JP2004266456A - Image data processing system and image storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data processing system capable of simultaneously transmitting print image data to both a print making apparatus and an image storage device and surely securing a storage capacity of the image storage device. <P>SOLUTION: The image data processing system is provided with: a scanner 1 for receiving image data; an image processing part 3 for applying image processing to the received image data to generate print image data; and an image transmission part 8 capable of simultaneously transmitting the image data to both the print making apparatus C and the image storage device B. The image storage device B is provided with: a buffer board 20 for receiving the image data transmitted from the image transmission part 8; a hard disk 22 for storing the received image data; and image management software 31 for applying storage processing and read processing of the image data to the hard disk 22. The image management software 31 is provided with a storage period setting means 31f for setting a storage period of the image data stored in the hard disk 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image data processing system and an image processing method capable of continuing print processing even when the capacity of a storage medium for storing image data is reduced to a predetermined value or less, particularly when print processing and image data storage processing are performed simultaneously and in parallel. Related to a storage device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Such an image storage device is used in an image data processing system for creating a photographic print. The outline of the photo print creation procedure will be described. First, the developed negative film is set on a scanner, and the scanned negative film is scanned to obtain image data of a frame image. The acquired image data is displayed on a monitor to determine whether or not a print having an appropriate color and density is created. The operator inputs color / density correction values as needed. Then, the image processing unit performs image processing based on the color / density correction values, conversion processing for converting the image size to an image size that matches the print size, and other appropriate image processing. create. The print image data is transmitted to the print creation device to create a photographic print.
[0003]
On the other hand, image data obtained from a negative film or the like is also stored in a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk. The reason why image data used for print processing is also stored on the hard disk is as follows. That is, when a customer requests a reprinting process (reprint) at a later date, the stored image data is used. By storing it on the hard disk, the customer can request a reprint without bringing in a negative film or the like. Further, since it is not necessary to scan the negative film again, the work efficiency of the additional printing process is improved. When the image data for printing is stored in the hard disk, the size of the image data for printing is not changed as it is, but may be appropriately changed in size, or compressed and stored by JPEG or the like.
[0004]
As described above, in the case of a system in which the acquired image data is also used for print creation and also used for storage on a hard disk, the print image data created by the image processing unit is simultaneously used by the print creation device and the image storage device. A system configuration that enables transmission to both is conceivable.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case where the image data for printing is transmitted to two places at the same time as described above, there are the following problems. That is, when image data is stored in the storage medium of the image storage device, the storage capacity is limited, so the free space gradually decreases, and finally the free space is exhausted. When there is no free space, transmission of image data for printing to the image storage device cannot be performed. Therefore, in a system that transmits image data for printing to both the print creation device and the image storage device, if data transmission to one image storage device becomes impossible, data transmission to the print creation device also becomes impossible. As a result, the printing process must be interrupted, and the print creation efficiency decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a mechanism that can always save image data in the image storage device.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a problem thereof is to reduce the storage capacity of an image storage device in a system capable of simultaneously transmitting print image data to both a print creation device and an image storage device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image data processing system and an image storage device that can be reliably secured.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an image data processing system according to the present invention includes:
An image input unit into which image data is input;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the input image data to generate image data for printing,
An image transmitting unit that can simultaneously transmit the image data for printing to both a print creation device and an image storage device,
The image storage device,
An image receiving unit that receives the print image data transmitted from the image transmitting unit,
A storage medium for storing the received image data,
An image management control unit that performs a save process and a read process of image data with respect to the storage medium,
This image management control unit
The image processing apparatus further includes a storage period setting unit configured to set a storage period of the image data stored in the storage medium.
[0008]
The operation and effect of the image data processing system having this configuration are as follows. The image processing unit performs image processing on the input image data to generate (create) print image data. The generated print image data is configured to be able to transmit the same data to both the print creation device and the image storage device at the same time via the image transmission unit. The image storage device includes an image receiving unit (a buffer board or the like) for receiving image data for printing transmitted from the image transmitting unit, and a storage medium (a hard disk or the like) for storing the received image data.
