JP2002320174A - System and method for printing photographed image, digital camera and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for printing a photographed image, a digital camera and a printer, which enables both the user and the manufacturer of the digital camera to make profit appropriately. SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 generates a reduced image from a photographed image and stores it in a memory card 17, while the photographed image is transferred via a base station to an image server 2, along with the file name of the reduced image and stored therein, before the photographed image is deleted from a printer 3. When the memory card 17 is set in the printer 3, the printer 3 displays the list of reduced images in the memory card 17 and the user selects a desired image, and subsequently, the photographed image corresponding to the reduced images thus selected is downloaded from the image server 2 and printed. The manufacturer can make a profit, by charging at the time of printing, and the user of the digital camera is required to pay only the photographed images which are to his satisfaction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a photographed image printing system, a photographed image printing method, a digital camera, and a printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras that record a subject image picked up using a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD as image data on a recording medium such as a flash memory have been widely used. In recent years, the high image quality of digital cameras, the high performance of printers, and their widespread use have made it easy to produce photographs that are comparable to those taken with conventional silver halide cameras, even with digital cameras. It can be printed.

[0003]

However, digital cameras have the following problems for both users and manufacturers.

[0004] First, a user pays the entire price as a device when purchasing a digital camera.
Devices with high image quality and high functionality also increase the price of the device. However, there is a risk that the actually photographed photograph is made or unsuccessful, and that even if an expensive device is purchased and used, not all of the results (photographs) of using the device are satisfactory. Originally, it would be more convenient to pay for satisfactory photos. In other words, the price of the equipment should match the quality of the photo, but it was not.

[0005] On the other hand, from the point of view of the manufacturer, the profit is limited only when the equipment is sold. That is, even if a good camera is manufactured and sold so that the user can take many satisfactory photos, it does not mean that the profit is reflected in the profit. This is because the profit cannot be included in the price of the device as long as the user has the risk described above.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and a photographed image printing system, a photographed image printing method, and a digital camera which allow both a user and a digital camera manufacturer to enjoy appropriate benefits. camera,
It is an object to provide a printing device.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographed image printing system comprising a digital camera and a printing apparatus,
The digital camera includes a photographed image acquiring unit that acquires a photographed image by photographing a subject, a supplying unit that supplies the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring unit to the printing device, and a photographed image acquiring unit. Print restriction means for performing print restriction processing for restricting printing of the acquired captured image on the captured image, wherein the printing apparatus acquires the captured image via the supply means of the digital camera. And printing means for printing the captured image obtained by the obtaining means.

In such a configuration, a photographed image acquired by photographing by the digital camera can be printed only by a specific printing device capable of acquiring the photographed image from the digital camera, and other printing is restricted. Further, a specific printing apparatus can print only a photographed image designated by a user.

Further, in the photographed image printing system according to claim 2, the digital camera includes a photographed image storing unit for storing the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring unit, and a photographed image acquiring unit acquiring the photographed image. Identification information storage means for storing image identification information for specifying the captured image, wherein the supply means supplies the captured image stored in the captured image storage means to the printing apparatus, and further supplies the captured image to the printing apparatus. Erasing means for erasing a later photographed image from the photographed image storage means, and erasing means as the print restricting means, wherein the acquiring means of the printing apparatus comprises: The captured image specified by is obtained.

In such a configuration, a photographed image acquired by photographing with a digital camera can be printed only by a specific printing device capable of acquiring image identification information indicating the image, and other printing is restricted. Further, a specific printing apparatus can print only a photographed image designated by a user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photographed image printing system, further comprising an image server connected to the digital camera and a printing apparatus via a communication network, wherein the supply means of the digital camera includes the photographed image. An image storage unit configured to supply the captured image acquired by the acquisition unit to the printing apparatus via the communication network and the image server, wherein the image server stores the captured image supplied from the supply unit of the digital camera; Transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined photographed image stored in the image storage means to the printing apparatus requested by the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: the identification information storage means of the digital camera. Requesting the image server to transmit the captured image specified by the image identification information stored in the And it was assumed that further includes a download unit as the acquisition means for receiving.

In such a configuration, a photographed image acquired by photographing by the digital camera can be printed only by a specific printing device capable of acquiring the photographed image via the supply means of the digital camera and the image server.

[0013] In the photographed image printing system according to claim 4, the digital camera includes an encrypting means for encrypting the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means as the print restricting means; A photographed image storage unit for storing a photographed image encrypted by the encrypting unit; and the supply unit supplies the photographed image stored in the photographed image storage unit to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus further comprises decoding means for decoding the encrypted photographed image acquired by the acquiring means and reproducing the original image, and wherein the printing means of the printing apparatus reproduces the original image by the decoding means. The printed original was printed.

With this configuration, a photographed image acquired by photographing by the digital camera can be printed only by a specific printing device capable of decoding the photographed image encrypted by the digital camera and reproducing the original image. Become.

In the digital camera according to the present invention, a photographed image obtained by photographing is supplied to a printing apparatus for restricting printing of the photographed image, and the supplied photographed image is not stored in the apparatus. After that,
A printing apparatus which is restricted in printing is caused to print a photographed image supplied from a digital camera in response to a user request.

According to this method, a photographed image obtained by photographing with a digital camera can be printed only by a specific printing apparatus supplied with the digital camera, and other printing is restricted. Further, a specific printing apparatus can print only a photographed image designated by a user.

