JP2004015175A - Digital photoprinting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital photoprinting system, with which a user can easily and without error select a frame which the user desires to composite with an image. <P>SOLUTION: In an album booklet 100, indicating a plurality of frame images capable of being arranged so as to be overlapped by a main image, a bar code 104, attached on a selected frame 102 to be combined with the main image, is read with a bar code reader 3. A digital photoprinting system 1 analyzes the read bar code to specify the frame 102, inputs the main image from a recording medium, by using recording medium inserting ports 36-41 or from the printed image by using a scanner 41, and forms a composite image of the selected frame 102 and the main image and prints it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention reads an image of a photographic image taken by an imaging device such as a digital camera from a recording medium, or reads a printed photographic image by an image reading device such as a scanner, and synthesizes and outputs a desired frame image therewith. To a digital photo print system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Images taken with a digital camera or the like can be printed at home using a personal computer, a printer, or the like, instead of having to bring a film to a photo shop for printing as in the related art. In addition, a photo that has already been printed can be read by a scanner or the like to perform additional printing, enlargement, and the like.
[0003]
However, while there is a demand to process captured images more beautifully and with various ingenuity, electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers, printers, and scanners have made rapid progress, and new products with high performance have been developed one after another. Since it is sold, it is difficult for an individual to always create the highest quality print, and there is a limit to the sub-images such as frame images to be combined with the photographed image that can be used by the individual.
[0004]
Therefore, a digital photo printing device, which is an image output device installed in a store such as a camera store and capable of being installed in a relatively small space, brings a memory in which images are recorded or a photo that has already been printed. Therefore, a method of printing various images by synthesizing or processing the images is used.
[0005]
The installation location of the digital photo print device as described above is provided with an album booklet that contains a large number of frame images and the like, which can be combined with an image carried by the user (hereinafter referred to as a main image). It is possible to print a framed image composed of images.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, accurately selecting a desired frame image from among a large number of frame images published in an album booklet while viewing the display device of a digital photo print apparatus is particularly difficult to use. Is very difficult and time-consuming when a large number of are displayed, for example, in a hierarchical manner, or when there are similar frame images.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a purpose thereof is to accurately and easily select a desired one from a large number of frame images and input the same to a digital photo printing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital photo print system capable of creating a composite image synthesized with another image.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a main image input unit for inputting a main image, a frame holding unit for holding a plurality of frame images that can be arranged so as to be superimposed on the main image, and a plurality of frame images. Barcode reading means for reading a barcode attached to a frame image selected to be combined with the main image in the published album booklet, and a frame image corresponding to the barcode read by the barcode reading means A frame search means for searching the image from the frame holding means, an image editing means for synthesizing the main image and the frame image to generate image data of a synthesized image with a frame, and printing an image with a frame according to the edited image data. A digital photo print system having a printing unit.
[0009]
It is preferable that the digital photo print system further includes a display unit for displaying a main image and a frame image, and an operation input unit for performing an operation input. Further, as the main image input means, a recording medium reading device for reading image data held in a recording medium or an image reading device for reading a printed image can be used. The edited image data may be recordable on a recording medium brought by the user.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, it is possible to input a frame to the digital photo print system easily and without fail by the barcode reader, and to obtain a composite image.
[0011]
A second invention provides a main image input unit for inputting a main image, a frame holding unit for holding a plurality of frame images that can be arranged so as to overlap the main image, and a watermark with different information embedded in the plurality of frame images. In the album booklet on which the frame image is published, a frame image reading unit that reads the watermarked frame image selected to be combined with the main image, and a frame image corresponding to the watermarked frame image read by the frame image reading unit. A frame search means for searching for the specified frame image from the frame holding means, an image editing means for synthesizing the main image and the frame image to generate image data of a synthesized image with a frame, and an edited image Printing means for printing an image with a frame according to the data. It is a print system.
[0012]
It is preferable that the digital photo print system further includes a display unit for displaying a main image and a frame image, and an operation input unit for performing an operation input. Further, as the main image input means, a recording medium reading device for reading image data held in a recording medium or an image reading device for reading a printed image can be used. The edited image data may be recordable on a recording medium brought by the user.