[0009]
The image processing apparatus further includes an image management control unit (for example, can be configured by image management software), and performs processing for storing and reading image data from and on a storage medium. In addition, a storage time limit setting unit is provided, and a storage time limit of image data can be set. By providing a storage expiration date, it is possible to perform processing such as, for example, automatically deleting image data whose expiration date has expired, or prompting the operator to delete and arrange the image data. This makes it possible to take measures to increase the free space of the storage medium. Therefore, as a result of securing the free space of the storage medium, image data can be continuously transmitted from the image transmission unit. As a result, in particular, to provide an image data processing system capable of reliably securing the storage capacity of the image storage device in a system capable of simultaneously transmitting image data for printing to both the print creation device and the image storage device. Can be.
[0010]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage time limit setting means can select between a first storage mode for unconditionally deleting when a storage time has expired and a second storage mode for displaying a confirmation when the storage time has expired. What is constituted is mentioned.
[0011]
If various modes are provided when setting the storage expiration date, appropriate settings can be made according to the convenience of the operator or the photo shop. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a first storage mode for unconditionally deleting when the storage time has expired, and a second storage mode for displaying a confirmation when the storage time has expired. Further, it is more preferable that the storage mode can be set for each image data and for each predetermined number of image data. Of course, as the storage mode, not only the above two, but also another storage mode may be selected.
[0012]
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage period setting means is configured to be able to select a third storage mode in which a storage period is not set.
[0013]
When a request for print creation is received, for example, there is a case where a request for reprint is expected with a high probability, and a case where it is not so. Therefore, the third storage mode in which the storage period is not set is made selectable, and the third storage mode can be selected in cases where it is better not to set the storage period at the discretion of the operator.
[0014]
As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second storage mode has a function of extending a storage period in a confirmation display.
[0015]
Various modes are possible for the confirmation display. In some of the stored images, the operator may determine that it is better to extend the storage period even if the storage period has expired. Therefore, by allowing the storage period to be extended as necessary, image data that may be deleted and data that cannot be deleted can be appropriately separated.
[0016]
As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a configuration in which the setting of the storage period is performed in order units.
[0017]
When performing print creation work, the work is often managed in units of one order. Therefore, even when storing image data in a storage medium, by setting a storage expiration date in order units, it becomes easier to manage the image data. Note that one order is determined, for example, as one photographic film and one medium, but is not limited to this.
[0018]
As a configuration of the present invention, it is preferable to include an image moving unit that not only deletes the image data whose storage expiration date has expired but also moves the image data whose storage expiration date has expired to a spare storage medium.
[0019]
In order to respond to a request for reprinting or the like, it is preferable that image data can be stored in a storage medium for as long as possible. However, the capacity of the storage medium is limited. Therefore, by moving the image data whose storage period has expired to a spare storage medium, the image data can be stored for as long as possible.
[0020]
An image storage device according to the present invention, an image receiving unit that receives image data,
A storage medium for storing the received image data,
An image management control unit that performs a save process and a read process of image data with respect to the storage medium,
This image management control unit
The image processing apparatus further includes a storage period setting unit configured to set a storage period of the image data stored in the storage medium.
[0021]
The operation and effect of this configuration are as described above. The receiving mode of the image data by the image receiving unit is not limited to a specific receiving mode, and may be a mode in which the image data is received not only through communication but also through a storage medium.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of an image data processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image data processing system using an image storage device. This image data processing system is a system for inputting image data, creating a photographic print using the image data, and storing the image data.
[0023]
<System configuration>
When the system is roughly divided into functions, it is divided into an image processor A, an image storage device B, and a printer processor (print creation device) C. First, the image processor A will be described. The image processor A has a function of capturing image data to be printed and performing image processing. The image input unit 1 is provided to input and capture image data from an image forming medium. When reading a frame image from a photographic film such as a negative film F, a scanner dedicated to the film is used. Also, image data can be taken from various media M (MO disk, flexible disk, storage medium for digital camera, etc.) on which digital images are recorded. The captured image data is temporarily sent to the image memory 2 and stored therein.
