JP4209128B2 - Image generation method and apparatus, image output method and apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation method and apparatus for generating image data suitable for image processing, an image output method for printing out image data generated by the image generation method and apparatus, and an image generation method and image. The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to execute an output method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Digitized photograph images taken by the user and stored in the image server, recorded on a CD-R and provided to the user, printed images taken by the user with a digital camera, responding to a reprint order of photos, etc. A digital photo service system that performs various digital photo services related to photography is known. As one form of the digital photo service system, a network photo service system that accepts print orders via a network such as the Internet has also been proposed.
[0003]
In such a network photo service system, a user installs viewer software for reproducing image data recorded on a CD-R or image data acquired by a user with a digital camera or the like on a personal computer, which is a user terminal, to display an image. Playback is performed, and if necessary, image processing is performed so as to achieve a color, density, and contrast desired by the user, and a combination with a template, a character, and a user. When a print order is made, order information describing the order contents is created using an order function incorporated in the viewer software. Then, the user transmits the order information and the image data representing the image to be printed from the user terminal to the order receiving server installed in the order receiving center or the order receiving server installed in the photo shop via a network such as the Internet. . The order reception server transmits the transmitted image data and order information to a print server installed in a laboratory that performs printing or a storefront minilab. In the print server, the image data that has been sent is subjected to image processing so that the image quality is suitable for printing, and processed image data is obtained. Based on the order information, reprint printing, creation of photo postcards, albums A printout is obtained by performing print output of processed image data such as creation of. When the order information and the image data are transmitted to the order server of the photo shop, the print output is performed at the photo shop.
[0004]
As described above, in the print server, image processing is performed on the transmitted image data so as to obtain an appropriate image quality, so that a high-quality print can be obtained.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the image data for which the user places a print order may be modified by the user, such as synthesized with a template or characters, or subjected to image processing desired by the user. If the print server performs further image processing on the image data processed by the user in this way, there is a problem that the image quality of the template is deteriorated or the user's finishing intention is not reflected in the obtained print. is there.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to output a print or the like reflecting a user's finishing intention.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The image generation method according to the present invention provides the image data with re-save determination information that disappears when the image data is re-save,
The image data to which the re-save determination information is added is output.
[0008]
In the image generation method according to the present invention, the output may be stored in a recording medium of the image data.
[0009]
“Resave” means overwriting or changing the file name and saving.
[0010]
“Re-save determination information” refers to information that is not lost only by copying the image data, but is lost when the image data is overwritten or saved after changing the file name. Specifically, any of tag information of image data, a digital watermark embedded in the image data, and dummy data added to the image data can be used.
[0011]
“Tag information” means information attached to image data acquired by a digital camera, and the standard is “Baseline TIFF Rev.6.0.ORGB Full” adopted as an uncompressed file of an Exif file, for example. Color Image "and so on.
[0012]
“Dummy data” refers to data added to the end of an image so that the data size of the image data exceeds the data size recorded in the header. Here, when reading out image data, only the data of the size recorded in the header is read out, so the dummy data is ignored, and the dummy data disappears when the read-out image data is stored again. Therefore, the actual data size of the image data is compared with the data size recorded in the header. If they are the same, it can be determined that the image data is re-saved, and if they are different, the image data is not re-saved. .
[0013]
The image output method according to the present invention determines whether or not the re-save determination information is added to the image data generated by the image generation method according to the present invention, and the re-save determination information is added. If determined, image processing is performed on the image data to obtain processed image data, and the processed image data is output,
When it is determined that the re-save determination information is not given, the image data is output.
[0014]
“When it is determined that the re-save determination information is not attached, the image data is output” means not only that the image data is output without any image processing, but also the minimum necessary It is assumed that the image processing is performed and image data is output.
[0015]
For example, when outputting image data, processing for converting the image structure such as sharpness processing and noise removal processing is performed on the image data in consideration of the frequency characteristics of the normal output device. Therefore, “outputting the image data when it is determined that the re-save determination information is not attached” means that only the process of converting the image structure is performed and the image data is output. Shall be included.
[0016]
An image generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a re-save determination information giving unit that gives to image data re-save determination information that disappears when the image data is re-saved.
And an output means for outputting the image data to which the re-save determination information is added.
[0017]
In the image generating apparatus according to the present invention, the output means may be means for storing the image data in a recording medium.
