JP4668249B2 - Printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print system, and more particularly, to a print system that prints an image composed of a camera system in which a subject is photographed by a camera device and image data obtained by the photographing is recorded on an image recording medium.

  Conventionally, a camera using a silver halide photographic film (hereinafter referred to as “film”) as an image recording medium (hereinafter referred to as “silver salt camera”) has been widely used for photography. In recent years, due to dramatic advances in semiconductor integration technology, signal band compression technology, high-speed and large-capacity communication technology, etc., memory for recording computerized image data has been recorded by computerization and digitization of camera devices. A so-called digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as “DSC”) as a medium is rapidly spreading. Since DSC acquires photographic images as digital data, DSC has excellent compatibility with various digital devices and the Internet environment, and is especially used as a peripheral device for capturing photographic images on a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”). ing.

  What is common to both of these silver salt cameras and DSCs is that there is a need to print and enjoy photographed photographic images or to store them in albums. In the case of a silver salt camera, the provision of a print service that integrates film development and printing has already been established in laboratories in various places, and is widely spread.

  On the other hand, in the case of DSC, since it has become widespread as a peripheral device of a PC, a photographic image is often printed using a color printer connected to the PC. The quality of the printed photographic image depends on the performance of the printer used. And the type of paper. For this reason, recently, a photographic image is read from a memory card such as a smart card, a memory stick, a compact flash (registered trademark), an SD card or the like for recording a photographic image taken by DSC. Similarly, a print service for creating a high-quality print is also provided. Therefore, a general user is required to improve the convenience and quality of the print service regardless of whether the silver halide camera or the DSC is used.

  By the way, with respect to such a print service, a form of provision via a network has been proposed as in the network photo system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154218 due to the recent spread of the Internet. Specifically, in major collection and delivery labs (large labs) and small labs (mini labs) that develop and print film, equipment such as a film scanner, printer, and server computer with a large-capacity recording disk system are installed. A general user provides various services such as ordering prints of photo images, attaching photo images to e-mails, and downloading photo images (image data) by accessing the image server via a network. It is.

  However, in the network photo system, it is necessary to manage the information for identifying the individual customer and the order information indicating the order contents together with the photographic image. For example, in the case of a silver salt camera, a photographed film is stored in the store. There was a problem that it was cumbersome to have to fill in this information by hand when requesting prints. In order to make an additional order for printing (so-called reprinting), the developed film must be brought to the store and personal information and order information must be handwritten in the same manner.

  Also in the case of DSC, when a memory card on which a photographed photographic image is recorded is brought into the store, personal information and order information are required to be handwritten as in the case of a silver halide camera. That is, in DSC, although a photographic image is recorded electronically, personal information and order information are not electronically integrated with the data of the photographic image, and the user can print in the case of a silver salt camera. I could not get more convenience than the service.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a print system capable of simplifying an order processing procedure.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a non-contact communication that communicates with a camera device that captures a subject and records the photographed subject image on an image recording medium in a non-contact state. Communication means, including personal information by communication by the non-contact communication means, information indicating at least one of the type of the camera device, the type of the image recording medium, and the photographing condition, and the image Photographed by the camera of the camera system in which the information recording means composed of an IC memory chip capable of writing and reading only information other than the separated image is detachably provided on the camera device or the image recording medium A printing system for printing an image recorded on the image recording medium, a reading unit for reading information written in the information recording unit, and the image Image acquisition means for acquiring image data recorded on the image recording medium from a recording medium; storage means for storing the image data acquired by the image acquisition means together with the information read by the reading means; A printer that prints an image by setting a print output condition based on information indicating at least one of the type of the camera device, the type of the image recording medium, and the shooting condition stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information recording means capable of reading and writing information other than the image is provided on the camera device or the image recording medium. The image recording medium may be a silver salt photographic film such as a 135 film or an APS film, or a memory such as a semiconductor memory, a ferroelectric memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical recording memory (MO, CD, DVD, etc.). The camera device may be a silver salt camera or a DSC.

