JP2003032584A - Image server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image server that can store and utilize a photo photographed by a digital camera with a simple method in matching with various states. SOLUTION: The image server is provided with various kinds of means 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 that transfer photo image data photographed by various digital cameras to an image server 6 possessed by a photo studio or the like and many kinds of access means 7, 8, 11, 12, 14 that attain access to and use of the photo image data stored in the image server 6.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention stores photographic image data taken by a digital camera in a large-capacity disk of a server computer owned by a photo shop or the like, and then downloads the photographic image data stored therein. The present invention relates to an image server used in a system for storing and utilizing photographic image data for printing and utilizing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the rapid spread of personal computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs), there is an increasing need to utilize photographic images taken by oneself as digital image data. As a service for photo shops and laboratories to meet this need, for example, digital output that records image data on a photo CD or a large-capacity floppy (registered trademark) disk and returns it to the customer when the photographed film is developed. The service is known. Alternatively, a network photo service or the like has been proposed in which image data is stored in a server computer owned by a photo shop or a lab so that a customer can request download of the image data via the Internet or the like.

On the other hand, in the case of a digital camera, it is possible to obtain digital image data immediately by taking a picture without going through a photo shop. Therefore, in general, image data is often stored and managed by an individual. That is, a user of a digital camera usually takes a picture with the digital camera, and when the memory of the digital camera is full, the photograph image data in the memory is usually transferred to a hard disk of a personal computer and stored.

Several means are used to transfer photographic image data from a digital camera to a personal computer. First, in the case of a digital camera that stores photographed photographic image data in a built-in memory, data transfer can be performed by connecting the camera and a personal computer using a cable having a predetermined interface. Further, similar to this, there is a camera loading type transfer means for connecting a base having a predetermined contact to a personal computer by a cable and mounting a digital camera on the base to transfer image data through the contact. This is called a docking station or a camera station, and there is, for example, Canon's camera station CS-36.

In the case of a digital camera which stores photographed image data in a removable medium such as a memory card, the data can be transferred to a personal computer by using a reading device such as a card reader. Furthermore, P
In the case of a digital camera attached to a DA or a digital camera having a communication function, data can be transferred to a personal computer through a modem and a telephone line (including a mobile phone). Also, there are some that can transfer data by infrared communication.

[0006]

As described above, storage and utilization of photographic image data taken by a digital camera is based on the premise that the user of the digital camera owns a personal computer. Furthermore, when the memory is full, the next picture cannot be taken unless the data is transferred to the personal computer, which means that the personal computer must be carried when carrying the camera around.

However, even though personal computers have become popular, the ownership rate of portable notebook computers is not so high. Also, even if you have a laptop computer, it is not very realistic to carry it around, for example, just to store data in a digital camera. Moreover,
Even if you carry a laptop computer with you, it is possible that your computer's disk will be full and you will not be able to store your precious photos.

On the other hand, if many memory cards are prepared and the memory cards are replaced in the same manner as the film of the film camera is replaced, it becomes unnecessary to carry a personal computer. However, since the price of a memory card is much higher than that of a film, the running cost of a digital camera becomes very high if it is necessary to have many cards.

For this reason, it is desired to realize a method that allows a photograph taken by a digital camera to be stored and used more easily and at low cost. In view of this problem, the present invention provides a photographic image data that allows a user to easily use a digital camera and easily store and use a photograph taken, even if he or she does not have a personal computer at hand or who does not have one. The purpose is to provide a storage utilization system of.

[0010]

The image server of the present invention comprises:
Image receiving means for receiving photographic image data transmitted from a plurality of image transfer devices, image storing means for storing the photographic image data received by the image receiving means, and image storing means by the plurality of image transfer devices And an access accepting means for accepting access to the photographic image data stored in and the use of the photographic image data.

In the image server of the present invention, the image storage means may be means for compressing and storing the photographic image data.

Further, in the image server according to the present invention, the access acceptance means may be means for attaching the photographic image data to an electronic mail on the basis of a request from the image transfer device.

Further, in the image server according to the present invention, the image storage means may be means for storing the photograph image data in a searchable manner.

In this case, the image storage means is provided with photographing property information attached to the photographic image data, a type code of the image transfer device, and a manufacturing number of the image transfer device.
A code, a type code of the recording medium used in the image transfer device, a manufacturing NO code of the recording medium, an owner code of the recording medium, a shooting date of the photographic image data, a transfer date of the photographic image data, A file of photographic image data received by the image receiving means, based on at least one of the number of times of day transfer, the acceptance NO combining the name of the image server and the transfer date, and the frame number of the photographic image data. A name may be generated, and the generated file name may be added to the photographic image data and stored.

A first photographic image data storage / utilization system of the present invention comprises an image server for storing and storing photographic image data, and photographic image data photographed by a digital camera and stored in a removable medium, read from the removable medium. At least one media reading unit for transferring to the image server, and an access unit for enabling access to the photographic image data stored and stored in the image server and use of the photographic image data are provided. It is a feature.

In the second storage and utilization system of photographic image data of the present invention, instead of the media reading means of the first system, photographic image data photographed by a digital camera and stored in the built-in memory of the digital camera. And at least one data transfer means for transferring the data from the built-in memory to the image server.

Further, a third photographic image data storage and utilization system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the image server, access means, media reading means and data transfer means.

In addition to the above-mentioned means, a file output means for outputting a file of the photographic image data stored and stored in the image server to a predetermined storage medium, and a print for printing out the photographic image data stored and stored in the image server. Output means may be provided.

Here, the "image server" means a server computer installed in a photo shop, a lab, or the like, and having a large-capacity disk sufficient to store and store the photo image data of customers such as the photo shop. is there.

The "removable medium" is, for example, a memory card mounted on a digital camera, and "at least one medium reading means for reading photographic image data from the removable medium and transferring it to the image server". Is, for example, a card reader or a cable connecting the card reader and the image server.

The "data transfer means" are means such as a cable interface, a docking station, and a communication line as described above. It should be noted that the term "communication line" used here includes not only wired communication but also infrared communication and wireless means such as mobile phones.

"Access to photograph image data and use of the photograph image data" means browsing, searching, downloading, ordering prints, outputting to a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and outputting to a designated destination. It means the use of all services such as transfer, which are carried out at a photo shop or the like, or are proposed as a network photo service.

[Access means] means a personal computer or PDA
In addition to communication devices and lines that enable access from the network via the network, input devices such as a monitor, keyboard, or touch panel directly connected to the image server are included. As a matter of course, the software incorporated in the image server, that is, the software that receives the service request, displays, searches, and transfers the photographic image data according to the request, and controls the output device such as a printer is also an access means. included.

It should be noted that, for example, in the photograph image data in the memory card of the digital camera, 0001.JPG, 0002.JPG,
When a file name such as 0003.JPG is given, if the photo image data is transferred to the image server with this file name as it is, the file name is duplicated with the photo image data transferred from another digital camera. there is a possibility.
Therefore, in the photographic image data storage and utilization system of the present invention, the photographic image data transferred to the image server has a file name of the image data before transfer as a file name for the storage and storage in the image server. It is desirable to further include a file name assigning unit that assigns a file name different from the name.

Specifically, for example, a file is created using a camera code for specifying the digital camera used for the photographing, an owner code indicating the owner of the digital camera, and a date code indicating the date of the photographing. Means for determining the name can be considered. Various kinds of information used for determining such a file name may be input from a keyboard or the like at the time of data transfer.

Alternatively, some digital cameras add photograph date and the like to photograph image data as photographing property information and store the photograph image data in a built-in memory or a memory card. In this case, the file name may be automatically determined by reading the shooting property information without requesting the user to input.

Further, although each of the above means may exist as a separate device, it is preferably housed in one housing and installed at a photo shop, a tourist attraction, a convenience store, a station premises, or the like. It is better to do so. At this time, all the means including the image server may be housed in one housing, but the photographic image data stored and stored in the image server is, so to speak, the property of the customer and must be stored carefully. Therefore, it is better to separately install the image server in a photo shop or the like so that only an input part such as a card reader or a cable interface can be distributed and installed in each place as one housing.

In this case, as a matter of course, such a housing incorporates a temporary storage server for controlling various inputs and temporarily storing the input image data. In addition, a transfer unit for transferring the image data stored in the temporary storage server to the image server is also incorporated. Alternatively, not only the input means but also the file output means and the print output means may be housed in the same housing.

In such a case, data transfer is performed between the image server and a case equipped with various input / output means for photographic image data. This is, for example, input / output of a card reader in the case. The image data may be temporarily stored in the temporary storage server for control, and transferred from the temporary storage server to the image server via a communication line or the like. Alternatively, wireless may be used in the case of a case installed outdoors. As a specific method, any method that is usually used can be applied.

That is, "at least one medium reading means for reading the photographic image data photographed by the digital camera and stored in the removable medium from the removable medium and transferring it to the image server".
Alternatively, "at least one data transfer means for transferring the photograph image data photographed by the digital camera and stored in the built-in memory of the digital camera from the built-in memory to the image server" means a card reader, a docking station, a temporary Storage server, modem, transceiver,
It includes all devices and means necessary for transferring the acquired photographic image data to the image server, such as cables and telephone lines.

[0031]

The storage / utilization system for photographic image data of the present invention comprises means for transferring photographic image data taken by various digital cameras to an image server owned by a photo shop or the like,
By providing an access means that enables access and use of the photo image data stored in the image server, regardless of the type of digital camera or whether or not a personal computer is owned or carried The photographic image data can be stored by a simple and convenient method, and the photographic image data can be utilized in various ways when it is used.

At this time, the interface part with the customer (card reader etc.) is implemented in the form of, for example, a coin machine, and communication between the coin machine and other parts (eg image server) is wired. Or by wireless, expensive equipment or important data is strictly managed inside the photo shop, while equipment for the interface with the customer is unattended at the photo shop, tourist attractions, convenience stores, station premises, etc. Since it can be installed in the form of a service, it can be convenient for both the service provider and the customer.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A storage and utilization system for photographic image data according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a storage and utilization system for photographic image data according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, this photographic image data storage / utilization system stores a photographic image data captured by a digital camera 1 and a server computer (image server) 6 having a large-capacity disk in the image server 6. And various means for utilizing the photographic image data accumulated and stored in the image server 6.

First, the image server 6 for photograph image data
The storage in the store will be explained. It is desirable to provide a plurality of storage means so as to be compatible with all types of digital cameras regardless of manufacturer or model. Specifically, first, the card reader 2 is provided to support a digital camera using a memory card. This is PCMC
It is desirable to prepare a plurality of types according to standardized card standards such as the IA standard and the SSFDC standard.

Further, an interface cable 3, a docking station 4, an infrared receiver 5 and the like are provided so as to correspond to a digital camera which stores photographed data in a built-in memory. In this case as well, the specifications of the interface cable 3 and the docking station 4 differ depending on the model of the camera, so it is desirable to prepare a plurality of types according to various standards.

These means are based on the premise that the user is in direct contact with the user interface part of this system, but the photographic image data can be stored even if the user is not directly facing the system. As described above, it is desirable to provide a storage means by a communication line. For example, the image server 6 is provided with a device and software for permitting access through the modem 8 and such a communication line so that data can be transferred from the built-in memory of the digital camera to the image server 6 by a mobile phone or the like. Is good.

Some digital cameras have a function of compressing photographic image data in order to save memory when storing photographic image data acquired by photographing in the memory of the camera. However, since the processing time at the time of shooting can be shortened without compression, it is not always necessary to always perform compression, and it is often selectable by mode switching or the like. Therefore, when storing the photographic image data in the image server 6, it is determined as necessary whether or not the photographic image data is compressed, and for example, the uncompressed photographic image data is stored on the image server 6 side. It may be stored after being compressed. In the case of cable connection or communication line connection, it is desirable to compress the photographic image data on the camera side in order to shorten the transfer time.

Incidentally, in order to retrieve and utilize the photographic image data stored in the image server 6 later, naturally, each photographic image data must be stored in the image server 6 with a different file name. Here, if the file name of the photographic image data before being transferred to the image server 6, that is, the photographic image data stored in the built-in memory of the digital camera is a unique file name including the photographer's name, for example, However, since many digital cameras use serial numbers and the like as file names, if the above-mentioned transfer is performed with the same file name, the file name will be duplicated.

Therefore, when transferring the photographic image data, a file name that does not overlap is determined in the image server 6 in addition to the file name in the built-in memory, and the file name is saved. This file name is automatically determined according to a predetermined rule by using, for example, information input from a keyboard or the like, or shooting property information added to the photographic image data by the function of the digital camera.

For example, the type code of the digital camera,
Information such as manufacturing NO code, removable media type code, manufacturing NO code, owner code of digital camera or removable media, shooting date, transfer date, number of transfers on the same day, frame number in internal memory or removable media, etc. The file name can be determined in combination. Alternatively, when the image server 6 accepts the transfer of the photo image data, a file number may be determined by issuing a reception NO in which the server name and the transfer date are combined, and combining this with the frame number and the like. .

Next, the use of the photographic image data stored and stored in the image server 6 by the various means described above will be described. Here, the use of photographic image data, that is, the form of service provided to the customer, is as follows: data by browsing the photographic image data, ordering prints, outputting the file to a specified medium, downloading, attaching to an e-mail, etc. Transfer and the like.

Means for requesting such a service from the image server 6 include a monitor 7 directly connected to the image server and an input device 14 such as a keyboard or a touch panel. In addition, it is desirable that the personal computer 11 or the PDA 12 be accessible via a communication line. As a result, the user can request the service regardless of the location and regardless of whether or not he / she owns the personal computer.

Further, the printer 9 and the media drive 10 are provided in order to respond to the print order or file output service requested by the various access means as described above. The media drive 10 is preferably provided for each of a plurality of media such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, ZIP, and MO.

The outline of the photographic image data storage and utilization system of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIG. 1, but the various means shown in FIG. 1 are not necessarily installed in one place. In particular, from the object of the present invention to make it easier to use the digital camera,
For example, it is desirable to implement it in a form that can be easily used as an unmanned service or a self-service such as a vending machine, an ATM of a bank, or a FAX service of a convenience store.

For this purpose, the card reader 2, the interface cable 3, the docking station 4,
The infrared receiver 5, the media drive 10, the printer 9, the monitor 7, the input device (touch panel) 14, etc. are all housed in a single housing, and installed as a coin machine 15 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, in a station yard or a convenience store. Good to do. As a result, the user can set the digital camera in the coin machine at the station and save the photographic image data during the trip, for example. Alternatively,
Even when providing services at photo shops as before,
Since unattended service is possible, 24-hour service can be provided.

However, in this case, it is assumed that the coin machine 15 has only a function of temporarily storing the input photographic image data, and the data is regularly stored in the image server 6 via a communication line or the like. Image server 6 on coin machine 15
Of course, it is possible to use the system of the present invention by itself, including, but it is hard to say that the coin machine 15 is completely protected depending on the installation location, so the important photo image data of the customer is stored. It is better to install the image server 6 separately in a photo shop or the like.

In the field of film cameras, unmanned film developing services using coin lockers have also been proposed, but since the delivery and collection of films and prints can only be done by hand, services are always available with a short delivery time and low cost. Cannot be said to be available. In contrast,
In the case of a digital camera, photographic images can be exchanged as data via a communication line or the like, which is advantageous in terms of cost, and more diverse services can be provided at a low price.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the convenience, that is, the effect of the photographic image data storage and utilization system of the present invention. With the system of the present invention, the user can save the photographic image data at various places when traveling, so that it is not necessary to carry the personal computer together with the digital camera. Also, if you have a digital camera with a communication function and a mobile phone, you can store data anytime and anywhere.

Further, the photographic image data can be stored for 24 hours not only at the place of delivery but also on a daily basis, for example, at a store of a convenience store or a photo store. At this time, you can request services such as ordering prints, transferring image data to friends, and outputting to specified media from the input panel of the coin machine, so even people who do not have a personal computer can transfer or transfer files. The output makes it easy to exchange photographic image data with other people.

Further, as a matter of course, a user having a personal computer can access the image server 6 through the communication means to enjoy the services such as the print, the file output service or the image data download as described above. can do. Furthermore, a user who owns a PDA and a mobile phone can enjoy such a service anywhere.

As described above, the photographic image storage and utilization system of the present invention not only solves the inconvenience of data storage of a digital camera, but also handles photographic images as digital image data from the time of shooting to the time of output. It maximizes the unique ability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a storage and utilization system for photographic image data according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a coin machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 digital camera 2 card reader 3 interface cable 4 docking station 5 infrared receiver 6 Image server 7 monitors 8 modem 9 Printer 10 media drive 11 PC 12 Mobile device (PDA) 13 memory card 14 Input device (touch panel, keyboard, etc.) 15 coin machine

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 7/173 610 H04N 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 Z (72) Inventor Shigekazu Fukada 3-11-46 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture F-term in Fuji Shashin Film Co., Ltd. (reference) 5B082 EA09 EA10 HA05 HA08 5C052 AA01 AB02 AC08 CC11 DD02 DD04 5C053 FA04 FA08 GA11 GB06 GB21 HA29 JA21 JA22 LA01 LA03 LA14 5C064 BC18 BD03 BD13

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image receiving unit for receiving photographic image data transmitted from a plurality of image transfer devices, an image storing unit for storing the photographic image data received by the image receiving unit, and the plurality of image transfer devices. An image server, comprising: an access acceptance unit that accepts access to the photographic image data stored in the image storage unit and use of the photographic image data. 2. The image server according to claim 1, wherein the image storage means is means for compressing and storing the photographic image data. 3. The image server according to claim 1, wherein the access acceptance unit is a unit that attaches the photographic image data to an e-mail based on a request from the image transfer device. . 4. The image server according to claim 1, wherein the image storage unit is a unit that stores the photograph image data in a searchable manner. 5. The image storage means, shooting property information attached to the photographic image data, a type code of the image transfer device, a manufacturing NO code of the image transfer device,
The type code of the recording medium used in the image transfer device, the manufacturing NO code of the recording medium, the owner code of the recording medium, the shooting date of the photographic image data, the transfer date of the photographic image data, within the same day. The file name of the photographic image data received by the image receiving means is determined based on at least one of the number of transfers, an acceptance NO combining the name of the image server and the transfer date, and the frame number of the photographic image data. The image server according to claim 4, wherein the image server is means for generating and adding the generated file name to the photographic image data for storage.