JP2003174605A - Image print service system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print service system that provides customers with a print service corresponding to image processing technologies to prepare a photo print of information desired by the customers such as a memo and to extend the fun of image processing. <P>SOLUTION: This invention builds up the image print service system where a service provider provides recording of memo information desired by a requester as a print image, image synthesis based on supplied favorite images and a desirable image processing/print service. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for transmitting image data photographed by a camera and converted into electronic data to a photograph service provider for storage and providing an image printing service in response to a customer's request.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it has been common to bring a photo negative taken by a camera to a photo handling shop, request printing, obtain a photo printed on paper, organize it in an album or the like, and store it. .

Recently, digital cameras have rapidly expanded, and photograph image data taken by the digital cameras are requested to be stored by a photo service provider (hereinafter referred to as a service provider) and stored in a specific large capacity server. Is possible. A system in which a customer (hereinafter referred to as a client) who requests a print service sends image data to a service provider through a network such as the Internet, and the service provider who receives the data stores the data, receives a print order, and delivers a print photograph. Are described in JP-A-10-78618 and are known.

FIG. 2 shows the flow of information in the conventional system. The requester 29 transmits from the terminal 27 the image data for which a print request is desired to the service provider 20 and records it in the storage means 21 of the service provider 20. The service provider 20 returns low-resolution image (hereinafter referred to as thumbnail image) data of the received image data to the requester 29. Client 2
The service provider 20 confirms the thumbnail image and informs the number of prints of the image desired to be printed.
Send the purchase order to. The service provider prints and prints each image based on the order form of the image data requested by the client, and provides the print photograph 28 to the client.

[0005]

When shooting with a digital camera, the personal computer at home sends the electronic image data to the print service lab for printing, and prints it on a print sheet with a high-performance commercial printer. The print service provided to the client has started.

In this case, in order to record a memo such as a place or impression at the time of photographing on the print image, the personal computer can be used to record the memo information by adding the memo information to the image. However, it was difficult and difficult for those who were not familiar with personal computers. I couldn't handle it like writing memos on the back of photos.

In addition, when a person processes text information such as a memo and superimposes it on a photographic image for which print output is requested,
The style and performance of the character pattern depended on the performance of the equipment owned by the client. When enlarging an image greatly and requesting printing, there was a problem in the quality of characters and the like. Furthermore, it is possible for the client to obtain a special character or symbol for the image to be printed and superimpose it on the image, but the processing is complicated and difficult for those who are not familiar with PCs, and the quality of characters etc. It was a challenge.

In addition, when different memo information is written to a plurality of people for the same image and printing is requested, it is necessary to send an image processed by the number of memo information and request print output. Data volume has increased, data transfer time has increased, and communication costs have been required.

Further, the image synthesizing process in which a person is superimposed on the background image is used in broadcasting or the like, but the process is complicated, the processing capability of the apparatus is required, and the cost is required, which is difficult to realize by an individual. there were.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a print service corresponding to an image processing technique for photo-printing information such as memo writing desired by a customer and expanding the enjoyment of image processing.

[0011]

In order to solve this problem, according to the present invention, image data and memo information are separately transmitted and stored as data for requesting the service provider to store them, and the service provider Image processing is performed based on the request of the client. The service provider prepares complex symbols and character patterns and processes them. Further, the service provider prepares a high-quality image processing such as a chroma key processing technology, so that the client can easily obtain a high-quality desired image.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a storage means for storing storage data, 2 is a control means for managing the storage means, and 3 is a client. 4 is an image processing means for creating a print output image, and 5 is a print output means for printing the created image.

The operation of the system configured as described above will be described below. The print requester creates in advance a memo information file corresponding to each photographic image data and each image. Also, for memo information recording, information such as recording style, recording position, character size, etc. is also filed as recording control information. To request printing, the client uses the client terminal 7 via the communication line 6 to send the image data of the photographed image and files such as memo information and recording control information to be recorded.

