JP3521718B2 - Image data processing system and image processing device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for editing image data captured by an image pickup device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, digital cameras (electronic cameras) for electrically storing photographed images instead of films have become widespread. In such a digital camera, when the shutter button is pressed and an instruction to capture an image of a subject is given, the image is electrically captured by a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD, and the captured image is compressed by a compression processing technique such as JPEG. , Compressed still images are stored in solid-state memory such as flash memory.

A digital camera has a function of confirming a photographed image on the spot, and is more responsive than a conventional film photographing camera which cannot see the photographed image unless it is developed and printed. Is excellent in.

Recently, PDA (Pe
A device equipped with the digital camera function described above has also been commercialized,
It is also possible to send captured image data to others via a telephone line.

[0005]

However, in the digital camera with the image data transmission function, the image data taken is transmitted to the personal computer at home and the personal computer processes the image data. Since the data processing is greatly influenced by the image data processing ability of the personal computer, there are cases where the added value of the image data taken at a certain angle cannot be fully extracted.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and image data processing by which anyone can fully derive the added value of this image data by utilizing the transmission function of the captured image data. The purpose is to provide a system.

[0007]

An image processing system according to the present invention is an image data processing system having an image pickup device and a center device, wherein the image pickup device picks up a subject and generates the image data. Imaging means, related data generating means for generating related data to be added to the image data, transmitting means for transmitting the image data and related data to the center device via a communication line, and designating means for designating an output format. And output format transmitting means for transmitting the designated output format to the center apparatus via a communication line, wherein the center apparatus transmits image data and related data transmitted from the imaging apparatus via the communication line. Receiving means, a storage means for storing the image data and related data received by the receiving means, and a designated output format And stage, the image data stored in the storage means, based on the relevant data, characterized by comprising an output means for editing the specified output format for printing out the specifying means.

The image data processing apparatus according to the present invention is
An image data processing device connected to an imaging device via a communication line, the receiving means receiving image data and related data generated by the imaging device via the communication line, and the receiving means. The storage means for storing the image data and the related data, the output format receiving means for receiving the output format designated by the user in the imaging device through the communication line, and the image data stored in the storage means are the related data. Output means for editing and printing out in the output format received by the output format receiving means.

Therefore, the image data generated by the image pickup device can be edited in accordance with the output format desired by the user and output in a predetermined output format. It is possible to sufficiently bring out the added value of the captured image data without being affected by the function of the terminal device.

Further, for example, when going on a trip or the like, it is possible to send the image data captured in advance to a center near the home (having a center device) and issue an output instruction in a desired output format. , You can come back to the center on the way home from your trip and take back the output (for example, an album), which is convenient because you do not need to edit the image data yourself and output it. You can see the result immediately.

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an image data processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of an image data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
The image data processing system 1 is a PDA as an imaging device.
(Personal Digital Assistant) 2, an image data processing device 3 as a center device, a personal computer 4 as a terminal device, and the like.
Connected by. Further, the image data processing device 3 includes
The printer 5 is connected.

FIG. 2 shows a PDA 2 and FIG. 3 shows a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image data processing device 3. PDA2
Is a CPU (Central Processing) as shown in FIG.
Unit) 11, image input unit 12, display device 13, input device 14, vertical / horizontal sensor 15, communication device 16, RAM
(Random Access Memory) 17, ROM (Read Only
Memory) 18, storage device 19, clock unit 20, GPS
A (Global Positioning System) measuring unit 21, a counting unit 22 and the like are configured, and each unit is connected by a bus 23.

The CPU 11 performs arithmetic processing necessary for various operations according to the input of the input device 14 with the RAM 17 according to various control programs stored in the ROM 18, and based on the arithmetic processing, each unit of the PDA 2 is executed. It generates and outputs various control signals for controlling.

The image input section 12 is not shown in the figure, but is C
It is composed of a CD (Charge Coupled Device), a lens, an A / D converter, a drive circuit, a timing generator, etc., and the light of the object imaged on the lens is received by the CCD,
Charges proportional to the amount of light received are stored for each transfer electrode arranged on the light-receiving surface of the CCD, and the accumulated charge stored in each transfer electrode is converted into an electric signal (analog) in accordance with a drive signal supplied by a drive circuit. As a signal), each electrode is sequentially converted into digital image data by an A / D converter.