  The information recording means writes information from the outside or reads information to the outside based on an external signal. At this time, as the information to be read and written, for example, manufacturer information such as camera and film product numbers, manufacturing numbers, and reference times, order information used when ordering prints of images, settlement information, identification information such as personal information, In addition, there are additional information such as simple comments, logo marks, illustrations, and the like for adding to an image and printing. Thus, for example, when placing a print order, it is not necessary to fill in identification information such as order information, settlement information, personal information, etc. by hand as in the prior art, and information (identification information) written in the information recording means is read out. As a result, it is not necessary to use an order form, a slip, and the like, paperlessness can be achieved, and the work of shop assistants and customers can be reduced.

  Note that the information recording means may be an IC memory chip in order to transmit / receive and record a large amount of data and to prevent falsification and forgery of data.

  The information recording means may include non-contact communication means for communicating with the outside in a non-contact state. As a result, the information recording means can write and read information by non-contact communication with the outside, and is not affected by the contact surface unlike the contact method, so that information can be read and written stably. It can be easily attached to a camera or an image recording medium.

  Further, if the memory cell is a semiconductor nonvolatile memory, a ferroelectric memory, or a magnetic memory, the IC memory chip can be used repeatedly by updating the recorded contents. Note that the magnetic memory referred to here refers to a memory that does not have a mechanical drive portion, unlike a hard disk or CD, such as an MRAM (Magnetic Random Access Memory).

  Further, if the information recording unit is detachable from the camera device or the image recording medium, the information recording unit can be removed and reused. For example, in the case of the same customer, the trouble of writing the same personal information for each camera device or image recording medium can be saved.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a printing system including a printer for printing an image photographed by a camera system, the reading means for reading information written in the information recording means, Image acquisition means for acquiring the image data from the image recording medium, and storage means for storing the image data acquired by the image acquisition means together with the information read from the information recording means by the reading means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, information (manufacturer information, identification information, additional information, etc.) used in the print order written in the information recording unit by the reading unit is read out, and the image acquiring unit It is stored in the storage means together with the image data acquired from the image recording medium. Thus, for example, when ordering an image print, it is not necessary to fill in identification information such as order information, settlement information, personal information, etc. by hand as in the past, but information written in the information recording means (identification information) ) Need only be read out, order sheets, slips, etc. are not required, paperlessness is possible, and the work of shop assistants and customers can be reduced.

  The information includes information indicating at least one of a camera device type, an image recording medium type, and a shooting condition. The printer includes at least one of a camera device type, an image recording medium type, and a shooting condition. If an image is printed by setting a print output condition based on one piece of information, the image can always be printed under the optimum print condition, and a high-quality print result can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, order information for ordering a print of an image recorded on the image recording medium is received while being transmitted from the terminal device, and the print system prints the order information based on the received order information. And a server device for transmitting a message to the terminal device that has transmitted the order information.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, when the server device receives the order information from the terminal device via the network, based on the order information, the instruction information for instructing the print execution is transmitted to the print system, Printing is executed by the printing system. Accordingly, the customer can order the print of the image without going to the laboratory where the printing system is installed or without bringing the image recording medium to the laboratory. Further, since image data and information such as identification information read from the information recording means are managed in an integrated manner, it is easy to manage correspondence between image data and customers.

  The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the terminal device is a mobile phone.

  As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that the order processing procedure can be simplified.

  Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Schematic configuration of camera system]
As shown in FIG. 1, a camera system 10 to which the present invention is applied has an IC memory 12 for recording various information such as personal information and order information as information recording means. 14 is attached to an image recording medium 16 such as a film for optically recording captured images or a memory for electronically recording captured images. The recorded information in the IC memory 12 can be used for a network photo system described later.

  Note that the configuration of the camera 14 and the image recording medium 16 is general, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The IC memory 12 uses a so-called non-contact interface based on wireless communication (for example, international standards (ISO / IEC14443), Bluetooth standard, IrDA standard, etc. for non-contact IC cards) as an interface with an external device. Information is written to and read from the reader / writer (R / W) 18 as reading means by wireless communication. That is, data transmission / reception between the IC memory 12 and the R / W 18 is performed by wireless communication in a non-contact state.

  The present invention is not limited to the IC memory 12, and may be a ferroelectric memory, a magnetic memory (MRAM), an optical recording memory, or the like as long as information can be recorded. Further, the data transmission / reception is not limited to the non-contact method by wireless communication, and may be a contact method in which data is exchanged by making physical contact with the R / W 18.

