JP2003316891A - Photographic print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in a conventional photographic print system for forming a photographic print by the communication between an acceptance store and a centralized laboratory through a network that image data transmitted and stored for printing processing cannot be restored when the image is broken or erased by a device trouble or operation mistake. <P>SOLUTION: In this photographic print system comprising a laboratory connected to a networked signal transmission line, backup image data equal to the image data received from an orderer is backed up until a photographic print is finished so that print formation can be performed without any trouble even if the image data is broken by any cause. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic printing system for photographic printing of image data communicated using a communication network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when printing an image taken by a digital camera as a photograph, the camera or recording medium is brought into a nearby reception shop or a small laboratory to read out the image and return it to the user as a printed photograph. Has been done. In recent years, the construction of communication networks has progressed, and the images read at the reception store are processed and converted into image data, which is sent to the storage device of the server of a large-scale laboratory (hereinafter, centralized laboratory) through the network. A photo printing system is being built in which the photos printed in the centralized laboratory are returned to the receptionist and users.

A central laboratory for such a system is
Compared to small-scale laboratories equipped with small-scale printing devices up to now, large-scale printing devices with the latest high performance and high-speed processing can be installed, so higher quality photos can be printed at high speed. .

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned photographic print system sends image data between the reception shop and the centralized laboratory by communication via the network and is stored in the storage device of the server. Therefore, the image is stored as electronic information (image data) rather than being left as an article like a conventional film. When the image data is printed, if the image data is damaged or erased due to a device trouble or an operation mistake, a situation may occur in which the image data cannot be restored. These image data include many important images for users such as commemorative photos,
You must handle it carefully.

Since the network is used,
Some measures must be taken against system damage and image data damage due to viruses, which have been increasing in recent years. Further, since the photos are generally delivered during the business hours of the reception store, it is inconvenient for users who cannot use the photos within the hours.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic print system capable of backing up even if image data received via a network is damaged or lost.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for producing a photographic print in a photographic print system constructed by connecting a plurality of laboratories to a networked signal transmission line, Convert the image to be used as a photo print into image data that can be communicated,
A first storage step of storing the image data in the storage device in the first laboratory via the signal transmission path, and image data equivalent to the image data stored in the storage device in the first laboratory as backup image data. A second storage step of storing the image data in the storage device in the second laboratory via the signal transmission path, and image data stored in the storage device in the first laboratory according to a pre-designated photographic print creation deadline. From the selection step of selecting the corresponding image data from among, the confirmation step of checking the state of the selected image data to determine whether it has been destroyed, if the image data has been destroyed, The backup image data stored in the storage device in the second laboratory is copied, and the image is copied to the storage device in the first laboratory via the signal transmission path. It has a backup step of storing it as a data file and a creation step of creating a photographic print corresponding to the image data or the copy image data which has not been destroyed, and always keeps the same image until the photographic print is created. A method for creating a photographic print in which image data that the user has is provided.

Also, instead of the above second laboratory,
A server having a storage device is used. Further, the image data, the backup image data, or the copy image data stored in the storage device is erased immediately after creating a photographic print or after a lapse of a predetermined period after creating a photographic print.

The above-described method for creating a photographic print is
Since the copy image data equivalent to the image data entrusted by the orderer is backed up until the photograph is completed, even if the image data is damaged for some reason, the print can be created without any trouble.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a conceptual configuration of a first embodiment of a photographic print system of the present invention, which will be described.

This system is a reception shop 1 (1a) for delivering images and photographs to a user (orderer).
~ 1c), a plurality of centralized laboratories 5 (5) including servers 3 (3a to 3c) having large-capacity storage devices 2 (2a to 2c) and large-scale printing devices 4 (4a to 4c).
a to 5c), reception offices 1a to 1c and central laboratory 5a
To 5c and a network 6 including a signal transmission path such as the Internet for communicatively connecting to each other, a high-quality and high-quality photograph is provided.