Further, according to the photographed image printing method of the present invention, after the photographed image acquired by photographing is encrypted and stored in the digital camera in order to restrict the printing of the photographed image, the printing is performed. The restricted printing apparatus is made to acquire an encrypted photographed image from the digital camera, decode the acquired photographed image, reproduce the original image, and print it.

According to this method, the photographed image obtained by photographing by the digital camera can be printed only by a specific printing device capable of decoding the photographed image encrypted by the digital camera and reproducing the original image. And other printing is regulated. Further, a specific printing apparatus can print only a photographed image designated by a user.

According to the digital camera of the present invention, a photographed image acquiring means for acquiring a photographed image by photographing a subject, and a photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means can be transferred to a specific printing apparatus. And a print restricting unit that performs a print restricting process on a captured image acquired by the captured image acquiring unit to disable printing by a device other than the specific printing device. .

In such a configuration, it is possible to cause only a specific printing device to use a photographed image obtained by photographing itself, and to restrict use of the photographed image by other devices.

Further, in the digital camera according to the present invention, the photographed image storing means for storing the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means, and the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means are specified. Identification information storage means for storing image identification information, second supply means for supplying the image identification information stored in the identification information storage means to the printing apparatus, and a photographed image supplied by the supply means An erasing unit as the print restricting unit for erasing from the photographed image storage unit is provided.

In such a configuration, the photographed image acquired by the photographer is used only by a specific printing device capable of acquiring the image identification information, and the photographed image is erased to be used by other devices. Can be regulated.

Further, in the digital camera according to the ninth aspect, there is provided a reducing means for reducing the photographed image and generating a reduced image stored as the image identification information in the identification information storage means; Display means for displaying a reduced image stored in the storage means, and selection means for allowing a user to select a desired reduced image from the reduced images displayed on the display means, wherein the second supply means Supplies the reduced image selected by the selection means or image identification information indicating the reduced image to the printing apparatus.

In such a configuration, of the photographed images acquired by the photographer, only the photographed image selected by the user via the reduced image is used only by a specific printing apparatus capable of acquiring image identification information. In addition, by erasing the photographed image, use in other devices can be restricted.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera for storing a photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means, and encrypting the photographed image stored in the photographed image storage means. And an encryption unit as the print restriction unit, and the supply unit supplies the photographed image encrypted by the encryption unit to a specific printing apparatus.

In such a configuration, the photographed image obtained by the photographer himself is used only by a specific printing apparatus capable of decoding the photographed image encrypted by the photographer and reproducing the original image. Use in devices can be regulated.

In the digital camera according to the eleventh aspect, there is provided a reducing means for reducing the photographed image to generate a reduced image, and a reduced image generated by the reducing means.
Reduced image storage means for storing in correspondence with the encrypted captured image stored in the captured image storage means, display means for displaying the reduced image stored in the reduced image storage means, and display means Selecting means for allowing a user to select a desired reduced image from the reduced images displayed on the display means, wherein the supply means corresponds to the reduced image selected by the selecting means and stores the captured image in the captured image storage means. The stored photographed image after encryption is supplied to the printing apparatus.

In this configuration, of the photographed images obtained by photographing by the user, only the photographed image selected by the user via the reduced image is decrypted by the photographer himself to reproduce the original image. Can be used only by a specific printing device that can perform the printing, and the use by other devices can be restricted.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the photographed image is supplied to a computer of a digital camera that stores photographed images obtained by photographing as digital information, to a printing device that prints the photographed images. A program for executing a process, a process of erasing a captured image after being supplied to the printing device, and a process of supplying image identification information for specifying the captured image supplied to the printing device to the printing device. .

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to decipher the photographed image by a computer having a digital camera that stores photographed images acquired by photographing as digital information, by a printing apparatus that prints the photographed images. And a program for executing a process of encrypting and storing.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for storing a photographed image obtained by photographing as digital information, storing image identification information indicating the stored photographed image, and then erasing the photographed image. Acquiring means for acquiring a captured image supplied before erasing from the camera;
Information acquisition means for acquiring the image identification information from the digital camera; and the image acquisition information acquired by the information acquisition means, the acquisition means being indicated by image identification information designated by a user of the digital camera. And a printing means for printing the captured image obtained by the above.

In such a configuration, even if a photographed image acquired by photographing by the digital camera is not stored in the digital camera, the image can be printed by acquiring it in advance from the digital camera. Further, only a specific captured image can be printed based on the image identification information obtained from the digital camera.

In the printing apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect, the information acquiring means acquires a reduced image of a photographed image acquired by photographing by the digital camera as the image identification information. Display means for displaying the acquired reduced image; and selecting means for allowing the user to select a desired reduced image from the reduced images displayed on the display means, wherein the printing means acquires the reduced image by the acquiring means. And a photographed image indicated by the reduced image selected by the selection means.

[0034] With this configuration, of the captured images acquired by the digital camera, only the captured image selected by the user via the reduced image is printed even if it is not stored in the digital camera. can do.

[0035] According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, there is provided an acquiring means for acquiring an encrypted photographed image from a digital camera which stores the photographed image acquired by photographing as encrypted digital information; A decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted captured image acquired by the acquisition unit and reproducing the original image, and a printing unit for printing the original image reproduced by the decryption unit are provided.

In such a configuration, even if a photographed image obtained by photographing with a digital camera is encrypted, the photographed image can be printed by decrypting the encrypted image and reproducing the original image.

In a printing apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect, a display means for displaying a reduced image corresponding to an encrypted photographed image obtained from the camera by the obtaining means, and a display means for displaying the reduced image on the display means. Selecting means for allowing a user to select a desired reduced image from the reduced images, wherein the decoding means acquires the image by the acquiring means and captures the image corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selecting means. The original was reproduced by decoding the image.

In such a configuration, of the captured images obtained by the digital camera, only the captured image selected by the user via the reduced image is decrypted even if it is encrypted and the original image is decrypted. The reproduced image can be printed to print the captured image.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, after a photographed image obtained by photographing is supplied as digital information to the computer of the printing apparatus for printing an image, the photographed image is erased. From the digital camera that stores the image identification information for identifying the captured image, the process of acquiring the captured image that has been supplied before the erasure, the process of acquiring the image identification information, and the process of acquiring the image identification information. And causing the printing means to print the photographed image.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer provided in a printing apparatus for printing an image encrypts a captured image obtained by photography from a digital camera that stores the captured image as encrypted digital information. A program for executing a process of acquiring a captured image, a process of decoding the acquired encrypted captured image and reproducing the original image, and a process of printing the reproduced original image on a printing unit.

[0041]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photographed image printing system according to a first embodiment. This system includes a digital camera 1, an image server 2, and a printing device 3. The image server 2 and the printing device 3 are connected via a communication network 4, and the digital camera 1 can be connected to the communication network 4 via a wireless communication base station 5. The printing device 3 is installed at an arbitrary location such as a convenience store.

Structure of digital camera

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 1. As shown in FIG. The digital camera 1 includes a lens group, a CCD, and the like (not shown), and converts an image of a subject into an image signal.
U12, RO in which operation program of CPU 12 is stored
M13 and a RAM 14 which is a working memory of the CPU 12. Also, the digital camera 1 has a key input unit 1
5, a temporary image storage memory 16, a removable memory card 17 mounted on the camera body, a downsizing device 18, and a wireless communication device 19.

The key input section 15 includes various operation keys such as a shutter key and a power key, and outputs a key input signal corresponding to the operation of each key to the CPU 12. The temporary image storage memory 16 is a captured image storage unit of the present invention, and is used as a buffer for temporarily storing image data of a subject image captured by the imaging unit 11 when the shutter key is pressed to capture an image. The removable memory card 17 is a storage medium such as a CF card that can be inserted into and removed from the camera body.
The downsizing device 18 is a downsizing means of the present invention, and the removable memory card 17 has a reduced image storage memory area 17a for storing downsized images (image files) reduced by the downsizing device 18. ing. Note that the removable memory card 17 is the identification information storage means and the second supply means of the present invention. The wireless communication device 19 establishes a line with the wireless communication base station 5 according to a predetermined protocol, transmits and receives data, and functions as a supply unit of the present invention.

Configuration of Image Server FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image server 2. The image server 2 includes a CPU 21 that controls the entire apparatus.
And a ROM 2 in which an operation program of the CPU 21 is stored.
2. It has a RAM 23 as a working memory of the CPU 21, an image database 24, and a communication unit 25. Communication unit 2
Reference numeral 5 transmits and receives data to and from the printing device 3 and the wireless communication base station 5 via the communication network 4, and functions as a transmission unit of the present invention.

The image database 24 is an image storage means of the present invention, and is specifically constituted by storage means such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk, and a plurality of main image data 24a and a plurality of reduced image file names corresponding to each other. 24
b. Main image data 24a
(“AAA-0001” and the like) are data transmitted from the digital camera 1 in a procedure described later, and the reduced image file name 24b is data used to specify the main image data 24a. In the present embodiment, the reduced image file name 24b is associated with the corresponding main image data 24a.
Name with “S” added to the end of the data name (“AAA”)
-0001S ").

Configuration of Printing Apparatus FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 3. The printing apparatus 3 includes a CPU 3 that controls the entire apparatus.
1 and a ROM storing an operation program of the CPU 31
32, a RAM 33 serving as a working memory of the CPU 31, a C
Downloading means (acquisition means) of the present invention together with PU31
, A card drive 35 which together with the CPU 31 constitutes the information acquisition means of the present invention, and a display unit 36, an image selection key 37, a print start button 38 which respectively constitutes the selection means of the present invention together with the CPU 31; The printer 39, which is a printing unit of the present invention, includes a main image temporary storage memory 40.

The communication device 34 is an interface for connecting the printing device 3 to the image server 2 via the communication network 4. The card drive 35 is a data reading device to which the removable memory card 17 used in the digital camera 1 can be mounted, and which reads image data from the mounted removable memory card 17. The display device 36 includes a liquid crystal display, a CRT, and a driving circuit thereof, and mainly displays an image based on image data. The image selection key 37 is used to select an arbitrary image displayed on the display device 36, and the print start button 38 is used to instruct the start of printing of one or more images selected by the image selection key 37. Can be Printer 39
Is a high-resolution sublimation printer capable of printing a high-quality color image (photograph) based on image data.
The main image temporary storage memory 40 is a memory used as a buffer for temporarily storing predetermined main image data 24 a downloaded from the image server 2 by the communication device 34.

Next, the operation of each device in the photographed image printing system having the above configuration will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 1 at the time of shooting. When the user presses the shutter key, the digital camera 1 captures the subject image by the imaging unit 11 and temporarily stores the captured image in the main image temporary storage memory 16 (step SA1). The main image is reduced by the reduction device 18 and the reduced image is stored in the removable memory card 17 (reduced image storage memory area 17a) (step SA2). The data format of the reduced image is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a JPEG format. Next, a communication line is established with the wireless communication base station 5, the image server 2 is accessed via the communication network 4, and the data of the main image in the main image temporary storage memory 16 is converted to the reduced image. Is transmitted to the image server 2 together with the data name (image file name) (step SA).
3). Accordingly, new main image data 24a and corresponding reduced image name data are additionally stored in the image database 24 of the image server 2. After a while
The digital camera 1 deletes the main image temporarily stored in the main image temporary storage memory 16 (step SA4),
One shooting operation ends.

In the present embodiment, the main image is sent to the image server 2 every time a picture is taken. However, the transmission time of the main image can be any time as long as the user does not need to take any trouble. Good. For example, a plurality of main images may be stored in the main image temporary storage memory 16 and may be collectively performed when the power is turned on / off. Further, even when the transmission time is immediately after the photographing as described above, when the main image that cannot be transmitted to the image server 2 cannot be established at the time when the line cannot be established with the wireless communication base station 5, the power is turned on and off. What is necessary is just to send at the timing of time etc. Also, the timing for deleting the main image in the main image temporary storage memory 16 is the same as described above as long as the transmission to the image server 2 is completed.

On the other hand, the user of the digital camera 1 takes a desired subject, removes the removable memory card 17 from the camera body, and inserts it into the card drive 35 of the printing apparatus 3 (slot of the apparatus body). By performing a predetermined printing operation, the photographed main image can be printed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing operation in the printing apparatus 3 after the removable memory card 17 is mounted. When the removable memory card 17 is inserted, the printing device 3 immediately starts the removable memory card 1.
7 (reduced image storage memory area 17a),
The data of the reduced image stored therein is read into the RAM 33 (step SB1). When loading is complete,
Based on the read data, a list of reduced images is displayed on the display device 36, and the user is allowed to select a desired photograph (step SB2). Here, the user operates the image selection key 37 to select a reduced image desired to be printed, for example, a photograph that the user himself is satisfied with. And
When the selection is completed, the print start button 38 is pressed to instruct the start of printing.

When the printing apparatus 3 is instructed to start printing (YES in step SB3), the printing apparatus 3 accesses the image server 2 and corresponds to the file name (24b) of one or a plurality of reduced images selected in step SB2. The main image data 24a to be downloaded is downloaded from the image server 2 and temporarily stored in the main image temporary storage memory 40 (step SB).
4). Subsequently, the main image, that is, a photograph based on the image is printed by the printer 39 (step SB5). Then, when printing is completed for all the reduced images selected in step SB2 (YES in step SB6),
The printing operation ends.

Here, in the above photographed image printing system, as described above, the user of the digital camera 1 can print the photograph (the photographed image) photographed by himself / herself by using the printing device 3. Since the digital camera 1 does not have it, the printing device 3
It is no longer possible to use printing etc. with other devices. However, on the other hand, the user of the digital camera 1 can print only the photos he or she is satisfied with.

Therefore, for example, when the user prints a photograph using the printing device 3, the maker of the digital camera 1 can execute the charging by electronic payment with a cash card or a credit card in order to restrict the printing. It is possible to earn profit. In that case,
The user of the digital camera 1 only has to pay a reasonable price for the digital camera 1 only for the photograph he or she is satisfied with. Therefore, it is possible for both the user and the manufacturer to enjoy appropriate benefits.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that reduced image data is transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the printing apparatus 3 by communication.

Although not shown, in the present embodiment,
In each of the digital camera 1 and the printing device 3 described above,
Interfaces that enable wireless data communication, such as data communication by cable connection, an infrared method that has a relatively narrow communication range, and a Bluetooth method that has recently attracted attention as a short-range wireless device, are provided. 1 is provided with a display device (display means) such as an LCD for displaying a reduced image. That is, the digital camera includes the interface as the second supply unit of the present invention, and the printing apparatus includes the interface as the information acquisition unit of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 1 and the printing apparatus 3 when printing an image desired by the user in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this flowchart, when a connection state between the digital camera 1 and the printing apparatus 3 is secured by a cable, or when a communication line is secured, a user can use a predetermined image provided in the digital camera 1 in advance. This shows the operation when the transfer mode is selected.

First, when the above mode is set, the digital camera displays a list of reduced images on the display device based on the reduced image data stored in the removable memory card 17 (reduced image storage memory area 17a). Is displayed, and the user selects an image desired to be printed (step SC
1). When one of the images is selected by the user (YES in step SC2), the data of the selected reduced image is transferred to the printing apparatus 3 (step SC2).
3). Note that only the image identification information such as the file name (24b) of the reduced image may be transferred to the printing apparatus 3. The above operation is repeated until the user ends the image transfer mode.

On the other hand, during this time, in the printing apparatus, if the data of the reduced image is transferred from the digital camera (YES in step SD1), the image server 2 is accessed and the file name of the transferred reduced image (2)
The main image data 24a corresponding to 4b) is downloaded from the image server 2 and temporarily stored in the main image temporary storage memory 40 (step SD2). Subsequently, the main image, that is, the photograph is printed by the printer 39 (step SD3), the downloaded main image data is deleted (step SD4), and the process returns to step SD1. Thereafter, the above operation is repeated.

Therefore, also in the present embodiment, a photograph (photographed image) photographed by a digital camera can be printed only by the above-described printing device, and the use of printing and the like using other devices is restricted. . Moreover, the user of the digital camera can print only the photos he or she is satisfied with. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which a list of reduced images is displayed on the digital camera side and the user selects the main image (photograph) desired to be printed. After the data of all the reduced images stored in the digital camera are collectively transferred to the printing apparatus, a list of the reduced images is displayed on the printing apparatus, and the user selects an image (photograph) desired to be printed. . That is, the printing apparatus may be made to perform the same operation as in step SB2 and subsequent steps in FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the digital camera 1 is mainly used for the base station 5.
The system has been described in which the main image data 24a is supplied to the printing apparatus 3 via the image server 2 and the printing apparatus 3 downloads the predetermined main image data 24a from the image server 2; 1
Alternatively, the main image data 24a may be transmitted (supplied) to the printing device 3 via the base station 5 or directly and stored. That is, the printing apparatus 3 may have the same configuration as the image server 2 (also used as the same). For example, when the main image data 24a is supplied to the printing apparatus 3, information (a camera-specific code, a region code, etc.) stored in advance in the digital camera 1 and specifying the printer apparatus 3 is supplied together, and the specifying information is supplied. May be supplied to the printer device 3 installed in a convenience store near home based on.

Further, the system has been described in which the main image (main image data 24a) to be printed by the printing apparatus 3 is specified by the corresponding reduced image (file name). If possible, other information (for example, shooting date and time, shooting location, shooting mode, camera unique code, user code, etc.) can be used as the image identification information of the present invention. However, as described above, when the reduced image is displayed on the digital camera 1 or the printing device 3 so that the user can select the main image to be printed, the image identification information is set in advance (at the time of photographing). Must be related to As described above, when the main image (photograph) to be printed is selected through the reduced image displayed on the digital camera 1 or the printing device 3, the photograph to be printed can be confirmed immediately before printing. convenient.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the main image data 24 a is transmitted to the image server 2 via the base station 5 at the time of photographing by the digital camera 1, and is transmitted to the removable memory card 17. Transmits the reduced image (including the file name or other image identification information) together with the main image data 24a to the image server 2 via the base station 5 when the digital camera 1 captures the image. Only the file name of the reduced image or other image identification information is stored in the removable memory card 17, and the file name of the reduced image stored in the removable memory card 17 or other information when the print image is selected by the printing apparatus. Alternatively, the reduced image may be downloaded from the image server 2 based on the image identification information and displayed in a list.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the reduced image is used. However, when the digital camera 1 captures the image data 24a (including the file name or other image identification information). ) Is transmitted to the image server 2 via the base station 5, and the removable memory card 17
Stores only the file name of the main image or other image identification information based on the file name of the main image or other image identification information stored in the removable memory card 17 when the image is printed by the printing apparatus. Alternatively, the main image data 24a may be downloaded from the image server 2 and printed out by the printer 39.

The printing device 3 does not necessarily need to be used by an unspecified number of users.
As long as it corresponds to the above-described system for restricting printing, the digital camera 1 may be used at the home of the user. Further, it may be constituted by a general-purpose personal computer having a communication function connectable to the communication network 4 and a general-purpose printer. However, in this case, for example, a communication function of downloading the main image data 24a from the image server 2 or the like, a protection function of automatically deleting the main image data 24a simultaneously with printing, and a function of preventing the main image data 24a from being duplicated. It is necessary to separately prepare a dedicated program that integrates the above and use it.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photographed image printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a digital camera 101 and a printing device 103, each of which has the following configuration. Note that the same parts as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

That is, in the digital camera 101 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, instead of the above-described wireless communication device 19, the encryption of the present invention for encrypting image data by a predetermined method. Encryption device 11 as encryption means
9 is provided in the removable memory card 17.
In addition to the reduced image storage memory area 17a, an encrypted main image memory area 17b for storing an encrypted main image is secured. In the printing device 103,
As shown in FIG. 10, instead of the communication device 34 described above,
A decryption device 134, which is decryption means of the present invention and decrypts encrypted image data, is provided.

Next, the operation of each device in the photographed image printing system having the above configuration will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 101 when taking a picture. When the user presses the shutter key, the digital camera 101 captures the subject image by the imaging unit 11, temporarily stores the captured image in the temporary storage memory for main image 16 (step SE1), and then stores the stored image (main image). Device 1
8, and the reduced image is stored in the removable memory card 17 (reduced image storage memory area 17a) (step SE2). The data format of the reduced image is
Although not particularly limited, for example, JPEG format or the like is used. Next, the data of the main image in the main image temporary storage memory 16 is encrypted by the encryption device 119 by a predetermined method, and is stored in the encrypted main image memory area 17b of the removable memory card 17 ( Step SE3). Thereafter, the main image temporarily stored in the main image temporary storage memory 16 is deleted (step SE4), and one photographing operation is ended.

On the other hand, the user of the digital camera 101
After photographing the desired subject, the removable memory card 17 is removed from the camera body, and it is
Is inserted into the card drive 35 (slot of the apparatus main body) and a predetermined printing operation is performed, whereby the photographed main image can be printed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a printing operation in the printing apparatus 103 after the removable memory card 17 is mounted. When the removable memory card 17 is inserted, the printing device 103 immediately accesses the reduced image storage memory area 17a of the removable memory card 17, and stores the reduced image data stored therein in the RA.
The data is read into M33 (step SF1). When the reading is completed, a list of reduced images is displayed on the display device 36 based on the read data, and the user is caused to select a desired photograph (step SF2). Here, the user operates the image selection key 37 to select a reduced image desired to be printed, for example, a photograph that the user himself is satisfied with. Then, when the selection is completed, the print start button 38
Press to instruct the start of printing.

