JP2002247277A - Image data distributing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data distributing method for easily distributing a photographic image on a wide area network. SOLUTION: In the image data distributing method, a plurality of fax machines 3 and 4 are connected with a server 2 through the network 1. Transmission side fax machine 3 registers destination information comment information on an image and image data which is read in the server 2. The server 2 generates the thumb nail of the reduced image of a received image based on destination information and comment information. Reception side fax machine 4 confirms destination information on the self-station of the server 2, receives the thumb nail and prints and outputs it, reads again the thumb nail image and returns it to the server 2. Transmission side fax machine 3 discriminates the selected thumb nail picture, receives image data from the server 2 and prints and outputs it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for distributing image data, and more particularly to a technique for distributing image data which is stored in a server via the Internet and timely distributed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras have become extremely popular,
At home, there is an increasing demand not only for browsing image data on a computer device such as a PC (Personal Computer), but also for printing out as a substitute for a photograph or sending a photograph to a friend or grandparent as a replacement for a silver halide camera. ing. Such a user may not have a PC, and may bring a recording medium of a digital camera (such as a smart media or a compact flash (registered trademark) card) to a photo shop for printing or print a photo. They are sent by mail. This takes time and mail to bring to the photo shop, and it is not very easy. Therefore, even if the user does not own a PC and can print or transmit a photographic image by using a FAX device having a relatively high home penetration rate, such troubles are eliminated and the operation becomes very convenient.

By the way, when a facsimile document received using a facsimile apparatus is converted into an HTML document, an HTML document including a reduced image obtained by reducing each page of the received document is generated and added, so that the rough contents of the received document are obtained. A technique for grasping the configuration in a list has been filed (JP-A-2000-22880).

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned technique is for browsing a document once received by facsimile, and requires a work of converting the received facsimile document into a reduced image on the facsimile device side and registering it again on the web server. In addition, the facsimile must have an advanced image processing mechanism. This is difficult with low cost home faxes.

Further, since a FAX document is targeted, the resolution is low and the data amount is small in monochrome. In the method of reducing once received images for the purpose of distributing photographic images, since reduction processing is performed after all images are received, unnecessary image transmission is required, and the processing is time-consuming and not practical.

Further, since images are transmitted and received using the FAX protocol, and distribution of photographic images must be broadcasted to all distribution destinations sequentially, there is a disadvantage in that it is very costly in a distant place. Was.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image data distribution method capable of easily distributing a photographic image over a wide area network.

[0008]

In order to solve this problem, an image data distribution method according to the present invention is an image data distribution method in which a plurality of image input / output devices and a server are connected via a network. The image input / output device on the transmission side registers the destination information, the comment information on the image, and the read image data in the server, and the server generates a thumbnail of the reduced image of the received image based on the destination information and the comment information. The image input / output device on the receiving side checks the destination information of the server of the server, receives the corresponding thumbnail, prints out the thumbnail, reads the output thumbnail image again, returns it to the server, Image input / output device determines the selected thumbnail image, receives the corresponding image data from the server, and prints out the image data. That.

