JP2005107956A - Image printing system and method, and image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it unnecessary for a user to transmit an image at the time of re-printing. <P>SOLUTION: A camera 20 adds watermark information (image ID) inherent in a photographed image. In the initial order, a user transmits image data with a watermark and its printing order from a client computer 14 to a center server 12. The center server 12 extracts the image ID from the image data, stores the order and the image data, transmits information for order confirmation to the client computer 14 which is an order source, and allows a printing server 16 to print out the specified image data. In the case of re-ordering, the user transmits the image ID to the center server 12 when the preceding order information is stored, but when the preceding order information does not exist, detects the watermark from the preceding printed image by a watermark detection system 18 and transmits the obtained image ID to the server 12. The center server 12 extracts the target image and the preceding order information from the recorded information by the received image ID and allows the printing server 16 to print out the target image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to an image printing system and method, and an image input apparatus, and more specifically to an image printing system and method for printing an image via a network, and an image input apparatus suitable for the system and method.

  In recent years, with the dramatic improvement of computer performance and the development of desktop publishing (DTP) technology, image data can be easily handled on a personal computer. Digital cameras are attracting attention as a means for inputting high-definition images to computers because of improved performance and lower prices.

  In addition, with the advancement of network technologies such as the Internet and the spread to the general public, transmission and reception of image data and the like via a network has been widely performed. Furthermore, services have been provided in which image data is transmitted to a remote printer via a network and printed.

  However, since a high-definition image has a large amount of data, it is important to transmit it efficiently. For users who use printing services, it is important to reduce communication costs and communication time.

  Conventionally, when a user who uses a print service requests to print the same image again, instead of transmitting the same image again or retransmitting the same image, an identifier is added to the image requested to be printed first. Thus, it is necessary to store the print server in advance.

  In the method in which the user retransmits the same image, the communication cost and time of the image are doubled, which is useless. In addition, the user must keep the image.

  If you have the image stored on the print server side at the time of the first printing, you can save the labor and expense of retransmitting the image, but you need to specify which image will still be printed when you request reprinting. There is. For example, the previous print order number can be considered, but it cannot be used if the memo is lost. Although a method of embedding a visible identifier in a print image is also conceivable, it is not preferable because unnecessary information is printed for the user.

  The present invention relates to an image printing system and method and an image input apparatus that can solve such inconveniences.

  An image printing system according to the present invention includes: a watermark adding unit that adds an invisible watermark to image data; a first print request unit that outputs a print request together with the image data provided with the watermark by the watermark adding unit; In response to a print request from the printing unit and the first print request unit, the image specifying information for specifying the image data is extracted from the watermark information of the target image data, and the image data and the image specifying information are stored. A first print request processing unit that causes the printing unit to print the image data, and a second print request unit that outputs a second print request specifying the target image based on the image specifying information; According to the second print request from the second print request means, stored in the storage device according to the image specifying information added to the second print request. Search corresponding image data from the image data, characterized by comprising a second print request processing means for printing on the print unit.

  An image printing method according to the present invention includes a watermark adding step for adding an invisible watermark to image data, and a first print request step for outputting a print request together with the image data to which the watermark is added by the watermark adding step; In response to the print request in the first print request step, the image specifying information for specifying the image data is extracted from the watermark information of the target image data, and the image data and the image specifying information are stored in the storage device. A first print request processing step for causing the printing means to print the image data, a second print request step for outputting a second print request specifying the target image based on the image specifying information, and the second print request According to the second print request in step, according to the image specifying information added to the second print request, it is stored in the storage device. Is to retrieve the corresponding image data from the image data is characterized by comprising a second print request process steps to print on the print unit.

  An image input apparatus according to the present invention includes a conversion unit that converts an optical image into an image signal, and a watermark disabling unit that adds image characteristic information that identifies the image as an invisible watermark to an image output from the conversion unit. It is characterized by comprising.

  According to the present invention, the same image can be reprinted with a very simple operation without retransferring the image data.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall system diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 10 denotes a network composed of a local area network (LAN) and the Internet, which includes a center server 12, n client computers 14 (14-1, 14-2,..., 14-n), m units. Print servers 16 (16-1, 16-2,..., 16-m) and k watermark detection systems 18 (18-1, 18-2,..., 18-k) are connected. . Each of n, m, and k may be 1 or more.

  The center server 12 receives a request and image data from the client computer 14, receives a watermark detection function from the image data, and receives an image print order (print order) from the client computer 14, and based on the image storage location information. A function of collecting images and instructing the print server 16 to print.

  The client computer 14 is installed, for example, at the home of a customer who is a user of the printing service and at the sales base of the printing system. A digital camera 20 (20-1, 20-2,..., 20-n) can be connected to each client computer 14 (14-1, 14-2,..., 14-n). The digital camera 20 has a function of adding invisible watermark data to captured image data in addition to the basic function as a digital camera.

  The client computer 14 has a function of browsing information such as images stored in the center server 12 via the network 10, a function of loading the browsed information into the client computer 14, and a function of capturing photographed image data from the digital camera 20. A document creation / editing function, and a function for ordering image printing to the center server 12. Hereinafter, an image printing order is referred to as a print order or simply an order.

  The printer server 16 prints out the designated image in accordance with the print order from the center server 12.

  The watermark detection system 18 includes an image input device, and has a function of detecting watermark data from image data input by the image input device.

  Similar to the well-known client / server system, some of the center server 12, the client computer 14, the print server 16, and the watermark detection system 18 can be implemented on the same physical computer.

  The processing flow of the entire system from when the user places a print order to when the printing is actually executed will be described separately for the first order and the reorder.

  In the first order: That is, the user captures image data captured by the digital camera 20 into the client computer 14, acquires information of the print server 16 using the client computer 14, designates a desired editing process for the image data, The above image data and desired print servers 16-1 to 16-n are selected, and the print order and image data are transmitted to the center server 12.

  When the center server 12 receives the image data and the print order, the center server 12 generates an identifier for identifying the print order (hereinafter referred to as an order ID), detects watermark information (hereinafter referred to as an image ID) from the image data, and The order ID, the image ID, and the print order are associated with each other and stored together with the image data. Thereafter, the center server 12 transmits the order information together with the image ID to the ordering client computer 14 or the orderer (hereinafter the same), and the image received from the user by the designated print server 16. Send data and print order.

  When the print server 16 receives the print order and the image data from the center server 12, the print server 16 prints the image data according to the print order, and transmits a print completion notification to the center server 12 after the printing is completed.

  When the center server 12 receives the print completion notification from the print server 16, the center server 12 updates the previously stored order information and transmits the print completion notification to the client computer 14 of the ordering source.

  The flow of processing in the case of reordering is as follows. That is, when the user stores the order information including the image ID when the previous print order is made, the user transmits the image ID to the center server 12 by the client computer 14. The center server 12 extracts the order ID from the received image ID, extracts the previous order information based on the extracted order ID, and transmits it to the client computer 14 of the ordering source. The client computer 14 displays the order information received from the center server 12. The user confirms this, updates the order information as necessary, and transmits it to the center server 12 as a print order.

  The center server 12 extracts image data stored in the center server 12 based on the received print order. The center server 12 transmits the order information together with the image ID to the ordering client computer 14 for order confirmation, and transmits the image data and the print order to the print server 16. When the print server 16 receives the print order and the image data from the center server 12, the print server 16 prints the image data according to the print order, and transmits a print completion notification to the center server 12 after the printing is completed.

  When the center server 12 receives the print completion notification from the print server 16, the center server 12 updates the previously stored order information and transmits the print completion notification to the client computer 14 of the ordering source.

  Next, the operation when the user does not save the order information including the image ID when the print order is made first will be described.

  The user detects the image ID from the print image by the watermark detection system 18 and transmits the obtained image ID to the center server 12 using the client computer 14. The center server 12 extracts an order ID from the received image ID, extracts previous order information based on the extracted order ID, and transmits the extracted order information to the transmission source client computer 14.

  The client computer 14 displays the order information received from the center server 12. The user confirms the displayed information, updates the order information as necessary, and transmits it to the center server 12 as a print order.

  The center server 12 extracts image data stored in the center server 12 based on the received order information, and transmits the order information together with the image ID to the ordering client computer 14 for order confirmation. The center server 12 further transmits image data and a print order to the print server 16. When the print server 16 receives the print order and the image data from the center server 12, the print server 16 prints the image data according to the print order, and transmits a print completion notification to the center server 12 after the printing is completed.

  When the center server 12 receives the print completion notification from the print server 16, the center server 12 updates the previously stored order information and transmits the print completion notification to the client computer 14 of the ordering source.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the center server 12. Reference numeral 30 denotes a CPU that controls the entire system, 32 functions as a main memory of the CPU 30, and RAM functions as an execution program area and an execution area and data area of the execution program, and 34 stores an operation processing procedure of the CPU 30. ROM. The ROM 34 includes a program ROM that stores basic software (OS), which is a system program, and a data ROM that stores information necessary for operating the system.

  Reference numeral 36 denotes a network interface that transfers data via a network, and includes transfer control and a connection status diagnosis function. Reference numeral 38 is a video RAM (VRAM), 40 is a keyboard controller, 42 is a hard disk, and 44 is a flexible disk drive. An image display device 46 such as a CRT is connected to the VRAM 38, and an external input device 48 including a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the keyboard controller 40.

  The hard disk 42 stores application programs and data such as image information. The application program in the present embodiment includes a software program for executing various processing means. A hard disk 42 may be used instead of the ROM 34. The flexible disk drive 44 is an example of a removable recording medium drive, and it is obvious that a CD-ROM drive may be provided instead of or in addition to the flexible disk drive 44.

  The devices 30 to 44 are connected to a common input / output bus 50. The input / output bus 50 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the client computer 14. The print server 16 and the watermark detection system 18 are also basically composed of computers, and their hardware configurations are the same as those of the client computer 14. Therefore, FIG. 3 also shows the hardware equipped in the print server 16 and the watermark detection system 18 at the same time.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a CPU that controls the whole, 62 functions as a main memory of the CPU 30, and RAM functions as an execution program area and an execution area and data area of the execution program, and 64 stores an operation processing procedure of the CPU 60. ROM. The ROM 64 includes a program ROM that stores basic software (OS), which is a system program, and a data ROM that stores information necessary for operating the system.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes a network interface that transfers data via a network, and includes transfer control and a connection status diagnosis function. 68 is a video RAM (VRAM), 70 is a keyboard controller, 72 is a hard disk, 74 is a flexible disk drive, 76 is an external device connection interface, 78 is a printer control device, and 80 is an extended external input / output device control device.

  An image display device 82 such as a CRT is connected to the VRAM 68, and an external input device 84 including a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the keyboard controller 70. A printer 86 is connected to the printer control device 78, and an image scanner 88 is connected to the extended external input / output device control device 80. The printer 86 is essential for the printer server 16, and the image scanner 88 is essential for the watermark detection system 18.

  The hard disk 72 stores data such as application programs and image information. The application program in the present embodiment includes a software program for executing various processing means. A hard disk 72 may be used instead of the ROM 64. The flexible disk drive 74 is an example of a removable recording medium drive, and it is obvious that a CD-ROM drive may be provided instead of or in addition to the flexible disk drive 74.

  The devices 60 to 80 are connected to a common input / output bus 90. The input / output bus 90 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the center server 12. The data communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting / receiving data between the client computer 14 and the print server 16 via the network interface 36. The data communication means 110 is further generally called an Internet server program or a WWW server program, and is stored in the hard disk 42 in response to a request from the client computer 14 in addition to data transmission / reception. It includes an application program that can be used by developing the application program in the RAM 32 and can authenticate the user ID of the user in response to a request from the outside and restrict the transmission data.

  The order receiving unit 112 receives the order information and image data transmitted from the client computer 14 via the data communication unit 110, generates the above-described order ID, and delivers the order ID, image ID, and image data to the image management unit 116. , And an application program having a function of causing the order information storage device 120 to store the order ID, the image ID, and the order information.

  The order information storage device 114 stores information such as an order ID, an image ID, a user identifier, the number of prints, and user information, and includes a search function and an information addition / update deletion function.

  The image management unit 116 receives the order ID, the image ID, and the image data from the order receiving unit 112, and stores the image data together with the image ID in the image storage device 120, and uses the image ID to correspond from the image storage device 120. It has a function of extracting image data. The image management unit 116 also includes an application program having a function of transferring an image ID and image data to the image editing unit 118 and a function of receiving the image ID and image data.

  The image editing unit 118 is an application program having a function of detecting watermark data from the image data received from the image management unit 116. The watermark data detected here is handled as the above-mentioned image ID. The watermark detection method here depends on the method of adding a watermark, and can be applied to various methods of adding a watermark.

  The image storage device 120 stores the order ID and the image data in association with each other under the management of the image management unit 116.

  The data communication unit 110, the order receiving unit 112, the image management unit 116, and the image editing unit 118 are partially or entirely made of program software, and are read from the ROM 34, the hard disk 42, and / or the flexible disk of the flexible drive 44. , Expanded in the RAM 32 and used.

  FIG. 5 shows a processing flowchart of the center server 12 for a print order from the client computer 14. With reference to FIG. 5, the processing procedure of the print order in the center server 12 will be described.

  When the data communication unit 110 receives the print order from the client computer 14, the data communication unit 110 delivers the print order to the order receiving unit 112. The order receiving means 112 checks whether an image ID exists from the received print order (S1). When the image ID exists (S1), it is determined as a reprint order, and when it does not exist, it is determined as a new print order.

  In the case of reprint order (S1), the order receiving means 112 extracts the order ID from the image ID (S2), and extracts the previous print order information stored in the order information storage device 114 from the extracted order ID. (S3). The order receiving unit 112 delivers the image ID to the image managing unit 116, and the image managing unit 116 acquires the image data with watermark added stored in the image storage device 120 from the image ID, and sends it to the order receiving unit 112. Pass (S4).

  The order receiving unit 112 transmits the order information and the image ID to the client computer 14 through the data communication unit 110 (S5), and transmits the print order information and the image data to the print server 16 through the data communication unit 110. (S6). When receiving the print completion notification from the print server 16, the data communication unit 110 transfers it to the order receiving unit 112 (S7). Upon receiving the print completion notification, the order receiving means 112 updates the print order information stored in the order information storage device 114 based on the order ID so as to indicate the completion of printing (S8), and via the data communication means 110. A print completion notification is transmitted to the client computer 14 (S9).

  When the image ID does not exist, that is, when it is a new print order (S1), the order receiving unit 112 takes in the image data transmitted from the client computer 14 via the data communication unit 110, and receives the new order ID. Generate. The order receiving unit 112 also delivers the received image data to the image editing unit 118 via the image management unit 116. The image editing unit 118 detects watermark data from the image data (S10). The order ID generation method here is not particularly limited, but the order ID must be a unique value by itself, that is, a value that does not overlap with the others.

  The order receiving unit 112 transmits the image ID and the print order information to the client computer 14 via the data communication unit 110 (S11), and stores the order ID, the image ID, and the print order information in the order information storage device 114 (S12). ).

  The order receiving unit 112 delivers the image data to the image management unit 116, and the image management unit 116 stores the received image data in the image storage device 120 in association with the image ID (S13).

  The order receiving unit 112 transmits the order information and the image ID to the client computer 14 through the data communication unit 110 (S5), and transmits the print order information and the image data to the print server 16 through the data communication unit 110. (S6). When receiving the print completion notification from the print server 16, the data communication unit 110 transfers it to the order receiving unit 112 (S7). Upon receiving the print completion notification, the order receiving means 112 updates the print order information stored in the order information storage device 114 based on the order ID so as to indicate the completion of printing (S8), and via the data communication means 110. A print completion notification is transmitted to the client computer 14 (S9).

  FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of the client computer 14. The network browsing means 130 is an application program (a general application program such as a so-called Internet browser) that can receive services from the outside such as the Internet through the network. The function of the network browsing unit 130 can be expanded by incorporating an expansion unit (a well-known plug-in module) 132. The extension means (plug-in) 132 is also an application program added to the network browsing means 130. The expansion means 132 is expanded in the RAM 62 and can be used simultaneously with the network browsing means 130. The expansion unit (plug-in) 132 operates in conjunction with the network browsing unit 130 and has a function of acquiring and transmitting data and the like from the network and a function of displaying the acquired data on the screen of the display device 82.

  The document editing unit 134 displays and displays image data captured from the digital camera 20 via the interface 76, in addition to a function for creating and editing a document including character strings, graphics, and images, and a function for converting document data into a page description language. Has a function to edit and save.

  A part or all of the network browsing means 130, the expansion means 132, and the document editing means 134 are made of program software, read from the ROM 64, the hard disk 72, and / or the flexible disk of the flexible drive 74, and expanded in the RAM 62. used.

  FIG. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of the digital camera 20. An image sensor 140 converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal, and an image processing 142 converts an image signal output from the image sensor 140 into image data of a predetermined format and adds invisible watermark data to the image data. A circuit 144 is an encoding / decoding circuit that encodes image data output from the image processing circuit 142 using a predetermined encoding method (for example, variable length encoding after DCT conversion and quantization). Reference numeral 146 denotes a recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces compressed image data on a recording medium (not shown). The encoding / decoding circuit 144 also decompresses and decodes the compressed image data reproduced from the recording / reproducing apparatus 146 and supplies the compressed image data to the image processing circuit 142.

  Reference numeral 148 denotes a memory having a memory capable of storing a predetermined program code, and a control circuit including a microcomputer that controls and manages the operation of each unit constituting the camera 20. Reference numeral 150 denotes an operating device operated by a user. Reference numeral 152 denotes an image sensor. 140 is a display device that displays an image picked up by 140; The display device 152 includes, for example, an electronic viewfinder EVF (electric view finder) or a liquid crystal display panel. An interface 154 communicates with an external device, and a ROM 156 stores an operation program of the control circuit 148 and the like.

  The encoding / decoding circuit 144 compresses and encodes image data using, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) system. In addition, a well-known technique can be used as a technique for adding invisible watermark data to image data, and the present invention is not limited to a special method.

  FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of the watermark detection system 18. The watermark detection unit 160 detects watermark data from image data read by an image scanner (not shown). The watermark detection method depends on the method of adding a watermark, and the watermark detection means 160 can cope with various watermark application methods.

  The user operation means 162 is an application program that is used by the user to actually operate the image scanner, and has a function for displaying image data read from the image scanner, a function for editing image data read from the image scanner, And a function for displaying watermark data attached to image data read from the image scanner. The user operation unit 162 is connected to the control unit 166 via the application interface 164.

  The control unit 166 has a function of controlling the image scanner and a function of spooling read image data.

  The image processing unit 168 has a function of processing the image data read from the image scanner in response to a request input by the user using the user operation unit 162.

  The scanner I / F 170 mediates the transfer of data and control signals between the control unit 166 and the image scanner.

  The watermark detection means 160, the user operation means 162, the application interface 164, the control means 166, and the image processing means 168 are composed of program software.

  In this embodiment, the invisible watermark is added to the photographed image and transferred to the center server 12 via the client computer 14, and the center server 12 extracts the watermark from the image data and sets the image ID. By storing the image ID together with the print order information, in response to a request for reprinting the same image data, the user extracts the image ID from the print image by the watermark detection system 18 without re-transferring the image data. By transmitting to the server 12, it is possible to specify image data to be printed. The center server 12 can print the same image data by extracting the order ID, the order information, and the image data from the received image ID. Furthermore, since an invisible watermark is used, no extra information appears in the printed image when the image data is printed, so that the appearance of the image is not impaired.

  In order to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in the system. In addition, an apparatus implemented by operating a computer (CPU or MPU) of the apparatus or system according to a stored program and operating the various devices is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code is stored. This storage medium constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code supplied by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software in which the program code is running on the computer. Needless to say, the program code is also included in the embodiment of the invention according to the present application even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the above.

  Furthermore, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory of the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU according to the present application also includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.

1 is an overall system diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a center server 12. 2 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration of a client computer 14. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a center server 12. FIG. It is a process flowchart of the center server 12 with respect to a print order. 2 is a functional block diagram of a client computer 14. FIG. A schematic block diagram of the digital camera 20 is shown. 2 is a functional block diagram of a watermark detection system 18. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10: network 12: center server 14 (14-1 to 14-n): client computer 16 (16-1 to 16-m): print server 18 (18-1 to 18-k): watermark detection system 20 (20 -1 to 20-n): Digital camera 30: CPU
32: RAM
34: ROM
36: Network interface 38: Video RAM
40: keyboard controller 42: hard disk 44: flexible disk drive 46: image display device 48: external input device 50: input / output bus 60: CPU
62: RAM
64: ROM
66: Network interface 68: Video RAM (VRAM)
70: keyboard controller 72: hard disk 74: flexible disk drive 76: external device connection interface 78: printer control device 80: extended external input / output device control device 82: image display device 84: external input device 86: printer 88: image scanner 90: input / output bus 110: data communication means 112: order receiving means 114: order information storage device 116: image management means 118: image editing means 120: image storage device 130: network browsing means 132: expansion means (plug-in module)
134: Document editing means 140: Image sensor 142: Image processing circuit 144: Coding / decoding circuit 146: Recording / reproducing device 148: Control circuit 150: Operating device 152: Display device 154: Interface 156: ROM
160: watermark detection means 162: user operation means 164: application interface 166: control means 168: image processing means 170: scanner I / F

Claims (11)

Watermarking means for adding an invisible watermark to image data;
First print requesting means for outputting a print request together with image data to which the watermark is given by the watermark giving means;
Printing means;
In response to the print request from the first print request unit, the image specifying information for specifying the image data is extracted from the watermark information of the target image data, and the image data and the image specifying information are stored in the storage device. And a first print request processing unit that causes the printing unit to print the image data;
A second print request means for outputting a second print request specifying the target image based on the image specifying information;
In accordance with the second print request from the second print request means, the corresponding image data is retrieved from the image data stored in the storage device in accordance with the image specifying information added to the second print request. An image printing system comprising: a second print request processing unit that causes the printing unit to print. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second print request processing means are arranged on a predetermined center server. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit includes a plurality of print servers. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the watermark providing unit is provided in a digital camera. The image printing system according to claim 1, further comprising watermark detection means for detecting watermark information from the printed image. A watermarking step of adding an invisible watermark to the image data;
A first print request step for outputting a print request together with the image data provided with the watermark by the watermark applying step;
In response to the print request in the first print request step, the image specifying information for specifying the image data is extracted from the watermark information of the target image data, and the image data and the image specifying information are stored in the storage device. A first print request processing step for causing the printing means to print the image data;
A second print request step for outputting a second print request specifying the target image based on the image specifying information;
In accordance with the second print request in the second print request step, in accordance with the image specifying information added to the second print request, the corresponding image data is searched from the image data stored in the storage device, An image printing method comprising: a second print request processing step for causing the printing means to print. The image printing method according to claim 6, wherein the first and second print request processing means are executed on a predetermined center server. The image printing method according to claim 6, wherein the printing unit includes a plurality of print servers. The image printing method according to claim 6, wherein the watermarking step is executed by a digital camera. The image printing method according to claim 6, further comprising a watermark detection step of detecting watermark information from the print image. An image comprising: conversion means for converting an optical image into an image signal; and watermark disabling means for adding image characteristic information identifying the image as an invisible watermark to an image output from the conversion means Input device.

Images