[0018]
In the image generation apparatus according to the present invention, the re-save determination information may be any one of tag information of the image data, a digital watermark embedded in the image data, and dummy data added to the image data. .
[0019]
An image output apparatus according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the re-save determination information is given to the image data generated by the image generation method according to the present invention;
If it is determined that the re-save determination information is given, the image data is subjected to image processing to obtain processed image data, the processed image data is output, and the re-save determination information The image processing means is provided for outputting the image data when it is determined that the image data is not assigned.
[0020]
The image generation method and the image output method according to the present invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image generation method and apparatus of the present invention, the re-save determination information that disappears when the image data is resaved is added to the image data and output. Therefore, the re-save determination information is not lost only by copying or moving the image data, but the re-save determination information is lost when the image data is stored again. Therefore, depending on the presence / absence of the re-save discrimination information added to the image data, the image data remains the original image data, or is combined with a template or character, or modified so that the desired image quality is obtained. It can be determined whether it has been saved and re-saved.
[0022]
According to the image output method and apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the re-save determination information is given to the image data generated by the image generation method of the present invention, and the re-save information is given. Only when it is determined, image processing is performed on the image data. For this reason, image data that has been combined and saved with a template or character, or has been modified to achieve the desired image quality, is output as it is. Therefore, when the image data is modified, it is possible to output the image data reflecting the finishing intention of the person who has modified the image data.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system including an image generation apparatus and an image output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image output system according to the present embodiment exchanges data and prints between a user 1 and a photo shop 2. In FIG. 1, the flow of data is indicated by a solid line, and the flow of objects is indicated by a broken line.
[0024]
The user 1 includes a monitor 12, a hard disk 13, a keyboard, a mouse, a CD-ROM drive, and a PC card slot for reading image data from a memory card for a digital camera (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), etc.). The user terminal 11 can be used to make a print order to the photo shop 2 via the network 3 such as the Internet.
[0025]
Note that viewer software is installed in the user terminal 11, and the user 1 uses the viewer software to perform image processing on the image data, combine with templates and characters, and order prints. It can be performed.
[0026]
In the user terminal 11, image data S recorded on a medium such as a CD-R or a memory card is read by a CD-ROM drive or a PC card slot and stored in the hard disk 13. The user terminal 11 includes a re-save determination information adding unit 14 that adds the re-save determination information F to the image data S read from the medium. When the image data S is stored in the hard disk 13, the re-save determination information adding unit 14, the re-save determination information F is added to the image data S. Note that the re-save determination information F may be added to the image data S using viewer software.
[0027]
The photo shop 2 includes an order receiving server 21 for receiving a print order, a digital minilab 22 for obtaining a print P based on order information C and image data S transmitted from the user terminal 11 via the network 3 at the time of print order, And a controller 23 that controls the order receiving server 21 and the digital minilab 22.
[0028]
Here, the order information C is specifically a processing number for designating service contents provided by the photo shop 2 (normal print, postcard creation, etc.), file number of image data, print size, number of prints, print surface quality. (Glossy, non-glossy), paper thickness, photo processing content, trimming designation information, etc. It also includes information such as the name, address, postal code, and telephone number of the user 1 who places the print order.
[0029]
When the user 1 accesses the order receiving server 21, the order receiving server 21 receives a menu from the user terminal 11 or without receiving the request (normal print, special print ( Postcards, etc.), T-shirts, printing on mugs, etc.), the function of transmitting photo shop information such as print price, delivery date, etc. to the user terminal 11, and order information C transmitted from the user terminal 11 as will be described later. It has a function of accumulating the image data S and is always connected to the network 3.
[0030]
The digital minilab 22 includes a printer 22A that obtains a print P based on the image data S, a scanner 22B that obtains the image data S by scanning a film or a document, and the image data S that is obtained by the scanner 22B. The re-save determination information adding unit 22C to be added, the media drive 22D for recording the image data S to which the re-save determination information F is added to the medium M such as a CD-R, and the image data S are subjected to image processing. The image processing device 22E for obtaining the completed image data S1 is provided.
[0031]
The medium M on which the image data S obtained by the scanner 22B is recorded is provided to the user 1.
[0032]
Here, the image processing device 22E obtains an image structure suitable for the processing of correcting the density, color, and contrast of the image represented by the image data S and the resolution and output size of the printer 22A according to an instruction from the controller 23. As described above, the image data S is subjected to any one of first image processing including image structure conversion processing for removing sharpness and noise and second image processing including only image structure conversion processing.
