JP2005173768A - Image processing system and terminal processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system and a terminal processing apparatus, in which the terminal processing apparatus and the system as a whole have improved processing efficiency by preventing processes from concentrating on a specified terminal processing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing system is equipped with the terminal processing apparatus 2 which performs processing concerned with inputted image data, and a network means of connecting the plurality of terminal processing apparatus. The terminal processing apparatus 2 is equipped with a process request means 60a of sending out a signal requesting another terminal processing apparatus 2A for performing a process, a deciding means 60b of receiving a signal from the other terminal processing apparatus 2A for answering the signal of the process request means 60a and deciding whether the request for the process is possible, and a data transfer means 60c of transferring process data to the other terminal processing apparatus, when the request for the process is possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system and a terminal processing device including a terminal processing device that performs processing related to input image data, and network means that connects a plurality of the terminal processing devices.

  As an image processing system in which a plurality of terminal processing devices (terminal computers) and a photographic processing device are connected by a network means, the following Patent Document 1 by the present applicant is known. The terminal processing device has a function of processing the input image data. When a photographic print is created using the image data, the image data is transferred to the photographic processing apparatus. First, a general procedure of photographic processing in the photographic processing apparatus will be described.

The photographic processing apparatus performs appropriate image processing on the input image data, and generates exposure image data based on the image processing data obtained by the image processing. Type of image data to be input there are various ones, negative film or other image data obtained by scanning a photographic film such as a positive film, digital cameras storage media (SmartMedia ^TM, CompactFlash ^TM , there is image data to be input Stick ^TM, etc.) or a CD-R, a recording medium such as an MO. Various types of image processing are performed on the image data captured in the photographic processing apparatus, and a typical one is color / density correction.

  Therefore, the input image data is displayed on the monitor screen in order to check the color and density. Normally, a plurality of images are displayed on the monitor screen, and the operator determines whether or not a photo print is created with an appropriate color and density while viewing the displayed images. When it is determined that printing is not performed with appropriate colors and densities, color correction data and density correction data are input as appropriate. The image processing unit provided in the photographic processing apparatus generates exposure image data based on the correction data obtained as described above and the input image data.

  The exposure image data is transferred to an exposure engine (which constitutes an image exposure unit), and an image is printed on the emulsion surface of the photographic material. The exposure engine has a function of forming an image on a photographic material by scanning exposure light based on exposure image data. An example of the exposure engine is a laser engine that forms an image by scanning laser light. The photographic light-sensitive material on which the image is printed and exposed is sent to a development processing unit, subjected to development processing and drying processing, and then discharged to the outside as a finished photographic print.

  As described above, the photographic processing apparatus has a function of performing image processing on input image data and a function of performing print creation using the generated exposure image data. There is a problem that print creation processing cannot be performed in parallel with image processing work. That is, if an attempt is made to perform the print creation process even while the image processing operation is being performed, a great load is imposed on the CPU, so that the operator who operates the photo processing apparatus can perform the operation smoothly. Cannot be performed or control inside the photo processing apparatus cannot be performed at an appropriate timing, resulting in a decrease in processing reliability. Therefore, the image processing and the print processing cannot be performed in parallel at the same time, and therefore the operating rate of the photographic processing apparatus is lowered, and as a result, the operator's work efficiency is also lowered.

  Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, if the terminal processing device and the photo processing device are connected by network means so that part of the image processing work is performed by the terminal processing device, the photo processing device performs processing. It is considered that the processing efficiency of the entire system is improved since the concentration of the system is not concentrated.

  However, the processes to be performed by the terminal processing apparatus include not only the above-described image processing but also various processes. For example, there is a process of writing input image data (for example, image data read from a photographic film) on a recording medium such as a CD-R. When writing to the recording medium, image processing is performed on the input image data as in the case of creating a photo print. The input image data is stored in a storage device instead of being deleted after a photo print is created or written on a recording medium. This is stored so that it is not necessary to perform image processing again in preparation for reprinting or reprinting of a photographic print. Therefore, it is also necessary to save the image data.

