JP2002372755A - Recording medium writing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording medium writing device, with which an index image can be used for various purposes when providing a recording medium with written image data to a client. SOLUTION: In the recording medium writing device for recording source image data acquired from a negative film on the recording medium in a prescribed file format, this device is provided with a first storage part 41 for storing a plurality of source image data, a second storage part 42 for storing a template for preparing the index image, an index image data preparing part 43 for preparing index image data by compositing the respective thumbnail image data of a plurality of source image data and the image of the template, and a write head 45 for writing the index image data on the recording medium together with the source image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a recording medium writing apparatus for recording original image data obtained from an image forming medium on a recording medium in a predetermined file format.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At a lab shop (photo shop), upon receiving a request for simultaneous printing or additional printing from a customer, the photographic processing is performed by developing a negative film and printing an image on photographic paper (paper) to produce a photo print. Provide photographic prints to customers with developed negative film. Further, in the field of photographic processing, with the advance of digital technology, an image of a developed negative film is not converted into a photographic print, but an image of the negative film is read by a scanner to be converted into digital data. -R etc.) in a predetermined file format and return it to the customer.

For example, as an example of the above service, an image on a developed negative film is read by a scanner,
It is known that the read image data is recorded on a CD-R and provided to a customer. When providing a CD-R to a customer, after writing image data on the CD-R,
We provide an index image printed on the label side. The index image is an image in which thumbnail images obtained by reducing the image are arranged side by side in a predetermined format. In the field of simultaneous print services, an index print in which an index image is printed is known. The customer who received the CD-R
By looking at the index image printed on the label surface, it is possible to immediately recognize what kind of image data is recorded on the CD-R.

[0004]

The problems in the above prior art are as follows. That is, the index image is printed on the label side, but depending on the customer,
Sometimes, it is desired to print an index image on a recording medium other than the label surface or on an external portion of the case. Also, as the number of recording media increases, there may be a case where the user wants to manage the index images on his / her personal computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a problem thereof is to provide a recording medium writing apparatus which can use index images for various purposes in providing a recording medium on which image data is written to a customer. It is to provide.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a recording medium writing apparatus for recording original image data obtained from an image forming medium on a recording medium in a predetermined file format. A first storage unit that stores a plurality of the original image data, a second storage unit that stores a template for creating the index image, and thumbnail image data of the plurality of the original image data. An index image data creating unit for creating index image data by synthesizing the template with the image; and a writing unit for writing the index image data together with the original image data to the recording medium. .

The operation and effect of the recording medium writing device having this configuration are as follows. First, original image data is obtained from an image forming medium such as a negative film and stored. Original image data refers to image data before thumbnail image data is obtained. For example, the image data is the image data of the entire negative film, or the image data of the frame image unit. On the other hand, a template for creating an index image is also stored. By inserting the thumbnail image data into the template (image composition), index image data can be created.

Then, the index image data is written on a recording medium together with the original image data. The customer who has received the recording medium can use the index image data written therein with a personal computer, process the data by image processing, or print it on the case of the recording medium. As a result, it is possible to provide a recording medium writing apparatus that can use an index image for various purposes when providing a recording medium on which image data is written to a customer.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second
The storage unit stores at least a first template corresponding to a shape of a recording medium or a case thereof on which the original image data is written, and a second template corresponding to a shape of another recording medium or a case thereof. The index image data creating unit is configured to perform the first template based on the first template.
Index image data and second index image data based on the second template are created, and the recording medium is written with the first index image data and the second index image data along with the original image data by the writing means. Is raised.

When writing index image data, not only one type of data but also a plurality of types of data can provide a more valuable service. For example, if the recording medium is a CD-R, a first index image data for printing on a label surface (or a sticker attached to the label surface) of the CD-R and a case (or a case for storing the CD-R) By writing the second index image data for printing on a sticker (sticker attached to a case) on a recording medium, an index image can be easily formed at an appropriate place such as a case.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the index image data creating section creates the index image data based on at least two file formats.

For example, the same image is converted to a bitmap format and J
By recording the data in a recording medium in the PEG format, it is possible to provide a service having more useful value.

