystal display element or a CRT display, and displays image information transferred from the HDD 203 and displays orders and personal information input from the operation unit 205.

An operation unit 205 corresponding to the image selection input means and the order input means of the present invention is constituted by a keyboard, a touch panel, a joystick controller and the like, and inputs an order and inputs personal information.

The card reader 206 includes a magnetic recording reading device, an optical reading device, and an IC card reading device, and reads the member information recorded in the member card 9 in advance.

The order reception ID issuing unit 207 issues an order ID, which is identification information for associating the image data, order contents, and personal information input from the media input interface 209 with each order. The order reception ID issuance unit constitutes identification information issuing means of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the center server according to the print management apparatus of the present invention.

The center server 4 has an image data area 4
01a, customer data area 401b, content area 40
1c, center storage unit 401 having order progress data area 401d, authentication unit 402, control unit 403, WWW data generation unit 404, network interface 40
5, a ROM 406, and has a function as a so-called World Wide Web (WWW) server.

The image data area 401a, which is the image information storage means of the present invention, stores image data transmitted from the image data upload device 2 in a file format associated with an order ID.

Customer data area 4 as personal information storage means
01b is a file format in which personal information such as a customer's name, address, telephone number, order history and the like input from the image data upload device 2 or the client PC 3 and transmitted via the network is associated with the order ID. I remember.

In the content area 401c, information provided on the WWW, such as a template image, posted text, shop information, etc., is stored in a file format.

In the order progress data area 401d, which is the print order progress information storage means of the present invention, the progress of the printer order processing based on the order data transmitted from the customer is coded and associated with the order ID. It is remembered.

The authentication unit 402, which is the comparison means and access restriction means of the present invention, stores the order ID transmitted from the client PC 3 and other information processing terminals via the network in the customer data area 401b. The information is stored in the center storage unit 4 by another information processing terminal.
01 is approved or denied access to the various data stored in 01.

The control unit 403 controls the entire center server 4 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 406. For example, processing for transferring image information input from the network I / F 405 to the image data area 401a, and processing for transferring image data from the image data area 401a to the lab server 5 via the network via the network I / F 405 in the same manner Processing for updating information included in the order progress data area 401d based on the received order progress information, processing for transmitting the received order data to the lab server 5 via the network via the network I / F, and the operation unit 205 And a process of processing the order input from to the order data in association with the order ID.

The display image information generating means W of the present invention
The WWW data generation unit 404 generates data suitable for WWW based on various information stored in the center storage unit 401.

Network interface 405 corresponding to identification information receiving means, image information receiving means, access ID receiving means, display image information transmitting means, personal information receiving means, print order receiving means, print order processing status transmitting means of the present invention. Receives various data transmitted via the network, and transmits WWW data generated by the WWW data generation unit 404, order data generated by the control unit 406, and image data stored in the image data area 401a.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the lab server 5 and the lab printer 51 according to the print processing apparatus of the present invention. The lab server 5 includes a lab storage unit 501 having an image data area 501a, an order data area 501b, and a content area 501c, a control unit 502, a print data generation unit 503, a network interface 504, and a ROM.
505, a video interface 506, and has a function as a so-called image processing and a printer server of the laboratory printer 51. The laboratory printer 51 includes a control unit 510, a ROM 511, a memory 512, a color printer unit 513, a monochrome printer unit 514, a video interface 515, a post-processing device 516, and an inspection unit 517, and has a function as a printer.

The image data area 501a stores image data transferred from the center server in a file format associated with the order ID.

The order data area 501b stores the order data transferred from the center server in a file format associated with the order ID.

In the content area 501c, an image, such as a template image and a delivery note form, which is combined with the image data stored in the image data area 501a and provided for printing by a laboratory printer is stored in a file format.

The control section 502 controls the entire lab server 5 according to a control program stored in the ROM 505. For example, a process of transferring image information input from the network I / F 504 to the print data generation unit 503, and transmitting a video signal generated by the print data generation unit 503 to the lab printer 5 via the video interface 506.
1 to transfer the order progress information to the network I / F
A process of transmitting the control signal for controlling the laboratory printer 51 to the center server 4 via the video interface 506 via the video interface 506 is included.

The print data generation unit 503 performs various known image processing based on image information and other information.
Print data (video signal) suitable for the lab printer 51
Generate

The network interface 504 is
Receives various data transmitted over the network,
The order progress is transmitted to the center server 4.

The video interface 506 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit 503 to the lab printer 51, and receives a control signal transmitted from the lab printer.

The control unit 510 of the lab printer 51 executes the RO
The lab printer 51 is controlled according to the control program stored in M511. For example, video I / F 515
The print data inputted from the
Alternatively, the image data is transferred to the monochrome printer unit 514, and the post-processing device 516 is
, A process for controlling the color printer unit 513 or the monochrome printer unit 514 based on the control command transmitted from the lab server 51, and a control command for the lab server to the video interface 515.
And a process of transmitting the data via the Internet.

The memory 512 temporarily stores the print data transferred via the video interface 515.

A color printer unit 513 corresponding to the first image forming means of the present invention converts an image picked up by the digital camera 1 onto a recording sheet based on print data transferred from the laboratory server 5 via the video interface 515. This is a printer for forming an image.

The monochrome printer unit 514 corresponding to the second image forming means of the present invention, based on the print data transferred from the lab server 5 via the video interface 515, performs printing on the back of the recording paper or the non-printed color image. The printer forms a monochrome image of an order ID associated with the image data or a character or graphic corresponding to the order ID in a recording unit. The order ID is image-formed in the form of a character or a barcode.

The color printer unit 513 and the monochrome printer 514 have an image forming system of a silver halide photographic system,
Any of an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, and a thermal system may be used.

The inspection unit 517 corresponding to the individual identification information detecting means of the present invention reads the order ID formed on the recording paper by an optical sensor or the like, and prints the order and the lab printer 5.
It is checked whether the print output formed in step 1 corresponds to the print output.

The post-processing device 516, which is the recording medium processing means of the present invention, sorts and rearranges the recording sheets on which images have been formed, binds and packs each print order under the control of the control unit 510. For example, the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-77893 can be used.

Although the lab server 5, center server 4, and lab printer 51 described here are functionally separated, they may be physically located at one location or one device.

The operation of the image uploading apparatus 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image upload device 2 according to the present embodiment is a print agency or a convenience store (hereinafter, referred to as an agency).
And so on.

A customer who wants to print brings a removable medium or a digital camera 1 such as a memory card 8 in which image data corresponding to an image captured by his / her digital camera 1 is recorded to a subordinate store.

When an instruction to upload image data is given by the image uploading apparatus on which the initial screen is displayed, a screen requesting selection of an input method of image data is displayed. In the present embodiment, the user selects whether to insert a removable medium into the digital camera of the present invention or to transfer data from the digital camera of the present invention (media selection), and read data from the removable medium or the digital camera (media). (Read) (S
601).

The media selection and media reading in S601 will be described with reference to FIG.

The user selects and inputs a medium (S
701).

If data transfer from the digital camera is selected in step S702 (USB will be described as an example in this embodiment), the USB connector 105 of the digital camera 1 is connected to the media input interface 2 of the image upload device 2.
09 (S721). When a wireless communication unit is provided, the operation of the wireless communication unit is started.

When the sensor detects the connection with the digital camera and the preparation for data communication is completed (S70)
3), the image upload apparatus starts a setup transaction for transmitting a control signal specified by the standard to the digital camera, and requests the digital camera 1 to transmit a device configuration (S70).
4). The digital camera 1 executes an in-transaction for transmitting a signal corresponding to the control signal, and transmits a device configuration for identifying device characteristics of the digital camera 1 (S722). When the device configuration is received (S705), the image upload device 2 requests the digital camera 1 to transmit the image data written in the memory card 8 of the digital camera 1 (S706). The digital camera 1 transmits image data (S723), and the received image data (S707) is temporarily stored in the HDD 203 (S708). Hereinafter, S723 and S7 until all the image data written in the memory card 8 is transmitted.
24 and S707 and S708 are repeated, and the digital camera 1 finishes transmitting all image data, and
An (End of file) signal is transmitted to the image upload device 2, and the operation is terminated (S725). The image upload device 2 that has received the EOF signal ends the medium reading process and returns to the main routine (S709).

On the other hand, when the insertion of the removable medium is selected in S701, it waits until the removable medium is inserted into the opening of the image upload apparatus (S71).
1).