When the printing apparatus 103 is instructed to start printing (YES in step SF3), the printing apparatus 103 stores the file name of the reduced image selected in step SF2 from the encrypted main image memory area 17b of the removable memory card 17. The corresponding encrypted main image data (hereinafter, encrypted data) is read, decrypted by the decryption device 134, and temporarily stored in the main image temporary storage memory 40 (step SF4). Subsequently, a main image, that is, a photograph based on the image is printed by the printer 39 (step SF
5). Then, when printing is completed for all the reduced images selected in step SF2 (YES in step SF6), the printing operation ends.

Here, in the photographed image printing system according to the present embodiment, the user of the digital camera 101 uses the printing device 3 as described above.
The user can print a photograph (photographed image) taken by the user, but since the main image data remaining in the digital camera 1 is encrypted data, it is used in a device other than the printing device 103 for printing or the like. Is no longer possible. However, on the other hand, the user of the digital camera 101 can print only the photos he or she is satisfied with.

Therefore, also in the present embodiment, for example, when a user prints a photograph using the printing apparatus 103, charging by cash or electronic payment using a credit card or the like is performed to restrict printing. Thus, the manufacturer of the digital camera 101 can make a profit. In that case, the digital camera 10
The first user only has to pay a corresponding price for the digital camera 101 only for the photograph he or she is satisfied with. Therefore, it is possible for both the user and the manufacturer to enjoy appropriate benefits.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that reduced image data is stored in a digital camera 101.
To the printing apparatus 103 by communication. Although not shown, in the present embodiment, each of the digital camera 101 and the printing device 103 described above includes:
As described in the second embodiment, an interface that enables cable connection or wireless data communication is provided, and the digital camera 1 is further provided with a display device such as an LCD that displays a reduced image. It is assumed that

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the digital camera 10 for printing an image desired by the user will be described.
1 and the operation of the printing apparatus 103 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that, in this flowchart, when the connection state between the digital camera 101 and the printing apparatus 103 is secured by a cable, or when a communication line is secured, the user operates a predetermined camera provided in the digital camera 101 in advance. The operation when the image transfer mode is selected is shown.

First, when the above mode is set, the digital camera 101 displays the reduced image on the display device based on the reduced image data stored in the removable memory card 17 (reduced image storage memory area 17a). Display the list,
The user selects an image desired to be printed (step S
G1). When one of the images is selected by the user (YES in step SG2), the encrypted data corresponding to the file name of the selected reduced image is stored in the encrypted main image memory area 17b of the removable memory card 17. And transfers it to the printing apparatus 103 (step SG3). The above operation is repeated until the user ends the image transfer mode.

On the other hand, in the printing apparatus 103, when the encrypted data is transferred from the digital camera 101 (YES in step SH1), the transferred encrypted data is temporarily stored in the RAM 33 and decrypted. The image is decrypted by the device 134 and temporarily stored in the main image temporary storage memory 40 (step SH2). Subsequently, a main image, that is, a photograph is printed by the printer 39 (step SH3), and the temporarily stored main image data is deleted (step SH4).
Return to 1. Thereafter, the above operation is repeated.

Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the user of the digital camera 101 can print a photograph (photographed image) of the user by using the printing device 103, but the user remains in the digital camera 1. Since the main image data is encrypted data, it cannot be used for printing or the like in an apparatus other than the printing apparatus 103. However, on the other hand, the user of the digital camera 101 can print only the photos he or she is satisfied with. Therefore, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the case where a list of reduced images is displayed on the digital camera 101 side and the user selects an image (photograph) desired to be printed has been described. If a sufficient data transfer rate can be secured with the device 103, the removable memory card 17 of the digital camera 101 can be used.
After the data of all the reduced images and the encrypted data stored in the printer 103 are collectively transferred to the printing apparatus 103, a list of the reduced images is displayed on the printing apparatus 103, and the image (photograph) that the user wants to print is displayed. ). That is, the printing apparatus 103 may be made to perform the same operation as that after step SF2 in FIG. 12 described in the third embodiment. Further, after only all the encrypted data is transferred to the printing apparatus 103 at once, the printing apparatus 103 decrypts all the encrypted data and displays a list of the main images based on the decrypted image data. It may be.

In the third and fourth embodiments, a system has been described in which a main image (encrypted data) to be printed by the printing apparatus 103 is specified by a corresponding reduced image. If the main image (encrypted data) can be specified, other information (for example, shooting date and time, shooting location, shooting mode, camera unique code, user code, etc.) can be used as the image identification information of the present invention. However, as described above, the digital camera 1
01 and the printing apparatus 103 to display the reduced image, thereby allowing the user to select the main image to be printed, it is necessary to associate the image identification information with the reduced image in advance. As described above, the main image (photograph) to be printed is stored in the digital camera 101 or the printing apparatus 103.
It is more convenient to make the selection via the reduced image displayed in the step (1) because the photograph to be printed can be confirmed immediately before printing.

In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the reduced image together with the encrypted data is stored in the removable memory card 1 at the time of photographing by the digital camera 101.
7, but only the encrypted data is stored in the removable memory card 17 when the digital camera 101 shoots.
And the encrypted data stored in the removable memory card 17 may be decrypted and displayed as a list on the display device 36 when a print image is selected by the printing device 103.

In the third and fourth embodiments described above, an image to be printed is selected before printing. However, when the digital camera 101 captures an image, only the encrypted data is transferred to the removable memory card 17. The encrypted data stored in the removable memory card 17 may be decrypted and printed out by the printer 39 when the image is printed by the printing apparatus 103.