[0013] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The index image data creating unit divides the thumbnail image data into strip-shaped image data, and separates other image data between the divided strips by dividing other image data. The index image data is created by embedding the image data in the shape of a letter, and when the lenticular-lens sheet is attached to the surface of the recording medium on which the index image is formed, different index images are seen depending on the viewing direction. And index image data that can be created.

To create the index image data, the thumbnail image data is divided into strip-shaped image data (see FIG. 4). For example, assume that there are two images A and B. The image A is converted into a strip shape (A1, A2,
A3, A4 ...), and the image B is also strip-shaped (B1, B4).
2, B3, B4 ...). Then, the strip of the image B is fitted between the strips of the image A. That is, (A1, B
2, A3, B4 ...). In other words, every other strip of the image A and the image B is selected, and the strip images are arranged alternately. This image can be the same size as the original images A and B. In this example, two images A and B have been described. However, three or more images can be similarly divided and fitted. By performing the processing as described above, the area required for printing the images A and B can be reduced to half. 3
If the same processing is performed for one or more images, a further effect is obtained.

[0015] Index image data is created as described above, and a label image (index image) is formed on the label surface of, for example, a CD-R based on this data.
Then, a lenticular lens sheet is attached to the label surface. A lenticular lens is formed by arranging a large number of semi-cylindrical lenses. By using this lens, an image A can be seen from one direction and an image B can be seen from another direction. As a result, it is possible to create index image data that does not require the size of the thumbnail image to be reduced unnecessarily.

[0016]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a photo processing system. This photo processing system is roughly divided into a printer processor 1, a scanner device 2, a CD-R
And a writing device 3. The printer processor 1 and the scanner device 2, and the scanner device 2 and the CD-R writing device 3 are connected to the communication cables 4 and 5.
Connected by

The printer processor 1 includes a printer unit 1
A and a processor unit 1B, and creates a photographic print based on the image data transmitted from the scanner device 2. Two paper magazines 10a and 10b are mounted on the upper part of the printer unit 1A. Papers (corresponding to photographic light-sensitive materials) are stored in rolls in the paper magazines 10a and 10b, and the paper is drawn out of one of the paper magazines 10a and 10b into the apparatus. The broken line indicates the paper transport path inside the apparatus. The printer unit 1A includes a cutter 11 for cutting paper to a print size,
Digital exposure engine 1 for exposing images on paper
3 and a controller 12 for controlling the operation of each part of the printer processor 1.

In the processor section 1B, the exposed and processed paper is subjected to development processing and drying processing, and is discharged outside the apparatus as a finished photographic print. The discharged photographic prints are collected by a sorter (stacking device) for each order.

The scanner device 2 is a device for taking in image data from an image forming medium. When the image forming medium is a negative film (photographic film), an image of the negative film can be obtained by setting the negative film on the negative carrier 20. A reading light source unit 21 for that purpose is also provided. The monitor 22 displays the read image. Furthermore, image data can be obtained from other than a photographic film as an image forming medium. For example, image data can be obtained from a photographic print, an arbitrary printed matter, a storage medium of a digital camera, and the like. For this purpose, a driver device 23 is provided.

The CD-R writing device 3 is a device for writing image data obtained by the scanner device 2 on a CD-R in a predetermined file format. Examples of the file format include JPEG, GIF, and bitmap, but are not limited to a specific file format. The CD-R writing device 3 is roughly composed of a writing main unit 30, a personal computer main unit 31, and a monitor 31M. Also, the CD-R writing device 3
Can print a label image on the label surface of a CD-R as well as write image data. This label image is an index image in which thumbnails of images to be written are arranged side by side. By looking at this index image, it is possible to immediately recognize what kind of image is recorded on the CD-R.

<Block Configuration Diagram> FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a portion functioning as a recording medium writing device.
The image data input unit 40 is the negative carrier 20 or the driver device 23 described above, and receives image data from an image forming medium. The first storage unit 41 is a frame memory that stores original image data input from an image forming medium. Here, the original image data refers to image data before acquiring thumbnail image data described later.
When the image forming medium is a negative film, the data of the frame image cut out from the entire image data of the negative film corresponds to the original image data.

The second storage section 42 is a memory for storing a template for creating index image data. A plurality of first templates, second templates,... Are prepared according to the number of images recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-R. For example, CD-
Template for printing on the label side of R, CD-
A template for printing on a sticker attached to the transparent case of R, a template for printing on a sticker attached to the case of MO, and the like.

