JP2002014891A - Picture data generating device and picture outputting system and informing method and picture outputting method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly inform a receiver of the possibility of the reception of a picture at the time of transmitting the picture. SOLUTION: The data of the object of a picture and the data of the terminal of the receiver of the picture are transmitted from a portable terminal 170 to a picture data generating device 101. The picture data generating device 101 generates picture data including the object, and generates identification information corresponding to the generated picture data. Then, an notification signal including the generated identification information is transmitted to the terminal (portable terminal 175) of a receiver. Also, the generated picture data and the corresponding identification information are transmitted to a picture data mediating device 181. The receiver inputs the identification information to the picture data mediating device 181. The picture data mediating device transmits the picture data corresponding to the identification information to a picture outputting device 182. The picture outputting device 182 outputs a picture based on the picture data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image data generation device, an image output system, a notification method, an image output method, and a recording medium. It should be noted that images in this specification include so-called narrowly defined images such as figures, pictures (illustrations), and photographs,
This is a concept that includes characters such as letters and numbers, and includes an image consisting only of characters, an image consisting only of illustrations, and an image consisting of characters and illustrations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A service handled by a post office is a "hybrid mail service". This service is
A customer writes a message on a computer via the Internet, prints it at a post office, puts it in a special envelope, and delivers it nationwide. More specifically, first, after performing user registration, a sentence is created using a personal computer or the like, and transmitted to the New Tokyo Post Office via an e-mail via a network. The new Tokyo Post Office will forward the received e-mail to 10 central post offices nationwide. From the central post office, it is handled in the same way as ordinary mail. The first procedure for "Hybrid Mail Service" is troublesome. Also, there are restrictions on the characters that can be used, and communication between post offices takes time.

[0003]

In the "hybrid mail service", it takes time from when a sender sends a message to when the message is delivered to a receiver.

[0004] Furthermore, the method of receiving by the recipient is inconvenient because the only option is to wait for delivery.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to promptly notify a recipient that an image can be received during image transmission.

Another object of the present invention is to make it easier for recipients to receive images, for example, by making it possible to receive images at convenience stores that spread throughout the country and are open 24 hours a day.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image data generating apparatus according to the present invention is an image data generating apparatus for generating image data, comprising: data of an object of an image; Receiving means for receiving data of a human terminal; image data generating means for generating data of an image including the object; identification information generating means for generating identification information corresponding to the generated image data; Transmitting means for transmitting a notification signal including identification information corresponding to the image data to the recipient terminal.

Here, the image processing apparatus may further include storage means for storing the generated image data and identification information corresponding to the image data.

Here, the receiving means may receive identification information and data of a recipient.

Here, when the data of the recipient received by the receiving means is data of a terminal of the recipient, the transmitting means corresponds to the terminal of the recipient with the identification information received by the receiving means. The image data stored in the storage means may be transmitted.

Here, the receiving means may receive data of the style of the image, and the image data generating means may generate data of the image including the object reflecting the style.

[0012] An image output system according to the present invention includes the image data generation device, an image data mediation device, and an image output device, wherein the transmission means of the image data generation device includes the generated image data and the image data. Receiving means for transmitting identification information corresponding to image data to the image data mediation device, wherein the image data mediation device receives the image data transmitted by the image data generation device and identification information corresponding to the image data; A storage unit that stores the received image data and identification information corresponding to the image data, an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information, and a storage unit that corresponds to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit. Transmitting means for transmitting the stored image data to the image output device, wherein the image output device includes There comprising receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted, and an image output means for outputting an image based on the image data received.

[0013] Another image output system according to the present invention includes the image data generation device, the image data mediation device, and the image output device, wherein the image data mediation device acquires identification information. And transmission means for transmitting the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means to the image data generation device, wherein the reception means of the image data generation device transmits the identification information transmitted by the image data mediation device. Receiving, the transmission means of the image data generation device transmits the image data stored in the storage means corresponding to the received identification information to the image data mediation device, the image data mediation device, the image data The image data transmission device further includes a receiving unit that receives the image data transmitted by the data generation device, wherein the transmission device of the image data mediation device receives the received image data. Transmitting data to the image output device, the image output device receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted by the image data mediating device, and image output means for outputting an image based on the received image data Prepare.