Thus, since the image data is distributed via the server, it is possible to easily distribute the photograph on a wide area network such as the Internet.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image data distribution method in which a plurality of image input / output devices and a server are connected via a network. The output device registers the destination information and the comment information on the image and the read image data in the server, and the server generates a thumbnail of the reduced image of the received image based on the destination information and the comment information, and inputs and outputs the image on the receiving side. The device confirms the destination information of the server of the server, receives the corresponding thumbnail, prints out the thumbnail, reads the output thumbnail image again and returns it to the server, and the image input / output device on the transmission side This is an image data distribution method that determines the selected thumbnail image, receives the corresponding image data from the server, and prints out the image data. Because it is delivered, with the effect that over a wide area network such as the Internet, it is possible to perform simple photo distribution. Also, since thumbnails are transmitted to the receiving side in advance, even if a large amount of photographic images are distributed to the own station, only the necessary images can be selected and output. Further, a comment can be added to an image, so that the receiving side can know what image is.
Since the image can be reduced by the server, it is possible to perform image data distribution using a FAX device with a small image processing load.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data distribution method according to the first aspect, wherein the image input / output device registers the image data in the server based on the set predetermined transmission condition. Yes, even when a large amount of image data is sent on the sending side, by dividing or sending at a specified time, image data can be sent to the server smoothly without occupying a long line. Having.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the image input / output device includes comment information for registering in the server written on the image data transmission condition entry form and comment information. This is an image data distribution method in which transmission conditions are read and registered in the server, and the image data transmission conditions can be written by hand on the output image data transmission condition entry form without providing a complicated input setting unit in the image input / output device. It is possible to easily set transmission conditions and add comment information, and furthermore, it is possible to confirm an image to be transmitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image input / output device further registers the audio data in the server and stores the audio data in the server. This is an image data distribution method for receiving and outputting audio, and since it is possible to attach audio data to an image using a handset, it has an effect that not only images but also audio can be transmitted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the destination information, the transmission date and time, and the image data are registered in the server, and the designated transmission is performed. This is an image data distribution method in which a server transmits thumbnails to a receiving-side image input / output device at the date and time, and the server notifies the transmitting-side image input / output device of the end of transmission. This has the effect of enabling the transmitting side to confirm whether or not the transmission has been completed by the transmission end notification from the server.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image input / output apparatus is an image data distribution method which is a facsimile apparatus. Applying a facsimile apparatus as an apparatus has an effect that images can be distributed via a network without having a computer apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image data held in the storage medium provided in the image input / output device is read. Is a method of distributing image data to a server, and the recording medium can be directly set in the facsimile device, which is an image input / output device. It has the effect that data can be distributed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In these drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image data distribution system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a facsimile apparatus in the image data distribution system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server in the image data distribution system of FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an external appearance of the X apparatus, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is Embodiment 1 of the present invention
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing printing of a received thumbnail in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the image data distribution system of the present embodiment, the server 2 and the transmitting side F
An AX device (transmission-side image input / output device) 3 and a reception-side FAX device (reception-side image input / output device) 4 are connected via a network 1.

Here, the transmission-side FAX device 3 sends the server 2
The distribution of image data to the reception-side FAX device 4 via the MFP will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, Embodiment 1 of the present invention
Device (image input / output device) 5 (transmission side FA)
The X device 3 and the receiving FAX device 4) include an image reading unit 51 that reads an image from a document, a storage medium reading unit 52 that reads image data from a storage medium, a controller 53 that controls the FAX device 5, and an image that is printed on paper. A forming unit 54 includes a communication control unit 55 for communicating with the outside. The controller 53 includes an operation unit 61, a display unit 66, a network control unit 56, and an image processing unit 57. The network control unit 56 includes a destination address control unit 62 and a real image processing unit 63. The processing unit 57 includes a thumbnail processing unit 64 and an image recognition processing unit 65.

As shown in FIG. 3, the server 2 includes a thumbnail generation unit 21 for generating a thumbnail from image data, an image database control unit 22 for controlling an image database 24 and a destination database 25, and a communication control for communicating with the outside. A portion 55 is provided.

Then, as shown in FIG.
Includes a display unit 66, an operation unit 61, and a handset 67.

The image data distribution method in the image data distribution system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of the image data distribution in FIG. 5, the image database configuration diagram in FIG. 6, and the schematic diagram of the reception thumbnail printing in FIG. This will be described in detail.

First, the image reading unit 5 of the transmitting FAX device 3
1 is set on the original of the image to be distributed, and
An aile BoxID and comment information on a date and an image are input (step 101).

When image data transmission is instructed by the operation unit 61, the image reading unit 51 reads image data from a document, and
The destination address control unit 62 of the network control unit 56 specifies the server 2 and the communication control unit 55 sends the server 2
And sends the image data and comment information read by the real image processing unit 63 to the server 2 (step 102).

In the server 2, the image data received by the communication control unit 55 is sent to the image database control unit 22, and the image database control unit 22 stores the image data in the image database 24 (step 103). At this time, FIG.
As shown in, for each MailBox ID 71, Mail
Box user information 72, detailed image data information 73, actual image data 75, and comment information 76 are stored.

Next, in the server 2, thumbnails of the image data are generated by the thumbnail generation unit 21 and stored in the image database 24 as thumbnail data 74.
At this time, comment information 76 is also added (step 10).
4).

Next, the receiving fax machine 4 accesses the server 2 by designating the Mail Box ID 71, and the Mai box ID 71 is accessed.
It is checked whether or not the thumbnail data 74 exists in the lBoxID 71 (step 105). At this time, if there is no thumbnail data 74, the access is cut off (step 106). Also, the thumbnail data 74
Exists, the thumbnail data 74 is transferred to the receiving-side FAX device 4, and the image forming unit 54 prints on paper (step 107). The output result at this time is a received thumbnail 80 as shown in FIG. 7, and the thumbnail 81 of the image and the comment information 82 are printed.