The index image data creating section 43 combines the template of the second storage section 42 and the thumbnail image data obtained from the original image data of the first storage section 41 to create index image data. In creating the index image data, there are a case where the thumbnail image data is simply synthesized with the template and a case where the dividing process and the fitting process described later are executed.
The first storage unit 41 and the second storage unit may be separate storage devices as hardware, but need not necessarily be separate.

The control section 44 is mainly composed of a CPU and controls the operation of each section. Write head 45
Writes the original image data in the first storage section 41 in a predetermined file format on the recording surface of the CD-R. Further, the index image data is also written by the writing head 45 (corresponding to writing means). The print head 46 receives the index image data and prints the index image on the label surface or other sticker of the CD-R.
As the print head 46, a head of an appropriate type such as an ink jet type or a thermal transfer type can be used.

<Image Processing in Image Synthesizing Unit> Next, image processing in the index image data creating unit 43 will be described. The index image is obtained by arranging the thumbnails of the original image side by side as described above. Therefore, index image data can be created by acquiring thumbnail image data from the original image data, inserting the thumbnail image data into a template, and synthesizing it.

By the way, as the number of images to be written increases, the number of thumbnails also increases. However, since the area of the label surface (or other printing surface) forming the index image is limited, as the number of thumbnail images (frame images) increases, the size of the thumbnail images decreases, It becomes difficult. In addition, not only thumbnail images, but also lab store displays,
In some cases, such as displaying the title and displaying the date, etc., an area for that purpose must be secured.

Therefore, a lenticular lens sheet is attached to the label surface of a CD-R or the like to create index image data that allows different index images to be seen depending on the viewing direction. Here, the principle of the lenticular lens will be described with reference to FIG.

The lenticular lens 15 is formed by arranging a large number of cylindrical lenses 15a, and a lenticular lens sheet is attached to the image surface of the formed index image 16. Depending on the characteristics of the lens 15a, there are positions where the portion A of the index image 16 is visible and positions where the portion B is visible. That is, the part A or the part B is seen depending on the viewing direction (see FIG. 3A).

Therefore, the index image data creating section 4
In step 3, the thumbnail image data is divided into strip-shaped image data. This will be described more clearly with reference to FIG. For example, assume that there are two images A and B (see (a) and (b)). Image A is converted into a strip shape (A1, A
2, A3, A4 ...), and the image B is also strip-shaped (B
1, B2, B3, B4...) (See (c) and (d)). Although the number of divisions is set to 20 for simplicity, the division processing is actually performed into a larger number of strips. Then, the strip of the image B is fitted between the strips of the image A. That is, they are arranged as (A1, B2, A3, B4 ...). That is, every other strip of the image A and the image B is selected, and the strip images are alternately arranged (see (e)). This composite image can be the same size as the original images A and B. Therefore, without increasing the area of the image,
Two types of images can be displayed. Therefore,
Unnecessarily reducing the size of the thumbnail image can be suppressed.

In dividing the image into strips, the width of the strip of the image A and the width of the strip of the image B are determined by a lenticular.
The pitch is set to be に な る of the pitch P of the lens 15 (see FIG. 3).

In this example, two images A and B have been described. However, three or more images can be similarly divided and fitted. FIG. 3B shows an example in which three images A, B, and C are divided and fitted. The width of the strip of each image is set to be 1/3 of the pitch P of the lenticular lens 15. The number of divisions for performing the division processing can be determined in consideration of the resolution of the index image.

<Procedure for Creating Index Image Data> Next, the procedure for creating index image data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the index image data creating section 43
Acquires the original image data from the first storage unit 41 and acquires the thumbnail image data based on the original image data (# 1, # 2).
2). The data size of thumbnail image data is CD-
It is determined by the number of images to be recorded in R. Further, a template corresponding to the number of images to be recorded is obtained from the second storage unit 42 (# 3). And, as already mentioned,
It is determined whether or not the fitting process is performed (# 4).

When performing the division / fitting processing, the processing described above is performed (# 5), and index image data is created (# 6). When the division / fitting process is not performed, the thumbnail image data is fitted into the template as it is and synthesized. The above-described predetermined procedure up to creation of the index image data can be executed by a program. By installing this program in the device, the recording medium writing device according to the present invention can be configured. The method of installation can be performed by any method, and is not limited to a specific method.

