JP2002358505A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system for performing a processing with efficiency by classifying images with a folder as a unit concerning the image processing system. SOLUTION: A plurality of personal computers 10 are connected to a digital image processor 20 in the system. The folder 11 is arranged in the storage part of each personal computer 10. When a plurality of image files are stored in the folder 11, a first folder name is given to the folder 11 as an initial value. The digital image processor 20 is provided with a means for performing access to the folder 11 of the personal computer 10 and changing the folder name in response to the processing when the image file in the folder is printed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing system. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called minilab has been widely used as a system for easily performing photographic printing. Recent features of this type of minilab include the problems that the number of minilab stores is increasing, cost competition is intense, APS film processing is complicated, and processing of digital cameras takes time. As the environment surrounding minilabs becomes more severe, high-value-added photo services are required.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographic print service in a mini lab or the like requires a customer to bring a film to a mini lab, develop a film which has not been developed into a developed film, and leave a developed film as it is. The prints are executed through a film scanner and the resulting prints are provided to customers.

[0003]

In the above-described conventional photo print service, since printing is performed via a print driver, there is a problem that it takes time to print each photo one by one. Further, conventionally, printing of an image is performed in units of image files, so that there is a problem that processing becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system in which the efficiency of processing is improved by performing image classification on a folder basis.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer, and the folder is provided. When a plurality of image files are stored in the folder, the first folder name is assigned to the folder as an initial value, and the digital image processing apparatus accesses the folder of the personal computer to store the image files in the folder. When printing, a folder name is changed according to the progress of processing.

With this configuration, it is possible to manage the processing by changing the name of the folder. (2) In a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer, and a plurality of image files are stored in the folder. In this case, the folder is given the initial folder name as an initial value, and the digital image processing apparatus accesses the folder of the personal computer,
An image file is recorded in the folder, and a means for changing a folder name according to the progress of processing is provided. Here, the “record” includes an electronic record.

[0007] With this configuration, it is possible to manage the processing process by changing the name of the folder. (3) The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, when printing by the digital image processing device is completed, the digital image processing device performs back printing on the print.

With this configuration, inspection and collation can be performed by back printing. (4) The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the personal computer and the digital image processing device are connected via a LAN.

With this configuration, it is easy to connect a plurality of personal computers and the digital image processing apparatus via the LAN to transfer image data. (5) In the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, when a folder is provided in the storage unit of the personal computer and a plurality of image files are stored in the folder, an order ID is set and the order is set. It is characterized in that the progress of the processing of the image file corresponding to the ID is confirmed in accordance with a change in the extension of the file corresponding to the order ID.

With this configuration, it is possible to check the progress of the processing of the image file. (6) The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the change of the folder name is an extension part.

With this configuration, the progress of the image file can be recognized by changing the extension folder name. (7) The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that a plurality of predetermined extensions are mutually recognized so that the current status of the data can be confirmed by changing the extension.

With this configuration, the current status of data can be confirmed by changing the extension.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the present invention is applied to a photographic image will be described as a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a personal computer is abbreviated as a personal computer. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a plurality of personal computers (EXPC). Although only two units # 1 and # 2 are shown in the figure, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of personal computers can be used. In the personal computer 10, reference numeral 11 denotes a folder for storing image files, and reference numeral 12 denotes a LAN (local area network) for connecting to another personal computer and the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20.
And can be connected to other devices via the hub 1.

Reference numeral 13 denotes an operation unit for inputting various information connected to the personal computer 10. As the operation unit 13, for example, a keyboard or a mouse is used. In the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20, reference numeral 21 denotes a LAN, which is connected to the personal computer 10 via the hub 1. The LAN configured in this manner is referred to as LAN1 here. 22
Denotes a personal computer (PC) connected to the LAN 1 and 23 denotes a folder for storing various information connected to the personal computer 22.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a second L provided on the personal computer 22.
AN (LAN2) and 25 are digital image acquisition units connected to LAN2. The digital image acquisition unit 25 includes a film scanner, a digital camera, a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a ZIP
Is connected or a print is input. The digital image acquisition unit 25 is connected to these devices and acquires image information as a digital image. 26 is a printer for printing photographs, and 26a is a controller for controlling the printer. The personal computer 22, the digital image acquisition unit 25, and the printer 26 are interconnected by a second LAN, LAN2. The present invention will be described using the system configured as described above.

Since the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 has the digital image acquisition section 25, a digital image can be obtained from various devices described below. Negative film development and various prints Additional prints from negative and reversal films Print from originals Print from digital cameras Print from image data stored on various media such as FD, MO, CD-ROM, ZIP and more By connecting to a personal computer via a network, the following services become possible. (A) Editing and printing of albums, greeting cards, etc. (b) Media writing service from photographic images to CD-ROM or FD (c) Function as network printer A folder 11 including an image file is created. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal state of the folder. The folder 30 stores a plurality of image files 31. At this time, the operator sets the folder name to “ORD” as an initial value.
Attached. Here, “ORD” is an extension of the folder name.

The customer receives the folder name “PCAAAA.BBB” or “PCAAAAAA.B” as one order.
“BBB” is an extension and the initial value is “ORD.” Of the former folder name, “AA”
A "is an order number, which is defined, for example, in the range of 001 to 999. Here, 500 to 999 are accepted for high-priority orders, and are processed with priority.

In the latter folder, "AAAAA" is an order number, for example, defined in the range of 01000 to 30000. In this case, there is no priority. “BBB”
Is an extension of a folder, and "ORD" is an extension when an order is issued from an external personal computer (EXPC). When the extension becomes "ORD", the writing of the image data and the necessary files must be completed.

The personal computer 22 of the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 accesses the folder 11 of the personal computer 10,
Read the image files stored in the folder,
Printing is performed by the printer 26. Specifically, the target folder is found by referring to the folder 11 of the personal computer 10 using the LAN 1. Here, when the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 is working, the extension of the folder is “P”.
RG "is renamed. When the operation of the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 is completed,
The extension is renamed to the order acceptance number (001 to 999).

If a problem occurs during printing, the personal computer 22 changes the folder extension "BBB" to "ER".
R ”. When the order is canceled by the operator of the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20, the personal computer 22 displays the extension“ BBB ”of the folder.
Is renamed to “000”.

For example, the customer is in the folder 1 of the personal computer 10.
By referring to No. 1 and confirming the extension, the state of the processing process can be managed. Here, when the printing of the image files in the folder is completed successfully, the personal computer 22
To perform back printing on the back side of the print. Examples of the type of back printing include a reception number of the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20, a customer order number, and the like. Inspection and collation can be performed by printing such numbers back.

According to the present invention, since the personal computer 10 and the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 are connected via the LAN 1, a plurality of personal computers and the digital photographic image processing apparatus are connected via the LAN to transfer image data. It can be done easily.

As described above, the case where the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 prints by looking at the image file to the personal computer 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The digital image acquisition unit 25 acquires the input from the various media described above, prints the image acquired from the printer 26, and the personal computer 22 stores the digital image in the folder 11 of the personal computer 10 using the LAN 1. A configuration in which the acquired image is recorded can be adopted.

Next, the operation of the system of the present invention will be described. 3 to 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the center and a plurality of shops are connected via the Internet. The shop is provided with a server as a reception machine. The customer goes to the shop and orders the print.

The customer orders a print again (S1).
At this time, it is checked whether a bar code is attached to the print or the negative bag (S2). If no bar code is attached, the process proceeds to step S4.

On the other hand, the customer brings a film into the system of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a system) (S3). Then, the customer writes the order details on the order slip (S4). If the film or the negative bag has a bar code in step S2, the order contents are read manually or by a bar code reader, and the process proceeds to step S5 (S6).

In step S5, the operator inputs order information (S5). Here, as order information,
For example, there are a customer's name, telephone number, date, address, film type, print type, number of prints, frame number, and the like. Next, the server generates an order ID, customer login information, and creates an order folder (S7). As described above, the extension of the order file is “O”.
RD "is set.

Next, the server checks whether to print only the brought-in film or to upload image data to the center (S8). When not uploading, the server prints without uploading, prints three order ID stickers (tags), sticks one on the film, sticks one on the negative bag, and sends the remaining one to the customer. Hand over (S9). Then, step S13
Proceed to.

In step S8, when uploading image data, the server prints a print order ID. Then, one of the three stickers is affixed to a film, and the other is affixed to a negative bag and a bill (S10). The operator gives the customer the tag with the order ID (S
11). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23. Alternatively, the server sends the customer information to the center as the latest account (S1).
2).

Next, the operator develops the film (S13). Next, the operator selects a folder that matches the order ID (S14). Specifically, the order folder of the shop server is searched. When searching for a folder, there are an automatic recognition method of reading the number with a barcode reader, and a manual method of selecting a folder matching the film number.

Next, the system scans the film,
Print. At this time, the order ID is printed on the back of the photograph. Then, the image file is stored in the sub personal computer (PC) (S15). Storing the image file in the sub personal computer involves storing the image file in the temporary storage unit for the time being, since the additional printing process may occur. In this case, processing such as changing the name of the folder is performed.