The display device 13 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like, and displays an image based on the captured image data, and also displays the instruction content input from the CPU 11 or the comment, title, etc. input by the input device 14. .

Although not shown, the input device 14 sends a press signal to the CPU 11 by pressing a key of a keyboard including cursor keys, numeral input keys, various function keys and the like.
It is a device to output to, a title for image data,
Besides inputting a comment, the output format is determined. Also,
The input device 14 is a so-called tablet type device in which a transparent position detection tablet is placed on a liquid crystal display (not shown), the XY coordinates of the pressure point are detected by a pressure-sensitive method, and the contact of the fingertip is output to the CPU 11. Good.

The vertical / horizontal sensor 15 is a sensor for detecting whether the PDA 2 is imaged horizontally or vertically, and a pendulum is provided in the PDA 2 to detect the rotation.

The communication device 16 has a function of executing a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from the image data processing device 3 or the terminal device 4 via the communication line a,
A terminal connectable to the communication line a is provided.

The RAM 17 has a storage area for temporarily storing image data and the like and a work area for the CPU 11. The data can be rewritten according to an input from the input device 14.

The ROM 18 stores various control programs executed in the PDA 2 and data used in the program processing. The storage device 19 is a device that stores captured image data. In addition, the storage device 19
Has a storage medium 19a in which programs and data are stored in advance. The storage medium 19a is composed of a magnetic or optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 19a may be fixedly provided in the storage device 19 or detachably mounted. The program, data, and the like stored in the storage medium 19a may be configured to be received and stored from another device connected via a communication line or the like.

The clock section 20 has a clock function, clocks the time of image capturing, and outputs the time data to the CPU 11. GPS (Global Positioning System) measuring unit 2
1 has a function of measuring a place where a user has captured image data, and arrival time of radio waves sent from a ground control station to a plurality of artificial satellites (for example, 4 or more) and PDA 2 sent from the artificial satellites. The location where the image data was captured is specified based on the difference in the arrival time of the radio waves, and the coordinate data and the place name are output to the CPU 11.

Although not shown, the counting unit 22 is composed of a counter or the like, counts the number of images picked up from the start of a predetermined image pickup, and outputs the obtained result to the CPU 11. Then, the PDA 2 receives the image data, the data of the shooting time of the image data, the GPS data, the vertical / horizontal data, the data of the number of sheets, the comment, the title, in accordance with the transmission command from the user.
Further, the command signal of the desired output format is also transmitted to the image data processing device 3.

Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the image data processing apparatus 3 at the center of one embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Image data processing device 3 shown in FIG.
Is internally provided with a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a program memory 33, a data storage device 34, a communication device 35, and the like.

The CPU 31 retrieves the image data stored in the data storage device 34 and the data (image data, etc.) related thereto in accordance with various control programs stored in the program memory 33, edits the image data, and processes the image data. The result is stored again in the data storage device 34 or output to the printer 5 or the like.

The RAM 32 forms a work area for image data editing processing performed by the CPU 31. The program memory 33 has a storage medium 33a in which programs, data, etc. are stored in advance. This storage medium is magnetic,
It is composed of an optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 33a is fixedly provided in the storage device or detachably mounted. Further, the programs, data, etc. stored in the storage medium 33a are
A storage device provided with the storage medium is provided on the side of another device connected via the communication line a or the like, and a program or data stored in the storage medium 33a is used via the communication line a. Good.

The data storage device 34 includes a format memory 34a, a data memory 34b, and a data memory 34b as shown in FIG.
The album memory 34c and the like store image data transmitted from the PDA 2 and data related thereto or edited image data and data related thereto.

The communication device 35 is connected to the PDA 2 or the personal computer 4 via a communication line a (for example, a telephone line), and has a communication function for executing a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving image data and the like via the communication line a. Have

The image data processing device 3 is a PDA.
The communication device 35 receives the image data and the data related thereto or the command signal in the output format received from the communication device 2, and stores the received image data and the like in the data storage device 34. Then, based on the output format command signal, the CPU 3
The image data or the like is fetched from the data storage device 34 by 1, and the image data or the like is edited, and the processed result is output to the personal computer 4 or the printer 5.
Further, the image data processing device 3 receives the image data re-edited by the personal computer 4 and the image data related information and stores them in the data storage device 34.

Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a personal computer 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Personal computer 4 shown in FIG.
Are CPU 41, RAM 42, ROM 43, hard disk 44, keyboard 45, display device 46, communication device 4
7, audio output device 48 and the like.

In accordance with various control programs stored in the ROM 43, the CPU 41 retrieves the image data and the image data related information stored in the hard disk 44, edits the image data, and stores the processed result in the hard disk 44 again. , And output to the image data processing device 3. The CPU 41 also controls the conversion of the image data related information into sound.

The RAM 42 forms a work area for image data editing processing performed by the CPU 41. The ROM 43 stores various control programs necessary for editing image data.

The hard disk 44 stores image data transmitted from the PDA 2 and data associated therewith, edited image data and data associated therewith. The keyboard 45 is a device (not shown) that outputs a pressing signal to the CPU 41 by pressing a key of a keyboard including cursor keys, numeral input keys, various function keys, etc., and inputs a title and comment for image data. In addition, the output format is determined.

The display device 46 is a CRT (Cathode Ray).
The image display signal input from the CPU 41 is displayed in a specified color. The communication device 47 is connected to the PDA 2 or the image data processing device 3 via a communication line a (for example, a telephone line), and the communication line a
It has a communication function of executing a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving image data and the like via the.

The audio output device 48 is composed of a speaker (not shown) or the like, and outputs the image output-related information converted by audio output by audio. Then, the personal computer 4 takes in the image data edited by the image data processing device 3 by the communication device 47 through the communication line a, displays the taken image data and the like on the screen of the display device 46, and displays the image data. Or the like is re-edited and output again to the image data processing device 33. At this time, the output format can also be determined.

The printer 5 is connected to the image data processing device 3 and outputs edited image data and the like in a predetermined format. Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the contents of the image pickup processing of the subject in the PDA 2. When a key corresponding to the shutter button of the camera of the input device 14 is pressed, this imaging process is started. In step S1, image data of the subject imaged by the image input unit 12 is created, and this image data is stored in the storage device 19.

In step S2, the time at which the image data was created is read from the timer 20 and the time data is stored in the storage device 19. In step S3,
Set the measurement location (coordinates, place name, etc.) when creating the image data to
The GPS data is read from the PS measurement unit 21 and the GPS data is stored in the storage device 19.

In step S4, whether the captured image data is vertical type or horizontal type is read from the vertical / horizontal sensor 15,
The vertical and horizontal data are stored in the storage device 19. Step S
In 5, the number of the captured image data from the predetermined start is read from the counting unit 22, the number data is stored in the storage device 19, and the main image capturing process ends.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the contents of the comment input process in the PDA 2. In this comment input process, the image data captured in step S11 is read from the storage device 19.

In step S12, a comment (not shown) of the input device 14 is used to input a comment for the extracted image data. In step S13, a classification (for example, used for grouping the same type) is input to the extracted image data as required by the user.

In step S14, the input comment and classification are stored in the storage device 19 in association with the read image data, and the comment writing process is terminated.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the contents of the data transmission process for transmitting data from the PDA 2 to the image data processing device 3. The PDA 2 can transmit a captured image and an image output request to the image data processing device 3. In the data transmission process, it is determined in step S21 whether or not there is an output request for requesting output from the image data processing device 3. If the result of the determination is that there is an output request, the output format designation process (step S22) After performing PDA2
From the communication device 16 to the communication device 3 of the image data processing device 3
The output request signal is transmitted to step 5 (step S23), and the present data transmission process ends, but if there is no output request as a result of the determination in step S21, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not there is a data transfer instruction. If the result of the determination is that there is no data transfer instruction, the process returns to step S21 and this processing is repeated.
If there is a data transfer instruction, the PD is sent in step S25.
The process of transmitting the image data designated for transfer and its related data from the communication device 16 of A2 to the communication device 35 of the image data processing device 3 is performed, and this data transmission process is ended.