If the processing to be performed by the terminal processing device is concentrated on a specific terminal processing device in this way, the processing efficiency of the terminal processing device is lowered, and consequently, the processing efficiency of the entire image processing system is also lowered.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-241935 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc.)

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image processing system and a terminal processing device that prevent the processing from being concentrated on a specific terminal processing device and improve the processing efficiency of the terminal processing device and the entire system. That is.

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing system according to the present invention provides:
A terminal processing device that performs processing related to input image data;
An image processing system comprising network means for connecting a plurality of terminal processing devices,
In the terminal processor
Processing request means for sending a signal requesting processing to another terminal processing device;
A determination unit that receives a signal from another terminal processing device that responds to the signal from the processing request unit and determines whether the processing request is possible;
When a request for processing is possible, data transfer means for transferring processing data to the other terminal processing device is provided.

Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the terminal processing device according to the present invention provides:
A terminal processing device that performs processing related to input image data and is connected to another terminal processing device via a network means,
Processing request means for sending a signal requesting processing to another terminal processing device;
A determination means for receiving a signal from another terminal processing device responding to the signal by the processing request means and determining whether or not a request for the processing is possible;
When a request for processing is possible, data transfer means for transferring processing data to the other terminal processing device is provided.

  The operation and effect of the image processing system and the terminal processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. A plurality of terminal processing devices are connected by network means, and a mechanism is employed in which processing can be requested from one terminal processing device to another terminal processing device. Here, the number of terminal processing devices connected by the network means may be at least two, and is not limited to a specific number. When a certain terminal processing device makes a request for processing to another terminal processing device, the procedure is as follows.

  First, a signal requesting processing is sent to another terminal processing device. The number of other terminal processing devices that transmit signals is not necessarily one, and the same signal may be transmitted to a plurality of terminal processing devices connected to the network. The other terminal processing apparatus that has received this signal sends back a response signal corresponding to the request signal. When this response signal is received, it is determined whether or not a processing request is possible. For example, if CPU response data is included in the response signal, it can be determined based on the data. Moreover, when there is a response from a plurality of terminal processing devices, it can be determined according to, for example, the usage rate of the CPU. If a request for processing is possible, the processing data is transferred to the other terminal processing device, and processing is performed. If image processing is requested, image data and the like necessary for image processing are transferred. Thereby, processing can be appropriately distributed among the terminal processing devices connected to the network. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing system and a terminal processing device that prevent processing from being concentrated on a specific terminal processing device and improve the processing efficiency of the terminal processing device and the entire system.

  It is preferable that the terminal processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a process acceptance setting unit that can set in advance whether or not to accept a processing request from another terminal processing apparatus.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to efficiently perform processing for a terminal processing device that is set to not accept a processing request. By appropriately setting the acceptance / rejection by the terminal processing device, it is possible to efficiently perform the work for the specific terminal processing device without being disturbed while appropriately distributing the processing.

  The terminal processing device according to the present invention preferably includes a processing request destination setting unit that can set in advance a terminal processing device that transmits a request signal when a request is made to another terminal processing device.

  For example, there may be a case where processing efficiency is improved when a request is made to a specific terminal processing device. For example, a specific terminal processing apparatus is provided with an image processing unit by hardware. If the terminal processing apparatus is requested to perform image processing, the processing result can be received quickly.

  As the terminal processing apparatus according to the present invention, among the processes related to the image data, a specific process may be configured to automatically activate the function of the process request unit.

  For specific processing performed by the terminal processing device, if it is decided to request processing from another terminal processing device, the function of the processing requesting unit is automatically activated and a signal requesting processing is sent out. Therefore, the operator does not need to determine whether or not to request processing. Thereby, an operator's work can be simplified and it can concentrate on a work.

  In the present invention, an example of the process related to the image data is an image process performed prior to a process of writing the image data on the recording medium. When the image processing is performed by software, the processing time becomes longer and the load on the CPU becomes larger. When writing image data to a recording medium, it is necessary to perform image processing for the image data to be written and processing for actually writing the corrected image data that has undergone image processing to the recording medium. Therefore, by requesting another terminal processing device for image processing, it is possible to prevent the processing from being concentrated on a specific terminal processing device, and to improve the efficiency of the entire system.