On the other hand, in the first to fourth embodiments, it is assumed that the digital cameras 1 and 101 are used for a specific user. It may be used. In other words, in the digital cameras 1 and 101 constituting the above-described system for restricting printing, a photograph taken by the digital camera 1 or 101 cannot be used for printing or copying by a device other than the specific printing devices 3 and 103. Therefore, if the above-described system is implemented in a limited place such as an amusement park or a ski resort, and the digital cameras 1 and 101 are used for rental (paid or free), the printing apparatus 3 If billing is performed at the time of printing using 103, it is possible to surely obtain profit.

Also, for the same reason as described above, the rented digital cameras 1 and 101 have a low rate of being unrecoverable, so if they are lent out for a fee, they have high quality and high functionality. Even so, the rental fee can be set low. In addition, when lending it free of charge, the user only has to pay a usage fee corresponding to the number of prints, so that high-quality photos can be obtained at a low fee. Therefore, a service that is convenient for the user can be provided.

[0089]

As described above, in the photographed image printing system and the photographed image printing method of the present invention, a photographed image acquired by photographing by a digital camera can be acquired directly from the digital camera or via an image server. Printing can be performed only by a specific printing device or a specific printing device capable of decoding a captured image encrypted by a digital camera and reproducing an original image, and other printing and use are restricted. In addition, a specific printing apparatus can print only a photographed image specified by a user.

Therefore, for digital camera manufacturers,
It is possible to make a profit each time a photographed image is printed, and to allow a digital camera user to pay a reasonable price for the used digital camera only for a satisfactory photographed image, that is, a photograph. Become. as a result,
It is possible for both users and manufacturers to enjoy appropriate benefits.

Further, in the digital camera of the present invention, it is possible to obtain image identification information of a photographed image obtained by photographing itself, or to reproduce an original image by decoding a photographed image encrypted by itself. In addition to being able to use or print only a specific printing device that is capable of being used, it is possible to restrict use by other devices by deleting captured images or encrypting captured images. I made it.

Therefore, by using such a digital camera, the photographed image printing system and photographed image printing method of the present invention can be implemented. Further, in a configuration in which a user selects a captured image to be used only by a specific printing apparatus based on a reduced image or image identification information indicating the reduced image, the captured image to be printed can be confirmed by a digital camera. .

Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention,
A photographed image obtained by photographing by a digital camera, and a photographed image designated by the user, based on image identification information acquired from the digital camera, even if it is not stored in the digital camera, or Even if the captured image obtained by shooting is encrypted, printing can be performed by decoding and reproducing the original image.

Therefore, by using such a printing apparatus, the photographed image printing system and photographed image printing method of the present invention can be implemented. Further, in the case where the user selects the photographed image to be printed based on the reduced image, the photographed image to be printed can be confirmed in the printing apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram common to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image server according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera at the time of shooting.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation in the printing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the digital camera and the printing apparatus when printing an image desired by a user in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram common to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera at the time of shooting.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation in the printing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera and the printing apparatus when printing an image desired by the user in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Image server 3 Printing device 4 Communication network 12 CPU 13 ROM 15 Key input section 16 Temporary storage memory for main image 17 Removable memory card 17a Storage memory area for reduced image 17b Memory area for encrypted main image 18 Reduction Device 19 Wireless communication device 21 CPU 24 Image database 24a Main image data 24b Reduced image file name 25 Communication unit 31 CPU 32 ROM 34 Communication device 35 Card drive 36 Display device 37 Image selection key 38 Print start button 39 Printer 40 For real image Temporary storage memory 101 Digital camera 103 Printing device 119 Encryption device 134 Decryption device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/91 L 5C062 F term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 HQ12 HR07 5B021 AA01 BB02 BB09 5C022 AA13 AC18 AC42 AC69 5C052 AA12 AA17 DD02 EE03 EE08 FA02 FA04 FA06 FA07 FC01 FC06 FE04 FE08 5C053 FA04 FA08 FA29 GB36 KA04 KA24 LA01 LA03 LA06 LA11 LA14 5C062 AA01 AA25 AA37 AB17 AB22 AB23 AB38 AB40 AB41 AC42 AC04 AC04 AC04 AF04

