JP2003006322A - Order-receiving system for photographed picture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traveler with an opportunity to place an order for the prints of photographed pictures taken during his traveling when he has time to spare comparatively. SOLUTION: A passenger plane is provided with a main unit 15 and an LCD unit 13. The main unit 15 stores the photographed pictures which a passenger photographs and produces an index image based on the photographed pictures. The LCD unit 13 is arranged for every seat and displays the index image. The passenger places an order for the prints of the photographed pictures while watching the index image. The order information is transmitted to a reception center 20 via a satellite communication line.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic image order receiving system for receiving a print request for a photographic image or a digital album creating request.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-147684
As shown in Japanese Patent Publication, there is known a photographed image order receiving system for ordering prints of photographed images using the Internet. This photographed image order acceptance system is
An order receiving device is used to receive order information from a customer. If the captured image is recorded as digital data, the digital data is sent to the printing company together with order information. The print trader performs print processing based on the received order information, and delivers the completed print to the orderer at delivery or at the store.

According to this, immediately after returning home from a trip,
This is convenient because you can order prints of images taken while traveling without going to the store.

[0004]

By the way, there are many demands for travelers to appreciate prints of photographed images taken while traveling as soon as possible. According to the conventional photographed image print ordering system, this request can be met as long as the traveler places a print order immediately after returning home. However, immediately after returning from a trip, everyone is tired and usually has to do various things, so they tend to miss the opportunity to order prints. Also, if you need to make additional prints, you must specify the number of prints while checking the captured image on the display of a digital still camera or a personal computer, which makes print ordering troublesome, and further ordering prints. Will be delayed.

In view of the above problems, the photographed image ordering system of the present invention aims to provide an opportunity for a traveler to order a print of a photographed image photographed at a destination in a time when the traveler has a relatively large margin. .

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a photographed image order acceptance system of the present invention is a photographed image order acceptance system that accepts an order for print creation or digital album creation based on a photographed image. The index image creating unit creates an index image based on the captured image, the display unit displaying the index image, the order information input unit inputting order information, and the order receiving unit receiving the order information. It is characterized in that the display means and the order information input means are provided in a transportation means for transporting passengers.

Further, another taken image order receiving system of the present invention is a taken image order receiving system which receives an order for print creation or digital album creation based on a taken image, and creates an index image based on the taken image. An index image creating means, a printer for printing this index image, an order information inputting means for inputting order information, and an order receiving means for receiving this order information, at least the printer and the order information inputting means for passengers. It is characterized in that it is provided in the transportation means for transportation.

The order information may be transmitted to the order information receiving means installed in the printing company via a communication line.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A photographed image order receiving system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).
play) A unit 13, a main unit 15, and an order acceptance server 17. Among these, the LCD unit 13 and the main unit 15 are installed in a transportation device that transports passengers, for example, in a passenger plane 16.

[0010] The passenger deposits the memory card in which the images taken by the digital camera on the trip are stored with the staff of the airline company or the printing company during the boarding procedure, for example. The main unit 15 stores a photographed image that the passenger has kept in advance. The photographed image I kept is
It is stored in a folder created for each passenger seat number.
The main unit 15 creates an index image based on this captured image. The memory card is returned to the passenger from the flight attendant or staff at the passenger plane 16 or at the airport at which the passenger plane 16 arrives, after copying the captured image to the main unit 15.

The index image is displayed on the LCD unit 13, as shown in FIG. Passengers place a print order while looking at the index image. The order information and the photographed image data are sent to the order acceptance server 17 in the acceptance center 20 of the photo printing company via the communication line. As a communication line, passenger plane 16
In the case of, a satellite communication line is used.

The LCD unit 13 is prepared, for example, for each seat 18, and is installed on the backrest of the seat 18 in the front row. When there is no seat 18 in front, the seat 18 is installed on a wall, a pillar or the like located in front of the seat 18. As the display means, for example, a plasma display or the like may be used instead of the LCD.

The screen size of the LCD unit 13 is, for example, about 6 to 10 inches, which is larger than that of the display provided in the digital camera body. Therefore, compared to the case of inputting print order information while looking at the display of the digital camera, the image is easier to see and the order information input operation is easier.

A remote controller 19 shown in FIG. 4, for example, is provided in each of the seat areas 1 to n. Remote control 19
Is order information input means for making a print order for a photographed image based on the index image displayed on the LCD unit 13. The remote controller 19 includes a power button 42, a detailed input button 43, a zoom switch 44, and a display button 4.
6, order button 49, general-purpose key 48, ESC button 50
Is provided.

The power switch 42 is the LCD unit 13
When this button 42 is pressed and the display button 46 is pressed, an index image 56 is displayed on the screen 13a of the LCD unit 13.