  In the present invention, another example of the processing related to the image data is image data storage processing. When performing image data storage processing, the processing time increases as the amount of image data to be stored increases. Also, when saving image data, it is necessary to consider the point of securing free space. From this point of view, by requesting another terminal processing device to store the image data, the processing can be distributed and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

  Further, if the signal from the other terminal processing device includes data on the free capacity of the storage device in which the image data is to be stored, whether or not the storage processing can be requested to the other terminal processing device is properly determined. Judgment can be made.

  As a photo processing apparatus according to the present invention, when requesting another terminal processing apparatus to store image data, the request source ID for specifying the request source is also transmitted and stored together with the image data to be stored. It is preferable to provide collation means configured to collate by ID when reading the stored image data.

  When requesting another terminal processing apparatus to store the image data, the request source ID is transmitted together with the image data to be stored. In other terminal processing devices, the image data and the requester ID are associated with each other and stored in the storage device. When the requesting terminal processing device attempts to read out image data from the requesting terminal processing device, collation based on the ID is performed. This eliminates the inconvenience that image data is read from an irrelevant terminal processing device, and can improve safety.

  A preferred embodiment of an image processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the system.

<Configuration of image processing system>
In FIG. 1, in an image processing system, a photographic processing device 1 and a terminal processing device 2 are connected by a network 3. The number of the photo processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3 is one or a plurality, and the number of connected apparatuses can be arbitrarily set. Similarly, the number of terminal processing devices 2 connected to the network 3 is one or more, and the number of terminals connected can be set arbitrarily. Network 3 is, for example, is constructed by LAN by Ethernet ^TM, may be connected by a network 3 other than Ethernet ^TM. The network 3 is configured to be connectable to the server 5 via the Internet 4.

  The image processing system constructed by the photo processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2 is installed in, for example, a photo shop. The photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 do not need to be installed on the same floor, and can be installed on a plurality of floors. Further, a part of the photographic processing apparatus 1 or the terminal processing apparatus 2 may be installed at a distance away.

  Next, functions of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be briefly described. The photographic processing apparatus 1 can print an image on the emulsion surface of paper (photosensitive material) based on the input image data to create a photographic print. The image data input to the photographic processing apparatus 1 may be input directly to the photographic processing apparatus 1 or input via the network 3. That is, the photo processing apparatus 1 can selectively set at least the first print mode and the second print mode.

  In the first print mode, the photographic processing can be executed by the photographic processing apparatus 1 alone regardless of the connection state with the network 3. A typical process is a process of reading a frame image of a developed photographic film by the scanner device 6 and creating a photographic print using the acquired image data. The image data acquired via the scanner device 6 is not used immediately for image exposure, but after various image processing is performed, image data for exposure is generated, and the image data for exposure is used. The image is printed and exposed to paper. The photographic processing apparatus 1 is provided with a first image processing unit 10 (see FIG. 2) for performing image processing.

  On the other hand, in the second print mode, image data (image processing data) transferred via the network 3 is input. As in the case of the first print mode, exposure image data is generated based on this image data, and a photo print is created. In the second print mode, image data (image processing data) is transferred from the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3.

Here, the function of the terminal processing apparatus 2 is demonstrated easily. The terminal processing device 2 can be configured by a general-purpose personal computer system, for example. The image data handled by the terminal processing unit 2, an image data stored in the recording medium of the storage medium (SmartMedia ^TM, CompactFlash ^TM, Memory Stick ^TM, etc.) or a CD-R, MO or the like of a digital camera, these media A drive device is provided for acquiring image data from the image data.

  Similarly to the photo processing apparatus 1, the terminal processing apparatus 2 is also provided with a second image processing unit for performing image processing. Therefore, when image data input from the terminal processing device 2 is transferred to the photo processing device 1, image processing data obtained as a result of image processing by the second image processing unit is transferred.

  The image processing system according to the present invention is configured to be connectable to a server 5 via the Internet 4, and the server 5 can receive a print order from a general user online. That is, the user uploads image data for which he / she wants to create a photo print to the server 5 using his / her personal computer. In the photo shop, the image data uploaded to the server 5 can be downloaded at an appropriate timing to create a photo print. The server 5 also has a function of providing an online album to the user. The downloaded image data is stored in the terminal processing device 2, for example.

<Functional block configuration of image processing system>
<Functional block configuration of photo processing apparatus>
Next, main functions of the image processing system will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. First, the main functions of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The scanner device 6 is a device for acquiring image data from a frame image formed on a developed photographic film. Although not shown, a light source for reading image data, a CCD line sensor, and the like are provided. Image data can also be obtained from a medium other than photographic film, and an image input device 7 for this purpose is provided. The image input device 7 can acquire image data stored in various recording media in the same manner as the terminal processing device 2 described later. The image data acquired via the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is temporarily stored and held in the image data storage unit 8. Note that the photo processing apparatus 1 may not have the function of the image input apparatus 7. This is because the terminal processing apparatus 2 is provided with the same function.

  The first image processing unit 10 has a function of performing image processing on image data, and is configured by software. The first image processing unit 10 includes a GUI 11, an image processing unit 12, and a hardware control unit 13. The GUI 11 is a graphical user interface, and can perform data input operations relating to image processing through a monitor screen.

  FIG. 4 shows a screen configuration example when performing image processing. Here, four of the read images are displayed on the monitor screen. The number of images to be displayed on the monitor screen is not limited to four, but can be set as appropriate, for example, six or eight. The operator can determine whether or not a photographic print is created with an appropriate color and density while viewing the monitor screen. In this monitor screen, the image data 51 is displayed with image data acquired from photographic film or the like.

  Reference numeral 52 denotes a data display area, which displays an average density value, a frame number, and the number of prints of an image. A separate display area 53 is provided at the upper right of the display image 51, and the correction data input from the keyboard 16 for the respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), and the same density correction data. Is displayed. Further, information related to the print size is displayed in the display area 54 below the display image 51. For example, “P” indicates the panorama size. The display area 55 shows the name of the print channel. The print channel will be described later.

  The operator looks at the monitor screen as shown in FIG. 4 and inputs correction data using the keyboard 16 for an image determined to be corrected for color and density. When correction data is input, an image corrected based on the input correction data is displayed in real time on the same monitor screen. Therefore, the operator can appropriately perform image processing while visually confirming the corrected image. The first image processing unit 10 has the function of the image processing unit 12, and an image obtained as a result of image processing by the function of the image processing unit 12 that performs image processing based on the correction data input from the keyboard 16. Appears on the monitor screen again. The input of the correction data is performed to some extent by trial and error, and the finally determined correction data is temporarily stored in the correction data storage unit 17. The correction data is data in a form attached to each image data. The image data storage unit 8 and the correction data storage unit 17 are collectively defined as a data storage unit 18.

  Also, the size of the image displayed on the monitor screen is different from the size of the input image data, and usually thumbnail images with a reduced size are displayed on the screen. The processing for generating the thumbnail image data is also a function of the image processing means 12, and the image processing performed while looking at the monitor screen is also performed based on the thumbnail image data.

  The correction data includes not only those relating to color / density correction but also correction parameters relating to special corrections such as red-eye correction, backlight correction, and gradation correction. Also, the number of prints can be corrected and input on the monitor screen shown in FIG. 4, and the data of the number of prints is also included in the correction data.

  The hardware control means 13 is a function that controls the image processing board 20 that is hardware. Image processing data obtained as a result of image processing in the first image processing unit 10 is transferred to the image processing board 20 to create exposure image data. Here, the image processing data is composed of at least image data and correction data. As the image data, the image data acquired from the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is directly transmitted to the image processing board 20. Can do.

  When image processing is performed by the first image processing unit 10, it may be immediately sent to the image processing substrate 20 for print processing, but it may be performed later at an appropriate time zone. Therefore, the order data storage unit 9 is configured to store data. The concept of order can be set as appropriate at a photo shop. For example, one photographic film and one recording medium can be handled as one order. The order data storage unit 9 stores image data and correction data, and these data are assigned an order ID and managed in order units.