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A system comprising a digital camera and a printing apparatus, wherein the digital camera acquires a photographed image by photographing a subject, and a photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means. A supply unit that supplies an image to the printing apparatus; and a print restriction unit that performs a print restriction process for restricting printing of the captured image on the captured image acquired by the captured image acquisition unit. A photographing image printing system, comprising: acquiring means for acquiring the photographed image via the supply means of the digital camera; and printing means for printing the photographed image acquired by the acquiring means. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a photographed image storage unit configured to store the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring unit; and an identification unit configured to store image identification information identifying the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring unit. Information supply means, wherein the supply means supplies the photographed image stored in the photographed image storage means to the printing apparatus, and further deletes the photographed image supplied by the supply means from the photographed image storage means. Erasing means as the print restricting means, wherein the acquiring means of the printing apparatus acquires a photographed image specified by image identification information stored in identification information storage means of the digital camera. The photographed image printing system according to claim 1. 3. An image server connected to the digital camera and a printing device via a communication network, wherein the supply unit of the digital camera transmits the captured image acquired by the captured image acquisition unit to the communication network and the communication network. An image storage unit that supplies a photographed image supplied from a supply unit of the digital camera to the printing device via the image server; and an image storage unit that receives a request from the printing device. Transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined photographic image stored in the means to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: a photographing device which is specified by image identification information stored in the identification information storage means of the digital camera. A download as the acquisition means for requesting and receiving image transmission from the image server; The photographed image printing system according to claim 2, further comprising a loading unit. 4. The digital camera, as the print restricting means, encrypting means for encrypting the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means, and storing the photographed image encrypted by the encrypting means. The supply unit supplies the encrypted photographed image stored in the photographed image storage unit to the printing device, and the printing device acquires the photographed image by the acquiring unit. The printing device of the printing apparatus further includes a decoding unit that decodes the encrypted captured image and reproduces the original image.
2. The photographed image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the original reproduced by the decoding unit is printed. 5. A digital camera which supplies a photographed image obtained by photographing to a printing apparatus for restricting printing of the photographed image and prevents the supplied photographed image from being stored in the apparatus. A photographed image printing method, comprising: causing a printing device, whose printing is restricted, to print a photographed image supplied from a digital camera in response to a user request. 6. A digital camera encrypts a photographed image obtained by photographing in order to restrict printing of the photographed image and stores the encrypted photographed image. Then, the digital camera encrypts the photographed image to a printing device whose printing is restricted. A captured image printing method comprising: acquiring a converted captured image; decoding the obtained captured image; and reproducing and printing an original image. 7. A photographed image acquisition unit for acquiring a photographed image by photographing a subject, a supply unit for supplying the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit to a specific printing device, and the photographed image acquisition A digital camera, comprising: a print restricting unit that performs a print restricting process for disabling printing by a device other than the specific printing device on the captured image acquired by the unit. 8. A photographed image storage means for storing a photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition means, and an identification information storage means for storing image identification information for specifying the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition means. A second supply unit that supplies the image identification information stored in the identification information storage unit to the printing apparatus; and a print restriction that deletes the captured image supplied by the supply unit from the captured image storage unit. 8. The digital camera according to claim 7, further comprising an erasing means. 9. A reduction unit for reducing the photographed image to generate a reduced image stored as the image identification information in the identification information storage unit, and displaying the reduced image stored in the identification information storage unit. And a selection unit for allowing a user to select a desired reduced image from the reduced images displayed on the display unit. The second supply unit includes a reduced image selected by the selection unit. 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein image identification information indicating the reduced image is supplied to the printing device. 10. A photographed image storing means for storing a photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquiring means, an encrypting means as the print restricting means for encrypting the photographed image stored in the photographed image storing means. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the supply unit supplies the captured image encrypted by the encryption unit to a specific printing apparatus.
Digital camera as described. 11. A reducing means for reducing the photographed image to generate a reduced image, and storing the reduced image generated by the reducing means with an encrypted photographed image stored in the photographed image storage means. A reduced image storage means for storing the images in association with each other; a display means for displaying the reduced images stored in the reduced image storage means; and a user selecting a desired reduced image from the reduced images displayed on the display means. And a supply unit that supplies an encrypted photographed image stored in the photographed image storage unit to the printing device while the reduced image selected by the selection unit corresponds to the print image. The digital camera according to claim 10, wherein: 12. A process for supplying the photographed image to a printing device that prints the photographed image to a computer of a digital camera that stores the photographed image acquired by photographing as digital information. A program for executing a process of erasing a photographed image and a process of supplying image identification information for specifying the photographed image supplied to the printing device to the printing device. 13. A computer of a digital camera that stores a captured image obtained by shooting as digital information, executes a process of encrypting the captured image in a printing device that prints the captured image so that it can be decrypted and storing the encrypted image. Program for. 14. A photographic image obtained by photographing is supplied to the printing apparatus as digital information, and then the photographic image is supplied before erasing from a digital camera which erases the photographic image and stores image identification information for specifying the photographic image. Obtaining means for obtaining the captured image, information obtaining means for obtaining the image identification information, and printing for printing the captured image obtained by the obtaining means specified by the image identification information obtained by the information obtaining means. And a printing device. 15. A display means for acquiring, as the image identification information, a reduced image of a photographed image acquired by photographing with the digital camera, and displaying the reduced image acquired by the information acquiring means. Selecting means for allowing a user to select a desired reduced image from the reduced images displayed on the display means, wherein the printing means is a photographed image obtained by the obtaining means, The printing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a photographed image indicated by the selected reduced image is printed. 16. An acquiring means for acquiring an encrypted photographed image from a digital camera which stores a photographed image acquired by photographing as encrypted digital information, and an encrypted photographed image acquired by the acquiring means. A printing apparatus, comprising: decoding means for decoding an image to reproduce an original image; and printing means for printing the original image reproduced by the decoding means. 17. A display means for displaying a reduced image corresponding to an encrypted photographed image acquired from the camera by the acquisition means, and a desired reduced image is used from the reduced images displayed on the display means. Selecting means for allowing a user to select, and the decoding means decodes the captured image corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selecting means and reproduces the original image, which is obtained by the obtaining means. 17. The printing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: 18. A computer provided in a printing apparatus for printing an image, supplies a captured image obtained by shooting as digital information to the printing apparatus, and thereafter deletes the captured image and identifies the captured image. Acquiring a captured image supplied before erasing from a digital camera storing the image identification information; acquiring the image identification information; and causing a printing unit to print the captured image specified by the acquired image identification information. A program for executing processing. 19. A process for acquiring an encrypted photographed image from a digital camera that stores a photographed image acquired by photographing as encrypted digital information in a computer of a printing device that prints the image. A program for executing a process of decrypting the encrypted captured image and reproducing the original image, and a process of causing the printing unit to print the reproduced original image.