  However, the IC memory 12 is suitable for transmission / reception and recording of large-capacity data as compared with a barcode or magnetic card type recording medium, is difficult to falsify or forge, and has excellent confidentiality of recorded data. Therefore, it is preferable to use the IC memory 12 as in the present embodiment. The non-contact method can transmit and receive data without being affected by the contact surface state unlike the contact method, and unlike the contact IC card, the shape of the camera 14 or the image recording medium 16 itself is limited. It is preferable to adopt a non-contact method as in this embodiment because it can be easily attached without receiving the cost and the cost of the contact member or the like can be reduced.

This non-contact type IC memory 12 is called, for example, a proximity type,
Communication frequency: 13.56MHz
Modulation method: ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying)
Communication speed: 106Kb / sec to 847Kb / sec
Communication distance: about 1cm to about 20cm
Number of coil turns: 1 to 10 turns Battery: Not required International standard: ISO / IEC14443
The IC memory used for the non-contact IC card having the specifications as described above can be applied.

[Detailed configuration of IC memory]
Next, a detailed configuration of the IC memory 12 that transmits and receives data by wireless communication will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the IC memory 12 includes an antenna unit 20 as a non-contact communication means including an antenna coil 20A and a capacitor 20B for realizing transmission / reception of data with the R / W 18 in a non-contact manner, and an IC memory. It consists of a chip 22. The antenna unit 20 may be externally attached to the IC memory chip 22 or may be formed on the same chip as the IC memory chip 22 (on-chip).

  The antenna unit 20 functions as a non-contact interface with the outside by converting an electric signal into an electromagnetic wave and outputting it to the outside, and receiving an electromagnetic wave from the outside and converting it into an electric signal.

  The IC memory chip 22 includes a digital circuit 30 including a nonvolatile memory cell array 24, a data control circuit 26, and an encryption processing circuit 28, and an analog circuit including a data modulation circuit 32, a data demodulation circuit 34, a reset circuit 36, and a power supply circuit 38. 40. Note that a CPU can be incorporated in the digital circuit 30, and more complicated arithmetic processing can be performed.

  Specifically, a semiconductor nonvolatile memory (EEPROM, flash memory) is used for the nonvolatile memory cell array 24, and various data are recorded in the nonvolatile memory cell array 24. The non-volatile memory cell array 24 may have a recordable data capacity of about 1 Kbytes to 100 Kbytes depending on the data to be recorded.

  Note that the non-contact and rewritable non-volatile IC memory using the non-volatile memory cell array 24 can be used repeatedly by updating the recorded data, and the confidentiality of the information. It is because it is excellent in protecting. Similar effects can be obtained by using a ferroelectric memory (FRAM) or a magnetic memory (MRAM) in addition to the semiconductor nonvolatile memory (EEPROM, flash memory).

  The data control circuit 26 controls reading / writing of data from / to the nonvolatile memory cell array 24, and the read / written data is encrypted or decrypted by the encryption processing circuit 28 as necessary.

  The data modulation circuit 32 generates a modulation signal based on the data read from the nonvolatile memory cell array 24. An electromagnetic wave modulated based on the modulation signal is transmitted from the antenna unit 20 to the R / W 18. The data demodulation circuit 34 demodulates a signal received from the R / W 18 via the antenna unit 20 into data. The demodulated data is recorded in the nonvolatile memory cell array 24 under the control of the data control circuit 26.

  The reset circuit 36 resets the internal circuit of the analog circuit 40 and transmits a reset signal to the digital circuit 30 when the antenna unit 20 receives a signal instructing resetting, and also resets the internal circuit of the digital circuit 30. . That is, the reset circuit 36 resets the internal circuit of the entire IC memory 12.

  The power supply circuit 38 uses a smoothing circuit to generate power from electromagnetic waves and uses it as a power supply for the analog circuit 40 and also supplies it to the digital circuit 30. That is, since the power supply circuit 38 can generate power for the entire IC memory 12, the IC memory 12 can operate alone without receiving power supply from an external battery or the like.