  Further, even when image processing is performed by the first image processing unit 10 and printing processing is performed immediately, data is stored in the order data storage unit 9. This is preferably stored as order data because a reprinting process or a reprinting process may be performed even if the printing process is performed once. If the image data and the correction data are stored in association with each other, it is not necessary to repeat the same image processing when performing reprinting processing, and the result of the image processing remains as correction data. It can be used again. The reprint process is a process in which the print process is performed again at the discretion of the operator when the quality of the finished photo print is not good, and the reprint process (reorder process) is performed in response to a request from the customer. This means the same print creation process. Accordingly, the image data and the correction data are not deleted even when the print process is performed, but the data is stored and stored in the order data storage unit 9 as described above.

  In addition, when performing image processing and print processing in the first image processing unit 10, it is necessary to set various setting data in advance. The setting data is stored in the setting data file storage unit 14. As setting data, for example, data relating to a print channel can be mentioned. A print channel registers the type of paper used to create a photo print (surface quality, manufacturer, etc.), print size, image data source (data from a digital camera or negative film, etc.), etc. It is a thing. Therefore, if you want to create a photo print of a specific print size based on image data obtained from a digital camera, you need to select a print channel that is suitable for it, and for that purpose such a print channel Must be set in advance. Other setting data includes the amount of change per key operation when correction data is input from the keyboard during image processing operations. For example, when a specific key on the keyboard is pressed once, the Y color can be set to change by “+1.5” when it changes by “+1”.

  Next, the image processing substrate 20 will be described. The image processing board 20 is provided with a reception memory 21, an image processing means 22, a transmission memory 23, and firmware 24. The image processing board 20 has a function of generating image data that is actually used for exposure. The reception memory 21 receives the transmitted image data and correction data. Unlike the image processing unit 12 of the first image processing unit 10, the image processing unit 22 is based on hardware. Based on the correction data, the processing content by the firmware 24 can be set, and based on this, processing for generating exposure image data is performed. As described above, since the image processing board 20 is configured with hardware as a core, image processing by the image processing board 20 is performed at high speed.

  The image processing performed in the image processing means 22 not only generates corrected image data having a color and density corrected based on the correction data, but also has data having the same size as the print size to be created. Enlargement processing, or rotation processing that converts the vertical and horizontal directions of the image, special corrections such as red-eye correction and backlight correction performed as necessary, color matching correction to match the color of the finished photo print with the color of the monitor screen, Examples include corrections that take into account the type of developing solution and changes over time. In addition, processing for expanding image data in a compressed file format such as JPEG into a bitmap is also performed. The exposure image data obtained as a result of processing by the image processing means 22 is sent to the transmission memory 23.

  The image processing data transmitted to the image processing board 20 includes those created inside the photo processing apparatus 1 and those transmitted via the network 3. Therefore, the processing selection means 25 is provided, and image processing data from either one can be received. As described above, the photo processing apparatus 1 can selectively set the first print mode and the second print mode. In the first print mode, image processing data generated inside the photo processing apparatus is received, and the second print mode is received. In the print mode, image processing data from the network 3 is received and print processing is executed. Note that the process selection means 25 switches functions in terms of software, and is conceptually shown in FIG. The mode can be switched by displaying a mode setting screen on the monitor 15 and selecting one of the print modes.

  Next, the configuration of the printer processor unit of the photo processing apparatus will be briefly described. In the paper magazine 30, a long paper, which is a photographic photosensitive material, is accommodated in a form wound on a roll. A plurality of paper magazines 30 can be attached to the photographic processing apparatus 1. Thereby, a plurality of types having different paper sizes can be prepared in advance. The paper drawn from the paper magazine 30 is configured to be conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path, and is cut into a predetermined print size by a paper cutter 31 provided along the conveyance path. The cut paper is conveyed to an exposure engine 32 (corresponding to an image exposure unit). The exposure engine 32 uses the exposure image data transferred from the transmission memory 23 of the image processing board 20 to expose and form an image on the emulsion surface of the paper. The exposure engine 32 forms a latent image by scanning the exposure light in the main scanning direction on the paper conveyed in the sub-scanning direction at a constant speed. As the exposure engine 32, those having various structures can be adopted. For example, a laser engine, a PLZT engine, a CRT engine, or the like can be adopted.