Next, the print is reprinted as required (S16). The reprinting is performed for frame shift, color adjustment, and the like. The reprinting method includes a case in which a film is reloaded and a case in which an image file is read. At the same time as the rewriting, the image file in the temporary storage unit is overwritten.
When the reprinting is completed, the operator confirms that the printing has been performed by the system, and uploads the image file stored in the sub personal computer to the system folder (S17).

Next, it is checked whether or not the film scan is completed (S18). As a method of terminating the film scan, there are a manual operation using a button and a case where a barcode is read to terminate. In any case, the end of the process is notified by renaming the extension of the order file name. If the film scan is not completed, check at 5 minute intervals. Next, the server stores the scanned image together with the order ID in the system folder (S19). These scanned images are transferred to the center server using, for example, the Internet. Or C
Write the image to a D-ROM or the like.

Next, the server logs in on the date when the order is completed (S20). The customer then collects the images on the Internet or uses the order ID for payment (S
21). Next, the server retrieves the date (S2
2).

In step S11, when the operator gives the customer a tag with an order ID, the customer
Log on to the (center server) (S23). Customers,
To view the scanned image, the order ID written on the tag received in step S11 is input (S24). Next, it is checked whether the customer already has an account (registration number) (S25). If not, it is checked whether the customer wants a new account (S26).

In step S26, if a new account is desired, the customer inputs an e-mail (S27). Next, an account and a password are assigned from the system (S28). The customer transfers the image file to his / her own album (S29). The same applies to the case where the user has an account in step S25. Next, the server deletes the unwanted photo from the temporary file (S30). The same applies when a new account is not desired in step S26. Next, selection of an image file is continued for a print order (S3).
1). Next, the process proceeds to step S33.

The customer logs on to the center server and selects a print image (S32). Next, the customer selects a mailing or pick-up location (S33). The center service browses the shop location (S34). Next, a fee is paid by credit and an order is issued (S3).
5). Next, order information is received from the center server (S37). Then, the order is received and the print is prepared or supplied (S38). Next, the customer brings the order ID and picks up a print at a predetermined place (photoshop) (S39).

In step S36, when an order is issued from the system to the shop server, the print server of the system receives an order from the center server (S4).
0). Next, the print server extracts an image file from the order URL (S41). Then, the print server sends the order and receives a confirmation message (S4).
2). The print server logs in to the order and generates a print order (S43).

Next, the print server issues a message indicating that printing is in progress to the center server (S44). Next, it is checked whether the printing is completed (S45).
If the printing is not completed, it is checked every 5 minutes to see if the printing is completed. If the printing is completed, the print server collects the order from the center server and sends a message (S46).

The shop operator uses the order ID to check the status and login (S4)
7). Next, it is checked whether the order has been received (S48). If not, check if it has been collected daily. If so, the print server closes the order status and sends a pickup message to the system (S49).

In the above-described embodiment, the photographic image processing system has been described as an example of image processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of image processing, such as image processing in the medical and printing fields, may be used. Can be similarly applied.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to manage a processing process by renaming a folder.

(2) According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to manage the processing process by changing the name of the folder. (3) According to the third aspect of the invention, inspection and collation can be performed by back printing.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected via a LAN, so that image data can be easily transferred. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing system that achieves efficient processing by classifying images in folder units.

(5) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the progress of the processing of the image file. (6) According to the invention described in claim 6, the progress of the image file can be recognized by changing the extension folder name.

(7) According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the current status of data can be confirmed by changing the extension.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal state of a folder.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 hub 10 personal computer 11 folder 12 LAN 13 operation unit 20 digital photographic image processing device 21 LAN 22 personal computer 23 folder 24 LAN 25 digital image acquisition unit 26 printer 26a controller

Claims (7)

[Claims] In a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer, and a plurality of image files are stored in the folder. When the digital image processing apparatus accesses the folder of the personal computer and prints the image file in the folder, the digital image processing apparatus assigns the folder name according to the progress of the process. An image processing system characterized by changing. 2. In a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer, and a plurality of image files are stored in the folder. The digital image processing apparatus accesses the folder of the personal computer, records an image file in the folder, and changes the folder name according to the progress of the process. An image processing system comprising means. 3. The digital image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing by the digital image processing apparatus is completed, the digital image processing apparatus performs back printing on the print.
The image processing system according to any one of the above. 4. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the personal computer and the digital image processing device are connected via a LAN. 5. In the image processing system, when a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer and a plurality of image files are stored in the folder, an order ID is set and an image file corresponding to the order ID is set. 3. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the progress of the processing is confirmed in accordance with a change in the extension of the file corresponding to the order ID. 4. 6. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the renaming of the folder is an extension part. 7. The image processing system according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of predetermined extensions are mutually recognized so that the current status of the data can be confirmed by changing the extension.