[IC memory installation example]
Next, a specific example of mounting the IC memory 12 is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which an IC memory 12 in which an antenna unit 20 and an IC memory chip 22 are separately formed is attached to a camera 14 body such as a silver salt camera or a DSC. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna unit 20 is externally attached to the IC memory chip 22 by wiring 50. In this case, since there is a high degree of freedom in selecting the number of turns of the antenna coil, the coil radius, and the coil material, an optimal antenna and IC design can be performed according to the communication distance and the electromagnetic wave intensity of the R / W 18.

  Note that the mounting positions of the IC memory chip 22 and the antenna unit 20 can be freely arranged as long as they do not affect the operation of the camera and the optical function. 3 shows the case where the IC memory chip 22 and the antenna unit 20 are attached to the surface of the camera body of the camera 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is embedded in a part of the camera body. Or may be mounted on an internal substrate.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which the IC memory 12 in which the antenna unit 20 is integrated on the IC memory chip 22 is attached to the camera 14. In this case, wiring between the antenna unit 20 and the IC memory chip 22 is unnecessary, and a space required for mounting the IC memory 12 on the camera 14 can be reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that there is little risk of coil disconnection or the like.

  4 shows the case where the IC memory 12 is attached to the surface of the camera body of the camera 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the IC memory 12 is embedded in a part of the camera body or an internal substrate. May be implemented. In the case of DSC, it may be mounted on a memory as an image recording medium 16 for recording captured image data.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which the IC memory chip 22 and the antenna unit 20 are formed on the same card 52, that is, the IC memory 12 has a so-called IC card shape and can be freely attached to and detached from the camera. In this case, at the time of print ordering, after reading data at a dealer or a lab store, the IC memory 12 having the IC card shape storing personal information, that is, the card 52 can be pulled out and reused. In addition, since a general-purpose IC card can be used as the IC memory 12 having the IC card shape, the IC memory 12 and a print system using the IC memory 12 can be realized at low cost.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the IC memory 12 is attached to the base portion of a film 16A used as the image recording medium 16 of the silver salt camera. Since the IC memory 12 is small and does not require a battery or external wiring, it has high environmental resistance. Accordingly, since it is possible to cope with a case where a liquid touching process such as a developing process is performed, there is no problem in attaching the IC memory 12 to the film. In particular, this attachment example is effective for a 135 film in which a cartridge is not returned after development in a conventional printing system.

  In order to attach to the base of the film 16A, the IC memory 12 in which the antenna section 20 is integrated on the IC memory chip 22 is suitable.

  FIG. 7 shows an IC memory 12 in which an antenna unit 20 is integrated into an IC memory chip 22 in a storage member 16B such as a cartridge or cartridge that stores a base portion of a film 16A used as an image recording medium 16 of a silver halide camera. This is an installed example. In this case, it is easy to appropriately take the distance, direction, and the like of the IC memory 12 with respect to the electromagnetic waves from the R / W 18. In particular, this mounting example is effective for a so-called APS film in which the film is returned together with the storage member 16B after development in a conventional printing system.

  Note that the mounting position of the IC memory 12 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with the loading into the camera 14, and may be the side surface of the storage member 16B (see FIG. 7A), or the circumference of the storage member 16B. It may be a surface (see FIG. 7B). Further, the IC memory 12 in which the antenna unit 20 is formed on-chip on the IC memory chip 22 is suitable for attaching to the storage member 16B of the film 16A.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which the IC memory 12 is attached to the memory 16C used as the image recording medium 16 of the DSC. In this case, the IC memory 12 can be incorporated into the card in the same process as the mounting of a large-capacity memory chip for recording an image such as a flash memory in the memory 16C. Further, by integrating with the IC memory 12, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of operations such as identification, search, storage, sorting and sorting of the memory 16C.

  The type of the memory 16C is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a card shape (see FIG. 8A) or a stick shape (see FIG. 8B). Further, in order to attach to the memory 16C, the IC memory 12 in which the antenna unit 20 is formed separately from the IC memory chip 22 and the antenna unit 20 is externally attached to the IC memory chip 22 by wiring may be applied. The IC memory 12 in which the unit 20 is on-chip on the IC memory chip 22 may be applied.

[Example of network photo system]
Next, an example of a network photo system that prints a photograph taken by the camera system will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, a network photo system 60 is installed in a general home or office, and is a computer (PC) 62 as a terminal device operated by a customer, a service center 64 that accepts various orders from the customer, Labs 66 scattered in each region are connected to each other via a network 68 such as the Internet. In particular, for the service center 64 and the laboratory 66 that perform a large amount of communication, it is preferable to use a high-speed line to process more orders quickly.

  The lab 66 includes an image data acquisition device 70 that acquires image data as an image data acquisition unit, a large-capacity database 72 that stores acquired image data as a storage unit, and a database in order to construct a print system. The R / R reads / writes various information to / from the IC memory 12 together with the database server 73 for managing the image data stored in the image data 72 and the printer 74 for printing the image based on the image data on a recording paper. An operation terminal 76 is provided for inputting instruction information for W18 and R / W18 and information to be written. The image data acquisition device 70, the printer 74, the database 72, the printer 74, and the R / W 18 are each connected to the database server 73.

  The image data acquisition device 70 includes a scanner device that reads each frame image of the film 16A to acquire image data, a memory reader that reads image data recorded in the memory 16C, and the like.

  The R / W 18 is installed at the store of the lab 66 and is connected to an operation terminal 76 that is operated by a store clerk or a customer who visits the store to input instruction information and information to be written to the R / W 18. Thereby, for example, the store clerk or the customer instructs the writing by bringing the IC memory 12 attached to the camera 14 or the image recording medium 16 brought by the customer close to the R / W 18 and operating the operation terminal 76. Various information such as personal information and order information can be written into the IC memory 12 simply by inputting information and information to be written. Further, the store clerk or the customer inputs information for instructing reading from the operation terminal 76, and by simply bringing the IC memory 12 close to the R / W 18, the various information recorded in the IC memory 12 is read by the R / W 18. Be able to.

  As the operation terminal 76, specifically, a POS (Point Of Sales) system, a vending machine, or the like can be used.

  The database server 72 adds the information read from the IC memory 12 by the R / W 18 as identification information to the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device 70 and registers it in the database 72. That is, in the database 72, the image data is stored in association with information read from the R / W 18, that is, organized for each identification information.

  Further, the database server 72 generates low resolution image data (thumbnail image) from the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device 70. This thumbnail image is transferred to a center server 78 installed in the service center 64 as a server device.

  The center server 78 receives print order information from the PC 62 via the network, and based on the order information, prints the image data for which the print has been ordered to the lab 66 designated as the lab that performs printing using the order information. Send instruction information. At this time, the center server 78 stores the thumbnail image transferred from each lab 66 in association with the transfer source lab 66 and makes the thumbnail image accessible on the network, and uses the thumbnail image from the customer. It is designed to accept prints. That is, the customer confirms the thumbnail image of his / her own photograph from the PC 62 via the network 68, and makes a print order such as reprinting or downloads image data. In order to prevent each customer from seeing a thumbnail image of his / her own picture, the center server 78 performs an identity inquiry by password authentication or the like, and limits the thumbnail images that each customer can see. In the center server 78, when the lab 66 designated as the lab for printing and the lab 66 storing the ordered image data in the database, the image data is also transferred to the designated lab. Instruct.

  Note that the network photo system 60 is given as an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The image data stored in the database 72 from the terminal device (PC) via the network is not limited to this. It is only necessary that a print order can be received and printing can be executed. For example, in the above description, the center server 78 collectively receives orders for each lab 66. However, a server device is installed in each lab 66, and each lab 66 has a server device installed in each lab 66. You may make it receive the print order of the image data stored in the database 72 of the said laboratory.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, a work flow of the entire photo system constructed using the camera system 10 will be described. In the following, an IC memory is used for a lens-equipped film (disposable camera) that is sold in a state in which the film is loaded in the camera in advance and that is taken to the lab for film development. The case where 12 is attached will be described as an example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, in a camera assembly process at a factory or the like, the IC memory 12 is attached to the camera 14 (step 100), and the R / W 18 uses the type of the camera 14 as initial information to the attached IC memory 12. In addition, after the manufacturer information such as the type of the image recording medium 16 (particularly the silver salt film) is written (step 102), it is shipped (step 104). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, in the camera assembly process, for example, a bar code reader is used to read the product (serial) number or the ID number of the film if it is a silver salt camera. Then, it is recorded in the IC memory 12 by the R / W 18 as manufacturer information.

  The shipped camera 14 is sold in the laboratory 66 (step 106). In addition, you may sell not at the lab 66 but at a store. When purchased by the customer (step 108), personal information necessary for the print order is written into the IC memory 12 (step 110). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11B, when a camera is purchased, for example, a store clerk or a customer operates an operation terminal 76 installed in a store of a lab 66 (or a store), thereby obtaining personal information. As a result, a personal ID, a personal identification number, etc. are recorded in the IC memory 12.

  In addition, the personal ID includes a normal phone number (phone connected to a telephone line by wire), a mobile phone number, and an e-mail address of a mobile phone (for sending and receiving e-mails by wireless communication using the mobile phone). An e-mail address or the like of a PC (for sending and receiving e-mails by a PC connected to a network) can be used. By using these as personal IDs, it is possible to call back to the customer side by telephone or e-mail. For example, when a customer orders an image print using the print system of the lab 66 or the network photo system 60, a message (order receipt confirmation, print receipt date, price estimate result, etc.) is sent from the center server 78. Voice message and text message) can be sent to the customer who ordered.

  At this time, as additional information, information on the camera sales place (purchase place), for example, if it is a tourist spot, the place name of the tourist spot is recorded as comment information, or a logo or character unique to the tourist spot is recorded. You may be able to do it. This additional information may be used by the customer for image management in a network photo print system, which will be described later, or may be selectively added to the image and printed when the image is printed.

  Thereafter, the customer takes a picture using the purchased camera 14, and when he / she wants to place a print order for the taken image, he / she brings the camera 14 together with the image recording medium 16 to the nearest laboratory 66 (step 112). Then, when the image recording medium 16 is handed over to the lab 66 for the print order, the order information is written in the IC memory 12 (step 114). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11C, at the time of ordering a print, for example, a store clerk or a customer operates the operation terminal 76 installed in the store, and as an order information, an address, name, telephone number, The number of prints and other desired conditions are recorded in the IC memory 12.

  Information relating to the individual customer such as address, name, and telephone number may be recorded in the IC memory 12 as personal information at the time of purchase of the camera. Further, as payment information, a credit card number, a fee, or the like may be recorded in the IC memory 12, and so-called electronic payment may be possible using the credit card together or using the CPU in the IC memory 12.

  In the lab 66, the recording information of the IC memory 12 is added to the image data of the image recording medium 16 received from the customer (step 116) and stored in the database 72 (step 118). Then, in the laboratory 66, using the image data stored in the database 72, it is printed by the printer 74 and delivered to the customer (step 120).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the process from when the customer brings the photographed camera to the lab for ordering prints until the customer is linked to the network photo system will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when a customer takes a picture with DSC, the DSC is brought into the lab 66. In the lab 66, the image data acquisition device 70 (memory reader) takes an image from the memory 16C of the camera 14 brought in. The data is read (see arrow A), and the information recorded in the camera 14 or the IC memory 12 attached to the memory 16C of the camera 14 by the R / W 18, that is, manufacturer information or identification After reading information (personal information, order information, payment information) and additional information, all or part of the recorded contents of the IC memory 12 is reset (see arrow B) and returned to the customer. Then, the information read from the IC memory 12 is added to the read image data and stored in the database 72 (see arrow C). Normally, the image data is stored in the memory 16C in a compressed state using JPEG or the like.

  In addition, even when a customer takes a picture with a silver salt camera, the camera 14 with the IC memory 12 is passed to the lab 66 as it is, and the lab 66 develops the photographed film 16A (see arrow D). The film (negative) is read by an image data acquisition device 70 (scanner) to acquire image data, which is digitized and subjected to signal compression (for example, JPEG compression) (see arrow E). Further, as in the case of DSC, the information recorded in the IC memory 12 attached to the camera 14 or the film 16A is read out by the R / W 18 to reset the recorded contents of the IC memory 12 (see arrow B). . Then, the information read from the IC memory 12 is added to the compressed image data and stored in the database 72 (arrow C) as in the case of DSC.

  In the case of DSC, image data may be downloaded directly from an external output terminal from a flash memory or the like provided as an image recording medium 16 inside the camera. Further, when a memory detachable from the camera is used as the image recording medium 16, and the IC memory 12 is attached to the memory, the customer only needs to bring the memory to the laboratory.

  In the case of a silver halide camera, when the IC memory 12 is attached to the film 16A as the image recording medium 16, the customer only needs to bring the image recording medium 16 to the laboratory 66. At this time, when the IC memory 12 is attached to the base of the film, information may be read from the IC memory 12 after the film development.

  Thereafter, the lab 66 operates the printer 74 based on the image data stored in the database 72 to create a print based on the image data, and the customer receives the print output result in payment (see arrow F). ).

  In general, in the case of an image taken with a silver salt camera, characteristics such as graininess, γ characteristic, dynamic range, color balance and the like are different from those taken with a DSC. Also, these characteristics differ depending on the type (model) of the silver halide camera and the type of the silver salt film used, and the DSC also differs depending on the type (model).

  Also, there may be a large difference in the print finish depending on the shooting scene and shooting conditions. For example, in so-called backlighting with a bright background, it is necessary to make corrections so that the subject does not collapse when printed. Appropriate white balance and natural skin color reproduction are also required depending on the type of light source, such as natural light photography, fluorescent light photography, and the use of a strobe light source. Thus, the optimum print condition can be set by determining the print creation condition based on the photographing information recorded in the IC memory 12 in addition to the information obtained from the image data.

  For this reason, when executing printing, the printer 74 reads out from the IC memory 12 in addition to information obtained from image data that has been conventionally used, adds it to the image data to be printed, and stores it in the database. Of these information, printing is performed by setting the print output condition according to the difference in characteristics as described above based on the information on the shooting conditions or the type of camera or the type of image recording medium indicated in the manufacturer information. It is like that.

  For example, print conditions such as exposure conditions and color balance for print paper such as photographic paper and printer paper are set according to the difference in characteristics, and image processing according to the print output conditions is performed on the image data, and then the print data is printed. I do. Further, for example, the type of print paper to be used may be set (selected) as a print output condition according to the difference in characteristics, and an image may be printed on the print paper. Thereby, the print output result, that is, the image quality can be compensated regardless of the type of the camera or the type of the image recording medium.

  At this time, when the image data is stored in the database 72, the network photo system 60 can be used, and the image data is transferred to the lab 66 different from the lab 66 where the customer brought the camera via the network 68. It is also possible to perform printing in the different lab 66. That is, the customer can designate a lab 66 that is different from the lab 66 that has placed a print order with the camera.

  Since the image data remains in the database 72 even after printing, the network photo system 60 accepts orders such as extra prints that are input by customers operating the PC 62 from their home or company, and is specified in the order. It is also possible to print at the lab 66 (see arrow G). The print output result at this time will be handed over to a customer who has visited the lab 66 that has performed printing at a later date or delivered to a location (such as a convenience store) designated by the customer.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by attaching the IC memory 12 to the camera 14 or the image recording medium 16, it is necessary to fill in identification information such as personal information, order information, and settlement information by hand when placing a print order. This eliminates the need for order slips and slips, making paperless possible, and reducing the work of shop assistants and customers. Further, regardless of the type of camera such as a silver salt camera or DSC or the type of image recording medium, it is possible to provide a print service to a customer using the same interface.

  In addition, since information (maker information, identification information, additional information) read from the IC memory 12 is added to the image data and is centrally managed in the database 72, the image data and various information in the IC memory 12 are dispersed. Can be prevented. At this time, in the case of a silver salt camera, as in the case of DSC, it is possible to centrally manage image data, personal information and order information by digitizing the image data.

  By handling image data and various types of information such as identification information in a unified manner as described above, it becomes easy to manage correspondence between image data and customers, and paperless can be achieved as described above. Links to can be easily made. That is, the customer can access the image data of his / her photograph via the network, and the user's own image data can be used effectively.

  As a result, even if the customer does not go to the lab 66, he / she can operate the PC 62 and use the network photo system to place a print order such as reprinting his / her own photograph from the PC 62. Further, when the customer operates the PC 62 to use the network photo system, it is not necessary to input personal information again, and the customer only has to select desired image data and input order information.

  Further, even a customer who cannot use the PC 62 can use the network photo system by going to the nearest lab 66 and placing an order such as reprinting. At this time, even if an order is made in a lab 66 different from the lab 66 where the print order was first placed, the image data of the customer is obtained from another lab 66 using the network photo system in the different lab 66 ( Image data can be transferred via a network) and printed. That is, regardless of which lab 66 is used, it is possible to reorder prints such as reprints without bringing the memory, developed film or the like to the lab 66 as in the prior art.

  Further, since the image data is stored in the database 72 in a compressed state, a large amount of image data can be stored, and a different lab 66 is designated for receiving the print result by linking with the network photo service. For example, when the image data is transferred for printing in a different laboratory 66, the amount of network traffic is small, and a large amount of image data can be transferred at high speed.

  In the above description, the case where a dedicated R / W 18 is installed in the lab 66 and various information such as manufacturer information, identification information, and additional information is written in the IC memory 12 by the R / W 18 is shown as an example. Is not limited to this. Since the IC memory 12 is compatible with digital data, for example, it is possible to write such information using a mobile phone.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the mobile phone 90 is configured to include a control board including a CPU, an RF circuit, and an antenna, and communicates with the IC memory 12 in a non-contact state. On the other hand, it can be realized by attaching a reader / writer 92 for writing / reading information. In the cellular phone 90, the numeric keypad 94 is operated (pressed) to input data to be written into the IC memory 12. When the mobile phone 90 is used, the personal phone ID is automatically the phone number of the mobile phone 90 or the e-mail address of the mobile phone 90 (for sending and receiving e-mail by wireless communication using the mobile phone). It may be written in the IC memory 12. In this case, the personal ID input work by operating the numeric keypad 94 can be omitted, and the work of the customer can be reduced.

  In recent years, mobile phones that can be wirelessly connected to a network such as the Internet have been put into practical use, and customers can use the network photo system 60 from a mobile phone instead of the PC 62.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the camera system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of IC memory. It is an example in which an IC memory in which an antenna portion and an IC memory chip are separately formed is attached to a camera, (A) is an external view of the camera, and (B) is a diagram showing an IC memory to be used. It is an example in which an IC memory having an antenna part on-chip is attached to a camera, (A) is an external view of the camera, and (B) is a diagram showing an IC memory to be used. It is an example in which an IC memory formed in an IC card shape is attached to a camera, (A) is an external view of the camera, and (B) is a diagram showing an IC memory (IC card) to be used. This is an example in which an IC memory is attached to the base of a film. This is an example in which the IC memory is attached to the storage member of the base of the film. This is an example in which an IC memory is attached to the memory, where (A) is a card-like memory and (B) is a stick-like memory. It is a structural example of a network photo system. It is the work flow of a factory, a laboratory, and a customer for explaining operation of the whole photo system. (A) is a camera assembly process, (B) is a conceptual diagram of writing information to an IC memory at the time of purchasing a camera, and (C) is an order at the time of print ordering. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the process after a customer brings a photographed camera in a laboratory until it is linked to a network photo system. 1 is a configuration diagram of a mobile phone that reads and writes information from and to an IC memory.

Explanation of symbols

10 Camera System 12 IC Memory 14 Camera 16 Image Recording Medium 18 R / W
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Antenna part 22 IC memory chip 60 Network photo system 66 Lab 70 Image data acquisition apparatus 72 Database 74 Printer 76 Terminal device

Claims (3)

A camera device for photographing a subject and recording an image of the photographed subject on an image recording medium; and non-contact communication means for communicating in a non-contact state with the outside. And information indicating at least one of the type of the camera device, the type of the image recording medium, and the photographing condition, and an IC capable of writing and reading only information other than the image separated from the image An information recording means constituted by a memory chip is a printing system for printing an image photographed by the camera of the camera device or a camera system provided in a removable manner on the image recording medium and recorded on the image recording medium. There,
Reading means for reading information written in the information recording means;
Image acquisition means for acquiring image data recorded on the image recording medium from the image recording medium;
Storage means for storing the image data acquired by the image acquisition means together with the information read by the reading means;
A printer that prints an image by setting a print output condition based on information indicating at least one of the type of the camera device, the type of the image recording medium, and the shooting condition stored in the storage unit;
Printing system equipped with. Receives order information for ordering prints of images recorded on the image recording medium transmitted from the terminal device, and transmits instruction information for instructing the print system to execute printing based on the received order information The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a server device that transmits a message to the terminal device that has transmitted the order information. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the terminal device is a mobile phone.

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