When the sensor detects that the removable medium is fixed at a position where the image data can be read, the media input interface 209 reads the data recorded on the removable medium (S).
712). The process of temporarily storing the image data in the HDD 203 (S713) is repeated, and when all the image data has been read, the medium reading process ends and the process returns to the main routine (S714).

Returning to the main routine, the order reception ID issuing section 207 issues a unique order reception ID (order ID) independently (S 602), and sends the order ID to the camera 1 connected to the image upload apparatus 2. Is transmitted (S6
03). If the removable medium has been selected in S701, the transmission in S603 is transmitted to the connected removable medium.

When the digital camera 1 or the removable medium 8 connected to the image upload device 2 receives the order ID (S621), the order ID is stored (S622). Order ID for digital camera
Are stored in the identification information storage unit 101. Alternatively, when the identification information storage unit is not provided, the identification information may be stored in the Exif tag of the image data as described above. In the case of a removable medium, the area may be a predetermined area in the removable medium, or may be stored in “Vendor Unique” of the job description section conforming to the DPOF standard described above.

All the images corresponding to the image data read in S601 are displayed on the screen of the display unit 204 in an index manner (S604). In addition, for the same image on removable media or digital camera,
When full-size image data and thumbnail image data having a smaller data amount than the full-size image data are recorded, in such an index display,
An image is displayed based on the thumbnail image data. When image data having a small data amount is not stored, image data having a small data amount may be generated from the read full-size image data, and may be index-displayed.

At this stage, the user can determine whether or not to place a print order and input the result (S60).
5) At this stage, it is possible for the user to register only the image data, and then make an actual print order later. This is convenient when, for example, only uploading image data such as a group photo and releasing the image data, and then recruiting purchasers and ordering at once.

When ordering a print at this stage, the user selects a desired image from the displayed images (S
606), a print order is made (S607). The contents of the order include information on the receipt of the completed print, that is, designation of service type such as normal print or postcard print, postcard print, postcard type designation, type of print paper, print size, number of prints, The designation of the edge width, the presence or absence of gloss, and the like are input from the operation unit 205, and the input order content is temporarily stored in the memory 202 as order data.

In addition, the type of image processing performed on the image data is described. Types of image processing include, for example, black and white finishing, sepia finishing, red-eye correction finishing, and trimming.

In order to prevent mischief such as uploading a large number of images for which there is no intention to order a print from the beginning, if the number of prints ordered in S608 exceeds a certain value or the number of image data read in S609. If exceeds a certain value, the user is requested to input personal information (S610). Items that need to be entered are name, address, telephone number and the like. The input personal information is temporarily stored in the memory 202.

The image data temporarily stored in the HDD 203 is associated with the order ID (S611). If personal information or order data has been input on the operation unit 205, these are also associated with each other and transmitted to the center server 3 via the Internet (S612).

As a specific example of the association, for example, a name using an order ID as a file name of image data or order data, or a name using an order ID as a directory name containing image data or order data Alternatively, a table format file indicating the correspondence between the file name and the order ID may be separately created, and the table format file may be transmitted together.

Here, the name using the order ID means that the order ID alone is a file name (for example, a format such as “order ID.jpg”) or a directory name.
Since only one image or directory can be associated with a file, it is a unique one that uses an order ID and can handle a plurality of files. One example is “order ID + photographing time.jpg” , "Order ID +
Reception time.prg "," order ID + order serial number ", etc., and it is desirable to add a value or numerical value that can be added to the order ID to make it a unique name.

[0098] The order information associated at this time is configured in a format compliant with the above-mentioned DPOF standard.

On the other hand, the center server having the communication function completes the data transfer (S631-S63).
2), the fact that the data has been transferred (incoming notification) via the Internet is transmitted to the image data uploading device 2 of the agency (S633), and the image data uploading device 2 that received the incoming notification (S613). Ejects the removable medium or ends the communication with the digital camera, and displays on the display unit 204 that the transfer of the image data is completed.

The operation of the center server and the client PC according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When data is transmitted from the image data upload device 2 (S801), the transmitted order ID and the image data, personal information and order data associated therewith are stored in the center storage unit. It is stored in 401 (S802).

Then, it is determined whether or not a print order has been made by the image data uploading device 2, that is, whether or not the order data has been transmitted from the image data uploading device 2 (S803), and the order data has not been transmitted. In this case, the order processing status automatically generated in association with the order ID in the order progress data area 401d in conjunction with the storage of the image data is set to “image uploaded” (S804), and the user waits for a connection. (S805). The user who did not order the print in S605 described above can order a print here. If the order has already been placed, that is, if the order data has been transmitted, the process proceeds to S811.