[0024]
The image processing unit 3 has a function of performing various types of image processing to generate print image data used for print creation. The image processing function can be realized by an appropriate combination of hardware and software. The first control unit 4 has a function of performing operation control inside the image processor A. The first control unit 4 is configured with one or more CPUs, a control program, and the like as cores. The keyboard 5 is used for giving commands to each unit in the system and for inputting and setting various data. The monitor 6 is used, for example, for checking the progress of the printing process and displaying the captured image data to determine the color / density. The setting unit 7 is provided for setting a print processing mode, a storage mode of image data, and the like, and is based on software functions.
[0025]
Examples of the image processing performed by the image processing unit 3 include the following. The image data of the frame image is read from the developed negative film F and displayed on the monitor 6. The operator looks at the displayed screen and determines whether printing can be performed with an appropriate color / density, and inputs a color / density correction value using the keyboard 5 as necessary. The image data is corrected based on this correction value. When a photographic print is created, it must be image data of a size corresponding to the print size. For that purpose, enlargement or reduction processing is performed on the captured image data. This is performed as a function of the first conversion processing unit 3a in the image processing unit 3. In addition, enlargement / reduction processing to a standard size such as 4 BASE or 16 BASE (1 BASE = 512 × 768 pixels) can be performed. Furthermore, compression processing such as JPEG can be performed. The image transmission unit 8 transmits the print image data created by the image processing unit 3.
[0026]
The printer processor C includes an exposure engine 10, a development processing unit 11, and a drying processing unit 12. Each unit of the printer processor C is controlled by the control unit 13. When the exposure engine 10 receives the image data for printing from the image transmitting section 8, it uses the image data to print and expose the image on the emulsion surface of the photographic material. The exposure engine 10 can use an appropriate engine such as a laser engine, a PLZT engine, and a CRT engine. The development processing section 11 performs development processing on the photographic photosensitive material on which the image has been printed and exposed. The drying processing unit 12 performs a drying process on the developed photographic light-sensitive material. The finished photo print is discharged from the print discharge unit. The image processing unit 3 creates print image data in a form that can be directly used by the exposure engine 10.
[0027]
Next, the image storage device B will be described. The image storage device B is mainly used for storing and managing image data. The image storage device B can be configured by, for example, a general personal computer. Therefore, additional functions other than image storage / management may be provided.
[0028]
The buffer board 20 functions as an image receiving unit and can receive image data (image data for printing) transmitted from the image transmitting unit 8. The buffer substrate 20 includes a buffer memory 20a, and temporarily stores the received image data. The buffer memory 20a may have a storage capacity for several images. The second conversion processing unit 20b has a function of performing a conversion process on the received image data. This function is the same as that of the first conversion processing unit 3a of the image processing unit 3. The second conversion processing unit 20b is configured by hardware so that the processing time is shortened. The main body memory 21 (corresponding to a main storage device of a personal computer) receives image data from the buffer memory 20a. The received image data for printing can be directly stored and written in the hard disk 22 or the CD-R without performing the processing by the second conversion processing unit 20b.
[0029]
The image data expanded in the main body memory 21 is sent to a hard disk 22 (corresponding to a storage medium) and / or a CD-R (external recording medium) of a CD-R writing device 23 (corresponding to an external recording unit). In a photo shop that receives a request for a photo print from a customer, the photo print is prepared not only using the captured image data but also stored on the hard disk 22. This is because the stored image data is used when a customer requests a reprinting process (reprint) at a later date. By storing the data on the hard disk 22, the customer can request a reprint without bringing a negative film or the like. Further, since it is not necessary to scan the negative film again, the work efficiency of the additional printing process is improved.
[0030]
In addition, the customer may receive a request not only for creating a photographic print but also for writing image data to a CD-R. Also in this case, the image data is written using the image storage device B. Although the CD-R is given as an example of the external recording medium, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external recording medium may be written on another external recording medium such as a DVD.