[0013]
According to the above configuration, a desired frame can be easily and accurately input, and it is not necessary to install a barcode reader, so that the configuration of the apparatus is simplified.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a digital photo print system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an album booklet 100, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital photo print system 1.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, a screen of a monitor 35 with a touch panel is arranged on the front of the upper part of the post type image output device 34 used as a terminal of the digital photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment. The monitor 35 with a touch panel is composed of a CRT or a liquid crystal panel. The monitor with a touch panel 35 has a function as a display unit that displays an operation guide, an operation status, a read image, an edited image, and the like.
[0016]
At the side of the screen of the monitor 35 with a touch panel, insertion ports 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 for various recording media are provided. A reading surface of a scanner 41 that reads an image of a printed matter and converts the image into digital data is installed on a horizontal portion that separates an upper portion and a lower portion, and these constitute a part of image data input means in this example. ing. In this example, as the insertion ports for various recording media, specifically, a floppy (registered trademark) disk insertion slot 36, a CD-ROM insertion slot 37, a PC card insertion slot 38, a smart media insertion slot 39, and a compact flash (registered trademark) ) The insertion port 40 is arranged at a position in a lump. Further, in the housing of the post-type image output device 34, main bodies of the respective reading devices are installed corresponding to the insertion openings of the recording media. Each insertion opening may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be taken out until the collection of the fee is completed.
[0017]
In the lower part of the post-type image output device 34, a maintenance key 42, a speaker 43, a coin slot 44, a coin return lever 45, a bill insertion slot 46, a change return slot 47, a receipt outlet 48, a printed matter (standard size print) ) Outlet 49, a printed matter (for pre-cut seal) outlet 50, and a front door opening / closing key 51 are arranged respectively. The maintenance key 42 is a key for switching between a normal operation mode in which a user can be received and a management mode in which the administrator performs setting and maintenance of the image printing system. The speaker 43 reproduces sound, BGM, sound effects, and the like during standby and operation.
[0018]
A bar code reader 3 is provided on a side of the post-type image output device 34. The barcode reader 3 reads a barcode attached to a frame described in the album 100 shown in FIG. The album 100 is a booklet including a plurality of pages in which a plurality of frames that can be used in the post-type image output device 34 are described. The album 100 is provided near the post-type image output device 34. For example, when it is desired to use the frame 102, the barcode 104 is read by the barcode reader 3 so that the post-type image output device 34 can use the frame for synthesis.
[0019]
The coin insertion slot 44, the coin return lever 45, the bill insertion slot 46, and the change return slot 47 constitute a part of a billing unit in this example. The customer pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 44 and / or inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 46. If there is a change, the change is released from the change return port 47 and can be received. When a coin is jammed, the coin is returned from the change return port 47 by turning the coin return lever 45, so that the coin can be received.
[0020]
The receipt outlet 48 constitutes a part of the receipt issuing means in this example. After the charge is collected by the charging means, a receipt on which the collected amount and the order details are printed is released from the receipt outlet 48.
[0021]
The printed material (for standard size printing) outlet 49 and the printed material (for pre-cut seal) outlet 50 constitute a part of the printing means in this example. After instructing execution of printing by touching a touch panel button or the like, the user receives the printed matter discharged from the printed matter outlet 49 or the printed matter outlet 50.
[0022]
When the front door opening / closing key 51 is turned, the front door is opened, and maintenance of each device installed inside the housing can be performed. Inside the housing of the post type image output device 34, respective main bodies are installed corresponding to the screen of the monitor 35 with the touch panel, the insertion ports 36,... . A volume control unit is provided corresponding to the speaker 43. Corresponding to the coin insertion slot 44, the coin return lever 45, the bill insertion slot 46, and the change return port 47, a coin mech (coin processing device) 57 for identifying, storing, and returning change, and identifying and storing bills. (A banknote processing device 58) for performing the above, and a safe for storing coins when the coin mech 57 is full. A receipt printer is installed corresponding to the receipt outlet 48. Printers are installed corresponding to the printed material outlet 49 and the printed material outlet 50.