Here, the identification information obtaining means of the image data mediating apparatus may include identification information input means for inputting the identification information.

Here, the identification information acquiring means of the image data mediating apparatus may acquire the identification information input by a remote terminal through communication.

[0016] Another image output system according to the present invention includes the image data generation device and an image output device that receives image data generated by the image data generation device and outputs an image based on the image data. Prepare.

A notifying method according to the present invention is a notifying method for notifying reception of an image, and includes a receiving step of receiving data of an object of an image and data of a terminal of a recipient of the image, and including the object. An image data generating step of generating image data, an identification information generating step of generating identification information corresponding to the generated image data, and a notification signal including the identification information corresponding to the generated image data. Transmitting to the terminal.

An image output method according to the present invention is an image output method in an image output system including an image data generation device, an image data mediation device, and an image output device. Receiving the data of the object, and the data of the terminal of the recipient of the image; the image data generating device; the image data generating step of generating data of the image including the object; and the image data generating device Generating an identification information corresponding to the generated image data, and transmitting a notification signal including the identification information corresponding to the generated image data to the recipient terminal in the image data generation device. Transmitting the image data and the generated image data in the image data generating device; Transmitting the identification information corresponding to the image data to the image data mediation device; storing the received image data and identification information corresponding to the image data in the image data mediation device; In the data mediation device, an identification information acquisition step of acquiring identification information, and in the image data mediation device, a transmission step of transmitting the image data stored in the storage step corresponding to the acquired identification information to the image output device, In the image output device,
Outputting an image based on the received image data.

Another image output method according to the present invention is an image output method in an image output system including an image data generation device, an image data mediation device, and an image output device. Receiving data of an object of an image and data of a terminal of a recipient of an image; generating image data including generating the image data including the object in the image data generating apparatus; and generating the image data. In the device, an identification information generation step of generating identification information corresponding to the generated image data, and in the image data generation device, a storage step of storing the generated image data and identification information corresponding to the image data, In the image data generation device, identification corresponding to the generated image data A transmitting step of transmitting a notification signal including a notification to the terminal of the recipient, an identification information obtaining step of obtaining identification information in the image data intermediary device, and an identification information obtaining step of the image data intermediary device. Transmitting the identified identification information to the image data generation device; and transmitting the image data stored in the storage step corresponding to the received identification information to the image data mediation device in the image data generation device. The image data mediating device includes a step of transmitting the received image data to the image output device; and an image output step of outputting an image based on the received image data in the image output device.

A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention stores a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method.

According to the above arrangement, in transmitting an image, it is possible to promptly notify the recipient that the image can be received.

[0022] Further, it is possible to facilitate the recipient's receipt.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image output system according to the present embodiment. According to the present image output system, the sender can send an image to the receiver using the terminal at hand (for example, the mobile terminal 170).

The example of FIG. 1 will be described in detail. First, a sender transmits image object data (character data (eg, "") to a portable terminal 170 (consisting of a portable personal computer 171 and a portable telephone 173 in this embodiment). "Happy New Year", "Happy Birthday"), image data, etc.), and data of the image recipient's terminal (for example, a portable terminal 175 is conceivable, but may be a non-portable personal computer or the like). I do. If there is a style to be reflected on the image, further input style data. One recipient may be designated, or a plurality of recipients may be designated. In the example of FIG. 1, object data and the like input by the sender are transmitted to the image data generating apparatus 101 in the form of a computer (for example, a personal computer) by e-mail.

In the example of FIG. 1, a portable terminal, that is, a portable personal computer 171 and a portable telephone 173 are used as terminals of the caller. However, a portable telephone having a character input function may be used alone. Using a portable terminal is convenient because data can be sent from anywhere at any time.

The e-mail containing the object data and the like input by the sender is transmitted from the mobile phone 173 to the base station 19.
Sent to 3. Further, the image data is transmitted to the image data generating apparatus 101 via a network 191 such as the Internet or a telephone network, a provider 192, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the e-mail is transmitted using the portable personal computer 171 and the portable telephone 173. However, for example, a desktop personal computer (if necessary, a non-portable telephone, a modem, or the like) is used. Alternatively, an e-mail may be transmitted.