Here, the user checks the desired thumbnail image, sets it in the image reading unit 51 of the receiving-side FAX device 4, and instructs the operation unit 61 to return the image to the server 2 (step 108). The image data read by the unit 57 is processed by the image recognition processing unit 65 to specify the checked thumbnail image, and request the server 2 to transfer the actual image data.

The server 2 transfers the actual image data of the checked thumbnail image to the reception-side FAX device 4,
The image forming section 54 prints an actual image on paper (step 109).

With the above operation, a real image can be obtained by the receiving FAX device 4.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the image data is distributed via the server, it is possible to easily distribute the photograph on a wide area network such as the Internet.

Further, since thumbnails are transmitted to the receiving side in advance, even if a large amount of photographic images are distributed to the own station, it is possible to select and output only necessary images.

Furthermore, since a comment can be added to an image, it becomes possible for the receiving side to know what image is.

Since the image can be reduced at the server, image data can be distributed using a FAX device with a small image processing load.

Since a facsimile device is used as an image input / output device, images can be distributed via a network without having a computer device.

Further, since the recording medium can be directly set in the facsimile apparatus which is an image input / output apparatus, it is not necessary to take the image taken by the digital camera into the computer apparatus, and the image data can be directly delivered from the recording medium. become.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Since the configuration of the image distribution system is the same as that of the first embodiment, the diagram used in the first embodiment is used.

In FIG. 8, first, the transmitting-side FAX device 3
The storage medium is set in the storage medium reading section 52 of (Step 201).

Next, conditions for transmitting image data from the operation unit 61 to the server 2 are set (step 202). The image data transmission condition is, for example, a time for starting transmission of image data, a time for continuously transmitting data, and the like.

The transmitting FAX device 3 attempts to start the image data transmission (step 203), but waits until the image data transmission is not started (step 204). Then, when the set image data transmission time comes, the image data is transmitted to the server 2 (step 205).

When the time for continuously transmitting the image data has elapsed, the image data transmission is temporarily interrupted and the system waits until the next image data transmission starts (step 206). Then, when the data transmission start time comes, the image data transmission is restarted, and the image data is transmitted from the continuation of the interruption.

After all the image data has been transmitted (step 207), the image data transmission is terminated (step 208).

Thereafter, the process continues to step 103 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment.

The image data may be data obtained by reading document data by the image reading unit 51.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a large amount of image data is transmitted on the transmitting side, by dividing or transmitting by specifying a time, the line is smoothly occupied without occupying a long time. It becomes possible to send image data to the server.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an image data transmission condition entry sheet according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is. Since the configuration of the image distribution system is the same as that of the first embodiment, the diagram used in the first embodiment is used.

In FIG. 9, first, the transmitting-side FAX device 3
(Step 301).

The transmission-side FAX device 3 reads the image data stored in the storage medium, and
In step 4, thumbnail data is generated (step 302).

Then, the image forming section 54 prints out the image data transmission condition entry sheet 90 shown in FIG. 10 (step 303). On the image data transmission condition entry sheet 90, an image thumbnail 91, a comment entry column 92, and an image data transmission condition entry column 93 are printed. Therefore, the user enters the comment entry field 92 and the image data transmission condition entry field 9
3 are entered (step 304). Then, the completed image data transmission condition entry form 90 is set in the image reading section 51 and read (step 305).

The transmission-side FAX apparatus 3 processes the read data in the image recognition processing section 65 and extracts comment information and image data transmission conditions (step 306).

Thereafter, the process continues to step 203 in the flowchart of FIG. 8 described in the second embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the FA
The transmission conditions of the image data can be manually written on the image data transmission condition entry sheet 90 without providing a complicated input setting unit in the X device, so that the transmission condition setting and comment information can be easily added. And the image to be transmitted can be confirmed.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of an image data distribution procedure according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is another image data distribution procedure according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part. Since the configuration of the image distribution system is the same as that of the first embodiment, the diagram used in the first embodiment is used.

In FIG. 11, first, voice data is input using the handset 67 of the transmitting FAX machine 3, and image data is transmitted to the server 2 together with the voice data (step 401).

The server 2 holds the image data together with the image data as audio data 77 in the image database 24 (step 402).

Thereafter, the process continues to step 103 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 12, when transmitting the actual image data to the reception-side FAX device 4, the audio data is transmitted together (step 403). The actual image data is printed in the image forming unit 54 (step 404). Then, the audio data is reproduced by the handset 67 or the speaker (step 405).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, audio data can be attached to an image using a handset, so that not only images but also audio can be transmitted.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Since the configuration of the image distribution system is the same as that of the first embodiment, the diagram used in the first embodiment is used.