[0023]
Although not clearly recognizable from the appearance, the housing of the post-type image output device 34 includes a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each device of the post-type image output device 34, and a power supply for performing voltage conversion. An uninterruptible power supply for preventing damage to a box, a CPU of a control unit, a hard disk or the like at the time of a power failure is installed.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the digital photo print system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a post-type image output device 34 as a terminal unit, a control unit 52, a hard disk 53, a CD-ROM reader 54, and a monitor 35 with a touch panel. , N image data reading devices 55, n shutters 56, coin mech 57, bill burrs 58, receipt journals 59, two printers 60, 61, and a bar code reader 3, and these are buses. 63 are connected.
[0025]
The control unit 52 of the post-type image output device 34 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and drives and controls each device connected via a bus according to a program stored in a hard disk 53 as a large-capacity storage medium. The hard disk 53 has a program for driving and controlling each device, such as a reading program corresponding to each recording medium, a shutter opening / closing control program, a billing program, and an image processing program for editing and processing an input image. A frame search program for analyzing a read barcode to specify a frame to be used for image synthesis, a frame database storing frame information, and the like are also stored, and are read and stored in the RAM as needed. Various means are performed.
[0026]
The CD-ROM reading device 54 is used to upgrade programs and information stored in the ROM and the hard disk of the post-type image output device 34, and switches the main body to the management mode by using a maintenance key to read the CD-ROM. A CD-ROM for version upgrade is inserted into the device 54, and data is rewritten.
[0027]
In the digital photo print system 1, by selecting and touching the touch panel buttons displayed on the monitor 35 with touch panel according to the operation guidance displayed on the monitor 35 with touch panel, from the reading of the main image data to the output of the printed matter Can be performed.
[0028]
The image data reading device 55 includes various reading devices 1 to n corresponding to various recording media, and the user can use the corresponding reading device to convert photographic image data recorded on the recording medium brought by the user. It can be input to the digital photo print system 1. The image data reading device 55 also includes a scanner, and can read an image from a printed material, convert the image into digital data, and input the digital data to the digital photo print system 1. When one or all of the image data reading devices 1 to n are not read-only and can record image data, the user operates the post-type image output device 34 to edit the image of the edited image. Data can be stored on recording media and taken back.
[0029]
The shutter 56 is provided at the recording medium insertion opening of each of the reading devices 1 to n, opens and closes the recording medium insertion opening, prevents the recording medium from being taken out during the reading process, or records until the charging process is completed. Media can not be removed.
[0030]
According to the operation guide of the monitor 35 with a touch panel, when the image brought is input in the form of digital data using the image data reading device 55, the input main image is displayed on the monitor 35 with the touch panel and printed according to the operation guide of the monitor 35. The image to be selected can be selected. At this time, it is convenient to display a list in the form of a thumbnail image or the like so that the image can be selected by a touch panel method.
[0031]
When the main image is selected, the user can perform reduction, enlargement, rotation, deformation, and the like of the image according to the operation guidance on the monitor 35 with the touch panel. In addition, it is possible to select a frame from the album 100 using the barcode reader 3 and perform processing such as combining the frame stored in the frame database with the main image.
[0032]
After the editing of the image is completed, for example, a desired number of prints, a print size, and the like are input according to the operation guidance of the monitor 35 with a touch panel. At this time, the order contents can be input by pressing a button or numeric keypad displayed on the touch panel.
[0033]
When all the order details have been input, the charge amount is displayed on the monitor 35 with the touch panel together with the order details, and payment of the fee is requested. When coins are inserted into the post-type image output device 34 and / or bills are inserted in response to the payment request, the coin mech 57 and / or bill burrs 58 operate, and are inserted into the post-type image output device 34 to pay a fee. It performs billing processing such as authenticity determination, denomination determination, amount calculation, and change release of the coins or inserted bills.
[0034]
After the accounting process is completed, the receipt journal processing section 59 prints a print menu, a received amount, and the like on a receipt sheet, and discharges the receipt. In the case where billing is not required, the system can be set so that the execution of the billing means is omitted.
[0035]
After the receipt is released, the shutter 56 is opened so that the inserted recording medium can be taken out, and a guidance screen for guiding the removal of the recording medium is displayed on the monitor 35 with the touch panel. When the removal of the recording medium is completed, a printed matter is output by the printer 60 or 61. The printer 60 can output a standard size print with a standard image quality, and the printer 61 can output a precut seal print. For the printers 60 and 61, for example, an output method suitable for performing printing based on digitized image data, such as a sublimation type thermal transfer method, a fusion type thermal transfer method, or an ink jet, can be used.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the digital photo print system 1 will be described. First, in the digital photo print system 1, on the screen of the monitor 35 with a touch panel, for example, a start screen such as a display welcoming the use of the digital photo print system 1 is displayed.