The original image data and index image data are transferred to the write head 45 and recorded on a CD-R (# 7). The file format for writing these image data may be only a single file format, but it is preferable to write in a plurality of file formats because the utility value on the user side increases. For example, the same image is written in both JPEG and bitmap.

The index image data may be transferred to the print head 46 and printed on a label surface of a CD-R (# 8). When printing, the label may be printed directly on the label surface, or may be printed on a label surface or a sticker attached to a case. When printing on a sticker, first print on the sticker and then stick the printed sticker on the label surface or case, or you may paste the sticker on the label surface or case and then print .

FIG. 6 shows an example in which an index image that has not been subjected to the division processing and the inlay processing is printed. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an appearance of a CD-R printed on a label surface. (B) shows CD-R, DVD and M
This is an example in which a sticker on which an index image is printed is attached to a case such as O. (C) is an example in which a sticker on which an index image is printed is stuck on a case of another recording medium.
Also, an index image may be printed on a sticker attached to a large case accommodating a plurality of small cases.

When writing the index image data, it is preferable to write not only the data shown in FIG. 6A but also the data shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, since the utility value on the user side is increased.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the appearance of the CD-R printed on the label surface when the division processing and the insertion processing are performed. A lenticular lens sheet is attached to the label surface. Thus, depending on the viewing direction, the image looks like FIG. 8A or FIG. 8B. A recording medium other than a CD-R can be similarly configured.

<Another Embodiment> (1) In FIG. 1, although the scanner device 2 and the CD-R writing device 3 are constituted by separate devices and connected by a communication cable, they are constituted by an integrated device. You may. In other words, the recording medium writing device may be constituted by a single device (may have a scanner function),
It may be configured by connecting a plurality of devices.

(2) In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image data obtained from the original image data is inserted and synthesized, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, thumbnail image data and display / advertisement of lab stores and manufacturers,
Thumbnail image data and arbitrary image data can be combined. Also, in the case of combining thumbnail image data, for example, if grouping is performed according to the date and place of shooting, the value of the index image can be increased.

(3) Recording media other than CD-R include DV
D or MO may be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a photo processing system.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a recording medium writing device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a lenticular lens.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of image processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating index image data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print example of an index image.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an appearance of a CD-R printed on a label surface.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a difference in appearance of an index image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 scanner device 3 CD-R writing device 40 image data input unit 41 first storage unit 42 second storage unit 43 index image data creation unit 44 control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 G 5C076 1/387 1/387 F term (Reference) 2H059 AB04 2H106 AA82 BA55 BA72 BH00 2H109 BA06 BA11 5B050 BA10 BA15 EA03 EA12 EA19 FA03 GA08 5C062 AA01 AB03 AB17 AB21 AB22 AB42 AC02 AC03 AC04 AC22 AC24 AE03 BD00 5C076 AA14 AA19 AA22 AA36

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium writing device for recording original image data obtained from an image forming medium on a recording medium in a predetermined file format, comprising: a first storage unit for storing a plurality of the original image data; A second storage unit that stores a template for creating the index image, an index image data creating unit that creates index image data by synthesizing each of the thumbnail image data of the plurality of original image data and the template, and And a writing unit for writing the index image data together with the original image data on the recording medium. 2. The second storage unit includes at least a first template corresponding to a shape of a recording medium or a case thereof on which the original image data is written, and a second template corresponding to a shape of another recording medium or a case thereof. 2 templates are stored, and the index image data creation unit is configured to store the first index image data based on the first template,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a second index image data based on a template is created, and the first index image data and the second index image data are written on the recording medium together with the original image data by the writing unit. The recording medium writing device according to claim 1. 3. The index image data creating section,
3. The recording medium writing device according to claim 1, wherein the index image data is created based on at least two file formats. 4. The index image data creation unit according to claim 1,
The thumbnail image data is divided into strip-shaped image data, and another strip-shaped image data obtained by dividing other image data is inserted between the divided strips. By creating index image data, it is possible to create index image data such that different index images can be seen depending on the viewing direction when a lenticular-lens sheet is attached to the surface of the recording medium on which the index image is formed. The recording medium writing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: