JP2003092653A - Image data handling system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data handling system by which a user can easily identify what kind of image is stored in a removable information storage medium. SOLUTION: The image data handling system comprises an image data storage means 14 for storing image data with which classification information for defining image classification is cross-referenced, a detection means 1 for detecting that the storage amount of the image data belonging to a particular classification reaches a prescribed value, a removable storage medium recording medium 11 for recording the image data the storage amount of which reaches a prescribed value and which belongs to a particular classification, and a print means 13 for printing an image on the basis of the image data the storage value of which reaches a prescribed value and which belongs to a particular classification on the surface of the removable image data storage medium 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data handling system, and more particularly to an image data handling system capable of printing image data on the surface of a removable information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of digital image technology, a system has been used in which image information is treated as digital image data, and necessary image processing is performed to print. As a camera for photographing a subject, a digital still camera (abbreviated as a digital camera) has been used in addition to a conventional silver halide camera, and a digital camera having a resolution exceeding 3 million pixels has been developed.

An image taken by a digital camera may be stored in an internal memory of a personal computer and stored in a personal computer, or may be brought into a minilab while being stored in a memory card attached to the digital camera for photo printing. As a background for the use of high resolution digital image data, there is an increase in the capacity of the data storage medium. For example,
Some hard disk devices (HD) have a storage capacity of 100 Gbytes. Therefore, a hard disk is often used as the image data storage medium of the digital photographic system.

Generally, in the case of a text document, about 10 A4 size sentences are about 50 kbytes, whereas in the case of digital image data, one image is 50
Some are about 0 kbytes (in the case of jpg compression). Therefore, since the capacity of the data storage medium has been increased and the cost has been reduced, it is considered that the digital photography technique as in recent years has been developed. With the development of digital photography technology, various minilabs have been installed, and users can bring a negative film or digital camera memory card into the minilab and have them print pictures.

[0005]

In the case of the above-mentioned hard disk device, a large amount of image data can be stored, but there is a problem that the hard disk has many failures.
Therefore, for backup of digital image data,
It is required to store the contents of the hard disk device in a removable information storage medium. A CD-R, a CD-RW, or the like is used as the removable information storage medium. The CD-R is a storage medium that can be written once, and its capacity is at least about 600 Mbytes. On the other hand, the CD-RW is a storage medium that can be rewritten about 1000 times, and its capacity is at least about 500 MB. In recent years, the prices of these information storage media have been reduced, and CD-Rs cost between 50 yen and 100 yen /
The number of sheets is 100 yen to 200 yen / sheet for a CD-RW.

When image data is stored in this type of removable information storage medium, it functions as a backup device, but there is a problem that it is difficult to distinguish what is stored in which disc. In particular, when backing up image data using a large number of removable disks, management thereof is particularly difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image data handling system capable of easily distinguishing what kind of image is stored in a removable information storage medium. Has an aim.

[0008]

(1) The invention according to claim 1 is an image data storage means for storing image data associated with classification information defining a classification of an image, and the image belonging to a specific classification. Detection means for detecting that the storage amount of data has reached a predetermined value, and removable storage medium recording means for recording the image data belonging to a specific classification in which the storage amount has reached a predetermined value in a removable image data storage medium. And a printing means for printing an image based on image data belonging to a specific classification in which the storage amount has reached a predetermined value, on the surface of the removable image data storage medium.

According to this structure, when the image data storage amount reaches a predetermined value in a predetermined classification, the image data is stored in the removable information storage medium and an image representative of the classification (image data belonging to a specific classification The image data stored in the removable information storage medium can be backed up by storing the image based on () on the surface of the removable information storage medium, and it is easy to see what kind of image is stored in the removable information storage medium It becomes possible to recognize.

(2) The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the predetermined value can be arbitrarily set for each classification of the image. By storing in this way, by changing the predetermined value for each image classification, it becomes possible to store the image data in the removable information storage medium corresponding to the predetermined value.

(3) The invention according to claim 3 is an image data storage unit for storing image data associated with deadline information, and deadline image data for specifying image data associated with the deadline information that has reached a deadline. Specifying means, a removable storage medium recording means for recording the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means in a removable image data storage medium, and the deadline image data specifying means on the surface of the removable image data storage medium. A printing unit that prints an image based on the specified image data.

According to this structure, by storing the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means in the removable information storage medium, the image data stored in the hard disk device can be backed up and is removable. By printing an image based on the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means on the surface of the image data storage medium, it is possible to easily recognize what kind of image is stored for each deadline. Becomes

(4) The invention according to claim 4 is an image data storage means for storing image data of a customer through communication,
Removable storage medium recording means for recording image data on a removable image data storage medium, printing means for printing an image based on the image data on the surface of the removable image data storage medium, and the customer's image from the customer Receiving means for recording data on a removable image data storage medium and receiving instruction information for printing an image based on the image data on the surface of the removable image data storage medium, and receiving by the receiving means Based on the instruction information, the removable storage medium recording means and the printing means record the image data of the customer, and a removable information storage medium is formed on the surface of which the image based on the image data of the customer is printed. It is characterized by doing.

According to this structure, since the image data is stored in the removable information storage medium and the image of the customer based on the image data stored on the surface is printed, any kind of image is stored. It becomes possible to easily recognize whether there is something.

The image to be printed is a customer image processed for line drawing or painting. What the customer has instructed to print in advance. You can choose something like an icon that represents a particular category of customer, or you can choose to print multiple images.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 is a host server for accumulating image data and for controlling various operations. Reference numeral 1 is a detection means provided in the host server 10 for detecting that the storage amount of image data reaches a predetermined value, and 2 is a receiving means for receiving image data input from the outside via a public network.

Reference numeral 11 is a CD-R writer for writing image data on a removable information storage medium, and 12 is a CD-R for storing image data. A printer 13 prints an image on the surface of the CD-R based on the image data stored in the CD-R. From the printer 13, an image (here, bird) based on the image data is printed on the surface of the CD-R as shown in the figure.

Reference numeral 14 is a hard disk device (HD) for storing image data, which is connected to the host server 10. In the figure, two hard disk drives 1 # 1 and # 2
However, the present invention is not limited to this. Reference numeral 15 is a public network, one end of which is the receiving means 2
It is connected to the. As the public network, for example, a digital line or an internet network can be used.
Reference numeral 16 is a user personal computer connected to the public network 15, and 17 is an image input device for transmitting image data to the host server 10. As the image input device 17, for example, a digital camera or an image scanner is used. An operation unit 18 inputs various commands and data to the host server 10. As the operation unit 18, for example, a keyboard or a mouse is used. The operation of the system configured as described above will be described below.

Image data is transmitted from the user personal computer 16 via the public network 15. The host server 10 stores the image data received via the receiving means 2 in the HD 14. On the other hand, the image data is also transmitted from the image input device 17, and the host server 10 stores the transmitted image data in the HD 14.

Here, the HD 14 stores image data for each image classification. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of image data. As shown in the figure, the image data is stored as a pair of an image file and classification information. here,
For example, a file of 00 and a file of 03 have the same classification (X
J01).

The detection means 1 constantly monitors the storage amount for each classification of the image data stored in the HD 14. Then, when the storage amount for each classification of the image data stored in the HD 14 reaches a predetermined value, for example, 600 MB, the host server 10 is notified of that. Here, the image data for each classification is sent to the host server 10.

The CD-R writer 11 has a CD-R in advance.
12 is set. Here, it is assumed that the CD-R 12 is a type capable of printing an image on its surface.
Upon receiving this notification, the host server 10 transfers the image data stored in the CD-R 12 set in the CD-R writer 11. The CD-R writer 11
Sequentially writes the image data sent to the CD-R 12 set inside. Then, when writing of all image data is completed, insert the CD-R12 into a CD.
-R Remove from writer 12 and set in printer 13. The printer 13 notifies the host server 10 of the specific classification information stored in the corresponding CD-R 12. Upon receiving this notification, the host server 10 sends the image data belonging to the classification to the printer 13, and the CD-
Print the image on the surface of R12.

FIG. 3 shows an example of image printing on a CD-R. (A) shows that the print has not been performed yet.
(B) shows a state in which a bird image is printed.
As a result, it can be recognized that the image data stored in the CD-R is an image regarding birds.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the image data storage amount reaches a predetermined value in a predetermined classification, the image information is stored in the removable information storage medium and an image representative of the classification (specific classification By storing the image based on the belonging image data) on the surface of the removable information storage medium, the image data stored in the hard disk device can be backed up, and what kind of image is stored in the removable information storage medium. It becomes possible to easily recognize whether there is something.

According to the present invention, the predetermined value can be changed by the operation unit 18 for each classification of images. Accordingly, by changing the predetermined value for each image classification, it becomes possible to store the image data in the removable information storage medium corresponding to the predetermined value.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the image data storage amount for each specific classification of the system shown in FIG. 1 is detected, the image data is written, and the image is printed on the surface of the CD-R. there were. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, management is performed by time limit information.
In the figure, reference numeral 3 is a deadline image data specifying means for specifying the image data associated with the deadline information provided in the host server 10. Other configurations are shown in FIG.
Since it is the same as, the description will be omitted. The operation of the system configured as described above will be described below.

Image data is transmitted from the user personal computer 16 via the public network 15. The host server 10 stores the image data received via the receiving means 2 in the HD 14. On the other hand, the image data is also transmitted from the image input device 17, and the host server 10 stores the transmitted image data in the HD 14.

Here, the HD 14 sequentially stores the image data associated with the time limit information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of image data. As shown in the figure, in the image data, the image file and the time limit information are stored as a pair. Here, for example, the 00 file and the 03 file belong to the same classification (01:06:15). The deadline in this case indicates that the deadline is June 15, 2001.

The deadline image data specifying means 3 constantly monitors the deadline for each classification of the image data stored in the HD 14. Then, when the expiration date of the image data stored in the HD 14 has arrived, for example, when it becomes June 15, 2001, the host server 10 is notified of that fact. Here, what is sent to the host server 10 is image data for each deadline.

The CD-R writer 11 has a CD-R in advance.
12 is set. Here, it is assumed that the CD-R 12 is a type capable of printing an image on its surface.
Upon receiving this notification, the host server 10 transfers the image data stored in the CD-R 12 set in the CD-R writer 11. The CD-R writer 11
Sequentially writes the image data sent to the CD-R 12 set inside. Then, when writing of all image data is completed, insert the CD-R12 into a CD.
-R Remove from writer 12 and set in printer 13. The printer 13 notifies the host server 10 of the specific classification information stored in the corresponding CD-R 12. Upon receiving this notification, the host server 10 sends the image data belonging to the time limit to the printer 13, and the CD-
Print the image on the surface of R14.

According to this embodiment, the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means can be stored in the removable information storage medium, and the deadline image data is specified on the surface of the removable image data storage medium. By printing an image based on the image data specified by the means, it becomes possible to easily recognize what image is stored for each deadline.

According to the present invention, means for storing image data in the removable information storage medium and means for printing an image of a customer based on the image data stored on the surface of the removable information storage medium are provided. In this case, the image data is received by the user PC 1 by the receiving means 2.
6 has been transmitted. The image data sent via the public network 15 is received by the receiving means 2 and
It is stored in D14. As for the image data stored in the HD in this way, when a predetermined capacity or a predetermined time limit is reached, the image data is written from the CD-R writing device 11 into the removable information storage means and the printer 1
3 can be used to print on the surface based on the image data.

According to this, since the image data is stored in the removable information storage medium and the image based on the image stored on the surface of the removable information storage medium is printed, it is possible to determine what kind of image is stored. Can be easily recognized.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the CD-R is used as the removable information storage medium is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the CD-RW or the like may be used. Good.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the printer 13 prints an image on the surface of the CD-R has been described. However, the printer 13 prints a normal image on a normal recording paper. You can also Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the CD-R writing device 11 and the printer 13 are separately provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the CD-R writing device 11 is not limited thereto.
And the function of the printer 13 can be combined into one writing / printing device.

[0037]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to the invention of claim 1, when the image data storage amount reaches a predetermined value in a predetermined classification, the image data is stored in a removable information storage medium, and an image representative of the classification (specific classification By storing the image based on the belonging image data) on the surface of the removable information storage medium, the image data stored in the hard disk device can be backed up, and what kind of image is stored in the removable information storage medium. It becomes possible to easily recognize whether there is something.

(2) According to the second aspect of the invention, by changing the predetermined value for each image classification, the image data can be stored in the removable information storage medium corresponding to the predetermined value. .

(3) According to the third aspect of the invention, the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means is stored in the removable information storage medium to back up the image data stored in the hard disk device. By printing an image based on the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means on the surface of a removable image data storage medium, it is easy to see what kind of image is stored for each deadline. It becomes possible to recognize.

(4) According to the invention described in claim 4, while storing the image data in the removable information storage medium,
Since the customer's image based on the image data stored on the surface is printed, it is possible to easily recognize what kind of image is stored.

According to this structure, it is possible to provide an image data handling system capable of easily discriminating what kind of image is stored in the removable information storage medium.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of image data.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image printing on a CD-R.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of image data.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 detection means 2 Receiving means 10 host server 11 CD-R writer 12 CD-R 13 Printer 14 Hard disk drive (HD) 15 public network 16 User PC 17 Image input device 18 Operation part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image data storage unit for storing image data associated with classification information defining a classification of an image, and detection for detecting that a storage amount of the image data belonging to a specific classification has reached a predetermined value. Means, a removable storage medium recording means for recording the image data belonging to a specific classification in which the storage amount becomes a predetermined value on a removable image data storage medium, and the storage amount on the surface of the removable image data storage medium. An image data handling system, comprising: a printing unit that prints an image based on image data belonging to a specific classification having a predetermined value. 2. The image data handling system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value can be arbitrarily set for each of the image classifications. 3. Image data storage means for storing image data associated with deadline information, deadline image data identification means for identifying image data associated with the deadline information that has reached a deadline, and deadline image data identification Removable storage medium recording means for recording the image data specified by the means on a removable image data storage medium, and based on the image data specified by the deadline image data specifying means on the surface of the removable image data storage medium. An image data handling system, comprising: a printing unit that prints an image. 4. An image data storage means for storing image data of a customer via communication, a removable storage medium recording means for recording image data in a removable image data storage medium, and a surface of the removable image data storage medium. A printing means for printing an image based on the image data, the customer's image data from the customer is recorded on a removable image data storage medium, and the image data is recorded on the surface of the removable image data storage medium based on the image data. Image data of the customer is recorded by the removable storage medium recording means and the printing means on the basis of the instruction information received by the receiving means. Removable information with an image based on the customer's image data printed on the surface Image data handling system, characterized by creating a 憶媒 body.