[0037]
When the user touches an arbitrary position on the start screen, a main menu screen is displayed. The main menu screen returns to the start screen if left for a certain period of time. On the main menu screen, the types of prints that can be selected are listed. Specifically, “digital photo”, “photo editing”, “index print”, “sticker”, “certification photo”, and “ There is a "postcard print" and the like, and each touch panel button is arranged in upper and lower two stages. When "edit photo" is selected on the main menu screen, a print of a framed image can be created.
[0038]
That is, when "Digital Photo" is selected and the touch panel button is touched, image data is read from the smart media, PC card, CompactFlash (registered trademark) card, CD-ROM, or floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). , Or image data is read from a printed matter such as a photograph using a scanner and printed out.
[0039]
When "photo editing" is selected, image data is read from a smart media, PC card, compact flash (registered trademark) card, CD-ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), The image data can be read from the printed material using a scanner, the read image can be combined with a frame or the like, and can be printed out after editing such as enlargement / reduction.
[0040]
When "index print" is selected, image data is read from a smart media, a PC card, a compact flash (registered trademark) card, a CD-ROM, or a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), and a list of thumbnail images is displayed. The index print can be printed out.
[0041]
When "Seal" is selected, the image data is read from a smart media, a PC card, a compact flash (registered trademark) card, a CD-ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), or a photo or the like is printed. Image data is read from an object using a scanner, the read image is combined with a frame stored in the digital photo print system 1, and a precut seal can be printed out. A plurality of small screens (frames) of the same image are printed on one precut seal, and each small screen is divided by half cutting.
[0042]
If "Certificate Photo" is selected, the image for the certificate photo is taken with a digital camera in the store, saved on a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and the saved image data is read by the main unit, license size, resume The user can select a size from among a size, a passport size, and a visa size, and further select a color or monochrome print.
[0043]
When “postcard print” is selected, image data is read from a smart media, CF card, floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), PC card, or CD-ROM, or a scanner is printed from a printed matter such as a photograph. The image data can be read by using, the read image can be processed to create postcard data, the created postcard data can be stored in a recording medium, and the postcard data can be read from the stored recording medium and printed.
[0044]
The main menu may be selected using the touch panel as described above. However, for example, a bar code corresponding to each menu is posted on the first page of the album 100 and the bar code reader 3 is used. Alternatively, the bar code of the menu to be selected may be read, or when each frame is selected, the mode of use of the frame (for example, photo editing, postcard printing, etc.) may be automatically specified.
[0045]
The operation of the digital photo print system 1 when "photo editing" is selected as an example of a menu that can create a composite image of a main image and a frame will be described with reference to FIG.
[0046]
First, the user opens the album 100 and selects a frame to be combined (step 401). At this time, it is preferable to display on the monitor 35 with a touch panel an instruction to select a frame from the album 100 and read a barcode.
[0047]
The barcode 104 corresponding to the selected frame 102 is read using the barcode reader 3 (step 402). The read barcode 104 is analyzed inside the post-type image output device 34, retrieved from the frame database, and displayed on the monitor 35 with a touch panel.
[0048]
It is determined whether or not the displayed frame is acceptable (step 403), and if it is desired to change the frame or if it is incorrect, the process returns to step 401. At this time, it is preferable that a display such as "return" be provided on the monitor 35 with a touch panel so that touching the display allows the frame input to be performed again.
[0049]
If the displayed frame is acceptable, the user selects whether to read the main image with a scanner or a recording medium (step 404). At this time, it is preferable to display “scanner”, “recording medium”, and the like on the monitor 35 with a touch panel, and to proceed to the next process when the corresponding portion is touched.
[0050]
When reading from a recording medium such as a smart media or a compact flash (registered trademark), the recording medium is inserted into the corresponding media insertion slot and read (step 405).