The user goes to the agency again to receive the order I
A print order can be made from the uploaded image by inputting D, but a print order can also be made from the client PC 3 via the Internet.

When ordering a print from the client PC 3 via the Internet, the user connects to a predetermined universal resource locator (URL) center server via the Internet from the client PC 3 using a web browser or the like (S821). ), Input of the order ID.

The order ID can be input from the keyboard (S829), but is automatically connected to the client PC 3 by connecting the digital camera 1 of the present invention or the memory card 8 detachable to the digital camera of the present invention. It is also possible to enter.

When the digital camera 1 of the present invention is connected (S822), a plug-in application previously stored in the storage means of the client PC 3 starts, and
Communication with the digital camera 1 is started.

The sensor detects connection to the digital camera 1, and the client PC 3 performs a setup transaction for transmitting a control signal defined by the USB 2.0 standard to the digital camera 1, and requests an order ID (S823). ). The digital camera 1 performs an in-transaction for transmitting a signal corresponding to the control signal, reads the order ID stored in the identification information storage unit 101 or the memory card 8, and transmits the read order ID (S831). The transmitted order ID is Client P
It is received by C3 and temporarily stored in the memory (S82
4).

At this time, the power of the digital camera 1 does not need to be turned on, and the transaction is executed only by the power supplied from the client PC 3 via the USB connector. Further, the same operation can be performed also in the case of having the connection means of the IEEE1394 standard.

When a memory card detachable from the digital camera 1 is connected to the client PC 3 (not shown),
When the sensor detects that the memory card has been inserted into the card reader, the plug-in application previously stored in the storage means of the client PC 3 starts up,
Send a readable signal. In response to the readable signal, the card reader reads the order ID recorded on the memory card and temporarily stores the order ID in the memory.

The order ID temporarily stored in the memory is transmitted to the center server as in the case where the order ID is input from the keyboard. (S825) Upon receiving the order ID (S807), the center server 4 searches the image data stored in the image data area 401a for image data corresponding to the received order ID, and displays the image for display based on this. Data is generated (S808). Display image data is a hypertext markup language (HTML)
And the image file linked to the HTML. The image file reduces the resolution and image size of the original image data stored in the image data area 401a, and is suitable for display on the display screen of the client PC3. Is converted to

The display image data is transmitted to the client PC 3 (S809), and an image corresponding to the transmitted order ID is displayed on the display of the client PC 3 (S826).

The user selects a desired image from the displayed images (S827) and places a print order (S827).
828). The order content to be input is performed in the same manner as the print order in the image data upload device 2.

When the order data is received from the client PC 3 (S810), the order processing status is changed to "order accepted" (S811), as in the case where the order data is received from the image uploading apparatus 2. The image data and the order data are transmitted to the laboratory server 5 in association with the order ID (S812), and the process returns to the standby state.

[0114] If the state where only the image data is uploaded without placing an order continues, the image data is deleted in the fixed period (for example, one month) after being stored in the center server 4. That is, when there is no access to the center server 4 from the client PC 3, it is determined whether or not one month or more has elapsed while the order processing status is “image uploaded” (S814). The image data is deleted from the image data area 401a (S815).

On the other hand, the image data for which the print order has been made is stored in the center server 4 for a period (for example, one year) according to the contract contents, so that the user can print out again at a later date. Is desirable, since the above-described upload procedure of the image data does not need to be performed again.

In this embodiment, the center server 4 is used as a storage location of images used for printing. However, the storage area of the center server 4 may be used only as a WWW server. The image data is stored in the lab storage unit 501 of the lab server 5.

The operations of the lab server 5 and the lab printer 51 in the lab will be described with reference to FIG.

When the image data and the order data associated with the order ID are received from the center server 4 (S901), these are associated with the order ID and are stored in the image data area 501a and the order data area 501b of the lab storage unit 501. Are sequentially stored (S902).

The print data generation unit 503 generates print data in the order in which the order data is received (S90).
3). In generating the print data, known data development and signal processing are performed based on the image data and the order data corresponding to the order ID. When a template is specified in the order data, the content area 501c is obtained by a well-known method.
The data is synthesized with the template image stored in.