The image data generating device 101 receives the transmitted electronic mail. Here, it is assumed that the image data generation device 101 is connected to a network via an interface or the like. Image data generation device 10
1 generates image data based on the object data (and, in some cases, style data) in the received e-mail.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by the image data generating device according to the present embodiment. The image in Fig. 2 contains object data (such as the characters "Happy New Year").
Is reflected. Here, for example, when a bouquet is given at the same time as the image instead of “Happy Birthday” instead of “Happy New Year”, the image of the morning sun may be replaced with a bouquet image.

As described above, the image data generating apparatus 10
1 can generate image data based on object data or the like input by a sender at a remote terminal.

After generating the image data, the image data generating apparatus 101 generates identification information (for example, a password composed of numbers, characters, etc.) corresponding to the image data. Then, the generated image data and identification information corresponding to the image data are transmitted to the image data mediation device 181. Further, it is possible to transmit a notification signal including identification information to the terminal of the recipient (here, transmitted to the mobile terminal 175 via the network 191 and the base station 194) to receive an image. Let them know.

When the receiver receives the notification signal at the portable terminal 175, the receiver can go to, for example, a convenience store and receive the image. The image data mediation device 181 installed in a convenience store or the like stores the image data received from the image data generation device 101 and identification information corresponding to the image data, and receives a keyboard, a button, or the like from a recipient (or a clerk of a convenience store). When the input of the identification information is received via, for example, the identification information is transmitted to the image output device 182, the image data corresponding to the input identification information is transmitted. The image output device 182 outputs an image based on the image data. The recipient can receive the output image.

The image data and the corresponding identification information can be stored in the image data generating device 101. Then, when the identification information is input to the image data mediation device 181, the image data mediation device 181 transmits the identification information to the image data generation device 101, and the image data corresponding to the identification information received by the image data generation device 101. Is transmitted to the image data mediating device 181, and the image data received by the image data mediating device 181 is transmitted to the image output device 182.

The recipient can transmit the identification information to the image data intermediary device 181 via the portable terminal 175 or the computer 183 at hand before going to a convenience store or the like. Then, when the recipient arrives at the convenience store or the like, the image is considered to have been output.

As places for installing the image data mediating apparatus 181 and the image output apparatus 182, various places such as a town store, a telephone booth and the like can be considered in addition to a convenience store.

The reception of the image can be realized without the recipient going to a convenience store or the like. For example, the image data and the identification information corresponding to the image data are stored in the image data generating apparatus 101. The recipient who has received the notification signal transmits the recipient data (address of the recipient, etc.) and the identification information to the image data generating apparatus 101. The image data generation device 101 transmits the image data corresponding to the received identification information to the image output device 102 to output an image. The output image can be transmitted to the address of the recipient by, for example, a manager of the image data generating apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 102.

Further, for example, the recipient can transmit the data of the recipient's terminal (for example, the computer 183 or the portable terminal 175) to the image data generating apparatus 101 as the recipient's data. The image data generation device 101 transmits the image data corresponding to the received identification information to the recipient terminal. Thereby, for example, after receiving the notification signal at the portable terminal 175, the recipient receives the image data at the computer 183 and receives the image data at the computer 183.
3 can output an image. Alternatively, both the notification signal and the image data may be received by the mobile terminal 175, the image data may be transferred to the computer 183, and the image output device 184 may output the image.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image data generating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image data generation device 101 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 121,
Memory 122, interface 125, input means 12
6 and a display 127, and can take the form of, for example, a personal computer.

The CPU 121 can take the form of a microprocessor and performs various controls.

The memory 122 stores a program for processing the second style data acquisition unit 133, the layout file selection unit 135, the decoration file selection unit 137, the image data generation unit 139, and the control unit 141. The layout library 151, the font decoration library 153, the character decoration library 155, the color decoration library 157, the background decoration library 159, the files in the image decoration library 161 and the layout decoration library 163, and the second style database 167 and the image data / identification Information database 14
The data in 3 is also stored. These programs,
The files and data may be stored in advance in the memory 122, a hard disk, or the like,
The program may be stored in a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or the like, and read into the memory 122, a hard disk, or the like before execution. In the present embodiment, the second style data acquisition unit 133, the layout selection unit 135, the decoration file selection unit 137, the image data generation unit 139, and the control unit 1
41 is realized by software, but it is also possible to realize all or a part of it by hardware.