[0051]
At this time, on the monitor 35 with the touch panel, a guide screen listing the reading sources of the image data, for example, a message “Please select the input medium from below” is written horizontally at the top, and smart media, compact Each touch panel button with the name of a flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, or a CD-ROM is enumerated. Preferably, the source is selected. Further, a guide screen indicating an insertion method corresponding to the selected recording medium may be displayed. Then, according to the display on the guidance screen, insert any recording medium into the predetermined insertion slot, and touch the reading start button on the touch panel with a hand. When the recording medium is inserted, the insertion slot is closed by the shutter, and the image data is read. Can be started.
[0052]
When the reading is completed, a thumbnail image of the read image is displayed on the monitor 35 with the touch panel (step 406). At this time, the message "Please select an image to print" is written horizontally on the top of the monitor 35 with the touch panel, and thumbnail images are appropriately arranged below the message. If the number of thumbnail images is too large to fit on one screen, all thumbnail images are listed in multiple pages, but the number of pages currently appearing on the screen and the triangular scroll button to move the page forward and backward Is provided below the thumbnail image.
[0053]
At the bottom of the guidance screen at this time, a "OK" button is provided together with a "cancel" button and a "return to previous screen" button. Only one image to be printed is selected from the thumbnail images displayed in the list, and an operation such as touching the enter button is performed to select an image to be used as a main image (step 407).
[0054]
When a scanner is used as a reading source, for example, "photograph (scanner)" is selected as a reading source on the guide screen, and a reading size corresponding to the size of the document is selected (step 408). At this time, a guide screen for selecting a reading size appears on the monitor 35 with the touch panel, a message "Please select a reading size" is written horizontally at the top, and a button for selecting a photo size and an A5 size are displayed below the message. May be provided. When the photo size is selected, a document having a size within a normal photo size of 89 mm × 127 mm is read, and when the A5 size is selected, a document having a size of 148.5 mm × 210 mm is exceeded. Scan the original.
[0055]
When the user touches either the photograph size button or the A5 size button, the corresponding reading size is selected, and a guide screen for reading the original by the scanner 41 appears. On the guidance screen at this time, for example, a message of "Please set the document on the scanner and press start reading" is written horizontally at the top, and a "Cancel" button and a "Return to previous screen" button are displayed at the bottom, along with " It is preferable that a “read start” button be provided. When a document is set on the reading surface of the scanner 41 according to the guide screen and a reading start button is touched, the document is scanned and read, and image data of a main image is obtained (step 409).
[0056]
When the main image is read, the main image is displayed on the monitor 35 with the touch panel (step 410). It is determined whether or not the displayed image is acceptable (step 411). If a different image is selected or the image is not clearly read, the process returns to step 404 to read again. At this time, it is preferable that a display such as "return" is provided on the monitor 35 with a touch panel so that the corresponding process can be performed by touching the display.
[0057]
If the displayed image is acceptable, the selected frame 102 and the read main image are combined and displayed on the monitor with touch panel 35 (step 412). At this time, in the post-type image output device 34, the images are synthesized according to the instruction of the control unit 52 by the image processing program stored in the hard disk 53.
[0058]
It is determined whether or not the displayed image is acceptable (step 413). If the user does not like the image, the process returns to step 401 and starts over. At this time, items such as "return to the beginning", "input the main image again", and "process main image" can be provided so that the user can return to the corresponding processing stage. In addition. The processing of the main image is, for example, changing the size of the main image or cutting out a part of the main image.
[0059]
On the guide screen when processing the main image, the message "Please adjust the position and size of the photo according to the design" is written horizontally at the top, and the composite image is displayed on the lower half of the message On the other half, the operation panels for scaling and movement are arranged in two rows up and down. At the bottom, a "Cancel" button, "Return to previous screen" button, "Return" button, and "Confirm""Button.
[0060]
That is, the enlargement / reduction panel is provided with an enlargement button and a reduction button, and by touching these buttons, the size of the read image can be changed to fit the frame. The moving panel is provided with up, down, left, and right moving buttons, and by touching these buttons, the position of the image can be adjusted to the frame. Touch the Undo button to return to the original image size and position. When the image adjustment is completed and the confirmation button is touched, the composite image is determined.