The output format designation process performed in step S22 is a process for designating how to print the image received and recorded by the image data processing device 3. Specifically, the output format can be selected in advance by time unit, place unit, vertical / horizontal unit, classification unit, number of sheets, that is, output unit of related data of image data, and one of them can be selected. The layout of images is determined by the album size as shown in FIG.

Next, based on the image data or the like output from the PDA 2 or the output request signal, the image data processing device 3
The image data processing on the side of the center executed in step S1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program that implements each function of the center described in this flowchart is the CPU
31 is stored in the storage medium 33a in the form of a readable program code.

In the image data processing device 3, first, in step S31, the PDA is processed in step S25 of FIG.
It is determined whether the communication device 35 has received the image data transmitted from No. 2 and its related data. If the result of this determination is that the image data and its related data have been received, the processing moves to step S32 and the image data and its related data are stored in the data memory 34b. (For example, as shown in FIG. 12, related data (time 51, place 52, comment 53, number of sheets 54, classification 55) is stored in association with the image data 50). If no image data or the like is received in step S31. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S33, and the output request signal of step S23 in FIG.
It is determined whether or not it is received in 5. When the output request signal is received, the output format designated in step S34 is stored in the format memory 34a, and is printed out from the printer 5 in step S35 (for example, (a) in FIG. 13).
Or the output result as shown in (b)) and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the output request has not been received, the process returns to step S31 and is repeated.

Next, a flow of communication and editing processing of image data and the like performed between the personal computer 4 and the image data processing device 3 of the center will be described with reference to FIG. From the personal computer 4, it is possible to specify the output to the center and request the output of the image.
First, the personal computer 4 requests the image data processing device 3 to output image data and the like (step S41).
Is transmitted, the image data processing device 3 proceeds to step S
At 42, it is determined whether the output request is output to the personal computer 4 or the printer 5. If the result of the determination is that output to the printer 5, step S
In step S43, the image data and the like are output in the designated format. On the other hand, in the case of output to the PC 4, the image data and the like are edited in the designated output format (step S44), and the edited image data and the like are transmitted from the communication device 35 to the communication device 47 of the personal computer 4. (Step S45) In the personal computer 4, in step S46, the image data processing device 3 of the center
The image data and the like transmitted from are received, and the received image data and the like are displayed on the display device 46. On this display screen, the user uses the keyboard 45 to execute re-editing processing such as deletion of unnecessary photos (step S47). At this time,
It is also possible to specify the conversion of text data into voice, and when this is specified, the text data is converted into voice data and a voice icon is attached to the image instead of displaying the text.

In step S48, the re-edited image data and the like are transmitted to the image data processing device 3. In step S49, the image data processing device 3 receives the reedited image data and the like transmitted from the personal computer 4 by the communication device 35, and receives the received reedited image data and the like in the album memory 34 in the data storage device 34.
The process of storing in c (step S50) is performed, and the main image data communication and editing process ends.

Next, a processing flow of album data communication processing performed by the personal computer 4 and the image data processing device 3 of the center will be described with reference to FIG. When the personal computer 4 sends an output request (step S51) for the album data or the like stored in the album memory 34c of the data storage device 34 to the image data processing device 3, the image data processing device 3 causes the image data processing device 3 to perform step S52.
Then, the album data stored in the album memory 34c is read out and transmitted to the personal computer 4 by the communication device 35.

The personal computer 4 executes step S
At 53, the communication device 47 receives the album data transmitted from the image data processing device 3, and the received album data is displayed on the display device 46 (for example, a CRT screen).
(Step S54) In step S55, it is determined whether or not the audio icon on the screen of the displayed album data is clicked. If the result of the determination is that the audio icon is not designated, the process proceeds to step S54 to display. Repeat, but if the voice icon is specified, step S5
At 6, the voice output device 48 performs voice conversion output of the text data.

The image data processing system 1 described above
Is configured as described above, it is possible to perform image data processing as described below, for example. First, PD
A user who travels with A2 images a landscape, a person, or the like at a travel destination. As a result, the image input unit 12
At the same time that the image data is created, the counting unit 22 determines whether the time taken by the time measuring unit 20 is the position taken by the GPS measuring unit 21 is vertically or horizontally taken by the vertical / horizontal sensor 15. Thus, the number of the image data from the start of the predetermined image pickup is measured, and the image data and the data related thereto are stored in the storage device 19.