[0031]
The second control unit 24 controls each unit of the image storage device B. The second control unit 24 is configured with a CPU, image management software (corresponding to an image management control unit), and the like at the core. This image management software has a function of storing the received image data on the hard disk 22 and making it into a database. Image data is managed and stored in order units. An image ID (corresponding to a frame number) and an order ID are assigned to the stored image data. At the time of reprint, by using these IDs as keys, it is possible to search the database and extract image data to be reprinted. A monitor 25 and a keyboard 26 are connected to the second control unit 24.
[0032]
The setting unit 7 of the image processor A can set the processing mode of the image data. For example, a mode in which “photo print creation + hard disk storage + CD-R writing” is performed simultaneously (first mode), a mode in which “photo print creation + hard disk storage” is performed simultaneously (another first mode), and “photo print creation + CD− This is a mode in which “writing to R” is performed simultaneously. In addition, when a photographic print is not created, the mode is one in which data is saved on a hard disk and / or written on a CD-R. Normally, data is saved on the hard disk. Further, there is a mode (second mode) in which only a photo print is created. These are based on the function of the processing mode selection means 7b of the setting unit 7.
[0033]
Further, as a function of the setting unit 7, it is possible to set whether to perform the image data conversion processing by the first conversion processing unit 3a or the second conversion processing unit 20b. Any one of the conversion processing units can be selected according to the required photographic print creation capability. This is based on the function of the conversion processing selection means 7a of the setting unit 7. In addition, for example, for a user who wants to write image data obtained by scanning a negative film on a CD-R without performing any processing, the image data obtained by the image input unit 1 is stored as it is. There is also a mode that allows transmission to the device B side. This can also be selected by the function of the processing mode selection means 7b.
[0034]
Further, when saving or writing image data in an image compression mode such as JPEG, the compression ratio can be selected. This is based on the function of the compression ratio selection means 7c of the setting unit 7. Normally, it is preferable to set the numerical value of the compression ratio to a large value (for example, about 90%). The compression method is not based on JPEG, and another compression method may be used.
[0035]
<Detailed configuration of image storage device>
Next, the detailed configuration of the image storage device B will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the hard disk unit H includes a hard disk 22 and a spare hard disk 27 (corresponding to a spare storage medium), and these are controlled by a hard disk controller 28. The spare hard disk 27 is used temporarily when defragmenting the hard disk 22. Therefore, the capacity of the spare hard disk 27 may be set to the minimum necessary. The meaning of providing the hard disk 22 and the spare hard disk 27 is not limited to physically providing two hard disks, but may be logically (software) divided into two. The controller 28 can control whether the image data stored in the main body memory 21 is stored in the hard disk 22 or the auxiliary hard disk 27.
[0036]
As the second control unit 24, basic software (OS) 30 is provided, and has a function of a defragmentation tool (means) 30b. The image management software 31 has a function of constructing an image database on the hard disk 22 as described above. A function of reading the image data received by the buffer substrate 20 from the buffer memory 20a and expanding the image data in the main memory 21; transmitting the image data expanded in the main memory 21 to the hard disk unit H or transmitting to the CD-R writing device 23; This function is realized by using the image management software 31.
[0037]
Further, as functions of the image management software 31, there are provided a starting unit 31a for starting the defragment tool, and a setting unit 31b for setting a time for starting the defragment tool. Defragmentation is performed for the purpose of eliminating fragments that occur naturally by using the hard disk 22 for a long time. However, if the timing of performing the defragmentation is completely left to the operator, there is a problem that the defragmentation is forgotten and the processing efficiency of saving and reading image data in the image storage device B is reduced. For this reason, a mechanism that can periodically perform defragmentation is adopted.
[0038]
Further, the basic software 30 is provided with a capacity monitoring unit 30a. This monitors the capacity (free space) of the hard disk 22 in the hard disk unit H. This is because, when the free space in the hard disk 22 decreases (or disappears), even if image data is received by the buffer substrate 20, it cannot be stored. The inability to store image data on the hard disk 22 means that the buffer substrate 20 cannot receive image data (the buffer memory 20a cannot be vacated). Therefore, when the image data for printing is simultaneously transmitted from the image transmitting unit 8 to the printer processor C and the image storage device B, the image data for printing cannot be transmitted from the image transmitting unit 8 and the print processing is interrupted. I have to help. Therefore, when the free space of the hard disk 22 becomes small, the system is configured to warn the operator of this and give an opportunity to organize the hard disk 22 so that the print processing can be continued.
