JP2003174618A - Image processing program supply method, image print service method, image service center, and image handing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing program supply method, an image print service method, an image service center, and an image handling apparatus by which a user can enjoy a print service of the same quality independently of a model of the image handling apparatus in use or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The image service center 200 totally manages image data supplied from each user PC 400 and image processing programs or the like supplied to the image handling apparatus 300. When the image service center 200 updates a managed image processing program, the image service center 200 downloads the image processing program after being updated to all the image handling apparatuses 300 under the management of the center 200. <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 an image processing program supply method, an image print service method, an image service center, and an image handling device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of digital cameras, image handling apparatuses for printing images taken by the cameras have become widespread. This type of image handling device is currently installed in many stores such as convenience stores and home electronics mass retailers. A user who wants to print can print the image, for example, by visiting the store after work and mounting a recording medium on which image data is recorded in the image handling apparatus.

[0003]

By the way, there are various kinds of digital cameras currently on the market, and the image quality performance is greatly different depending on each camera. In an image handling apparatus that executes print processing, a predetermined correction (for example,
The image quality is improved by performing light source correction or the like), but what is used as a reference and how much the image data is corrected differs depending on the model of each image handling apparatus. Therefore, even when the same image is printed, there is a problem that the image quality is greatly different when the image handling devices of different models are used. The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an image processing program supply method and an image print service that can enjoy a print service of the same image quality regardless of the model of the image handling apparatus to be used. An object of the present invention is to provide a method, an image service center and an image handling device.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing program supply method according to a first aspect of the present invention is such that an image service center storing an image processing program manages a plurality of images managed by the image service center. The method for supplying the image processing program to the image handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image service center detects whether the image processing program stored in the center is updated, and the image processing program is updated. When it is detected, the updated image processing program is distributed to the plurality of image handling devices via the network.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying an image processing program from an image service center that stores the image program to a plurality of image handling devices managed by the image service center. The image handling apparatus periodically requests the image service center to deliver the image processing program, and the image service center receives the request from the image handling apparatus and stores it in its own center. The image processing program is distributed to the image handling device via a network.

Further, in the image processing program supply method according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to the second aspect, the image handling apparatus causes the image processing program to be transmitted to the service center each time the apparatus itself is activated. Is required to be distributed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing program supply method, which is an image service center that stores an image program and image data and manages a plurality of image handling devices. An image service center is a method of supplying an image processing program to an image handling apparatus, the image service center delivering image data according to the request to the image handling apparatus via a network. Detects whether the image processing program stored in its own center has been updated, and when it detects that the image processing program has been updated, it updates the updated image processing program to a plurality of images via a network. It is characterized in that it is delivered to a handling device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing program supply method, which is an image service center which stores an image program and image data and manages a plurality of image handling devices. A method for supplying an image processing program to an image processing apparatus, wherein an image service center, which distributes image data corresponding to the request to the image processing apparatus via a network, supplies the image processing program to the image processing apparatus. Periodically requests the image service center to deliver the image processing program, and the service center receives the request from the image handling apparatus and sends the image processing program stored in the center through the network. And deliver it to the image handling device.

An image service center according to a sixth aspect of the invention is an image service center for managing a plurality of image handling devices connected via a network, the storing means storing an image processing program, and the storing means. It is detected whether or not the image processing program stored in is updated, and when it is detected that the image processing program is updated, the updated image processing program is used to handle the plurality of image handling programs via a network. And a distribution means for distributing the data to the device.

An image service center according to a seventh aspect is an image service center that manages a plurality of image handling devices connected via a network, and a storage means for storing an image processing program and its own center. And a distribution unit that distributes the image processing program stored in the storage unit via a network when receiving a distribution request for the image processing program that is periodically transmitted from the image handling apparatus managed by It is characterized by

Further, in the image service center according to claim 8, in the configuration according to claim 5 or 6, the distribution means, when receiving a distribution request of image data from the image handling device, the request. Image data according to the above is distributed to the image handling apparatus via the network, and when a distribution request of the image processing program is received from the image handling apparatus, the image processing program stored in the storage means is transferred to the network. It is characterized by being delivered via.