Subsequently, the user takes out each imaged image data from the storage device 19, displays it on the display device 13, and inputs a comment or a title for the image data with the input device 14. At this time, the user inputs the classification in order to separate the landscape image and the portrait image. Then, the image data and its related data are transferred to the communication device 16
Is transmitted to the communication device 35 at the center having the image data processing device 3 near the user's house via the communication line a.

The image data processing device 3 at the center stores the received image data and its related data in the data storage device 3.
Remember in 4. And on the last day of the trip, the user
For example, an output request for printing images based on the image data and the related data in time order is input by the input device 14, and this output request signal is transmitted to the image data processing device 3 at the center.

The image data processing device 3 at the center outputs to the printer 5 an album of images based on the image data and its related data according to the received output request signal. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in addition to images (photographs) 57 in time order, time 58, place 59, comment 6
0, title 61, etc. are printed together as an album.

Then, the user stops at the center on the way home from the trip and brings back the output album. Therefore, the image data generated by the PDA 2 (imaging device) can be edited according to the output format desired by the user and output in a predetermined output format. It is possible to sufficiently bring out the added value of the captured image data without being affected by the function of the personal computer 4 (terminal device).

Further, since it is possible to send pre-captured image data and the like to a center near the home and output it in a desired output format, it is not necessary to edit the image data and the like by itself, and the output result can be obtained. Can be seen immediately.

In this case, the personal computer 4 at home and the image data processing device 3 are connected via the communication line a. Therefore, the user takes in the image data edited by the image data processing device 3 and the image data related information into the personal computer 4, and re-edits the unnecessary image data such as deletion, rearrangement, or addition / change of comment or title. As a result, the captured image data can be edited as desired.

In this case, the re-edited image data or the image data related information can be transmitted to the image data processing device 3 again and output from the printer 5.
Therefore, the user can determine the output format by either the image pickup device or the terminal device, and the image data processing system becomes more convenient.

In this case, the personal computer 4 can instruct the voice output of the text information such as the comment and the title. Therefore, when the electronic album is played back on a personal computer or the like, the text information can be output by voice, and image data editing with higher added value becomes possible.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 22. FIG. 14 is a system block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 51, a portable terminal device (hereinafter referred to as PDA) 53, and a server 55 are connected via a communication network 57. A database 59 is connected to the server 55. The database 59 stores position information (physical information such as geographical coordinates) and information related to the position (social information such as a place name).

FIG. 15 is a system block diagram of the PDA 53 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the PDA 53 comprises a CPU 59, a keyboard 61, an image pickup device 63, a display device 65, a GPS 67, a ROM 69, a RAM 71, a communication device 73, and a direction sensor 75, and each device is connected via a system bus 77. ing. Of the above devices, the CPU 59, the keyboard 61, the imaging device 63, the display device 65, the GPS 67, the ROM 69, the RAM 71, and the communication device 73 are the CPU 11 and the input device 1 shown in FIG.
4, image input device 12, display device 13, GPS2
1, the ROM 18, the RAM 71, and the communication device 73 have the same configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted. The azimuth sensor 75 measures the azimuth (that is, in which direction the image is picked up) when the image is picked up by the image pickup device 63.

FIG. 16 shows a memory configuration in the server 55. The memory configuration of FIG. 16 further stores azimuth information and other information in addition to the memory configuration shown in FIG. As the azimuth information, the azimuth information measured by the azimuth sensor 75 of the PDA 53 is stored. Further, other information is, for example, when a person who has been acquainted on a trip is photographed, the e-mail address of the person is heard, and the information is sent from the PDA 53 to the server 5.
By sending to 5, the electronic mail address is stored. As a result, the captured image data can be transmitted to the electronic mail address later.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are diagrams showing the structure in the database 58 shown in FIG. First shown in FIG.
The position information (coordinate information measured by the GPS 67) 83 and place name information (famous tourist place name, etc.) 85 corresponding to the position information are stored in advance in the database. On the other hand, the second database shown in FIG.
Coordinate information measured by PS67) 87, direction information 8
9 and geographical information 91 corresponding to the direction.
For example, the place name of what is on the north side, what is on the south side, what is on the west side, and what is on the east side of a certain position coordinate (the number of north latitude and the number of east longitude) are stored in advance.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the receiving process of the server. The server 55, in step S93,
The image data and the position data are received from the PDA 53 via the communication network 57. Next, step S95.
At, the received image information and position information are stored in a specific area in the database 58 assigned to the sender.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents processed by the server 55 in response to various requests from the PC 51, and FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing when the PC 51 makes various output requests to the server 55. . In step S117 of FIG. 21, the PC 51 sends an output request for desired image data to the server 55 via the communication network 57. The server 55 executes step S9 of FIG.
At 7, the image output request from the PC 51 is received.
Then, in step S99, the database 58 assigned to the user in response to the output request.
Of the image data stored from the specified area of No. 3, the designated image data and its related information (FIG. 16) are read out and transmitted to the PC 51. In step S119 of FIG. 21, the PC 51 displays the image data and its related information sent from the server 55 on the display device 65 as shown in FIG. 22A. In step S121, the user can instruct further related information (geographical information) of the image data displayed on the display device 65. For example, when the user wants to know the tourist attraction name of the place from the position information measured by the GPS 67, the user moves the cursor to the position information field (133 in FIG. 22A) and clicks the mouse 61. Alternatively, if the user wants to know the place name of the shooting location based on the azimuth measured by the azimuth sensor 75, the cursor is moved to the azimuth field 135 shown in FIG. 22A and the mouse is clicked. This allows the PC
51 sends the clicked position information and direction information to the server 55 in step S123. The server 55 is shown in FIG.
In step S101 of 0, the request from the PC 51 is determined, and in step S109, the database 58 is searched to read specified information (place name corresponding to position information or place name corresponding to direction information), and step S111. In, it outputs to PC51.

In step S125, the PC 51 receives the place name information corresponding to the position information and the direction information from the server 55 and displays "Kofu" and "Mt. Fuji" as shown in FIG. 22B.

Further, when the user wants to send the image data displayed on the display device 65 to the destination of the electronic mail displayed as shown in FIG. 22C, the cursor is moved to the electronic mail address and the mouse is clicked. By doing so, the PC sends the mail transmission request to the server together with the electronic mail address.

The server determines in step S127 of FIG. 21 that the PC has requested the transmission of the image data by electronic mail, and in step S129, transmits the image data to the electronic mail address.

When the user wants to print the image data displayed on the display device 65, a print request is made by clicking a print button (not shown) on the display device 65 with a mouse on the screen of FIG. It is sent from the PC to the server 55 via the communication network 57.

The server 55 determines the print request from the PC in step S127 of FIG.
In 1, the designated image data is printed. Also,
There is a case where the user wants to enter some comment on the displayed image data. In that case, a comment is input from the keyboard device 61, and the PC 51 transmits the input comment to the server 55. Server 55 is P
In step S127, the comment input request from C is determined, and in step S129, the comment is written in the corresponding comment field 54 shown in FIG.

The related data of the image data is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be any information related to the image data. Further, the predetermined output form includes output by a printing device, output by a display device, output by an audio device, and the like.

Further, although the output format is performed based on the related data of the image data in the above-mentioned embodiment, it may be performed based on the data different from the related data of the image data.

[0076]

According to the present invention, the image data generated by the image pickup device and the related data are transmitted to the center device or the image data processing device through the communication line, and the output format specified by the user in the image pickup device is obtained. By being transmitted, the center device edits the image data in the designated output format and prints it.

Therefore, for example, when going out on a trip or the like, it is possible to send the imaged image data or the like in advance to a center (having a center device) near home to instruct output in a desired output format. , You can stop at the center on the way home from the trip and take back the output (for example, album), and you can immediately see the output result without editing the image data etc. yourself. .

[0078]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a PDA 2.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an image data processing device 3.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a personal computer 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of subject image pickup processing in the PDA 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of comment entry processing in PDA2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of a data transmission process for transmitting data from the PDA 2 to the image data processing device 3.

8 is a flowchart showing the contents of image data processing in the image data processing device 3. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of communication and editing processing of image data and the like performed by the personal computer 4 and the image data processing device 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of album data communication processing performed by the personal computer 4 and the image data processing apparatus 3.

FIG. 11 is a data storage device 34 of the image data processing device 3.
It is a diagram showing a memory configuration of.

FIG. 12 is a data storage device 34 of the image data processing device 3.
3 is a diagram showing a data memory configuration of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing one form of an output result of image data and the like by the image data processing system 1.

FIG. 14 is a system block diagram of an image processing apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a system block diagram of the PDA shown in FIG.

16 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a server in the embodiment shown in FIG.

17 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the database shown in FIG.

18 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the database shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a receiving process of the server in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents processed by a server in response to various requests from a PC in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing when the PC makes various output requests to the server in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a screen display example of image data and related information on a PC.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image Data Processing System 2 PDA (Imaging Device) 3 Image Data Processing Device (Center Device) 4 Personal Computer (Terminal Device) 5 Printer (Image Data Output Means) 11 CPU (Imaging Means, Output Format Determining Means) 12 Image Input Unit (Imaging means) 13 Display device 14 Input device (output format determining means) 15 Vertical / horizontal sensor (image data related information generating means) 16 Communication device (communication means) 17 RAM 18 ROM 19 Storage device 19a Storage medium 20 Clock part (image data) Related information generating means) 21 GPS measuring section (image data related information generating means) 22 Counting section (image data related information generating means) 31 CPU (image data editing means, first image data editing means) 32 RAM 33 program memory 33a Storage medium 34 Data storage device (storage means) 35 Communication device (communication means) 41 CPU (second image data editing means, audio output control means) 42 RAM 43 ROM 44 Hard disk 45 Keyboard (output format determining means) 46 Display device 47 Communication device 48 Audio output device (audio output means) ) 55 server 57 communication network 59 CPU 61 keyboard 63 image pickup device 65 display device 67 GPS 69 ROM 71 RAM 73 communication device 75 direction sensor 77 system bus 79 direction information 83 position information 85 geographical information

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --Continued from the front page (56) References JP-A-8-36217 (JP, A) JP-A-5-110972 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67291 (JP, A) JP-A-4- 70729 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/76-5/956 H04N 5/222-5/257

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image data processing system having an image pickup device and a center device, wherein the image pickup device includes image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and generating the image data, and related data to be added to the image data. Related data to generate
The image data and the related data are transmitted to the data generation means and the communication line via a communication line.
The center and the transmitting means, specifying means for specifying the output format to the user, the specified output format via the communication line for transmitting the centers apparatus
The image data is transmitted from the image pickup device via the communication line, the center device receives the image data and related data , and the image data received by the receiving device. And storage means for storing related data , means for receiving the designated output format, and image data stored in the storage means based on the related data.
Edit the output format specified by the specifying
An image data processing system, comprising: an output unit for outputting a lint . 2. The related data generating means is configured to generate the image data.
Position measuring means for measuring the position where the data is captured, the image
At least a time measuring means for measuring the time when the data is imaged
The one having the one, and the designation means is the place or time when the image is taken.
Characterized by including means for designating the output in units of
The image data processing system according to claim 1 . 3. The related data generating means is image data.
Of the image data.
It includes a means for specifying the output according to the data classification.
The image data processing system according to claim 1, which is a characteristic . 4. An image pickup device is connected via a communication line.
An image data processing device, wherein image data and related data generated by the imaging device
Receiving means for receiving via a communication line, the image data and associated data received by the receiving means
The storage means for storing and the output format specified by the user in the imaging device
The output format receiving means for receiving via the communication line and the image data stored in the storage means are based on the related data.
The output format received by the output format receiving means
Output means for editing and printing out
An image data processing device characterized by: 5. Related data stored in said storage means
Indicates the position information of the image data captured and the image data.
At least one of the time information when the image of the data is captured,
The output means uses the image data in the received output format.
Edit the location or time taken as a unit.
The image data processing device according to claim 4, wherein
Place