[0039]
Further, the image management software 31 includes a storage term setting unit 31f so that a storage term can be set for the image data stored in the hard disk 22. As described above, when the storage capacity of the hard disk 22 is exhausted, not only can image data not be stored, but also printing processing must be interrupted. Therefore, the storage period of the image data can be set, and the operator is given an opportunity to organize the hard disk 22 such as deleting the image data.
[0040]
The storage period setting unit 31 is configured to be able to select at least four of the first storage mode, the second storage mode, the third storage mode, and the fourth storage mode as the storage mode. The first storage mode is linked to the function of the image deletion means 31g, and automatically deletes the image data unconditionally when the storage period has expired. In the second storage mode, when the storage period has expired, a confirmation display is displayed instead of unconditionally deleting the storage period. The third storage mode is a mode in which a storage period is not set. The fourth storage mode is a mode in which the image data is moved to another storage medium when the storage expiration date has expired, and the image data in the hard disk 22 is moved to another storage medium based on the function of the image moving means 31h. The fourth storage mode can be combined with the first storage mode or the second storage mode. Details such as the setting related to the storage term setting unit 31f will be described later.
[0041]
<Operation of image data processing system>
Next, a typical processing procedure by the image data processing system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. First, as a processing mode, a mode (first mode) in which “photo print creation + hard disk storage + CD-R writing” is performed in parallel is selected. The image data conversion processing is set to be performed on the image storage device side.
[0042]
First, the developed negative film F is set in the scanner as the image input unit 1, and scanning is performed (# 1). The read image data of the negative film is stored in the image memory 2 (# 2). When the image data of one order (one negative film) is obtained, the image is displayed on the monitor 6. The operator determines the color / density while viewing the image on the monitor 6 and inputs a color / density correction value as necessary.
[0043]
The image processing unit 3 performs image processing on the captured image data based on the input correction value (# 3). Further, the image processing unit 3 performs other image processing (color management processing, gamma correction of a light source, and the like), and also performs scaling processing to a size matching the print size. As described above, print image data is finally generated.
[0044]
The image transmission unit 8 simultaneously transmits the print image data created by the image processing unit 3 to the printer processor C and the image storage device B (# 4). Since the image data to be sent to both is the same, they can be transmitted at the same time. After transmitting the print image data, the control of each unit in the image storage device B is performed not by the first control unit 4 but by the second control unit 24. The control of the printer processor C is also performed by the control unit 13. Therefore, the processing in the image input unit 1 and the image processing unit 3 is not delayed by the image storing and writing processes performed by the image storage device B. Therefore, the print image data can be transmitted to the printer processor C without any delay, so that the print creation efficiency does not need to be reduced. The processing after transmitting the image data for printing from the image transmitting unit 8 to the image storage device B is basically not related to the image processor A side. , The processing efficiency of the entire system need not be reduced.
[0045]
When the printer processor C receives the print image data, the exposure processing is performed by the exposure engine 10 (# 5). That is, an image is printed and exposed on a photographic material based on image data for printing. Next, the photographic photosensitive material is subjected to development processing and drying processing, and photographic prints are created (# 6, 7, 8).
[0046]
On the other hand, the print image data transmitted from the image transmission unit 8 is received by the buffer substrate 20. The print image data is temporarily expanded in the buffer memory 20a provided on the buffer substrate 20. Here, if it is set that the conversion processing is to be performed, the second conversion processing unit 20b performs the conversion processing of the print image data (compression by JPEG, enlargement / reduction processing of the size, etc.) (# 10). If the conversion process is not performed, the process of step # 10 is not performed. Next, the image data developed in the buffer memory 20a is read out by the function of the image management software and developed in the main memory 21 (# 11). Next, the image data in the main body memory 21 is stored in the hard disk 22 and also sent to the CD-R writing device 23 to write the data on the CD-R (# 12, # 13).