The image data generating device 101 outputs image data via the interface 125 to the image output device 102.
Send to The image output device 102 can take the form of a printer, and outputs an image based on the received image data. Further, the image data generation device 101 exchanges signals with the network 191 via the interface 125.

The input means 126 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display 127 is used for inputting and outputting data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each function of the image data generating apparatus according to this embodiment. The image data generation device 101 according to the present embodiment receives input of data of a recipient terminal, data of an image object, and data of an image style (transmitted from the mobile terminal 170). The style of the image is also obtained from the input object. Then, image data including the object is generated, reflecting the input style and the style obtained from the object. However, the image (data) can also be generated without inputting and acquiring the style of the image, that is, without considering the style of the image.

The sender can input the first style data as data of the style of the image through the portable terminal 170 and transmit the first style data to the image data generating apparatus 101. In addition, character data, image data, and the like can be input and transmitted as data of an image object. However, the first style data need not be input. The input of the first style data and the object data is performed via a keyboard, a display, and the like of the portable personal computer 171 of the portable terminal 170. The portable personal computer 171 can have the same configuration as the configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example. The portable personal computer 171 is
The user can easily input the first style data and the object data using input means (such as a keyboard) while looking at the display. In the present embodiment, style data input by the user is referred to as first style data, and style data acquired from object data input by the user is referred to as second style data to distinguish them.

The character data further includes headline sentence data ("Happy New Year", "moved", etc.), text data ("Thank you again this year.", "Please come when you are near. Please drop in. "), Sender data (data indicating the sender's name, etc.). The image data is, for example, JPEG
Format, TIFF format, BMP format, and the like. The image data includes both a background image and an image that is not a background image. A plurality of image data may be input.

As the first style data, for example, in addition to adjective expressions such as “cute”, “flashy”, and “fun”,
"Inserting summer flower images", "inserting animal images", "enlarging photos", etc. are possible. A plurality of first style data may be input.

As the object data and the first style data, data registered in advance in the portable personal computer 171 can be selected by the user. Representative object data and first
It is convenient for the user if the style data is registered and can be selected. In the present embodiment, representative object data and first style data are registered in the portable personal computer 171.

The second style data acquisition unit 133 of the image data generating apparatus 101 acquires the second style data from the object data. For character data, for example, it is checked whether a specific keyword ("New Year", "marriage", etc.) is included, and if so, the keyword can be used as the second style data. In the present embodiment, such a specific keyword is registered in the second style database 167. For image data, for example, the number of image data, color tone, and the like can be used as the second style data.

The layout file selecting section 135 stores the first
One layout file is selected (determined) from the layout library 151 based on the style data and the second style data. However, the selection can be made without considering the style data. The layout file is a file in which data for arranging objects in an image is described. Each layout file includes basic layout data, rearrangement procedure data, and selection index value data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the basic layout data. The basic layout data indicates the positional relationship and area ratio between objects, the ratio of the area occupied by all objects to the entire image, the aspect ratio of each object, and if the object is composed of characters, whether it is vertical writing or horizontal writing etc. By doing so, the basic arrangement of the objects in the image is determined. Based on the basic layout data, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a basic arrangement of objects (for example, headline, body, sender, and image) is determined. However, the arrangement of the object may need to be changed depending on the decoration of the object, and therefore, the object is not always finally arranged according to the basic arrangement determined by the basic layout data.

The rearrangement procedure data is data describing a procedure (instruction) for rearranging an object when it is necessary to change the basic arrangement of the object due to decoration of the object. For example, it is data describing how to rearrange the position of an object when the position or size of the object is changed or a new object is added, including another object. By using the rearrangement procedure data, it is possible to prevent the object from protruding from the image and to prevent the object from being displayed repeatedly.

As the rearrangement procedure, for example, when increasing the area of the headline, it is conceivable to widen the arrangement area of the headline vertically, horizontally, or only to the right. Also, for example, when increasing the area of a headline sentence,
If an attempt is made to maintain the area ratio or the like determined by the basic arrangement, objects may overlap. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to take a procedure of reducing the area of objects other than the headline text while maintaining the area ratio of those objects. Furthermore, depending on the contents of the design, there are objects for which the area should not be changed, objects for which the arrangement position should not be changed, objects for which the aspect ratio should be changed, and the like. It is conceivable to decide the procedure. That is, the rearrangement procedure is determined in consideration of what is given priority and what is yielded.

The selection index value data is data that serves as an index when the layout file selection unit 135 selects a layout file from the layout library 151 based on the first style data and the second style data. The index value data for selection of each layout file includes, for example, index values 0 to 100 as “cuteness”, index values 0 to 100 as “flashiness”, and index value 0 as “the number of images”.
10 to 10 (when the maximum number of images that can be input is 10). However, not all the first style data and the second style data include the corresponding index values. For example, when “cute” is input as the first style data, basically “cute degree”
Is selected as a file having a high degree of association. Also, for example, when “the number of images: 1” is acquired as the second style data,
Basically, a layout file having an index value of “number of images” of 1 is selected as having a high degree of association.

When a plurality of style data are input or obtained, a layout file that basically reflects as many styles as possible is selected. For example, for each style data, the style data may be compared with the corresponding selection index value data to determine the relevance, and a layout file that maximizes the total relevance of the style data may be selected. Here, the degree of association is weighted, and when specific style data is input or acquired, a layout file related to the style data can be easily selected. In addition, when there is a plurality of first style data input by the user that are inconsistent or inconsistent with each other, for example, the first style data input first can be prioritized.

The layout file may be prepared in accordance with the type and number of objects, or a limited number of layout files are prepared, and the layout file is input for the object scheduled in the layout file. When the number of objects is large or small, it may be dealt with by the rearrangement procedure data.

The selection of the layout file can be changed each time. That is, different layout files can be selected even for the same object data and the first and second style data. In the present embodiment, a random element is added to the selection of the layout file. That is, determine the relevance of the input or acquired style data and layout file associated high degree of n ₁ piece (n ₁ is an integer of 2 or more) to select one by using a random number from among the layout file I have to. By using random numbers in this way, the most relevant layout file,
That is, the layout file that reflects the style most is not always selected. Thus, the image data generating apparatus 101 can generate various image data using different layout files even when the same object data and the same style data are input.

As a method of selecting one of the n ₁ layout files having a high degree of association by using a random number, for example, when n ₁ = 4, a layout file having the highest degree of association can be selected. 4/10, the possibility of selecting the layout file with the second highest relevance is 3/10
There is a method of using random numbers so that the possibility of selecting the layout file having the third highest relevance is 2/10 and the possibility of selecting the layout file having the fourth highest relevance is 1/10. .

In the present embodiment, a layout file is selected using random numbers. However, for example, a layout file having the highest relevance can be always selected without using random numbers.

The decoration file selection unit 137 determines a decoration library (a font decoration library 153, a character decoration library 155, a color decoration library 157, a background decoration library 159, an image decoration library 161 based on the first style data and the second style data). Select (determine) m decoration files (font decoration file, character decoration file, color decoration file, background decoration file, image decoration file, and layout decoration file) from the layout decoration library 163) (m is an integer of 1 or more). . However, the selection can be made without considering the style data. The decoration file is a file in which instructions for decorating the object are described. In the present embodiment, the decoration of the object is performed based on the six types of decoration files. However, the decoration may be performed based on only a part of the decoration files, or the decoration may be performed based on other decoration files. . For example, decoration may be performed based on a decoration file to which a frame (frame line) is added.

In the font decoration file, data (instructions) for decorating the font of the object constituted by the characters is described. For example, the size of the headline text, the text and the character font of the sender, the font, and the bold font are used. Instructions such as whether or not to do so are described.

In the character decoration file, instructions for decorating the characters of an object composed of characters are described. For example, a file in which a heart mark is placed behind the character "marriage" or a file named "hand" There is a file that replaces characters with hand shapes.

In the color tone decoration file, instructions for decorating by changing the color tone are described. For example, instructions for the color tone of the headline, text, sender, image, and background are described.

In the background decoration file, instructions for decorating by changing the background (image) are described. For example, decoration such as rotation, enlargement, reduction, partial extraction, color mode conversion, color tone correction (for example, sepia colorization), resolution processing (adjustment), blur processing, and mosaic processing is performed on the background (image). Instructions are provided. Also, by superimposing (superimposing (synthesizing)) the images,
It is also conceivable to generate a background (image). Further, for example, there is a file in which the background has an arabesque pattern, and a file in which the background looks like Japanese paper. A file may be provided to keep the background without any pattern.

The image decoration file includes rotation, enlargement, reduction, partial extraction, color mode conversion,
Instructions to perform decoration such as color correction (for example, sepia colorization), resolution processing (adjustment), blur processing, mosaic processing, instructions to superimpose images, instructions to extract still images from moving images, and images Instructions and the like for additional decoration are described. The still image extracted from the moving image can be used as, for example, a background image.
Examples of files that include instructions for adding and decorating images include files that add cat photos, files that add sunrise photos, files that add cherry blossoms, and files that add sunflowers. Is mentioned.

The layout decoration file describes instructions for changing the layout and decorating the file. For example, a file for increasing the size of the image or a file for moving the body to the bottom of the object There is.

Each decoration file contains index value data for selection. The decoration file selection unit 137 uses the decoration library (the font decoration library 153) based on the first style data and the second style data.
Etc.) is used as an index when selecting a decoration file (font decoration file or the like). As the index value data for selection of each decoration file, for example, an index value of 0 to 100 as “cuteness” and 0 to 100 as “flashy”
0 to 10 (when the maximum number of images that can be input is 10) can be considered as the index value of “. However, not all the first style data and the second style data include the corresponding index values.
For example, when "cute" is input as the first style data, a decoration file having a high index value of "cuteness" is basically selected as having a high degree of association.

As the index value data for selection of each decoration file, for example, “summer flower” which is directly linked to the first style data is 1 (applicable) or 0 (not applicable), and “summer flower” is directly linked to the second style data. "Cherry blossoms" may be 1 (applicable) or 0 (not applicable). The index value is not limited to two stages of 1 and 0, but may be more stages. For example, if “summer flower” is input as the first style data and the index value of “summer flower” in the image decoration file to which sunflower flowers are added is 1, the image decoration file is highly relevant. become. For example, if “cherry blossom” is acquired as the second style data and the index value of “cherry blossom” of the image decoration file to which cherry blossoms are added is 1, the image decoration file has a high degree of association.

The selection of the decoration file can be changed each time. That is, different decoration files can be selected even for the same object data and the first and second style data. In the present embodiment, a random element is added to the selection of the decoration file (how to decorate the object). That is, the degree of association between the input or acquired style data and the decoration file is obtained, and m pieces are selected from the n ₂ (n ₂ is an integer of 2 or more) decoration files having a high degree of association using random numbers. I have to. By using the random numbers in this way, the m decoration files with the highest relevance,
That is, the m decoration files that reflect the style most do not always have to be selected. Thus, the image data generation device 101 can generate various image data using different decoration files even when the same object data and the same style data are input.

In the present embodiment, the decoration file is selected using random numbers. However, it is also possible to always select the decoration file having the highest relevance without using random numbers.

In the present embodiment, the procedure for relocating objects that may be required by decoration using the decoration file is described in the layout file. However, the procedure for relocating objects that may be required due to the decoration in the decoration file is described. May be described, and this may be used.

The image data generator 139 converts the input object data into a layout file selector 135.
Is arranged based on the layout file selected in step (1), and image data is generated by decoration based on the decoration file selected by the decoration file selection unit 137. Since the layout file and the decoration file are selected based on the first style data and the second style data, the generated image data reflects the first style data and the second style data.

The image data generator 139 is an interpreter-type execution unit. Therefore, the object data, the layout file, and the decoration file are sent to the image data generation unit in a format according to a grammar of a predetermined description language. In the present embodiment, as a description language, a page description language for a printer (for example, WPL of Tokyo Denki Sekkei Co., Ltd., or HTML or XML as an international standard)
Language). The image data generation unit 139 optimizes the instructions of the layout file and the decoration file to eliminate duplication and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by the image data generating device according to the present embodiment. In the image shown in FIG. 2, the image data output device 101 outputs “Happy New Year” as headline data, “Thank you again this year” as body text data, and “Ota Takao” as sender data. This is an image (data) obtained by inputting "fun" as the first style data. No image data has been entered. In the image of FIG. 2, “fun” of the first style data is reflected in the form of an arrangement (L-shaped arrangement) of the text by the layout file. In addition, “fun” of the first style data is reflected in the form of adding an image of the morning sun using a layout decoration file. Further, the second style data "New Year" acquired from the headline sentence data is reflected in the form of adding a piece behind the character of "New Year" by the character decoration file.

As described above, according to the image data generating apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, the user does not need to give an instruction such as the arrangement and decoration of the object in the image generation, so that the labor is reduced. It is also possible to generate an image that exceeds the user's consciousness.

In this embodiment, the arrangement and decoration of the objects are automatically performed based on the style data. However, only one of the arrangement and the decoration is automatically performed based on the style data, and the other is performed according to a user's instruction. You can also do so.

In this embodiment, both the input first style data and the second style data acquired from the object are used as style data, but only one of the style data may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, one image data is generated, but two or more layout files are selected, and a plurality of combinations of decoration files are applied to one layout file. For example, a plurality of image data can be generated.

The image data to be processed according to the present invention includes PostScript (registered trademark), bitmap, and the like.
Various formats are available. Further, it is preferable that the decoration, layout, and the like of the image are such that the quality of the design is not degraded or a remarkable difference is not caused. Further, with regard to the decoration and layout of the image, it is necessary to sufficiently consider conditions such as preparing a layout in accordance with the amount and quality of the character information and the prohibition.

When the image data is generated, the control section 141 generates identification information corresponding to the image data, and stores the generated image data and the identification information corresponding to the image data in the image data / identification information database 143. To memorize. Further, the generated identification information is transmitted to the recipient terminal according to the data of the recipient terminal.

When image data and identification information are stored in image data relay device 181, control section 141 transmits the image data and identification information to image data relay device 181. In this case, since the image data generating apparatus 101 does not need to store the image data and the identification information, the image data / identification information database 143 may not be provided.

When the identification information is transmitted from the image data mediating device 181 or the like, the control unit 141 accesses the image data / identification information database 143, extracts the image data corresponding to the identification information, and extracts the image data. It can be transmitted to the data mediation device 181 or the like.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image data mediating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image data mediating apparatus 181 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the image data generating apparatus 101, and includes a CPU 221, a memory 222, an interface 225, an input unit 226, and a display 227, and takes the form of, for example, a personal computer. Can be. Note that the interface 225 may be provided with two interfaces, one for the image data generation device 101 and the other for the image output device 182.

The image data and identification information transmitted from the image data generating device 101 can be stored in the memory 222. For example, when the recipient who has visited the convenience store inputs the identification information from the input unit 226, the image data stored in the memory 222 corresponding to the identification information is transmitted to the image output device 182, where the image is output.

The manager of the image data generating apparatus 101 can charge a usage fee to a sender who uses the service. In addition, the convenience store or the like can charge a fee to the manager of the image data generating apparatus 101 for providing the image to the recipient.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, in transmitting an image, it is possible to promptly notify the recipient that the image can be received. In addition, it is possible to facilitate the recipient's receipt.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image obtained by the image data generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image data generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each function of the image data generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the contents of basic layout data according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image data mediation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 101 Image data generation device 102, 182, 184 Image output device 121, 221 CPU 122, 222 Memory 125, 225 Interface 126, 226 Input means 127, 227 Display 133 Second style data acquisition unit 135 Layout file selection Part 137 decoration file selection part 139 image data generation part 141 control part 143 image data / identification information database 151 layout library 153 font decoration library 155 character decoration library 157 color tone decoration library 159 background decoration library 161 image decoration library 163 layout decoration library 167 2 style database 170, 175 mobile terminal 171 mobile personal computer 173 mobile phone 181 image Over data mediation device 183 computer 191 Network 192 provider 193, 194 base station

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiya Araki 1-38-1 Wakamatsucho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo Inside Tokyo Electronics Design Co., Ltd. (72) Hiroyuki Sakurai 1-38-1 Wakamatsucho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo Tokyo Electronics Design Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C061 HJ06 HJ08 HN15 2C087 AB01 BA03 BA05 BA09 BA14 BB02 BD41 CA02 CB13 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB02 BB04 EE05

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image data generating apparatus for generating image data, comprising: receiving means for receiving data of an object of an image and data of a terminal of a recipient of the image; and generating data of an image including the object. Image data generating means; identification information generating means for generating identification information corresponding to the generated image data; and transmitting means for transmitting a notification signal including the generated identification information corresponding to the generated image data to the recipient terminal. An image data generation device comprising: 2. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the generated image data and identification information corresponding to the image data. 3. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said receiving means receives identification information and data of a recipient. 4. When the data of the recipient received by the receiving means is the data of the terminal of the recipient, the transmitting means transmits the data corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving means to the terminal of the recipient. 4. The image data generation device according to claim 3, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit is transmitted. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives data of the style of the image, and the image data generating unit generates data of the image including the object reflecting the style. 5. The image data generation device according to any one of claims 4 to 4. 6. The image data generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image data mediation device; and an image output device, wherein the transmission unit of the image data generation device is configured to generate the image. Data and identification information corresponding to the image data are transmitted to the image data mediation device, and the image data mediation device receives the image data transmitted by the image data generation device and identification information corresponding to the image data. Receiving means, storage means for storing the received image data and identification information corresponding to the image data, identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information, and identification information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means. Transmitting means for transmitting the image data stored in the storage means to the image output device, the image output device comprising: Image output system characterized by comprising receiving means for apparatus receives the image data transmitted, and an image output means for outputting an image based on the image data received. 7. An image data generation device according to claim 2, comprising: an image data mediation device; and an image output device, wherein the image data mediation device acquires identification information. Means, and transmission means for transmitting the identification information obtained by the identification information obtaining means to the image data generating apparatus, wherein the receiving means of the image data generating apparatus comprises: the identification information transmitted by the image data mediating apparatus. And the transmitting unit of the image data generating device transmits the image data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the received identification information to the image data mediating device. The image data generating apparatus further includes a receiving unit configured to receive the image data transmitted by the image data generating apparatus. A receiving unit for receiving the image data transmitted by the image data mediating device; and an image outputting unit for outputting an image based on the received image data. An image output system comprising: 8. The image output system according to claim 6, wherein the identification information acquisition unit of the image data mediation device has an identification information input unit for inputting the identification information. 9. The image according to claim 6, wherein the identification information acquisition unit of the image data mediation apparatus acquires the identification information input from a remote terminal through communication. Output system. 10. An image data generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image output device that receives the image data generated by the image data generation device and outputs an image based on the image data. An image output system comprising: 11. A notification method for notifying reception of an image, the receiving step of receiving data of an object of an image and data of a terminal of a recipient of the image, and generating data of an image including the object. An image data generating step; an identification information generating step of generating identification information corresponding to the generated image data; and a transmitting step of transmitting a notification signal including the generated identification information corresponding to the generated image data to the recipient terminal. A notification method, comprising: 12. An image output method in an image output system comprising an image data generation device, an image data mediation device, and an image output device, wherein the image data generation device includes: A receiving step of receiving data of a recipient terminal of the receiver; an image data generating step of generating image data including the object in the image data generating apparatus; and An identification information generating step of generating corresponding identification information; and, in the image data generating apparatus, a transmitting step of transmitting a notification signal including identification information corresponding to the generated image data to the recipient terminal; In the generation device, the generated image data and the image data Transmitting identification information to the image data mediation device; storing the image data and identification information corresponding to the received image data in the image data mediation device; An identification information acquisition step of acquiring information; and, in the image data intermediation device, a transmission step of transmitting image data stored in the storage step corresponding to the acquired identification information to the image output device; An image output step of outputting an image based on the received image data. 13. An image output method in an image output system comprising an image data generation device, an image data mediation device, and an image output device, wherein the image data generation device includes: A receiving step of receiving data of a recipient terminal of the receiver; an image data generating step of generating image data including the object in the image data generating apparatus; and An identification information generation step of generating corresponding identification information; a storage step of storing the generated image data and identification information corresponding to the image data in the image data generation apparatus; Receiving a notification signal including identification information corresponding to the image data; A transmitting step of transmitting to the human terminal; an identification information acquiring step of acquiring identification information in the image data intermediation device; and the image data generating device in the image data intermediation device generating the identification information acquired in the identification information acquiring step. Transmitting the image data stored in the storage step corresponding to the received identification information to the image data mediating device; and transmitting the image data to the image data mediating device. An image output method, comprising: transmitting the received image data to the image output device; and, in the image output device, outputting an image based on the received image data. 14. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 11 is recorded.