[0061]
When the composite image is determined, the number of prints is set (step 414). In the guidance screen at this time, the message "Please set the number of orders" is written horizontally at the top, and an input field for the number of orders and an input button to increase or decrease the number of orders are provided at the bottom of the message. May have a “cancel” button, a “return to previous screen” button, and a “decision” button. The input button is provided with an upward triangle number increase button and a downward triangle number decrease button, and by touching these, the order number can be increased or decreased. When the input is completed and the decision button is touched, all the order contents including the order quantity are confirmed.
[0062]
When the contents of the order are determined, a charging process is performed (step 415). At this time, it is preferable that a guidance screen for charging a fee appears on the monitor 35 with a touch panel. On the guidance screen of the billing process, for example, a message “Please insert money” is written horizontally at the top, and the number of orders, the charge per unit (unit price), the total amount (total charge amount), and the input fee ( (Invested amount) is written horizontally in four rows sequentially from the top. When the amount inserted into the coin insertion slot and / or bill insertion slot reaches or exceeds the total billed amount according to the explanation on the guidance screen, if the mode is set to only confirm the total amount, it is necessary to change from the change discharge port. The change is released in response, and a guidance screen for requesting confirmation of the billing content appears. On the guidance screen at this time, the message "please press the confirmation button if this is OK" is written horizontally at the top, and the number of ordered items, the fee for one sheet, and the total fee are horizontally written in three rows from the top below At the bottom, a "confirm" button is provided along with a "cancel" button and a "return to full screen" button. If the user touches the confirmation button on this guidance screen, the charging process is completed, and the process proceeds to the next step.
[0063]
When the accounting process is completed, a receipt may be issued and released from the receipt outlet. After the receipt is issued, the recording medium or the original from which the image data is read is removed (step 416). At this time, a guide screen appears on the monitor 35 with the touch panel, and when the recording medium is inserted into the reader, the shutter of the insertion opening is opened.
[0064]
For example, when smart media is used as a recording medium, the message "Please take out the smart media and press start printing" is written horizontally at the top, and a "print start" button is provided at the bottom. Good. Similarly, when other recording media and originals are used, it is preferable that respective guidance screens be displayed.
[0065]
When the recording medium or the original is removed, the edited image is printed by performing a corresponding operation such as touching a “print start” button (step 417). During the printing process, for example, the message “Printing” is written horizontally at the top of the guide screen, the image being printed is displayed below it, and the approximate printing process is displayed below the image. The timeline indicating the progress is lit. Then, when the printing process is completed, the printed matter of the framed image is released from the printed matter taking-out port (standard size print) 49 of the terminal unit, and an end screen appears. It is preferable that the end screen returns to the start screen after a while.
[0066]
As described above in detail, according to the digital photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment, the barcode reader 3 reads the barcode 104 attached to the desired frame 102 and instantaneously selects the frame. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a composite image combined with a frame without troublesome work and without mistaken for a similar frame.
[0067]
Next, a digital photo print system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital photo print system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an album 200 according to the second embodiment.
[0068]
In the second embodiment, the barcode reader 3 is not required, and no barcode is described in the album 200 as shown in FIG. Instead, information for identifying the image is embedded in the image of each frame in advance. The album 200 is a booklet having a plurality of pages on which a watermarked frame image in which this information is embedded is published. Digital watermark technology is used to embed information in a frame. Utilizing this digital watermarking technique, identification information for identifying the image data and the like are synthesized and embedded in the image data of the frame.
[0069]
In the digital watermarking technique, first, image data is divided into a plurality of small pixel blocks. Information is embedded by adding watermark information having the same size as the pixel block to each of them. In the case of addition, watermark information to be embedded in a noisy part or an outline (high-frequency component) is increased so as to suppress deterioration of image quality in consideration of human visual characteristics, and is added to a smooth part (low-frequency part). Embed less information.
[0070]
When specifying image data from a watermarked image, the watermarked image is read by an image input device such as a scanner, information embedded by a digital watermarking technique is extracted, and the image data is specified from the extracted identification information.
[0071]
The operation of the digital photo print system in this case will be described. First, the album 200 is opened, and a desired frame is selected (step 601). At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of watermarked frames 202 may be posted on one page, or one frame may be posted on one page. When a plurality of frames are displayed on one page, the frames may be stored in a pocket, for example, so that they can be easily read by a scanner, and can be removed.
[0072]
Next, the selected frame 202 is read by the scanner 41 (step 602). That is, for example, the message "Please set the document of the selected frame in the scanner and press the start of reading" is horizontally written on the top of the monitor 35 with the touch panel, and the "Cancel" button and the "Return to previous screen" button are on the bottom. In addition, it is preferable that a “reading start” button be provided. When the document of the frame is set on the reading surface of the scanner 41 according to the guide screen and the reading start button is touched, the document is scanned and read, and the image data of the watermarked frame is obtained.
[0073]
In the digital photo print system, the embedded identification information is extracted from the obtained watermarked image data, the selected frame 202 is specified, the frame database is searched, and the image data of the frame 202 is obtained. It is displayed on the monitor 35 (step 603). Subsequently, the operations after step 403 in FIG. 4 are performed to obtain a combined image obtained by combining the frame 202 and the main image.
[0074]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by embedding the identification information in the frame in advance and reading the image of the selected frame with the scanner, the frame can be easily and definitely input to the digital photo print system. . Also, there is no need to equip a barcode reader, and the device configuration can be simplified.
[0075]
Although the preferred embodiment of the digital photo print system according to the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood to belong. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where a camera is further provided in the digital photo print system 1 and an image of a user himself is used as a main image.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a desired image is accurately and easily selected from a large number of frame images, input to a digital photo print device, and synthesized with another image. It is possible to create
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a digital photo print system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an outline plan view showing an album booklet 100;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital photo print system 1.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital photo print system 1.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital photo print system according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an album booklet 200;
[Explanation of symbols]
34 Terminal (post-type image output device)
35 Monitor with Touch Panel
36 Floppy (registered trademark) disk insertion slot
37 CD-ROM slot
38 PC card slot
39 SmartMedia slot
40 Compact Flash (registered trademark) card insertion slot
41 Scanner
42 Maintenance key
43 speakers
44 coin slot
45 coin return bar
46 Bill insertion slot
47 Change return port
48 Receipt Exit
49 Printed matter (standard size print) outlet
50 Printed matter (pre-cut seal) outlet
51 Front door open / close key
52 control unit
53 Hard Disk
54 CD-ROM reader
55 Image data reading device
56 shutter
57 Coin Mech
58 Bilbari
59 Receipt journal processing unit
60 Printer
61 Printer

Claims (10)

Main image input means for inputting a main image;
Frame holding means for holding a plurality of frame images that can be arranged so as to overlap with the main image,
In the album booklet on which the plurality of frame images are posted, bar code reading means for reading a bar code attached corresponding to the frame image selected to be combined with the main image,
A frame search unit that searches the frame image corresponding to the barcode read by the barcode reading unit from the frame holding unit;
Image editing means for combining the main image and the frame image to generate image data of a combined image with a frame,
Printing means for printing a framed image according to the edited image data,
A digital photo print system comprising: A display unit that displays the main image and the frame image;
An operation input unit for performing an operation input;
The digital photo print system according to claim 1, further comprising: The digital photo print system according to claim 1, wherein the main image input unit is a recording medium reading device that reads image data held on a recording medium. The digital photo print system according to claim 1, wherein the main image input unit is an image reading device that reads a printed image. The digital photo print system according to claim 1, wherein the edited image data can be recorded on a recording medium brought by a user. Main image input means for inputting a main image;
Frame holding means for holding a plurality of frame images that can be arranged so as to overlap with the main image,
In an album booklet in which a watermarked frame image in which different information is embedded in each of the plurality of frame images, a frame image reading unit that reads a watermarked frame image selected to be combined with the main image,
A frame search unit that specifies the frame image corresponding to the watermarked frame image read by the frame image reading unit, and searches the specified frame image from the frame holding unit;
Image editing means for combining the main image and the frame image to generate image data of a combined image with a frame,
Printing means for printing a framed image according to the edited image data,
A digital photo print system comprising: A display unit that displays the main image and the frame image;
An operation input unit for performing an operation input;
The digital photo print system according to claim 6, further comprising: The digital photo print system according to claim 6, wherein the main image input unit is a recording medium reading device that reads image data held on a recording medium. The digital photo print system according to claim 6, wherein the main image input unit is an image reading device that reads a printed image. 7. The digital photo print system according to claim 6, wherein the edited image data can be recorded on a recording medium brought by a user.

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