The generated print data is transmitted to the laboratory printer 51 via the network together with the order data (S904). When the lab printer 51 receives the print data (S931), the color printer unit 513 forms (prints) an image on a recording sheet based on the print data (S932), and the monochrome printer unit 514 prints the back side of the recording sheet or the recording sheet. An order ID or a figure corresponding to the order ID (for example, a bar code) outside the recording area
(S933).

In a label printer (not shown),
An image is formed on the label paper based on the order ID transmitted from the lab server 5 (S934). Here, the contents to be image-formed are, for example, order ID, personal information, order data, reception date and time, processing date and time, and the like. The label paper on which the image has been formed is attached to a print output storage bag called a DP bag.

The print output formed by the color printer unit 513 is read after the inspection unit 517 reads the order ID or the figure corresponding to this code (S93).
5) If the read order ID corresponds to the order data (S936), the order is stored in a DP bag on which a label paper corresponding to the order ID is affixed by the packing machine and packed (S93).
7). If the order ID and the order data do not correspond in S936, the print output is discarded (S939) and S93.
Return to 2. When the packing is completed, a signal of “printing end” is issued to the laboratory server 5 (S938), and the processing of the laboratory printer 51 ends.

The lab server 5 having received the notification of “printing completed” (S905) transmits a code corresponding to “printing completed” to the center server 4 together with the order ID (S906). Is received (S951), the order processing status corresponding to the order ID is changed to "print completed" (S952).

When the packed print output (DP bag) is sent from the lab 5 (S907), the lab server 5
The order ID and the code corresponding to "shipped" are transmitted to the center server 4 (S908), and the process ends.

Center server 3 that has received “shipped”
(S953), the order processing status corresponding to the order ID is changed to "delivery" (S954). When the printed output (DP bag) packed in the agency specified by the user at the time of the print order arrives, the agency operates. Transmits an order ID and a code corresponding to “delivered” from the information terminal (for example, a POS register) to the center server 4 (S96).
1), the center server 4 changes the order processing status status corresponding to the order ID to “delivered” (S955)
At the same time as S956), the customer (the ordering user) is notified by e-mail that the print output has arrived at the agency (S957).

Note that this user can be contacted by a communication means such as a telephone other than e-mail. However, in the case of e-mail, the user is automatically triggered by the change of the status status to “delivered”. It is possible to communicate and save labor, and there is no possibility of accidental contact loss through a person.

The user receives a print output (DP bag) at the agency in exchange for the order ID used at the time of uploading the image. The order ID is presented by (1) a method of connecting the order ID stored in the digital camera 1 to a terminal (image data upload device 2) of the receiving store and referring to the received ID, and (2) a memory card 8 in which the order ID is written. And (3) displaying the order ID on the liquid crystal screen of the digital camera 1 and referring to it, and (4) referring to the order ID verbally or in writing. However, although (1) or (2) is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of reducing labor and preventing mistakes caused by human intervention, it is needless to say that these may be used in combination.

Note that when the order ID is not used (for example, when the digital camera is borrowed from a person and the camera or memory card cannot be brought to the agency), S
In step 603, the order ID is issued to the user with the IC card storing the reception ID, the reception ID is printed out on a predetermined sheet, the reception ID is displayed on the display unit 204, the reception ID is transferred to the mobile phone, and the like. If the provision in the form of is performed in parallel, it is possible to check even a predetermined printed sheet or the like, which is more preferable.

When the user receives the print output and pays the fee (S962), a code corresponding to “transaction end” is transmitted from the terminal of the receiving store to the center server 4 together with the order ID (S963). The server 4 changes the order processing status corresponding to the received order ID to “transaction completed” (S958 to S9).
59), the processing of all the print services of the present invention is completed.

[0130]

According to the print system and the print service method of the present invention, it is possible to store identification information associated with image data photographed by the imaging device in the imaging device or the storage medium. At the time of reception, troublesome management of IDs, slips, and the like until the print is received is not required, and print order reception / processing is facilitated. Also, for example, when browsing image data via the Internet, browsing and printing orders can be made simply by connecting an imaging device or storage medium in which identification information is stored to a client terminal. You can do it.

According to the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the identification information associated with the image data photographed by the image pickup apparatus can be stored in the image pickup apparatus or a storage medium. ID until receiving
This eliminates the need for complicated management of documents and slips, and facilitates the processing of print orders.

According to the print reception processing apparatus and the print reception processing method of the present invention, the identification information associated with the image data photographed by the imaging device can be stored in the imaging device or the storage medium. When receiving the print, troublesome management of the ID and the slip until the print is received becomes unnecessary, and the print order receiving process can be easily performed. Also, for example, when browsing image data via the Internet, browsing and printing orders can be made simply by connecting an imaging device or storage medium in which identification information is stored to a client terminal. You can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print creation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the digital camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an image data upload device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a center server device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a lab server device and a lab printer according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main routine operation of the image data upload device according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine operation of the image data upload device and an operation of the digital camera according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the center server device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing operations of the lab server device, the lab printer, and the center server device according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 digital camera 2 image data upload device 3 client PC 4 center server 5 lab server 51 lab printer 8 memory card

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 A 17/60 ZEC 17/60 ZEC 106 106 302 302A 318 318G F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 AR01 HJ06 HQ12 HQ17 2H106 BA55 BA95 2H109 BA03 BA11 5B021 BB02 BB04 CC05 5C052 AA12 AB04 CC01 DD02 DD04

Claims (37)