The service provider 10 receives the data by the communication means 3, stores the data in the data storage means 1 through the control means 2, and stores the data. The image data of the client is sorted in the storage unit 1 for each client and given a number for each image data and stored. The memo information or the like corresponding to the image information is stored in an area different from the image.

Based on the received recording control information data, the memo information is recorded on the stored image under the condition (recording position, character size, recording font, color, etc.) requested for the memo information, and the image is stored. . Further, a low-resolution thumbnail image image is created from the image on which the memo information is superimposed (in the case of recording on the back side, the image and the back side image on which the memo record is recorded), and returned to the requester through the communication line.

The client confirms the content and recording position of the memo information by confirming the thumbnail image, and if it is instructed, the order form for a series of print requests is transmitted. The service provider prints the order form using a print printing unit, finishes the photographic print, and hands it to the print requester at a later date.

FIG. 3 shows this series of operations. In the example,
The case where memo information is superimposed and printed on an image is shown. When a client requests a print with memo information recorded, first,
The memo information corresponding to the image is filed according to the image number (S01). At the same time, control information data such as a recording position of memo information and a character size is recorded. Figure 4
Shows an example of memo information. The image data / memo information is transmitted to the service provider (S02). The service provider stores the received image file / memo information in the storage means 1 (S03). The memo information corresponding to the image data is superposed and recorded (S04), and a thumbnail image is created and stored (S05).

For confirmation, the service provider sends the thumbnail image to the requester (S06). The client confirms the thumbnail image (S07), determines whether or not it is as desired (S08), and if there is no problem, transmits a print order instruction to the service provider (S09). If the client finds a problem at the time of confirmation, the recording conditions such as the recording position and the character size are corrected (S13), and the memo superimposing work of the problem image is performed again (S13).
04), and repeats until the confirmation of the thumbnail of the client (S08). The client confirms the thumbnails several times, and when there is no problem, places a print order (S09). The memo information service provider prints an image in which memo information is recorded according to an order instruction (S10).

Notify the client of the end of printing (S1
1) The client can pay the fee and receive the requested photo print (S12).

When the quality is deteriorated when the image is overlaid,
It may be recorded in a frame outside the image.

When a memo is recorded in a frame, it is necessary to create a thumbnail image so that the client can confirm it while recording the image and memo information.

It is also possible to print a memo on the surface opposite to the image surface. FIG. 5 shows a series of operations for recording memo information on the back surface. In this case, an image image in which the requested image and memo information is recorded on the back side is created (S24),
It is necessary to create each thumbnail image (S25) and send it to the client for confirmation.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an image in which each memo information is recorded. (A) shows a case in which memo information is recorded over the image, (b) is recorded in a frame outside the image, and (c) shows a case in which memo information is recorded on the back side of the image printing surface.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention and shows the flow of information exchange and operation between the requester and the service provider 10 in the system configuration of FIG.

The present embodiment shows a new procedure for the service provider when the client requests to print a plurality of images in which different memo information is recorded. Conventionally, it has been necessary to send a plurality of images in which different memo information is recorded on each image to a service provider and request a print. In the conceptual diagram of FIG. 7, a memo 1 ...
Three images that record the information of Memo 2 and Memo 3, respectively,
Image 41 with memo 1 recorded, image 4 with memo 2 recorded
2 shows the case of requesting the printing of the image 43 in which the memo 3 is recorded.

FIG. 8 shows the flow from the requester transmitting the print request image and the plurality of memo information to the service provider to obtaining the thumbnail image recording the desired memo information. The requester does not send the image and memo information corresponding to the desired image 41, image 42, and image 43 to the service provider.
First, the client creates memo 1 information, memo 2 information, and memo 3 information (S41). The original image 40 and the memo 1 information, memo 2 information, and memo 3 information are transmitted to the service requester (S4).
2). The service provider stores the transmitted image and the memo 1 information / memo 2 information / memo 3 information in the storage means (S
43).

Next, an image 41 with memo 1 information recorded is created (S44), an image 42 with memo 2 information recorded (S45), and an image 43 with memo 3 information recorded (S46). Furthermore, the service provider creates thumbnail images of these images 41, images 42, and 43 (S47), and sends the thumbnail images to the requester for confirmation (S48). After that, the requester confirms the thumbnail image (S49) and orders the printing to the service provider (S5).
0). The service provider receives an image 41 / image 4 in which the memo 1 information, the memo 2 information, and the memo 3 information are recorded.
2. The image 43 is printed out and provided to the client.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow of information exchange and operation between the requester and the service provider 10 in the system configuration of FIG.

The embodiment is a model in which the service provider obtains characters, symbols, etc. from the image sample pattern collection stored in the storage means, and superimposes them on the image to be requested for printing to create an image.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the image 50 of the client.
The character 51 provided by the service provider is image-synthesized. Images provided may be symbols, patterns, etc.

The operation will be described with reference to FIG. The client sends the image at hand to the service provider (S61).

The service provider stores the image obtained from the requester (S62), and sends the thumbnail image of the superposition sample pattern collection stored in advance by the service provider to the requester (S63).

When the client obtains the thumbnail image of the sample pattern (S64), he or she selects the image pattern of the character or the like desired to be printed and informs the service provider (S65). The service provider performs image processing synthesis of the image transmitted from the client and the image pattern image of the selected character or the like (S66), and creates a thumbnail image of the synthesized image (S67).

The created thumbnail image is transmitted to the client for confirmation (S68). The client confirms the synthesized thumbnail image (S69), makes a judgment (S70), and if there is no problem, it sends an order for print request to the service provider (S71).

If there is a problem, a correction notice is sent to the service provider (S75).

Upon receiving the print request order, the service provider prints out the composite image (S72) and notifies the client of the end of printing (S73). The client can pay the fee and receive the requested photo print (S7).
4).

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention and shows the flow of information exchange and operation between the requester and the service provider in the system configuration of FIG.

In this embodiment, the service provider cuts out a necessary image from the image of the client, and the cut-out image is combined with the background image provided by the service provider by the image combining technique to create a new image. The service provider provides the chroma key processing technology used in broadcasting.

FIG. 12 shows the concept of image processing. A background image 61 provided by a service provider is image-synthesized with an image 60 of a client (a cut object is photographed on a background of a single color) to create a synthesized image 62.

The operation will be described with reference to FIG. The client sends an image such as a person image desired to be cut out to the service provider (S81). However, it is necessary to take an image with a digital camera in the background of a single color such as blue single color except for the image desired to be cut off. Chroma key processing usually takes an image of an object against a single blue background. The service provider stores the image obtained from the client (S82), creates a thumbnail image of the target image, and sends it to the client for confirmation (S83). The client confirms the thumbnail image of the image to be cut (S84), and if confirmed, sends a confirmation notice to the service provider (S85).

If there is a problem, it is sent again from the beginning. The service provider stores the target thumbnail image (S86),
Next, the background thumbnail image collection stored in advance by the service provider is transmitted to the requester (S87). When the client obtains the background thumbnail image (S88), he selects the background image desired to be printed and contacts the service provider (S89).

The image to be cut off and the selected background image are subjected to image synthesis processing (S90) to create a thumbnail image of the synthesized image (S91). The created thumbnail image is transmitted to the requester for confirmation (S92). The combined thumbnail image is confirmed (S93) and judged (S94).
If there is no problem, the print request order is transmitted to the service provider (S95). If there is a problem, a correction notice is sent to the service provider (S99). The service provider receiving the print request order prints out the composite image (S
96) and informs the client of the end of printing (S97).
The client can pay the fee and receive the requested photographic print (S98).

Although the digital image data is transmitted from the client terminal to the service provider via the Internet or the like, it may be passed to the service provider by a medium such as a disc in some cases.

The background image and characters used for image processing may be transmitted by the client or may be obtained by the service provider from the Internet or the like.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a photographic print in which a memo recording at the time of shooting is recorded for an image taken by a digital camera.

The memo writing can be left and the enjoyment can be memorized, and the memo writing will be very useful when the photographs are organized later.

Since the service provider carries out the image processing work, it is expected that high-performance equipment can be used and the quality of characters and characters is improved.

Further, a photographic image in which a plurality of different memos are written can be obtained without the requester transmitting a large amount of data, and the data transmission time and cost can be reduced. Further, the service provider who stores the data does not need to store a plurality of different image data, and the capacity of the storage means can be reduced.

Further, the customer can be provided with the image pattern he / she likes, and the enjoyment is increased. Character images can be easily obtained, and favorite images can be easily obtained. In addition, it becomes possible to easily receive image processing services such as chroma key services, and enjoy new enjoyment. With image processing services, service providers can also expand demand beyond mere photographic prints.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system conceptual diagram showing a conventional example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of information and a progress of operations of a requester and a service provider as the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memo information file according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of information and a process of operation of a requester and a service provider when backside recording memo information as the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a printout example in which memo information is recorded.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a conceptual diagram as a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the progress of the operation as the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of information and a progress of operations of a requester and a service provider as a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a conceptual diagram as a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of information of a requester and a service provider and a progress of operation as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a conceptual diagram as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 21 Storage means 2 control means 3 communication means 4 Image processing means 5 Print output means 6 communication lines 7, 27 Client terminal 8, 28 photo 10, 20 Service providers 40,60 original image 41 memo 1 information recording image 42 memo 2 information recording image 43 Memo 3 Information recording image 51 characters 61 background image 62 Composite image

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C087 BA03 BA05 BA06 BD05 BD07                       BD52                 5B021 AA30 BB02 LL01                 5C052 AA11 FA02 FA03 FA07 FA09                       FB05                 5C053 FA04 FA05 FA07 FA14 JA16                       LA03 LA14

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing data, a control unit for managing the storage unit, an image processing unit for performing image processing on the data of the storage unit, a printing unit for printing the data, and the storage unit. Of the data stored in the storage means is stored as image data sent by the communication means and text data corresponding to the image. An image printing service system, wherein each data is superimposed by the image processing unit and output by the printing unit. 2. The image print service system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the text data is designated based on an external instruction when the data stored in the storage unit is output by the printing unit. 3. The image print service system according to claim 1, wherein when the data stored in the storage unit is output by the printing unit, the display position of the text data is designated based on an external instruction. . 4. A storage means for storing data, a control means for managing the storage means, an image processing means for performing image processing on the data of the storage means, a printing means for printing the data, and the storage means. When the printing means outputs the data accumulated in the accumulating means, the communication means is in charge of transmitting the data to the outside and receiving the information from the outside,
An image printing service system, characterized in that a symbol, a text, an image pattern or the like stored in advance in the storing means is selected and an image incorporated into the transmitted image data is created. 5. Storage means for storing data, control means for managing the storage means, image processing means for performing image processing on the data of the storage means, printing means for printing the data, and storage means. Of the data transmitted to the outside and receiving the information from the outside, and the data accumulated in the accumulating means is transmitted to the respective images together with the image file transmitted by the communicating means. The image printing service system is characterized in that the image data is stored as a text data file, and the image and a plurality of the data files are combined and output. 6. A storage means for storing data, a control means for managing the storage means, an image processing means for performing image processing on the data of the storage means, a printing means for printing the data, and the storage means. Is equipped with a communication means for transmitting data to and receiving information from the outside, extracts the image by processing the transmitted image data with a special image effect,
An image printing service system characterized by being superposed on data previously stored in a storage means.