The index image 56 is a composite of a plurality of thumbnail images of photographed images.
For example, nine thumbnail images are displayed. One of the thumbnail images has, for example, a cursor 61 around it.
Is displayed and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other thumbnail images. The cursor 61 is used to select an image to be enlarged and displayed. Of course, instead of the cursor 61, the color tone, brightness, and contrast of the image may be changed so that the image can be distinguished from other images.

The general-purpose key 48 includes four arrow buttons 48a to 48d for up, down, left and right, and an enter button 48 located at the center.
It consists of e and. The general-purpose key 48 is used for general purpose, for example, by moving the cursor 61 to select an image or selecting each item on the operation screen. Cursor 61
Is moved by the general-purpose key 48, and the enter button 48e is pressed in accordance with the desired image, the image is displayed as shown in FIG.
Enlarged display.

Below the enlarged image 62, an order quantity designation area 63 and an add button 64 are displayed. The order quantity designation area 63 is an area for designating the number of prints,
The number of sheets is designated by operating the arrow buttons 48a and 48b to increase or decrease the number. The add button 64 is a button for adding an image to the order list. Button 6
As indicated by "Add to order list" on 4, the enlarged image 62 is added to the order list when pressed. This order list is included in the order information file.

The detailed setting button 47 is a button for inputting order information other than the order list. This button 4
When 7 is pressed, a screen for inputting the photo print receiving place information, the orderer ID information, etc. is displayed. Enter each item according to the screen guidance.

The orderer ID information includes the orderer's (passenger's) address, name, contact information, flight number of the passenger aircraft boarded, and the credit card number used for payment.
The pick-up location information is the information of the place where the orderer receives the photo prints. When the orderer receives the photo prints, the place is the pick-up place, and the recipient picks up the item at the nearest print shop. If you go there, that store will be the receiving location.

It is also possible to have the orderer's accommodation deliver the photographic prints, or specify the airport at which the passenger plane arrives as the receiving place. Of course, the shop of the printing company near the arrival place may be designated and the orderer may pick up the shop there. When the airport is set as the receiving place, a printing facility may be provided in the airport, or printing may be performed at a store near the airport and delivered to the airport.

These pieces of information are input by selecting from a menu list displayed on the screen 13a or inputting characters from the keypad displayed on the screen 13a. A keypad is a Japanese syllabary, alphabet 2
It is an operation unit composed of 6 characters, a Kanji conversion key, etc. This operation unit is operated by the general-purpose key 48 of the remote controller 19. Of course, prepare a small keyboard for your seat,
Characters may be input from this keyboard.
In this case, this keyboard is also included in the order information input means.

The menu list is, for example, a list of airport names or store names that can be designated as the receiving place. The orderer ID information registered in advance with the airline company is stored in the main unit 15 so that it is not necessary to enter characters.
When you register to, and display the order information input screen,
The information may be read.

The order button 49 is a button for confirming the order and receiving the order information and the data of the photographed image to the center 20. When you press the order button 49,
As shown in FIG. 6, an order detail confirmation screen 66 is displayed. The order details confirmation screen 66 displays an order list including the number of the image to be printed and the number of prints thereof, designated receiving place information, orderer ID information, and the like. When the send button 67 displayed on the screen is selected after confirming the contents of this order, the data of the specified photographed image is sent to the acceptance center 20 together with the order information file. When canceling, the cancel button 68 is pushed.

The zoom switch 44 changes the size of the enlarged image 62. The ESC button 50 cancels the executed operation and returns to the state before the operation.

The order information is transmitted from the remote controller 19 to the main unit 15 by infrared communication, for example. The remote controller 19 is provided with an infrared ray emitting section (not shown), and the LCD unit 13 is provided with an infrared ray receiving section (not shown). The signal from the remote controller 19 is transmitted to the main unit 15 via the LCD unit 13.

The main unit 15 includes a system controller 21, a VRAM 23, a hard disk 26, a card reader 27, a file reading device 28, and a communication controller 2.
9, an image processing unit 30, and an operation unit 31. The system controller 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and each unit of the main unit 15 and the main unit 15
It controls the LCD unit 13 connected to. A program for operating the LCD unit 13 and the like are stored in the ROM. The RAM is a working memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU executes a program.

The VRAM 23 is a memory for outputting the photographed image and the index image to the LCD unit 13. The VRAMs 23 are provided for the number of LCD units 13.

The hard disk 26 has an image storage area 2 for storing data of photographed images and index images.
6a, an order information storage area 26b for storing order information sent from the remote controller 19 is provided. The order information input by the orderer (passenger) is stored in the order information storage area 26b.

The file reading device 28 indicates the passenger ID.
It is used when registering information and the like in the hard disk 26. The passenger ID information and the like are stored in advance in a storage medium such as a flexible disk, and the storage medium is set in the file reading device 28 and the ID information is copied to the hard disk 26.

The card reader 27 is for reading the data of the photographed image stored in the memory card received from the passenger. The cabin crew sets the memory card received from the passenger in the card reader 27, and the captured image data is stored in the image storage area 26a for each seat number of each passenger.
To store.

The image processing section 30 is means for creating an index image based on the photographed image stored in the image storage area 26a. The image processing unit 30 creates a thumbnail image from the captured image and combines the plurality of thumbnail images to create index image data. If thumbnail images already exist, they are combined to create index image data.

The communication control unit 29 is a device for transmitting order information and photographed image data to be printed to a photographic printing company. Order reception server 17 and communication control unit 2
9 is connected via a communication line such as satellite communication. When a mobile phone can be used in a transportation device such as a passenger plane, a connector for connecting a communication device such as a mobile phone to the seat is provided in place of the communication control unit 29 to communicate with the order receiving server 17. It may be performed via a mobile phone.

Upon receiving the order information, the order receiving server 17 searches the store closest to the receiving place and transfers the received information to the store. The store that received the transfer prints the captured image according to the order information. The printing is done by the designated time, and the finished photographic print is delivered to the orderer at the designated place.

The operation section 31 is composed of operation switches for operating the main unit 15. By operating the operation unit 31, the ID information and the captured image are copied to the hard disk, the index image is created, and the like.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of. Passengers leave the memory card with the captured images with the staff at the time of boarding procedures. This memory card is handed over from the staff to the flight attendant, and the flight attendant copies the data of the captured image in the memory card to the image storage area 26a. When an instruction to create an index image is issued from the operation unit 31, the image processing unit 30 creates an index image based on the captured image data.

The passenger operates the remote controller 19 to perform ordering work such as creating an order list and inputting order information. When the display button 46 is pressed after the power is turned on, the index image 56
Is displayed. The general-purpose key 48 and the detailed setting button 47 are operated to input order information. Passengers can use the travel time, which is relatively long, to carefully order prints. Further, since the screen of the LCD unit 13 is larger than the display of the digital camera, the display is easy to see and the ordering work is easy.

The passengers can look back on the memories of the trip, which still have a clear memory, through this print ordering work, and they are apt to get bored during the transportation.
There is no need to worry about print ordering, and on the contrary, you can enjoy it. On the other hand, as a printing company, an order can be taken while the feeling of the orderer (passenger) is upset, so that a commercial advantage can be expected.

When the order button 49 is pressed after the ordering work is completed, the order information is transmitted to the main unit 15.
This order information is stored in the order information storage area 26b. A photographed image together with this order information is displayed on the communication controller
It is transmitted to the reception center 20 via 9.

The order receiving server 17 transfers the received information to the store closest to the designated receiving place. In the store that received the transfer, print processing is performed based on the order information, and the finished photographic print is delivered to the designated receiving place. And
The delivered photo prints are delivered to the orderer.

In the above example, the flight attendant gives the instruction to create the index image, but the index image may be created when the display button of the remote controller is pressed, for example. In this way, the work load on the flight attendant for creating the index image is reduced.

In the above example, the remote controller is described as an example of the order information input means, but the screen of the LCD unit may be used as a touch panel and this may be used as the order information input means.

Further, the communication between the main unit and the LCD unit may be performed wirelessly. By doing so, when installing the photographed image order receiving system in a transportation system, it is not necessary to lay cables, so that the installation work is simplified.

In the above example, as the order information, the orderer is made to specify the information indicating the type of photographed image and the number-of-images information. However, in addition to this, for example, print size, trimming information, presence / absence of gloss It is also possible to be able to specify various types of information such as whether or not there is a border / with a border.

Further, if a print of a famous landscape or a building of a tourist spot is provided as a bonus print, it will be a commemoration of tourism for passengers. In addition, when printing, a service may be provided that combines these images with the photographed image of the passenger. Further, a tourist spot name, a characteristic logo mark, or the like may be added to the photographic print. Further, other than this, a comment by the orderer may be added to the photographic print. The orderer can still add vibrant comments as the memories of the trip are still vivid.

In the above example, the LCD unit is provided in each seat, the index image is displayed on the LCD unit, and the order information is input by the remote controller or the like. However, the index print and the order form are distributed to passengers. Alternatively, the completed order form may be collected and the order information may be input.

In this case, a printer 71 and a scanner 72 are connected to the main unit 15 as shown in FIG. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, an index image is created by the main unit 15 in the same procedure as in the first embodiment. The created index image is printed by the printer 71. Distribute this index print and order form to passengers to fill in the order information.

The flight attendant collects the completed order information and inputs the order information to the main unit 15 using the character reading scanner 72 capable of character recognition. In this example, the scanner 72 is the order information input means. The entered order information is transmitted to the acceptance center 20. The subsequent procedure is similar to that of the first embodiment. According to this, although a printer and a scanner are required, the LCD
Since no unit or the like is required, the cost of the system can be reduced.

In the above example, the memory card entrusted to the passenger is returned at the place of transportation or at the place of arrival of the passenger plane. However, at the airport of departure, the staff copies the image data in the memory card. Then, it may be returned to the passenger on the spot. Also,
An image processing device may be installed in this storage location, and the staff may create an index image and deliver it to the flight attendant along with the captured image. This eliminates the need for an image processing unit in the main unit.

In the above example, the order information is transmitted from the passenger plane to the reception center. However, after the passenger plane arrives at the destination, the flight attendant stores the order information and the photographed image in the storage medium, and stores this information. The order may be accepted by handing over the medium to the printing company. As the storage medium, it is preferable to use a storage medium having a large capacity such as a CD or a DVD so that the order information and photographed images of all orderers can be stored.

In the above example, the memory card storing the photographed image is stored, but the memory with lens may be stored and the photographed image may be copied from the memory with lens. Here, the memory with a lens refers to a one-time use type camera including a non-rewritable memory that stores a captured image and a simple imaging mechanism including a lens.

In the above example, the memory card and the memory with lens are stored before boarding the passenger plane, but after boarding, the memory card is stored according to the passenger's request and the photographed image is copied to the main unit. You may do it.

In the above example, an example in which an order for print creation is accepted has been described, but an order for digital album creation may be accepted. The digital album means a plurality of photographed image data processed into a format that can be reproduced by image display software. This digital album is a CD
It is stored in a recording medium such as, and is provided to the orderer in a so-called photo CD format.

This digital album is reproduced by setting the photo CD in a personal computer or the like and activating image reproduction software. The photo CD may store image reproduction software for reproducing the digital album together with the digital album.
In such a digital album, since the photographed images are stored in the form of digital data, the storage space is smaller than the case where the photographic prints are stored in the album and the image quality is higher than that of the photographic prints. It has become widespread in recent years because of little change over time.

In the above-mentioned example, the passenger plane is taken as an example of the transportation means, but other than this, for example, a passenger ship, a sightseeing bus, a train or the like may be used.

[0056]

As described in detail above, the photographed image order acceptance system of the present invention is a photographed image order acceptance system for accepting an order for print creation or digital album creation based on a photographed image. An index image creating means for creating an index image, a display means for displaying the index image, an order information inputting means for inputting order information, and an order receiving means for receiving the order information. At least the display means and Since the order information input means is provided in the transportation facility that transports passengers, the opportunity for the traveler to order the prints of the images taken at the destination is given to the traveler while the transportation facility is in transit and there is a relatively long margin. Can be provided to.

If a printer for printing the index image is provided instead of the display means and an order is taken by using the index print, the system cost can be reduced while maintaining the same price. be able to.

If the order information is transmitted to the order receiving means installed in the printing company via the communication line, the orderer can be provided with the photographic print more quickly. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a captured image order receiving system.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of each part when the system of FIG. 1 is installed in an airliner.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an LCD unit when an index image is displayed.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a remote controller.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an LCD unit when an enlarged image is displayed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an LCD unit when an order content confirmation screen is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for receiving a print order.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a system when an order is placed using an index print and an order form.

9 is a flowchart showing a reception procedure when the system of FIG. 8 is used.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Photographed image order acceptance system 13 LCD unit 15 Main unit 17 Order acceptance server 19 remote control 26 hard disk 30 Image processing unit 71 Printer 72 Scanner

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107Z

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A photographed image order accepting system for accepting an order for print production or digital album production based on a photographed image, wherein index image producing means for producing an index image based on the photographed image, and the index image are displayed. A display means, an order information input means for inputting order information, and an order receiving means for receiving the order information. At least the display means and the order information input means are provided in a transportation means for transporting passengers. A featured system for accepting orders for captured images. 2. A photographed image order acceptance system for accepting an order for print production or digital album production based on a photographed image, wherein an index image producing means for producing an index image based on the photographed image and the index image is printed. A printer, an order information input means for inputting order information, and an order receiving means for receiving the order information, wherein at least the printer and the order information input means are provided in a transportation means for transporting passengers. A system for accepting orders for captured images. 3. The photographed image according to claim 1, wherein the order receiving unit is installed in a printing company, and the order information is transmitted to the order receiving unit via a communication line. Order acceptance system.