The reception shop 1 takes out an image from a digital camera or a recording medium brought in by an orderer and processes it into electronic image data (hereinafter referred to as image data) so that the image can be communicated. At this time, the data capacity may be reduced by using an image data compression technique so that the deterioration of the image quality is not noticeable. Also, the photo delivered from the central laboratory 5 is handed to the orderer. In other words, the reception shop 1 is a small-scale shop for handing out prints and finished photographs, and is provided in many places inside and outside the city. It may also be installed in a station shop or a convenience store.

In this embodiment, the image received by the reception shop 1 from the user is supplied to the first central laboratory which performs print processing and the second central laboratory which functions as a backup until the printing is completed. It is saved as image data and backup image data. For example, the central laboratory 5a has a network 6
Image data received from the reception shop 1a via
It is stored in the storage device 2a of the server 3a. Along with that
The centralized laboratory 5a is connected to the centralized laboratory 5b via the network 6, transmits image data equivalent to the received image data to the storage device 2b, and temporarily stores it as backup image data.

Next, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 2, a process of creating a photograph by such a photographic printing system will be described.

First, the reception shop 1a deposits a digital camera or a recording medium on which an image is recorded from an orderer who has visited, reads out the recorded image by using a terminal processing device 7 such as a personal computer, and forms an internet communication format. To process the image into image data (step S
1). During this process, a predetermined program process is performed to identify the image data as an I
Image processing information for color adjustment and trimming according to the orderer's request is added to the D code and print processing.

This image data is accessed from the terminal processing device 7 to the centralized laboratory 5a (first laboratory) via the network 6 by Internet communication or the like,
It is transmitted to the server 3a (step S2) and stored in the storage device 2a provided in the server 3a (step S3).

Next, the server 3a is another central laboratory 3b (second laboratory) connected to the network 6.
To access image data equivalent to the image data stored in the storage device 2a (hereinafter, referred to as backup image data), and the storage device 2 for backup.
It is stored in b (step S4).

Then, according to the completion date specified by the orderer at the time of ordering, the centralized laboratory 5a stores in the storage device 2a.
Corresponding image data is selected from the image data group stored in (1) and read (step S5), and the printing process is performed by the printing device 4. Prior to starting this print processing, it is checked whether the image data read from the storage device 2a is damaged (step S).
6). If the image data selected in this determination is destroyed (YES), the copy image data obtained by copying the backup image data stored in the storage device 2b is transmitted to the server 3a via the network 6 and stored. The data is stored in the device 2a (step S7). However, since the image data found to be damaged also has the same ID code,
Erase it before saving.

Next, the centralized laboratory 5a is connected to the storage device 2.
The copy image data stored in a is read out, and the printing process is performed by the printing device 4 (step S
8). At this time, the presence or absence of the instructed image processing information in the image data is confirmed. If there is no instructed image processing information, automatic adjustment is performed by the printing device 4, and if there is an instruction, the instruction is followed. Image processing is performed and a photograph is printed.

Then, the produced photograph is returned to the reception shop 1a based on the ID code by a predetermined delivery agency and handed to the orderer (step S9). After it is confirmed that the photograph has been handed to the orderer, the image data is erased as described later (step S10), and the photograph creating process is completed.

Next, the deletion of the image data stored by the orderer will be described.

Since image data has a large capacity as electronic data even for individual images, enormous storage capacity is required when these are stored. Therefore, two patterns can be considered for erasing the image data in the storage device. As the first pattern, immediately after it is confirmed that the image data has been delivered to the orderer, all the image data, the backup image data, and the copy image data are erased.

As the second pattern, the backup image data is deleted and the image data or the copy image data is stored for a predetermined period immediately after it is confirmed that it has been delivered to the orderer or immediately after the printing is completed. ,
Erase after that period.

In the above description, the central laboratory 5
a transmits the backup image data to a predetermined centralized laboratory 5b, but without being limited to this, for example, each of the servers of other centralized laboratories on the network 6 is accessed to have the largest storage capacity. The backup image data may be stored in the detected server.