[0033]
The controller 23 includes a computer and a printer, performs state management and control of the order receiving server 21 and the digital minilab 22, and is operated by an operator of the photo shop 2. Further, the controller 23 includes a determination unit 23A that determines whether or not the re-save determination information F is given to the image data S for which the print order has been placed. If the determination unit 23A determines that the re-save determination information F is given to the image data S for which the print order has been placed, the controller 23 sets the first image for the image data S. When it is determined that the re-save determination information F is not given, the image processing device 22E of the digital minilab 22 is controlled so that the second image processing is performed on the image data S. To do.
[0034]
Here, the re-save determination information F is information that does not disappear only by copying the image data S, but is lost when the data is overwritten or saved by changing the file name (hereinafter referred to as re-save). Say. Specifically, any of tag information of the image data S, a digital watermark embedded in the image data, and dummy data added to the image data can be used.
[0035]
Here, the tag information is given to the image data S in the Exif format. If the image data S in the Exif format is re-saved in the JPEG format, the tag information is lost. Therefore, when the re-save determination information F is given as tag information, the determination unit 23A of the controller 23 can determine the presence / absence of the re-save determination information F based on the presence / absence of the tag information of the image data S.
[0036]
The dummy data refers to data given to the end of the image so that the data size of the image data S exceeds the data size recorded in the header. Here, when reading the image data S to which the dummy data is added, only the data of the size recorded in the header is read, so the dummy data is ignored. Disappear. Therefore, when the re-save determination information F is given as dummy data, the determination unit 23A of the controller 23 compares the data size recorded in the header with the data size of the actual image data S, and the same. If there is, the re-save determination information F is lost, and if it is different, it is determined that the re-save determination information F is given.
[0037]
In addition, by changing the degree of information embedding, the digital watermark can make the information easily broken when it is saved again. Therefore, when the re-save determination information F is given as a digital watermark, the presence / absence of the re-save determination information F can be determined based on the presence / absence of the digital watermark embedded in the image data S.
[0038]
Here, when the user 1 places a print order for the image data S, the image data S may not be modified at all, but the composition with the template, the composition with the characters, and the desired color and density. In some cases, the image data S may be modified so that a print having a finish desired by the user 1 can be obtained by performing such image processing. The image data S thus modified is re-saved and a print order is placed. Therefore, by determining the presence / absence of the re-save determination information F, it is possible to determine whether the image data S has been modified or whether the user 1 has modified it.
[0039]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the photo shop 2 when the user 1 requests the photo shop 2 to read an image recorded on a document such as a film or a print. First, an image recorded on a document such as a film or print is read by the scanner 22B of the digital minilab 22 to obtain image data S (step S1). Subsequently, the re-save determination information F is given to the image data S in the re-save information giving means 22C (step S2). The image data S to which the re-save determination information F is given is recorded on the medium M in the media drive 22D (step S3), and the process is terminated.
[0040]
The medium M on which the image data S is recorded is delivered to the user 1. At the user terminal 11, the user 1 reads out the image data S from the medium M by the viewer software when placing a print order, and stores it in the hard disk 13 of the user terminal 11.
[0041]
Here, the image data S recorded by the user 1 with the digital camera and recorded on the memory card is not provided with the re-save determination information F. Therefore, when the image data S is stored in the hard disk 13 of the user terminal 11 by the viewer software. Then, the re-save discrimination information F is given by the re-save discrimination information giving means 14.
[0042]
In the photo store 2, the image data S is recorded on the medium M without adding the re-save determination information F. When the image data S is read from the medium M and stored in the hard disk 13 in the user terminal 11, the re-save is performed. The re-storing discrimination information F may be given to the image data S by the discrimination information giving means 14.
[0043]
The user 1 uses the viewer software installed in the user terminal 11 to display the image data S stored in the hard disk 13 on the monitor 12, selects the image data S to be printed, and further prints the print number and print size. Etc. are designated to generate order information C. The viewer software can be used to combine the image data S and the template, combine the image data S and characters, perform image processing for correcting the color and gradation, and modify the image data S. it can. The image data S thus modified is re-saved in the hard disk 13, but the re-save discrimination information F given to the image data S at the time of the resave is lost.
[0044]
Next, the operation at the time of print order will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of print order. Here, it is assumed that the selection of the image data S to be printed and the generation of the order information C have been completed in the user terminal 11. First, the user 1 accesses the order receiving server 21 of the photo shop 2 using the user terminal 11 (step S11), and the order information C and the image data S are transmitted via the network 3 (step S12).
[0045]
The order receiving server 21 receives the order information C and the image data S (step S13), and the image data S is input to the controller 23 (step S14). In the determination unit 23A of the controller 23, it is determined whether or not the re-save determination information F is given to the image data S (step S15). If it is determined that the re-save determination information F is given to the image data S (Yes at Step S15), the image processing device 22E of the digital minilab 22 performs first image processing on the image data S. Is applied to obtain processed image data S1 (step S16). The processed image data S1 is printed out by the printer 22A based on the order information C (step S17), and the process ends.
[0046]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the re-save determination information F is not given to the image data S (No at Step S15), the image data S is assumed to have been modified by the user 1, and the image of the digital minilab 22 is displayed. In the processing device 22E, the second image processing is performed on the image data S to obtain processed image data S1 (step S18). The processed image data S1 is printed out by the printer 22A based on the order information C (step S17), and the process ends. The print P obtained by the print output is passed to the user 1.
[0047]
Thus, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the re-save determination information F is assigned to the image data S, and if it is determined that the re-save determination information F is assigned, the image data S When the first image processing including color correction and contrast correction is performed together with the structure conversion processing, and it is determined that the re-save determination information F is not given, it is assumed that the user 1 has made changes. The second image processing including only the image structure conversion processing that provides an image suitable for the printer 22A is performed. For this reason, the image data S that has been combined with a template or characters or re-saved so as to obtain a desired image quality is printed out without being subjected to color correction or contrast correction. It is possible to obtain a print P reflecting the finishing intention of one.
[0048]
In the above-described embodiment, when the re-save determination information F is not given to the image data S, the second image processing including only the image structure conversion processing is performed, but no processing is performed. The image data S may be printed out as it is.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system including an image generation apparatus and an image output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 asks a photo shop to read an image recorded on a film. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the case of printing.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 User 2 Photo shop 3 Network 11 User terminal 12 Monitor 13 Hard disk 14, 22C Re-save discrimination information giving means 21 Order receiving server 22 Digital minilab 22A Printer 22B Scanner 22D Media drive 22E Image processing device 23 Controller 23A Determination unit

Claims (9)

At the end of the image data, dummy data with the data size of the image data exceeding the data size recorded in the header is given as re-save determination information that disappears when the image data is re-stored,
An image generation method comprising: outputting image data to which the re-save determination information is added.   The image generation method according to claim 1, wherein the output is storage of the image data in a recording medium. Determining whether or not the re-save determination information is given to the image data generated by the image generation method according to claim 1 or 2;
When it is determined that the re-save determination information is given, image processing is performed on the image data to obtain processed image data, and the processed image data is output,
An image output method comprising outputting the image data when it is determined that the re-save determination information is not given. At the end of the image data, dummy data that makes the data size of the image data larger than the data size recorded in the header is given as re-save determination information that disappears when the image data is resaved. Storage discrimination information giving means;
An image generation apparatus comprising: output means for outputting image data to which the re-save determination information is added.   The image generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit is a unit that stores the image data in a recording medium. Determination means for determining whether or not the re-save determination information is given to the image data generated by the image generation method according to claim 1 or 2,
If it is determined that the re-save determination information is given, the image data is subjected to image processing to obtain processed image data, the processed image data is output, and the re-save determination information An image output apparatus comprising: image processing means for outputting the image data when it is determined that the image data is not assigned. Procedure for assigning dummy data that makes the data size of the image data larger than the data size recorded in the header to the end of the image data as re-save determination information that disappears when the image data is re-stored When,
A program for causing a computer to execute an image generation method including a procedure for outputting image data to which the re-save determination information is added.   The program according to claim 7, wherein the outputting procedure is a procedure of storing the output image data in a recording medium. A procedure for determining whether or not the re-save determination information is given to the image data generated by the image generation method according to claim 1 or 2;
When it is determined that the re-save determination information is given, the image data is subjected to image processing to obtain processed image data, and the processed image data is output;
A program for causing a computer to execute an image output method including a procedure of outputting the image data when it is determined that the re-save determination information is not given.

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