[0047]
According to this processing procedure, the setting is made such that the conversion processing is performed on the buffer substrate 20, and the print creation efficiency does not need to be reduced. In the prior art, since the conversion process performed on the buffer substrate 20 must be performed by the image processing unit 3, the print production efficiency is inevitably reduced. It is preferable that the second conversion processing unit 20b be constituted by hardware, in particular, because the processing can be performed at high speed.
[0048]
According to the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, while the negative film is scanned in the image input unit 1, the data can be stored in the hard disk 22 or written in the CD-R writing device 23. Become. In the conventional system, it was difficult to process these simultaneously.
[0049]
In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the configuration in which the same image data for printing is simultaneously transmitted from the image transmitting unit 8 has been described. When different image data is transmitted to both, simultaneous transmission cannot be performed, and thus transmission is performed at a shifted timing. For example, when transmitting the image data that has been subjected to the conversion processing by the first conversion processing unit 3a of the image processing unit 3 to the image storage device B, the image data to be transmitted to the printer processor C and the image data to be transmitted to the image storage device B Since the data is different from the data, the data is transmitted with the timing shifted. Even in this case, the processing efficiency is lower than in the case of simultaneous transmission, but the efficiency is better than in the conventional system.
[0050]
<Explanation of the function of the storage period setting unit>
Next, the function of the storage term setting means will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of FIG. The setting of the storage period can be set at the time of default or at the time of storing image data. The setting of the storage period includes a permanent storage mode (corresponding to a third storage mode) and a storage period specification mode (a first storage mode and a second storage mode). When setting a retention period, you can specify the number of days, months, and years. In addition, it is possible to set whether or not to notify when the storage time limit has expired (at the time of deletion). Those for which notification is not given are automatically deleted by the image deletion means 31g when the storage expiration date comes. When the notification is given, the monitor 25 displays a confirmation of the deletion notification. When the confirmation display is made, it is also possible to set when to make it. For example, when the image storage device B is started, when the image management software 31 is started, or a specific time such as 時 hour and 時 minute can be set.
[0051]
The setting of each mode described above can be performed in order units. One order is set at a photo shop in units of, for example, one negative film or one recording medium. With the database function of the image management software 31, the hard disk 22 has a mechanism for managing image data in order units. Therefore, the setting of the storage expiration date is set not in individual image data units but in order units, and the setting of the storage mode is set in order units. Therefore, the deletion processing after the storage expiration date has been performed in order units.
[0052]
As a function of the storage period setting means 31f, it is possible to change the storage period once set. In this case, an order list of the image data stored in the hard disk 22 is displayed on the monitor screen. Then, an order whose storage period is to be changed is selected from the list, and the storage period is changed. Also, when the user wants to change the storage mode, the user can make the same use of this list screen.
[0053]
Next, how to delete image data will be described. If the image data of the order for which the storage expiration date has arrived is set to the first mode, it is unconditionally deleted without confirmation. Next, if the second mode is set, a confirmation display is displayed. On this screen, the operator can select one of “deletion / change of deletion date / permanent storage”. If "Delete" is selected, the image data of the order is deleted. If you select “Change deletion date”, you can change the deletion date, that is, extend the retention period. If "permanent storage" is selected, the image data of the order has been switched to the third storage mode in which the storage period is not set. Further, the timing of the confirmation display (eg, when the personal computer is started) can be changed.
[0054]
As described above, when the storage expiration date comes, the image data of the order to be deleted is deleted. That is, the management information of the order is deleted from the database structure in the hard disk 22, and the image data of the order is also deleted. However, it is preferable that the data is not completely deleted but is evacuated to another storage medium 40 (see FIG. 2, corresponding to a spare storage medium). Another storage medium 40 includes a hard disk, a DVD, a CD-R, and the like. The spare hard disk 27 shown in FIG. 2 may be used. A storage medium externally connected may be used. If the image storage device B is connected via a network, it can be saved to a hard disk of another personal computer connected to the same LAN. In addition, if it is connected to the Internet, it can be stored in a server installed on the Internet. When the data is saved to another storage medium, the entire database structure is saved. Therefore, the data can be restored to the original database built in the hard disk 22 and used.