In addition, separately from these centralized laboratories on the network, those arranged in the suburbs are grouped and a management device for managing each of these servers is provided to receive the access from the reception store and The image data may be transmitted to a centralized laboratory in which the progress of processing is good, and the backup image data may be transmitted to and stored in a server having a large remaining storage amount in a storage device different from this.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the backup image data equivalent to the image data stored by the orderer is temporarily stored for backup until the photograph is completed. Even if the image data is damaged for some reason, the same image data is always stored in two different storage devices, so that prints can be created without any trouble.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the above-described first embodiment, the image data is backed up between the central laboratories, but this is temporary because the image data is backed up between the central laboratories. When the number of print requests increases, the storage capacity of the storage device is reserved for backup of other storage devices.
It is conceivable that a new print request cannot be accepted unless the storage capacity used for print creation is insufficient and the print processing of the saved image data is completed.

Therefore, the second embodiment is an example in which a server having no central laboratory function is used for backup of image data. In the components shown in FIG. 3, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This system includes a reception shop 1 for delivering images and photographs to an orderer, a central laboratory 5 having a server 3 having a large-capacity storage device 2 and a large-scale printing device 4. Large-capacity storage device 8 (8
a, 8b) and a sub server 9 (9a, 9b), and a network 6 including a communication network such as the Internet that connects the reception shop 1, the central laboratory 5 and the sub server 9 so that they can communicate with each other. Here, the storage device 8 of the secondary server 9 preferably has a storage capacity larger than that of the large-capacity storage device 2 when one storage device serves a plurality of central laboratories 5.

In this embodiment, the image received by the reception shop 1 from the orderer is displayed until the printing is completed.
It is stored in the central laboratory server 3 and the secondary server 9 that functions as a backup. For example, the centralized laboratory 5a is a reception shop 1 via the network 6.
The image data received from a is temporarily stored in the storage device 2a of the server 3a. Along with that, intensive laboratory 5
The a is connected to the sub server 9a via the network 6, transmits image data equivalent to the received image data to the storage device 8a, and temporarily stores the image data for backup. Further, the deletion of the image data is performed in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, even if the storage device of the server of the centralized laboratory is not used, a server having only the storage device is provided on the network, and the copy image data is stored. The effect obtained by can be similarly obtained.

Next, the reception shop in the first and second embodiments will be described.

In a general reception shop, a clerk carries out the delivery of photographs during business hours, and some orderers cannot use them in time. On the other hand, network communication can be accessed and used without being limited in time. Therefore, by making the personal computer of the orderer connectable to the terminal processing device 7 of the reception shop 1 through the network, the image data can be transmitted to the reception shop 1 to place an order. The finished photo will be delivered to the destination specified at the time of this order.

However, the orderer does not always have a personal computer with which the orderer can communicate and software which can process the image data. Therefore, an unmanned system is constructed by providing an automated terminal processing device such as a cash dispenser at the reception shop 1 described above. The reception shop has terminal processing devices 7 (7a, 7a) that can be operated by the orderer.
b, 7c).

This terminal processing device 7 is a digital camera 1
The input unit 1 which is connected to the output connector 1 of FIG.
3, an image storage unit 14 that stores the image input from the input unit 13, and an image that is displayed on the display unit 15 as an index, and the image processing that is performed during the print processing is selected as either standard processing or designated processing. When the designation processing is selected by the processing selection unit 16 and the processing selection unit 16, the orderer designates the image adjustment conditions including the color correction, the brightness adjustment, and the trimming desired by the orderer while looking at the image displayed in the index. The image adjustment condition designation unit 17 converts the image into a communicable format, and obtains the image adjustment condition, the ID code for specifying the sender, and the image data to which an arbitrary ID number or PIN for identifying the orderer is added. Image data creation unit 1 to create
8, a transmission unit 19 for transmitting the image data to a laboratory via a network (signal transmission path), a charge collection unit 20 for collecting a charge for printing the image as a photograph, and input of characters and numbers. An operation panel 21 including a keyboard and the like for performing the operation, and a control unit 22 including a CPU that controls all of them.

In this terminal processing device 7, for example, the orderer connects the output connector of the digital camera 11 to the input section 13 of the terminal processing device 7, or the recording medium 1
2 is inserted from the insertion slot of the terminal, and the input section 13 is loaded to read the recorded image. The read image is displayed as an index on the display screen of the terminal processing device 7. On the screen, an instruction to select standard processing or designation processing is displayed along with the image in the image processing performed in the print processing. Here, when the designation process is selected, various designations such as image color correction, brightness adjustment, and trimming are performed by the operation panel while viewing the image to be processed. This designation is made according to the instructions that are sequentially displayed and the adjustment items are routineized. When the standard process is selected, the image is automatically adjusted according to the adjustment value set in advance during the print process.

After the designation of the image processing is completed, the name, address, contact information, etc. for identifying the orderer are input.
If you have an identification number such as an ID number or a member number, enter that number. Furthermore, the terminal processing device 7
Is attached to the image data, and the image data is transmitted to the network (signal transmission path) by the transmission unit 19.
It is sent to the laboratory by packet communication via. In addition, the charge is displayed on the screen of the display unit by the charge collection unit 18 before transmission, and the payment is made. In addition, you may withdraw from the designated account by using your membership number.

As described above, according to the photographic print system of the present invention, the copy image data equivalent to the image data entrusted by the orderer is temporarily stored for backup until the photograph is completed. Even if the image data is damaged due to some reason, the same image data is always stored in two different storage devices, so that print creation can be performed without any trouble. In addition, when processing an image into image data, an ID code is added to identify the store and the image data, so even if image data without an ID code arrives at the centralized laboratory server, it should be discarded. As a result, it is possible to prevent illegal intrusion such as a virus. With this,
Since the image processing information of color adjustment and trimming according to the orderer's request is added, it is possible to obtain the photograph desired by the orderer at the time of print processing.

In the above-described embodiment, the image taken by the digital camera and the image stored in the recording medium have been described. However, the same applies to the case where a film or photograph is read by a scanner and converted into a digital image. It can be handled. Further, by providing a system capable of accessing the terminal processing device or the reception computer of the reception store, the orderer can send an image to the reception store or the centralized laboratory through a network from a personal computer at home to place an order. In such cases, for antivirus,
It is premised that the orderer is somehow identified by the ID or the like registered in advance.

Although the above embodiments have been described, the present invention also includes the following inventions.

(1) In the method of receiving an order for a photographic print from a purchaser via a signal transmission line, a first storing step of storing an image as electronic image data in an image memory in a first laboratory, and the first storing step described above. A second storing step of storing image data equivalent to the electronic image data stored in the image memory in the lab in the image memory in the second lab, and the first data from the orderer via the signal transmission path. It is characterized by including a selection step of receiving a selection of a specific image from electronic image data stored in an image memory in a laboratory, and a creation step of creating a photographic print corresponding to the selected image data. How to order photo prints.

(2) In the method of receiving an order for photographic prints from the orderer via the signal transmission path, the first storage step of storing the image as electronic image data in the image memory in the first laboratory; A second storing step of storing image data equivalent to the electronic image data stored in the image memory in the lab in the image memory in the second lab, and the first data from the orderer via the signal transmission path. A selection step of accepting a selection of a specific image from the electronic image data stored in the image memory in the laboratory, and checking whether the electronic image data stored in the image memory in the first laboratory is destroyed If the electronic image data stored in the image memory in the first laboratory is destroyed in the confirmation step, the electronic image data stored in the image memory in the second laboratory is replaced with the electronic image data in the first laboratory. Picture in And the copy process to be copied to the memory,
A photo print order receiving method, comprising: a creating process for creating a photo print based on the copied image data.

(3) In the photographic print system constructed by connecting a plurality of photographic print acceptance stores, a plurality of laboratories, and a plurality of servers having recording devices to a networked signal transmission path, Is an input unit that can be operated at the time of order and is connected to an output connector of a digital camera or has a recording medium attached to read out the images stored in each, and an image that stores the images input from the input unit. When a storage unit, a selection unit that displays the input image as an index, and selects image processing to be performed during printing processing as either standard processing or designation processing, and when designation processing is selected by the selection unit In the index display image, an adjustment condition designation section for designating image adjustment conditions including color correction, brightness adjustment and trimming, and An image data creating unit for converting the written image into a communicable format, and creating image data to which the above-mentioned image adjustment conditions, an ID code for specifying a sender, and an arbitrary ID number or PIN for identifying an orderer are added. And a transmission unit for transmitting the image data to the laboratory via the signal transmission path, a charge collection unit for collecting the charge for printing the image as a photograph, and a keyboard for inputting characters and numbers. Operation panel consisting of
The terminal processing device includes a display unit for displaying an image, input data, and the like, and a control unit for controlling all of them.

[0046]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photographic print system capable of backing up even if image data received via a network is damaged or lost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a first embodiment of a photographic print system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a photograph creating process by the photograph printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a second embodiment of the photographic print system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal processing device provided in a reception shop in the photographic print system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b, 1c ... Reception shop 2, 2a, 2b, 2c ... Storage device 3, 3a, 3b, 3c ... server 4, 4a, 4b, 4c ... Printing equipment 5, 5a, 5b, 5c ... intensive laboratory 6 ... Network 7 ... Terminal processing device 8, 8a to 8d ... Mass storage device 9, 9a-9d ... Secondary server

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method for creating a photographic print in a photographic print system in which a plurality of laboratories are connected to a networked signal transmission path, the image being a photographic print being converted into communicable image data, A first storage step of storing the image data in the storage device in the first laboratory via the signal transmission path, and image data equivalent to the image data stored in the storage device in the first laboratory as backup image data. A second storage step of storing the image data in the storage device in the second laboratory via the signal transmission path; and image data stored in the storage device in the first laboratory according to a predesignated photographic print creation deadline. Check the selection process to select the corresponding image data from the above and the state of the selected image data above A confirmation step of determining whether or not the image data is destroyed, the backup image data stored in the storage device in the second library is copied, and the first image is transmitted via a signal transmission path. A photo print is created by having a backup process of storing the copy image data in a storage device in the laboratory and a creating process of creating a photo print corresponding to the image data that has not been destroyed or the copy image data. Until then, a method for creating photographic prints, characterized in that image data with the same image is always saved. 2. A method for creating a photographic print in a photographic printing system, wherein a plurality of servers having a plurality of laboratories and a recording device are connected to a networked signal transmission path, and a method for producing a photographic print, in which an image to be photographic print is communicated A first storage step of converting the image data into possible image data, and storing the image data in the storage device in the laboratory through the signal transmission path; and an image equivalent to the image data stored in the storage device in the first laboratory. A second storage step of storing the data as backup image data in the storage device of the server via the signal transmission path, and in the storage device in the first laboratory according to a pre-designated photo print creation deadline. Of the selected image data from the selected image data and the state of the selected image data A confirmation step of checking to determine whether or not the image data has been destroyed, and when the image data has been destroyed, copy the backup image data stored in the storage device in the second raster to perform signal transmission. A backup process of storing as copy image data in a storage device in the first laboratory via a path, and a creating process of creating a photographic print corresponding to the image data that has not been destroyed or the copy image data. However, the method for creating a photo print is characterized in that image data having the same image is always saved until the photo print is created. 3. A method for creating a photographic print in a photographic printing system, wherein a plurality of servers having a plurality of laboratories and recording devices are connected to a networked signal transmission path, and a method for producing a photographic print, wherein an image to be a photographic print is communicated. When the ID code is a permitted code through the signal transmission path, an acceptance processing step of creating image data to which an ID code for identifying a sender and print processing conditions are converted, if possible. , The first storage step of storing in the storage device in the first laboratory, and confirming the memory capacity of the storage device in the other laboratory or server provided on the network by the first laboratory, and checking the free memory Select a laboratory or server with a large capacity and back up image data equivalent to the above image data The image data is stored in the storage device in the first laboratory according to a second storage step of storing the image data in the storage device via the signal transmission path, and a predetermined photographic print creation deadline and the print processing conditions. Select the corresponding image data from the selected image data, check the state of the selected image data to determine if it is destroyed, and if the image data is destroyed A backup step of copying the backup image data stored in the storage device in the second laboratory and storing it as copy image data in the storage device in the first laboratory via a signal transmission path; A production step of producing a photographic print corresponding to the image data or the copy image data which has not been destroyed. How to make photo prints. 4. The method for creating a photographic print in the photographic printing system, wherein the image data, the backup image data, or the copy image data stored in the storage device is immediately after the photographic print is created. 4. The method for creating a photographic print according to claim 1, wherein the photographic print is created and then erased after a predetermined period of time.