Further, in the image print service method according to claim 9, a distribution request process in which the image handling apparatus requests the image service center to transmit image data and an image processing program, and the image service. A distribution process in which a center distributes image data and an image processing program according to a request from the image handling device to the image handling device via a network, and the image handling device,
When the image data and the image processing program are received from the image service center via the network, the image data processing apparatus further comprises an execution process of executing image processing on the image data based on the image processing program.

Further, in the image print service method according to the tenth aspect, the image handling apparatus transmits the image data distribution request information including the information regarding the image processing program provided in the apparatus itself to the image service center via the network. When the transmission process and the image service center receive the distribution request information from the image handling apparatus, the image processing program included in the image handling apparatus is updated by referring to the information about the image processing program included in the distribution request information. If it is determined that the image service center should update the image processing program included in the image handling apparatus in the determining step of determining whether or not to do so, The image data according to the distribution request information and the image processing program provided in the own center are available online. A delivery process for delivering the image data to the image handling device via a network, and an execution process for the image handling device to perform image processing based on the image processing program on image data received from the image service center. It is characterized by doing.

According to the image print service method of the eleventh aspect, in the configuration of the ninth or tenth aspect, the image processing program includes an image correction algorithm for image data correction. Characterize.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image print service method according to the eleventh aspect, the image handling device is configured to perform the image correction algorithm according to the image correction algorithm.
Performing a plurality of types of image data correction, and in the execution process, the image handling apparatus performs an image data correction according to a designated image output form on the image data received from the image service center. Is characterized by.

Further, the image handling apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, when an image processing program is stored in the storage means and an image output instruction based on the image data is given by the user,
Transmitting means for transmitting request information including a program update request including program identification information for identifying an image processing program stored in the storage means and a request for distributing the image data to an image service center via a network; Updating means for rewriting the image processing program stored in the storage means to the received image processing program when the image processing program distributed from the image service center via the network in accordance with the request information is received; When the image data distributed from the image service center via the network in accordance with the request information is received, the image processing is executed on the image data based on the image processing program stored in the storage means. An image processing unit according to one of the request information. When receiving the image processing program to be delivered over a network from Bisusenta,
The executing means may perform image processing on the image data distributed from the image service center according to the request information based on the image processing program rewritten by the updating means.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments will be described below in order to make the present invention easier to understand. Such an embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the present invention.

A. This Embodiment (1) Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photo service system 100 for realizing the present invention. The photo service system 100 includes an image service center 200 and a plurality of image handling devices 300-k (k = 1 to 1) installed in an agency.
N), personal computers (hereinafter referred to as user PCs) 400-k (k = 1 to M) of each user, the image service center 200 and the image handling device 300-k, and the image service center 200 and the user PC 400-k. And an internet network 500 for connecting to. The image handling device 300-k and the user PC 400-k
When there is no particular need to distinguish between the two, they are simply referred to as the image handling device 300 and the user PC 400. In the explanation below,
First, an outline of services using the photo service system 100 will be described, and then each element constituting the system will be described.

<Outline of Service> A user who owns a digital camera uploads an image photographed using the camera from the user PC 400 to the image service center 200. The image service center 200 centrally manages image handling devices 300 installed in convenience stores and the like scattered all over the country. In order to print out an image uploaded to the image service center 200, the user goes to a convenience store (for example, a convenience store near his home) where the image handling device 300 is installed, And input that a desired image should be printed out. By using this system, the user can use the image service center 2
No matter which image handling device 300 under the control of 00 is used, the print service of the same image quality can be enjoyed.

A) Image Service Center 200 The image service center 200 has a role of centrally managing image data supplied from each user PC 400 and a plurality of image processing programs supplied to the image handling apparatus 300, and a control unit. 210, storage unit 220, and communication unit 2
Equipped with 30 etc. The control unit 210 includes a CPU and RO
The image service center 20 is composed of M, RAM, etc.
It plays the role of controlling each part of 0. Storage unit 220
Is an image data storage area 221 that stores image data supplied from each user PC 400, an image processing program storage area 222 that stores a plurality of image processing programs supplied to the image handling apparatus 300, etc. have. Communication unit 230
Is equipped with a communication interface, and can exchange data with the image handling apparatus 300 and the user PC 400 via a dedicated line and the Internet network 500.