[0055]
<Processing procedure when the storage expiration date has been reached>
Next, a processing procedure when a storage expiration date is reached for a certain order will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0056]
First, it is determined whether the storage time limit has come (# 70). If the storage period has expired, it is determined whether the mode is the first storage mode or the second storage mode (# 71). In the third storage mode of the permanent storage, it is not necessary to make the determination in step # 70. In the first storage mode, the image data is unconditionally deleted from the hard disk 22 (# 77). Then, the image data of the order to be deleted is saved to another storage medium for each database structure if the fourth storage mode is selected (# 78).
[0057]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the current mode is the second storage mode (# 71), it is determined whether or not the timing for performing the confirmation display has come (# 72). When the timing comes, the confirmation display is displayed on the monitor screen (# 73). Then, when the operator selects to delete (# 74), the process proceeds to step # 77, where the deletion process and the save process to another storage medium are performed. When the deletion date is changed (# 75), the deletion date is temporarily excluded from the deletion target, and the process returns to step # 70. If the change of the deletion date is not selected, the process shifts to the permanent storage mode (third storage mode).
[0058]
<Another embodiment>
(1) When transmitting image data from the image transmission unit 8 to the image storage device B, for example, a connection is made via a dedicated line, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image processor A and the image storage device B may be connected by a general-purpose network. Also, in this case, the number of connected devices is not limited to a specific number.
[0059]
(2) When the image storage device B is configured by a general personal computer, it can be connected to a network such as the Internet. This allows the customer to request a reprint process using the image data stored in the hard disk 22 via the Internet.
[0060]
(3) In the present embodiment, the image data of the order unit to be deleted is saved in a separate storage medium, but this is not always necessary, and a configuration in which the image data is completely deleted is adopted. Is also good. In addition, instead of saving all the image data to be deleted to another storage medium, the operator may be allowed to select whether to save the image data to another storage medium or to completely delete the image data. This selection can be made at the time of the initial setting, or may be made at the time of confirmation display.
[0061]
(4) The printer may be an inkjet or thermal sublimation printer other than the printer processor C.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an entire configuration of an image data processing system using an image storage device. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image storage device. FIG. 3 is a typical processing procedure by the image data processing system. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the function of a storage time limit setting unit. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a storage time limit is reached.
A image processor B image storage device C printer processor 1 image input unit 2 image memory 3 image processing unit 4 first control unit 7 setting unit 8 image transmission unit 20 buffer board 20a buffer memory 21 main unit memory 22 hard disk 24 second control unit 30 Basic software 31 Image management software 31f Retention period setting means 31g Image deleting means 31h Image moving means 40 Separate storage medium

Claims (7)

An image input unit into which image data is input;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the input image data to generate image data for printing,
An image transmitting unit that can simultaneously transmit the image data for printing to both a print creation device and an image storage device,
The image storage device,
An image receiving unit that receives the print image data transmitted from the image transmitting unit,
A storage medium for storing the received image data,
An image management control unit that performs a save process and a read process of image data with respect to the storage medium,
This image management control unit
An image data processing system comprising a storage time limit setting unit for setting a storage time limit of image data stored in the storage medium. The storage time limit setting means is configured to be able to select a first storage mode for unconditionally deleting when the storage time has expired and a second storage mode for displaying a confirmation when the storage time has expired. The image data processing system according to claim 1. The image data processing system according to claim 2, wherein the storage period setting unit is configured to be able to select a third storage mode in which a storage period is not set. 4. The image data processing system according to claim 2, wherein the second storage mode has a function of extending a storage period in a confirmation display. 5. The image data processing system according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the storage expiration date is configured to be performed in order units. The image data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising image moving means for moving image data whose storage expiration date has expired to a spare storage medium. An image receiving unit that receives image data;
A storage medium for storing the received image data,
An image management control unit that performs a save process and a read process of image data with respect to the storage medium,
This image management control unit
An image storage device, comprising: a storage period setting unit configured to set a storage period of image data stored in the storage medium.

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