In FIG. 13, the transmitting FAX device 3
The date and time to be sent to the receiving side is set, and the image data is sent to the server 2 (step 501).

When the specified date and time have come (step 502), the server 2 searches the destination database 25 and
Recipient FA associated with aileBoxID 71
The X device 4 is specified, and the thumbnail is transmitted to the receiving FAX device 4 (step 503).

When the receiving FAX device 4 has finished receiving the thumbnails, the server 2 sends a transmission completion notice to the transmitting FAX device 3 (step 504).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible for the transmitting side to distribute to the receiving side at a desired date and time, and the transmitting side can confirm whether or not the transmission has been completed by the transmission end notification from the server. Will be possible.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, since image data is distributed via a server, it is possible to easily distribute photographs on a wide area network such as the Internet. Effects can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, thumbnails are transmitted to the receiving side in advance, so that even if a large number of photographic images are distributed to the own station, only the necessary images can be selected and output. That is, an effective effect is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since a comment can be added to an image, an effective effect that the receiving side can know what image is obtained is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the image can be reduced at the server, the image data can be distributed using a facsimile apparatus having a small image processing load. can get.

Further, according to the present invention, even when a large amount of image data is transmitted on the transmission side, the image data can be smoothly transmitted to the server without occupying a line for a long time by dividing or transmitting the image data at a designated time. Is effective.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to manually input the output image data transmission condition entry sheet without providing a complicated input setting section in the image input / output device, so that the transmission condition setting can be easily performed. And comment information can be added, and furthermore, it is possible to obtain an effective effect that it is possible to confirm an image to be transmitted.

Further, according to the present invention, audio data can be attached to an image using a handset.
An effective effect that not only images but also audio can be transmitted is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible for the transmitting side to distribute to the receiving side at a desired date and time, and it is possible for the transmitting side to confirm whether or not the transmission has been completed by a transmission end notification from the server. Effective effects can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, if a facsimile device is applied as an image input / output device, it is possible to distribute an image via a network without having a computer device. can get.

According to the present invention, the recording medium can be directly set in the facsimile apparatus which is an image input / output apparatus. Can be distributed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image data distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a facsimile in the image data distribution system of FIG.
Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the device

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server in the image data distribution system of FIG. 1;

4 is a facsimile in the image data distribution system of FIG.
Explanatory drawing showing the appearance of the device

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing reception thumbnail printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an image data transmission condition entry sheet according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of an image data distribution procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another part of the image data distribution procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data distribution according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network 2 Server 3 Sending FAX device (sending image input / output device) 4 Receiving FAX device (receiving image input / output device) 5 FAX device (image input / output device)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 5B021 AA05 BB02 BB09 5B050 AA09 BA10 BA15 BA16 CA08 DA06 EA03 EA12 EA19 FA01 GA08 5C062 AA06 AB17 AB21 AB22 AB38 AB41 AB42 AC02 AC03 AC24 AC51 AC64 AE02 AE11 AF01 AF02 BA01 BC01 GA01 HA07 HB04 HC01 JT05 LE11

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image data distribution method in which a plurality of image input / output devices and a server are connected via a network, wherein the image input / output device on the transmission side reads destination information and comment information on images and reads the image information. Registering the image data in the server, the server generates a thumbnail of a reduced image of the received image based on the destination information and the comment information, and the image input / output device on the receiving side has its own Checking the destination information of the station, receiving the corresponding thumbnail, printing out the thumbnail, reading the output thumbnail image again and returning it to the server, the image input / output device on the transmission side is selected. Receiving the image data from the server by judging the thumbnail image, and printing out the image data. Method. 2. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein said image input / output device registers said image data in said server based on a set predetermined transmission condition. 3. The image input / output device reads comment information and transmission conditions to be registered in the server, which are entered on an image data transmission condition entry form, and registers the comment information in the server. Or the image data distribution method described in 2. 4. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image input / output device further registers audio data in the server, and receives the audio data and outputs the audio data. Image data distribution method. 5. Registering the destination information, transmission date and time, and the image data in the server, transmitting the thumbnail from the server to the image input / output device on the receiving side at the specified transmission date and time, A notification of the end of transmission to the image input / output device on the transmission side from
5. The image data distribution method according to any one of 4. 6. The image data delivery method according to claim 1, wherein said image input / output device is a facsimile device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image data held in a storage medium provided in said image input / output device is read and registered in said server. Image data distribution method.