B) Image Handling Device 300 The image handling device 300 is, for example, a convenience store,
It is installed in agency stores scattered all over the country such as consumer electronics stores, and it is possible to exchange data with the image service center 200 via a leased line and the Internet 500.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the image handling apparatus 300. The image handling device 300 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, a display unit 330, an operation unit 340, and a communication unit 350. Further, the image handling apparatus 300 has a built-in high-speed printer 360. This high-speed printer 360 includes a control unit 310 and a first interface 3
Data can be exchanged via 51. The control unit 310 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc.
It plays a role of controlling each unit of the image handling apparatus 300.

The storage unit 320 is composed of, for example, a hard disk and stores the image processing program and image data downloaded from the image service center 200. The display unit 330 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or the like, and displays various operation screens and the like under the control of the control unit 310. Further, when the image handling apparatus 300 receives image data from the image service center 200, information regarding the received image data is displayed on the display section 330.

The operation unit 340 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, and inputs a user ID (which will be described later) and an instruction to select image data to be printed. The communication unit 350 includes a first interface 351 and a second interface 352. First interface 35
Reference numeral 1 is an interface for communicating with the high-speed printer 360, and second interface 352 is an interface for communicating with the image service center 200 via the leased line and the Internet network 500.

The high-speed printer 360 executes print processing by receiving image data and a print start command from the control unit 310 via the first interface 351. The high speed printer 360 according to the present embodiment is
It is possible to output 24 L-size prints in about 10 minutes.

C) User PC 400 The user PC 400 shown in FIG. 1 has a basic function as a personal computer such as a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, a display, a keyboard (all are not shown), and a memory card (hereinafter referred to as an input interface). , MC) a digital camera 2 using a card reader for taking in image data. Currently, as a format of image data output from the digital camera 2, TIFF (Tagged Image File F
ormat), GIF (Graphics Interchnge Format), JPE
G (Joint Phtographic Experts Group), FlashP
ix, Exif (Exchngeable Image File Format) and the like are known. The user PC 400 also includes a communication interface for exchanging data with the image service center 200. The user PC 400 is, for example, I
SDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), ADS
Image data captured by a card reader or the like is uploaded to the image service center 200 via the Internet network 500 by accessing a predetermined access point AP using a method such as wireless communication using L, a mobile phone, PHS, or the like. It is possible to do.

(2) Operation of Embodiment FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are sequence diagrams for explaining the operation of the print service system 100 according to this embodiment. The operation of the system will be described below by dividing it into four stages of download processing, member registration processing, image upload processing, and print processing.

<Download Processing> As described above, the image service center 200 according to the present embodiment centrally manages the image processing program supplied to the image handling apparatus 300 under management. The control unit 210 of the image service center 200 periodically executes step Cs1 shown in FIG. 3 to periodically determine whether the image processing program stored in the storage unit 220 has been updated (for example, version upgrade). Is detected. The control unit 210
When it is detected that the image processing program is updated in step Cs1 that is repeatedly executed (step Cs1).
1; YES), all image handling devices 300 under control
Then, the updated image processing program is downloaded (steps Cs2 and Cs3). When a part of the image processing program stored in the storage unit 220 (for example, some routines) is updated, communication traffic is taken into consideration and only the updated part is downloaded. good. Next, each process of the member registration process (see FIG. 4), the image upload process (see FIG. 5), and the print process (see FIG. 6) will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that a user who has taken a landscape or the like using the digital camera 2 enjoys a print service by using the print service system 100 according to this embodiment.

<Member Registration Processing> In order to use the print service system 100 according to this embodiment, the user first accesses the image service center 200 and performs member registration. Specifically, the user operates the keyboard or the like of the user PC 400 to make a member registration request to the image service center 200 (step C).
1). When the image service center 200 receives the request, the image service center 200 requests the user to perform the procedure necessary for member registration (step C2). After completing the procedures required for membership registration,
The image service center 200 secures an image storage space dedicated to the user and transmits a unique ID number (hereinafter referred to as user ID) to the user (step C3). By using the user ID thus obtained from the image service center 200, the user can register image data such as a photographed landscape in the image service center 200.

<Image Upload Processing> When a user who has registered as a member photographs a landscape or the like using the digital camera 2, the MC1 is removed from the digital camera 2, and the removed MC1 is set in the card reader of the user PC 400. . When the setting of MC1 is completed, the user operates the keyboard or the like of the user PC 400 to input that the reading of image data should be started. User PC 4
When receiving the image data read start command via the keyboard interface (not shown), the CPU 00 starts reading the image data stored in MC1 (step Ca1). When the reading of the image data is completed, the CPU generates thumbnail images (low resolution images) based on the image data, and displays the list of generated thumbnail images on the display.

When the user confirms the thumbnail image displayed on the display and determines that the image data corresponding to the image should be registered in the image service center 200, the user operates the keyboard or the like to display the image data as an image. Input is made to the service center 200 to register. CPU
When detecting that an input operation for registering the image data read in the user PC 400 to the image service center 200 is performed, the image data registration request information is generated, and the generated registration request information is transmitted to the Internet network. 500
It is transmitted to the image service center 200 via (step Ca2). The control unit 210 of the service center 200
When the registration request information is received from the user PC 400, the user PC 400 is requested to input the user ID (step Ca3).

When the user confirms that the user ID is requested from the display contents on the display, the user operates the keyboard or the like to input the user ID. When the user ID is input, the CPU of the user PC 400 transmits the user ID to the image service center 200 (step Ca4). Control unit 210 of image service center 200
Is a user who has received a user ID from the user PC 400, authenticates by referring to a user ID management table (not shown) stored in the storage unit 220, and a user who requests image data registration is a registered user. Determine whether or not. When the control unit 210 determines that the user is a member-registered user, the control unit 210 returns a response to the effect that the registration of image data is permitted to the user PC 400 (step Ca5).

When the user confirms from the display contents of the display that the registration of the image data is permitted, the user can use the keyboard or the like to transfer the image data to the image service center 20.
Perform the operation to upload to 0. When it is detected that the operation is performed by the user, the user PC 40
The CPU of 0 reads the image data from the memory and uploads the read image data to the image service center 200 (step Ca6). Image Service Center 2
Upon receiving the image data transmitted from the user PC 400 via the Internet network 500, the control unit 210 of 00 stores the received image data in a specific area of the image data storage area 221 assigned to the user (step Ca7). Then, the user PC 400 is notified that the registration is completed, and the process is terminated (step Ca8).

<Printing Process> A user who desires printing goes to an agency where an image handling device (image handling device A shown in FIG. 6) is installed and performs a predetermined input operation.
Specifically, the user first operates the operation unit 340 of the image handling apparatus 300 to input a user ID and a desire to receive the print service. When the operation is performed by the user, the control unit 310 of the image handling apparatus 300
Image data transfer request information including a user ID is generated, and the generated image data transfer request information is transferred to the Internet 50.
It is transmitted to the image service center 200 via 0 (step Cb1).

The control unit 210 of the image service center 200
Upon receiving the image data transfer request information, acquires a user ID from the information and searches the image data storage area using the acquired user ID as a search key (step Cb).
2). When the control unit 210 detects the image data corresponding to the user ID, the control unit 210 reads the image data and transmits the read image data to the image handling device 300 (step Cb3). The control unit 310 of the image handling device 300
When the requested image data is received from the image service center 200, a print selection screen is displayed on the display unit 330 so that the user can select the image data to be printed and the number of prints (see FIG. 7). The user operates the operation unit 340 while checking the display unit 330 to input an image to be printed, the number of prints, and the like (step Cb4). When the image to be printed, the number of prints, etc. are input by the user's operation of the operation unit 350, the control unit 310 displays an operation screen for allowing the user to select the purpose of use of the image (for example, ID photo). It is displayed on the section 330 (see FIG. 8).

The user confirms the operation screen and operates the operation unit 35.
By operating 0, the purpose of the image is selected. When the control unit 310 detects that the use of the image is selected, the automatic image correction is performed so as to execute the correction process based on the image processing program downloaded from the image service center 200 by the download process (see FIG. 3). Then, the subroutine is called, and the optimum correction is applied to the image (step Cb5). The corrections referred to here include, for example, differences in tint due to differences in CCD characteristics that differ among digital camera manufacturers, contrast and brightness depending on shooting conditions,
It refers to correcting variations in saturation and the like, and is roughly classified into common image correction and application-specific image correction.

In the common image correction, the brightness distribution of the entire image is examined, and a constant curve reflecting the printer γ characteristic is applied so that the range (dynamic range) of the darkest pixel and the brightest pixel is applied to a predetermined range. The lightness conversion is performed along with, and the tint correction is performed based on the correction curve determined from the distribution of each color of RGB.
Further, the image correction for each application is performed by converting the gradation of each color of RGB according to a skin color emphasis conversion table (not shown) for the one in which the impression of the person's face is important, such as an ID photo or a commemorative photo, and snaps one A photograph, a group photograph, or the like in which the overall atmosphere is emphasized refers to a correction for converting the gradation of each color of RGB according to a conversion table (not shown) that balances the color of the entire image.

The control unit 310, after performing such correction on each image data, generates a print start command, and sends the corrected image data and the command to the high-speed printer 360 via the first interface 351. Supply.

When the high-speed printer 360 receives the corrected image data and the command, the high-speed printer 360 repeatedly executes a predetermined print processing (processing such as developing->fixing->stabilization-> drying) (step Cb6), and the completed prints are sequentially performed. It is discharged to a discharge port (not shown). As described above, this high-speed printer 360 can output 24 L-size prints in about 10 minutes. Therefore, the user needs to use the image handling apparatus 300 to receive the print service.
When you visit a convenience store, etc. where
With the exception (when the number of prints is enormous), you can take home the prints that you made in one visit. That is, the user can omit the complicated operation of visiting the store once to request the print and then visiting the store again when the requested print is completed. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the normal photographic print has been described. It is also applicable to a method of printing directly from an inkjet.

It is assumed that the user who receives the print in this way, for example, several days later, goes to an agency different from the agency described above and tries to reprint the same image. As described above, in the photo service system 100 according to this embodiment, the image service center 200
Manages the image processing program in a centralized manner, and all the image handling devices 30 under the control of the image service center 200.
The same image processing program is downloaded to 0. Therefore, even when the same image is printed again using the image handling device (image handling device B shown in FIG. 6) installed in the agency different from the agency described above, the image used Since the processing programs are the same, it is possible to enjoy print services of the same image quality.

As described above, according to the photo service system 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to enjoy prints of the same image quality regardless of the model of the image handling apparatus 300 used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem that the print quality greatly differs depending on the agency requesting the print.

Further, in the conventional image handling apparatus, the image data after the image correction may be stored in the recording medium. When reprinting (for example, reprint printing) using such a recording medium, image correction is performed again on the image data after the image correction, and conversely there is a problem that the image quality deteriorates. On the other hand, in the image handling device 300 according to the present embodiment,
The compressed image file downloaded from the image service center 200 is decompressed only once when printing,
Correction is performed on the decompressed image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent problems such as deterioration of image quality by repeatedly performing image correction a plurality of times.

(3) Modified Example <Modified Example 1> In the photo service system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the image processing program centrally managed in the image service center 200 is updated every time.
All image handling devices 30 under the control of the center 200
0, the updated image processing program is downloaded. However, for example, the image handling apparatus 300 logs in to the image service center 200 regularly (for example, when the image handling apparatus 300 is started), and The image processing program held by the service center 200 may be downloaded. As a result, for example, when the image handling apparatus 300 is stopped at night and started up the next morning, the user always uses the image handling apparatus 300 in which the latest image processing program is set and prints. It becomes possible to enjoy the service.

<Modification 2> Instead of periodically logging in to the image service center 200 and downloading the image processing program, for example, the image service center 2 is used.
When requesting the image data to 00, the image processing program may be requested to be downloaded together with the image data. As a result, the image handling apparatus 300 can print the downloaded image data using the latest image processing program. If the image processing program is downloaded every time the print processing is executed, communication traffic will increase.
Therefore, the image processing program is downloaded from the image service center 200 to the image handling apparatus 300 only when the image processing program stored in the image handling apparatus 300 is different from the image processing program stored in the image service center 200. You can

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining the print processing of the photo service system according to the second modification. In the figure, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 above are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The user operates the operation unit 340 of the image handling apparatus 300 to input a user ID and a desire to receive the print service. When the user performs the operation, the image handling apparatus 300
The control unit 310 acquires the program ID for image identification from the storage unit 320. In this modification, the professional program I including version information and the like in the image processing program
D is given. The control unit 310 uses the program I
When D is acquired from the storage unit 320 (step Cd1),
Image data transfer request information including the program ID and the user ID is generated (step Cd2), and the generated image data transfer request information is transmitted to the image service center 200 via the Internet network 500 (step Cd3).

Control unit 210 of image service center 200
When the image data transfer request information is received from the image handling apparatus 300, the program ID included in the request information
And the program ID of the image processing program stored in the storage unit 220 of the own center 200 (step Cd4). As a result of the comparison, the control unit 210 determines that the program IDs do not match (step Cd).
4; NO), after reading the image processing program stored in the storage unit 220 (step Cd5), the process proceeds to step Cb2. When acquiring the image data corresponding to the user ID in step Cb2, the control unit 210 transmits the acquired image processing program and image data to the image handling device 300 (step Cd6). On the other hand, when the control unit 210 determines that the program IDs match in Step Cd4 (Step Cd4; YES),
Step Cd5 is skipped to proceed to step Cb2 → step Cd6, and the image data obtained in step Cb2 is transmitted to the image handling apparatus 300.

Upon receiving the data corresponding to the request information from the image service center 200, the control unit 310 of the image handling apparatus 300 determines whether or not the received data includes an image processing program (step Cd7). .
When the control unit 310 determines in step Cd7 that the image processing program is included (step Cd7).
7; YES), the process proceeds to step Cd8, the image processing program stored in the storage unit 320 is rewritten to the received image processing program, and then the process proceeds to step Cb4.

On the other hand, when the control section 310 determines in step Cd7 that the image processing program is not included (step Cd7; NO), it skips step Cd8 and proceeds to step Cb4. The operation after this is the same as that shown in FIG. As described above, according to the present modification, the image service center 200 operates only when the image processing program stored in its own center and the image processing program stored in the image handling apparatus 300 are different. The image processing program is downloaded to the image handling device 300.
As a result, communication can be performed efficiently and communication traffic can be suppressed.

<Modification 3> Further, the image service center 200 according to the above-described embodiment is provided with the image handling device 300.
When the image data transfer request information is received from the image processing apparatus 300, all the image data corresponding to the user ID included in the request information is downloaded to the image handling apparatus 300. For example, an image number that specifies the image data in the request information. It may be configured to download only the image data corresponding to the image number and the like to the image handling apparatus 300. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data when transmitting image data from the image service center 200 to the image handling apparatus 300.

<Modification 4> Further, in the above-described embodiment, a card reader, a cable connection interface, etc. are exemplified as the input interface in the user PC 400. However, for capturing image data from a magnetic disk such as Zip, for example. Drive device, Zip, MO
(Magneto Optical Disk), FD (Floppy Disk), MD (Mi
ni Disc), CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), CD
-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), DVD (Digital Ve
rsatile Disk), DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk R
A drive device for capturing image data from a recording medium such as an ecordable), a cable connection interface for capturing image data from a digital camera with a built-in memory, an infrared interface, a short-range wireless communication interface, etc. good.

<Fifth Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the subroutine of the automatic image correction in the downloaded image processing program has been described as an example. However, for example, the subroutine of the automatic image editing is included in the program. It is also possible to provide. For example, it is determined whether the number of pixels of the digital camera and the number of images required for the size of the print image match, and if they do not match, the image is enlarged / reduced. To do.
In this way, the image processing program may be configured to include the automatic image editing function.

<Modification 6> In the above-described embodiment, the image handling device 30 is installed in a convenience store or the like.
Although the case where 0 is installed has been described as an example, it is also possible to connect the high-speed printer 360 to the user PC 400 and use the user PC 400 as the image handling apparatus 300, for example. Further, a high-speed printer 360 is installed in the image service center 200, and the image service center 200
Alternatively, the print service may be received by using both of the agency in which the image handling apparatus 300 is installed. When a print request is made to the image service center 200, the requested print may be delivered by mail, home delivery, or the like.

<Variation 7> In the print service system 100 according to the present embodiment described above, only the user who has registered as a member can enjoy the print service. However, the user who holds the print coupon can also print. It is also possible to configure so that the service can be enjoyed. Specifically, the service provider sets the image handling device 30
A list of stores in which 0 is installed and a coupon with a unique ID number (hereinafter referred to as a coupon ID) are created, and the created coupon is distributed to a tie-up maker (digital camera maker). At the time of distribution, information about the coupon (for example, coupon ID, valid frequency, valid period, etc.) is registered in the image service center 200. The digital camera manufacturer bundles the distributed coupon and the digital camera (each camera has one coupon
Then, the product is packaged and shipped to a home appliance store or the like.

The user purchases a camera with a coupon at a home appliance store or the like. When using the coupon to receive the print service, the user goes to the store described in the coupon and inputs the coupon ID to the image handling device 300 in the store. Image handling device 300
When detecting that the coupon ID has been input, transmits the coupon ID to the image service center 200 via the Internet network 500, and inquires about the validity of the coupon ID, the remaining count, and the like. Image Service Center 2
When it is determined that the valid frequency of the coupon remains based on the response from 00, the image handling device 300 causes the display unit 3 to display.
The remaining count is displayed on 30, and the free print reception within the remaining count is executed.

After that, when the image handling apparatus 300 completes the printing process, it notifies the image service center 200 of the number of free prints together with the coupon ID. Upon receiving the notification, the image service center 200 subtracts the number of free prints (frequency) from the remaining frequency of the registered coupon ID, and rewrites the residual frequency of the coupon ID. In addition, when the remaining count of the coupon ID becomes “0”, the coupon ID is deleted from the management target, and the process ends.

As described above, by giving the print coupon to the digital camera to be sold, the user's willingness to purchase the digital camera can be increased. In addition, it is possible to increase the number of visitors to the store where the image handling apparatus 300 is installed and increase the number of repeater customers.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an effect that a print service of the same quality can be enjoyed regardless of the model of the image handling apparatus used.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photo service system in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image handling apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining a download process according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining a member registration process according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an image upload process according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining print processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a print process according to a second modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Photo service system, 200 ... Image service center, 300 ... Image handling device, 400
・ ・ ・ User PC, 500 ・ ・ ・ Internet network.

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C052 AA11 DD02 EE03 FA02 FA03                       FA04 FA08 FB01 FC08 FD13                 5C053 FA04 FA08 LA01 LA03 LA14                 5C062 AA05 AA25 AA29 AA31 AA34                       AB38 AB42 AC22 AC35 AE07                       AF00 BD00

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A method of supplying the image processing program from an image service center storing the image processing program to a plurality of image handling devices managed by the image service center, wherein the image service center is a self-center. If it is detected whether the image processing program stored in the image processing program has been updated, and if it is detected that the image processing program has been updated, the updated image processing program is transferred to the plurality of image handling devices via a network. An image processing program supply method characterized by distribution. 2. A method of supplying the image processing program from an image service center storing an image program to a plurality of image handling devices managed by the image service center, wherein the image handling device is the image service. The image service program periodically requests the center to deliver the image processing program, and the image service center receives the request from the image processing apparatus and handles the image processing program stored in its own center via the network. A method for supplying an image processing program, characterized by delivering to an apparatus. 3. The image processing program supply method according to claim 2, wherein the image handling apparatus requests the service center to deliver the image processing program each time the image processing apparatus is activated. 4. An image service center, which stores an image program and image data, and manages a plurality of image handling devices. When an image data distribution request from the image handling device is received, image data corresponding to the request is sent. An image service center that delivers the image processing program to the image handling apparatus via a network, wherein the image service center stores the image processing program stored in the center. An image processing program that detects whether or not the image processing program has been updated, and delivers the updated image processing program to a plurality of image handling devices via a network when detecting that the image processing program has been updated. Supply method. 5. An image service center, which stores an image program and image data, and manages a plurality of image handling devices. When an image data distribution request from the image handling device is received, image data corresponding to the request is sent. An image service center that delivers the image processing program to the image handling apparatus, the image handling center delivering to the image handling apparatus via a network, wherein the image handling apparatus periodically sends images to the image handling center. Requesting distribution of a processing program, the service center receiving a request from the image handling apparatus, and distributing the image processing program stored in the center to the image handling apparatus via a network. Image processing program supply method. 6. An image service center for managing a plurality of image handling devices connected via a network, wherein storage means for storing an image processing program and image processing programs stored in the storage means are updated. And a distribution unit that distributes the updated image processing program to the plurality of image handling devices via a network when it is detected that the image processing program has been updated. An image service center characterized by the following. 7. An image service center for managing a plurality of image handling devices connected via a network, wherein the image handling device stores image processing programs, and the image handling device managed by the center regularly sends the image handling device. When a distribution request for the image processing program is received,
An image service center comprising: a distribution unit that distributes the image processing program stored in the storage unit via a network. 8. The distribution means, when receiving a distribution request for image data from an image handling device, distributes the image data corresponding to the request to the image handling device via a network, while the image handling device handles the image handling. The image service center according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when the image processing program distribution request is received from the apparatus, the image processing program stored in the storage unit is distributed via a network. 9. A distribution request process in which an image handling device requests the image service center to send image data and distribute an image processing program, and the image service center responds to a request from the image handling device. A delivery process of delivering the image data and the image processing program to the image handling apparatus via a network, and the image handling apparatus receiving the image data and the image processing program from the image service center via the network, An image print service method comprising: performing an image processing based on the image processing program on image data. 10. A transmission process in which an image handling apparatus transmits image data distribution request information including information regarding an image processing program provided in the apparatus itself to the image service center via a network, and the image service center handles the image handling. When receiving the distribution request information from the device, a determination process for determining whether or not the image processing program included in the image handling device should be updated by referring to information about the image processing program included in the distribution request information In the determination process, when the image service center determines that the image processing program included in the image handling apparatus should be updated, the image data corresponding to the distribution request information from the image handling apparatus and its own center are stored. A distribution process of distributing the image processing program provided to the image handling apparatus via a network , The image handling apparatus, the image data received from the image service center, the image printing service method characterized by comprising an execution step for executing image processing based on the image processing program. 11. The image print service method according to claim 9, wherein the image processing program includes an image correction algorithm for correcting image data. 12. The image handling device executes a plurality of types of image data corrections according to the image correction algorithm, and in the execution process, the image handling device processes image data received from the image service center. The image print service method according to claim 11, wherein the image data correction is executed in accordance with a designated image output form. 13. A program including storage means for storing an image processing program, and program identification information for identifying the image processing program stored in the storage means when a user issues an image output instruction based on image data. Transmission means for transmitting request information including an update request and a distribution request for the image data to an image service center via a network, and image processing distributed from the image service center via the network according to the request information. Updating means for rewriting the image processing program stored in the storage means to the received image processing program when the program is received; and image data distributed from the image service center via the network in response to the request information. Image processing stored in the storage means when receiving An image processing program that executes image processing based on a program on the image data, and when an image processing program distributed from the image service center via the network in response to one of the request information is received, The executing means, based on the image processing program rewritten by the updating means,
An image handling apparatus, which executes image processing on image data distributed from the image service center according to the request information.