[Claims] An image capturing apparatus that captures and records image information; a print management apparatus that manages printing of the image information recorded by the image capturing apparatus; and a print reception processing apparatus that transmits the image information to the print management apparatus. A print processing apparatus that performs printing based on an instruction from the print management apparatus, and a print system in which the print reception processing apparatus performs identification information for identifying image information captured by the imaging apparatus. A print system that issues the image information, stores the identification information in the imaging device, and manages the printing by associating the received image information with the identification information. 2. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print reception processing device includes means for requesting the imaging device to transmit the identification information. 3. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes a unit that transmits the identification information to the print management device via a client terminal connectable to the network. 4. An imaging device for capturing and recording image information, a print management device for managing printing of the image information recorded by the imaging device, and a print reception processing device for transmitting the image information to the print management device A print processing apparatus that performs printing based on an instruction from the print management apparatus, and a print system in which the print reception processing apparatus performs identification information for identifying image information captured by the imaging apparatus. A print system that issues the identification information in a storage medium that is removable from the imaging device, and manages the printing by associating the received image information with the identification information. 5. The print management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for notifying a user when the print delivery becomes possible.
Print system as described. 6. An image pickup apparatus capable of capturing and recording image information and communicating with another information processing apparatus, wherein the other information processing apparatus receives identification information issued in association with the image information. An imaging apparatus comprising: means, storage means for storing the identification information, and transmission means for transmitting the identification information to another information processing device. 7. A request signal receiving unit for receiving an identification information request signal from another information processing apparatus, and the identification information stored in the storage unit by the transmission unit based on the reception of the identification information request signal. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a control unit configured to transmit the image data. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a power receiving unit that receives power supply from another information processing apparatus, wherein at least the transmitting unit is operable with power supplied from the power receiving unit. 8. The imaging device according to 7. 9. A power receiving unit for receiving power supply from another information processing apparatus, wherein at least the control unit, the request signal receiving unit, and the transmitting unit are operable with power supplied from the power receiving unit. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein: 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit, the identification information receiving unit, the request signal receiving unit, and the power receiving unit are
The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the imaging apparatus has a configuration based on the B2.0 standard and / or the IEEE 1394 standard. 11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising transmission switching means for switching transmission / non-transmission of said identification information by said transmission means. 12. An image pickup apparatus for photographing and recording image information and detachably attaching a storage medium, wherein the image information writing means for writing the image information to the storage medium; Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information issued in association with information; storage means for storing the identification information; and identification information writing means for writing the identification information in the storage medium. Imaging device. 13. The image information is written in the storage medium according to the DPOF standard, and the identification information is a DPOF standard.
13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the information is written in a standard job description section. 14. At least a part of the identification information is DP
14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the information is written in a Vendor Unique in an OF-standard job description section. 15. The image information is written to the storage medium according to the Exif standard, and the identification information is Exi.
15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information is written in an Exif tag defined by the f standard. 16. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a write switching unit that switches between writing and non-writing of the identification information. 17. The imaging device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit that displays the identification information. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: identification information switching means for storing a plurality of identification information in said storage means and selectively switching identification information to be transmitted to another information processing apparatus. Imaging device. 19. A print reception processing device connected to a network and capable of communicating with an imaging device storing image information, wherein the image information reading means reads image information stored in the imaging device; Issuing means for issuing identification information in association with the information processing apparatus; identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information to the imaging device; and transmitting means for transmitting the image information and the identification information via a network. Characteristic print reception processing device. 20. The print reception processing device according to claim 21, wherein a request for transmitting the identification information is made to the imaging device. 21. The print reception processing device according to claim 19, further comprising a power supply unit for supplying power to the imaging device. 22. The print reception processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the power supply means has a configuration based on USB 2.0 standard and / or IEEE 1394 standard. 23. A storage medium reading means for reading image information written on a removable storage medium, wherein the image information reading means reads the image information and the storage medium reading means reads the image information. 23. A device according to claim 19, further comprising means for selecting.
The print reception processing device described in the above. 24. A print accepting processing apparatus connected to a network and capable of attaching and detaching a storage medium on which image information is written, wherein the image information reading means reads image information written on the storage medium; Issuing means for issuing identification information in association with the read image information; identification information writing means for writing the identification information to the storage medium; transmission means for transmitting the image information and the identification information via a network; A print reception processing device comprising: 25. A display device, comprising: display means for displaying an image based on the read image information; and image selection input means for inputting selection of an arbitrary image among the images displayed on the display means. 25. A print reception processing device according to claim 19, wherein 26. An order input unit for inputting a print order for the selected image, and order information generating unit for generating order information associated with the identification information based on the print order, the transmitting unit 26. The print reception processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the order information is transmitted to another information processing apparatus. 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the order information has a format conforming to the DPOF standard, and the identification information is included in a job description section of the DPOF standard.
The print reception processing device described in the above. 28. At least a part of the identification information is D
28. The print acceptance processing device according to claim 27, wherein the print acceptance processing device is included in Vender Unique in the job description section of the POF standard. 29. An imaging device for photographing and recording image information,
A print management device that manages printing of the image information recorded by the imaging device, a print reception processing device that transmits the image information to the print management device, and performs printing based on an instruction from the print management device In a print service method in a system in which a print processing device and a network are connected, in the print reception processing device, the image information captured and recorded by the imaging device, and identification information issued in association with the image information, Transmitting to the print management device; storing the transmitted image information and the identification information in the print management device; and transmitting a print order including the identification information to the print management device. Transmitting the image information corresponding to the identification information to the print processing apparatus. Print service method characterized by comprising the steps of, a. 30. The print service method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of notifying a user when the print can be delivered. 31. A print service method for forming an image based on image information recorded by an imaging device, comprising: a step of reading and storing image information captured by the imaging device; and identifying the image information in association with the image information. Issuing information, writing the identification information to an imaging device or a removable storage medium to the imaging device, reading the identification information from the imaging device or the storage medium, and associating the identification information with the read identification information. Reading the stored image information; selecting any image information from the read image information; inputting a print order for the selected image information; and Generating order information associated with the identification information based on a print order; and storing the image information and the order information on a recording medium. Process and print service method characterized by comprising the the steps of the printing an image corresponding to the individual information or the identification information on the recording medium for forming an image based. 32. The print service method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of reading the image information directly from the photographing device. 33. The print service method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of reading the image information from a storage medium detachable from the photographing device. 34. A print reception processing method in a reception processing device connected to a network and capable of communicating with an imaging device storing image information, wherein: a step of reading image information stored in the imaging device; Issuing identification information in association with information; transmitting the identification information to the imaging device; and transmitting the read image information and identification information via a network. Print reception processing method. 35. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a step of requesting the imaging device to transmit the identification information.
Print reception processing method described. 36. A print accepting processing method in an image information processing apparatus which is connected to a network and in which a storage medium on which image information is written can be attached and detached, comprising: a step of reading the image information written on the storage medium; Issuing identification information in association with the image information; writing the identification information to the storage medium; and transmitting the image information and the identification information via a network. Print reception processing method. 37. A step of receiving the identification information, a step of displaying an image based on the image information associated with the identification information, and inputting selection of an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display unit. And inputting a print order for the selected image; generating order information associated with the identification information based on the print order; and transmitting the order information. 37. The print acceptance processing method according to claim 34, wherein: