JP2004171355A - Image backup system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image backup system for efficiently executing backup work. <P>SOLUTION: This image backup system has a hard disk unit 3 for preserving image data for processing a photograph. The unit 3 has at least a first image preserving part 31 and a second image preserving part 32. This first image preserving part 31 is preferentially used when reading out the image data for processing the photograph. The second image preserving part 32 is used for backing up the image data preserved in the first image preserving part 31, and has a first control information preserving part 41 for preserving control information for controlling the image data preserved in the unit 3. This control information includes information on whether or not the image data of the first image preserving part 31 is already backed up. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image backup system including an image storage device for storing image data for photo processing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is a system that stores image data obtained from an image forming medium such as a photographic film in an image storage device in order to perform photographic processing such as creation of a photographic print. That is, a frame image formed on a developed photographic film is read by a scanner and converted into electronic data. The image data converted into electronic data is stored in a large-capacity image storage device such as a hard disk. When a photographic print is created, necessary image data is read from the image storage device.
[0003]
In addition, when a customer requests a reprinting process or when a print process is re-executed to create a photographic print with higher image quality, the image data stored in the image storage device can be used. When reprinting is performed, if the reading of the photographic film is repeated, the photographic film is gradually damaged. Further, performing reading with a scanner every time reprinting reduces the work efficiency of photo processing. Therefore, image data read by a scanner is stored in an image storage device. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to the photographic film and contribute to improvement in the efficiency of photographic processing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, an image storage device such as a hard disk may be damaged due to an accident. Since the image data has a large capacity and takes a lot of time to recover, the work efficiency of photo processing is greatly reduced. Therefore, it is conceivable to backup image data. However, since image data has a large capacity, it takes time to make a backup. Therefore, depending on the circumstances of the photo shop, it may not be possible to back up all the image data by a single backup process. In such a case, the image data that could not be backed up will be backed up at another opportunity, but the operator needs to remember which image data was backed up or take notes. is there. Therefore, the backup work is complicated for the operator, and there is a possibility that the backed up image data may be backed up (overwritten) again due to a mistake in storage, resulting in poor work efficiency.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a problem thereof is to provide an image backup system that can efficiently perform a backup operation.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an image backup system according to the present invention includes:
An image backup system including an image storage device that stores image data for photo processing,
The image storage device includes at least a first image storage unit and a second image storage unit. The first image storage unit is used preferentially when reading out image data for photographic processing, The two-image storage unit is used to back up image data stored in the first image storage unit,
A first management information storage unit for storing management information for managing image data stored in the image storage device, wherein the management information includes a backup of the image data of the first image storage unit; Is included in the information.
[0006]
According to this configuration, the image data is stored in the image storage device, and the image storage device includes at least the first image storage unit and the second image storage unit. The first image storage unit is used preferentially when performing photographic processing, and the second image storage unit is used to back up image data stored in the first image storage unit. A first management information storage unit is provided separately from the image storage device, and information as to whether or not the image data in the first image storage unit has been backed up is stored as management information. Therefore, when all the image data in the first image storage unit cannot be backed up and the rest is backed up at another opportunity, the backup can be performed based on the management information. That is, only the image data that has not been backed up can be backed up. As a result, it is possible to provide an image backup system that can efficiently perform a backup operation.
[0007]
As an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the backup is performed in order units.
[0008]
Photo processing and management of image data stored in the image storage device are generally performed on an order basis. Therefore, performing backup on an order basis also makes it easier to manage whether or not backup has been completed. .
[0009]
As another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the management information is also backed up in the second management information storage unit.
Thus, even if the first management information storage unit is damaged, the management information can be immediately restored.
[0010]
In the backup mode of the present invention, it is preferable to back up both the image data and the management information at the same timing. Since the image data and the management information are paired, the backup operation can be ensured by backing up the management information corresponding to the image data when the image data is backed up.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a photo processing system having an image backup system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0012]
In FIG. 1, a scanner 1 has a function of reading image data of a frame image from a developed photographic film. The scanner 1 includes a halogen lamp 10 serving as a reading light source, a light control filter 11 for color balance adjustment, a mirror tunnel 12 for uniformly mixing light passing through the light control filter 11, and a negative film F at a predetermined speed. A negative carrier 13 having a transport mechanism 13a for transport, an imaging lens 14, and a CCD line sensor 15 as an image reading sensor are provided. The signal processing unit 16 performs processing such as amplification and A / D conversion of the image signal acquired by the line sensor 15. The image data obtained from the negative film F is sent to the image processing unit 5.
[0013]
On the other hand, the image input unit 2 can take in image data from a medium in which digital image data is stored. Examples of the media include MO disks, CD-Rs, flexible disks, and various media for digital cameras.
[0014]
The hard disk unit (corresponding to an image storage device) 3 includes a large-capacity hard disk for storing image data. The hard disk unit 3 includes a first image storage unit 31 and a second image storage unit 32 as areas for storing and storing image data. Further, an HDD controller 33 for controlling the first and second image storage units 31 and 32 is provided. The first image storage unit 31 is for the original, and when performing photo processing, the image data stored in the first image storage unit 31 is preferentially used. The second image storage unit 32 is for backup, and the same image data stored in the first image storage unit 31 is stored in the second image storage unit 32.
[0015]
The difference between the first image storage unit 31 and the second image storage unit 32 is conceptual, and is not limited by whether the two are physically or logically separated. When the first image storage unit 31 is damaged, the image data in the second image storage unit 32 for backup is preferentially used for photo processing. After switching from the first image storage unit 31 to the second image storage unit 32 in this way, the second image storage unit 32 functions as the first image storage unit 31. After the maintenance of the damaged first image storage unit 31, it functions as the second image storage unit 32.
[0016]
The form of the image data stored in the hard disk unit 3 will be described. When the image data of the photographic film captured by the scanner 1 is stored, there are the following two methods. First, in a first storage mode, the entire image data of a photographic film is taken in at a high resolution by the scanner 1, and a frame image portion is cut out therefrom. The hard disk unit 3 stores image data of a high-resolution frame image. This high-resolution image data is used for printing exposure of an image. It is also used for displaying on a monitor screen. The operator determines print conditions (color, density, number of prints, etc.) while looking at the displayed image. This is referred to as “image determination mode” for convenience.
[0017]
In the second storage mode, first, the entire image data of the photographic film is captured by the scanner 1 at a low resolution. This low-resolution image data is used for display on a monitor screen. As described above, the image data to be displayed on the monitor screen may have a low resolution because it is for determining the print conditions. Then, the photographic film is scanned again by the scanner 1, and image data of a high-resolution frame image is taken in. This is used for image printing exposure. That is, the hard disk unit 3 stores two types of image data of a low-resolution photographic film whole image and a high-resolution frame image. The present invention can be applied to any of the first storage mode and the second storage mode.
[0018]
Next, the management information storage device 4 will be described. The management information storage device 4 includes a first management information storage unit 41 and a second management information storage unit 42. The first management information storage unit 41 is for originals, and the management information stored here is preferentially used for photo processing. The image data stored in the hard disk unit 3 is managed in order units. Here, the definition of one order is, for example, one or a plurality of photographic films, and in the case of a piece film in which a photographic film is cut in units of six or four frames, one piece or a plurality of piece films is regarded as one order. can do. In the case of image data captured from a medium via the image input unit 2, one or a plurality of media can be ordered. The setting of one order can be set according to the circumstances of the photo shop.
[0019]
When reading image data from the hard disk unit 3, it is necessary to specify the image data. For this purpose, an image file number is used. The image file number is composed of an order and a frame number in the order. Further, each image data stored in the hard disk unit 3 is accompanied by data on print conditions. As described above, this is data necessary for performing color / density correction data and other print processing. The correction data and the like are also stored in the first management information storage unit 41. That is, when specifying image data to be subjected to print processing, the image data is specified by the image file number of the image, and correction data and the like corresponding to the image file number are read out from the first management information storage unit 41 and used. I do.
[0020]
Further, information as to whether or not the image data has been backed up is stored in the second image storage unit 32 as management information. The backup is configured to be performed in order units, and saves information on whether or not backup has been performed in order units. This is because a backup process (differential backup) is performed only for an order that has not been backed up based on this information when performing the backup process.
[0021]
The second management information storage unit 42 is used for backing up management information. The second management information storage unit 42 is preferably constituted by a DVD-RAM. Since the management information has a smaller data capacity than the image data, it can be stored on such a medium. In addition, media such as CD-RW and MO can be used. Note that the first management information storage unit 41 is preferably configured by a hard disk.
[0022]
The ID generation means 20 generates an image storage device ID for specifying the hard disk unit 3. The reason for generating the image storage device ID is as follows. The hard disk unit 3 is removed for maintenance when damage or other troubles occur. After maintenance is completed after removal, reinstall and use. In this case, the hard disk unit 3 can be mounted on a different photo processor and image data can be read out in some cases. When reading the image data from the first image storage unit 31, the image data is read by designating the image file number. However, the same image file number may be used in different hard disk units 3. Then, the image read out by specifying the image file number may read out an image different from the image to be originally subjected to photo processing. As a result, there occurs a problem that a photographic print is mistakenly created or image data is deleted. To cope with such a problem, an image storage device ID is generated.
[0023]
Preferably, the serial number of the hard disk unit 3 is used as the image storage device ID. Since it is unlikely that there are two identical serial numbers, it is suitable for the image storage device ID that specifies the hard disk unit 3. When the image data is read out, the image data cannot be read out even if a different hard disk unit 3 is mistakenly mounted by performing collation using the image storage device ID.
[0024]
The image storage device ID generated by the ID generation means 20 is stored in both the hard disk unit 3 and the management information storage device 4.
[0025]
The image processing unit 5 has a function of performing image processing on image data. For example, in the image determination mode, when correction data is input for correcting color and density, the image data is corrected according to the correction data. In addition, various image processing such as gradation correction, gamma correction, image size enlargement processing, and color management processing of image data can be performed. The image processing unit 5 can be configured by an appropriate combination of hardware and software.
[0026]
The control unit 6 controls each unit in order to perform a photographic process. The keyboard 7 and the mouse 8 are input devices, and can be used to input commands for giving instructions to various sections and various data (correction data, number of prints, etc.) for performing print processing. The monitor 9 displays various information for photo processing on the monitor screen.
[0027]
The exposure engine 10 receives image data on which image processing has been performed by the image processing unit 5 and prints and exposes an image on paper P, which is a photographic photosensitive material. As the exposure engine 10, an engine having an appropriate structure such as a PLZT engine, a laser engine, and a CRT engine can be used. That is, an image is printed and exposed by scanning the emulsion surface of the paper P cut to the print size with light modulated based on image data. The paper P is transported along a predetermined transport path, subjected to a predetermined process in the development processing unit 11 and the drying processing unit 12, and discharged as a photographic print outside the apparatus main body. The photo prints are accumulated in an unillustrated accumulation device in order units.
[0028]
<Procedure for saving image data>
Next, a procedure for storing image data in the hard disk unit 3 will be described. First, a photographic film is set on the negative carrier 13 of the scanner 1. Next, the photographic film is transported, and the image data of the photographic film is captured. A case where data is stored in the first storage mode (one-time scanning method) will be described. Capture the entire image of photographic film at high resolution. A frame image portion is cut out from the entire captured image data. The cutout of the frame image is performed based on the function of the image processing unit 5. The cut-out high-resolution frame image is stored in the first image storage unit 31 of the hard disk unit 3. An image file number (order number, frame number) is assigned to each image data. When reading image data, the image file number is used. Further, at the stage when the image data is stored in the first image storage unit 31, it is not necessarily backed up in the second image storage unit 32. Therefore, the backup flag is not set for the stored image data.
[0029]
The same applies to a case where image data obtained from a medium via the image input unit 2 is stored instead of a photographic film.
[0030]
<Printing procedure>
Next, the procedure for performing the print processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in order to perform the print processing, the photo processing machine is set to the print processing mode (# 30). Next, the image storage device ID is collated (# 32). This checks whether the image storage device ID set in the hard disk unit 3 and the image storage device ID set in the management information storage device 4 are the same. If the IDs are not the same, the image data cannot be read (# 34). In this case, a message to that effect is displayed on the monitor screen to urge the operator to mount the correct hard disk unit 3 again.
[0031]
If the image storage device ID is the same and the collation result is OK, the image data stored in the first image storage unit 31 is read out by designating the image file number (# 36). If data such as correction data corresponding to the image data is stored in the first management information storage unit 41, this is also read (# 38). This is because, if the photographic process to be performed is a reprint process such as additional printing, the correction data input in the image determination performed in the past is stored. Therefore, in the reprint processing, by using the stored correction data, it is possible to immediately create a photographic print without shifting to the image determination mode.
[0032]
Next, when shifting to the image determination mode, the read image is displayed on the monitor screen and image determination is performed (# 40). Then, the operator makes a determination on the color / density and the like, and when it is determined that correction is necessary (# 42), inputs the correction data (# 44). The input correction data is stored in the first management information storage unit 41 (# 46). After inputting the correction data, a predetermined print key is input to start the printing process. The print processing is performed in units of one order. The image data subjected to the image processing is transferred to the exposure engine 10, and the image is printed and exposed on the paper P. Then, after the development processing and the drying processing are performed, a photographic print is created.
[0033]
<Backup procedure>
Next, a procedure for backing up the image data stored in the first image storage unit 31 to the second image storage unit 32 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in order to perform a backup, the photo processor is set to a backup mode (# 10). At the photo shop, when the photo processing work of one day is completed, the photo processing machine is set to the closing inspection mode, and the backup is also performed in that mode. This is because the image data has a large capacity, and it is preferable to perform backup at the end of business.
[0034]
In the closing inspection mode, when a backup command is issued (# 12), first, it is checked whether or not the image data stored in the first image storage unit 31 has been backed up (# 14). This is because some of the stored image data have already been backed up and some have not. This can be checked by checking whether the backup flag is set. Further, a flag indicating whether or not backup has been performed is set for each order.
[0035]
Next, the backup process is sequentially started for the image data of the order that has not been backed up (# 16). It is determined whether the image data for one order has been backed up (# 18). When the backup for one order is completed, a backup flag is set for the order (# 20). For the order for which backup has been completed, the fact that the backup flag has been set is stored as management information in the first management information storage unit 41. In addition, for the management information related to the backed up image data, the data stored in the first management information storage unit 41 is backed up in the second management information storage unit 42. That is, the image data and its management information are backed up at the same timing.
[0036]
Next, it is determined whether or not a command to interrupt the backup process has been issued (# 22). This is because it takes time to back up image data, so that the backup can be interrupted for the convenience of the operator. The image data of the order that could not be backed up can be performed at another time later. It should be noted that even if an interruption command is issued during the backup of an order, the backup is not interrupted during the order. Since photo processing is performed in order units, backup is performed in order units in consideration of ease of management. If the interruption instruction has been issued, the backup is terminated (# 28).
[0037]
If the interruption command has not been issued, it is determined whether or not backup unprocessed orders remain (# 24). If it remains, the next order is backed up (# 26). Hereinafter, the same procedure is repeated.
[0038]
<Another embodiment>
(1) The flowchart shown in the present embodiment is an example. For example, the timing of checking a flag and determining whether or not an interruption command has been issued can be changed as appropriate on a program.
(2) When the management information of the image data changes, it is preferable to clear the backup flag. This is because, since the management information has changed, the data can be more accurately backed up by taking a backup again. For example, when the storage format of the image data is changed from an automatic erasing type (a type that is automatically erased after a lapse of a storage period) to a fixed storage type (a type that is erased for the first time by an operation of an operator), a flag is set. clear.
[0039]
(3) In this embodiment, the backup is automatically performed by the computer at the time of the final inspection, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a manual operation may be performed when the operator is free.
(4) In the present embodiment, the hard disk unit 3 is provided with the first image storage unit 31 and the second image storage unit 32, but the third image storage unit having another purpose is provided. Is also good. At least a portion that can function as the first and second image storage units 31 and 32 is sufficient.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a photo processing system. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a backup procedure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a photo processing procedure.
1 scanner 3 hard disk unit 4 management information storage device 5 image processing unit 31 first image storage unit 32 second image storage unit 33 HDD controller 41 first management information storage unit 42 second management information storage unit

Claims (4)

An image backup system including an image storage device that stores image data for photo processing,
The image storage device includes at least a first image storage unit and a second image storage unit. The first image storage unit is used preferentially when reading out image data for photographic processing, The two-image storage unit is used to back up image data stored in the first image storage unit,
A first management information storage unit for storing management information for managing image data stored in the image storage device, wherein the management information includes a backup of the image data of the first image storage unit; An image backup system comprising information on whether or not the image is backed up. The image backup system according to claim 1, wherein the backup is performed on an order basis. 3. The image backup system according to claim 1, wherein the management information is also backed up in a second management information storage unit. 4. The image backup system according to claim 2, wherein both the image data and the management information are backed up at the same timing in the backup mode.

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