  The paper on which the image has been baked and exposed by the exposure engine 32 is sent to the development processing unit 33 and subjected to image processing, and then subjected to drying processing in the drying processing unit 34, and a finished photographic print is produced from the paper discharge unit 35. It is discharged outside. The discharged photographic prints are accumulated in an accumulation unit (not shown) in units of one order.

<Functional block configuration of terminal processing device>
Next, functions of the terminal processing device 2 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Similar to the photo processing apparatus 1, a second image processing unit 40 for performing image processing is provided. The second image processing unit 40 is configured by software, and includes a GUI 41, an image processing unit 42, and a module that functions as the network control unit 43. The GUI 41 and the image processing unit 42 have the same functions as the GUI 11 and the image processing unit 12 of the first image exposure unit 10 of the photographic processing apparatus 1. That is, the photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 use the same software except for the hardware control means 13 and the network control means 43 modules. Image processing data obtained in the terminal processing device 2 can be transferred to the photo processing device 1 via the network 3 based on the function of the network control means 43.

  Unlike image processing software that is generally commercially available, image processing software used in the photographic processing apparatus 1 has various functions necessary for photographic processing. In terms of usability, improvements have been made compared to general software. On the other hand, the terminal processing device 2 can be configured by a personal computer, and it is conceivable to install general image processing software. However, in this case, there are the following problems.

  If the image processing software differs between the photographic processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2, a plurality of types of software must be learned, which increases unnecessary work. Photo shops often hire part-time workers and part-timers, and if there are many types of software, the training time for these store staff also increases, which wastes the work time that should be spent on the original photo processing. It will also be. Therefore, by making the software used in the photo processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2 substantially the same, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary work of learning how to use the software. Therefore, the image processing operation in the terminal processing device 2 can be performed in exactly the same manner as in the case of the photo processing device 1.

  A monitor 44 and a keyboard 45 are provided for performing image processing and other photographic processing operations. The setting data file storage unit 46 stores a setting data file, which is basically the same as the setting data file stored in the photo processing apparatus 1. Thereby, work such as image processing can be performed under the same conditions in the photographic processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2, and the same processing is performed regardless of whether the photographic processing apparatus 1 or the terminal processing apparatus 2 performs image processing. Quality photo prints are obtained.

  The image input device 47 is a device for acquiring image data from a storage medium of a digital camera or other recording media. The input image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 48. The image processing operation by the second image processing unit 40 is the same as that already described in the photo processing apparatus 1, and the configuration example of the monitor screen can be the same as that in FIG. The correction data obtained by the image processing by the second image processing unit 40 is temporarily stored in the correction data storage unit 49. The image data storage unit 48 and the correction data storage unit 49 are the same as the image data storage unit 8 and the correction data storage unit 17 in FIG. The image data storage unit 48 and the correction data storage unit 49 are collectively defined as a data storage unit 58.

  A photographic print is created from the image processing data obtained by the image processing by the second image processing unit 40. However, it is not necessary to immediately perform the printing process, and the data is stored and the printing process is performed later. You can also do it all together. For this purpose, an order data storage unit 50 is provided, in which order data can be stored. This is the same as the case of the order data storage unit 9 in FIG. That is, it is possible to easily cope with re-baking processing and re-printing processing.

  The image processing function in the terminal processing device 2 is only the second image processing unit 40 configured by software, and hardware (image processing board) as provided in the photographic processing device 1 is not provided. Since the image processing board becomes expensive in cost, it is not preferable to install the image processing board in each of a plurality of terminal processing devices because the cost required for system construction increases considerably.

  The terminal processing device 2 can perform image processing work intensively regardless of the operating status of the photo processing device 1. While the terminal processing device 2 performs image processing, the photo processing device 1 can perform print processing separately from this, so that the processing efficiency of the entire image processing system is improved. Even if the power of the photo processing apparatus 1 is turned off, the image processing can be performed only by the terminal processing apparatus 2. For example, image processing can be performed collectively at night when the photo processing apparatus 1 is not operating, order data can be accumulated, and print creation processing can be performed collectively the next morning, so that work efficiency can be improved.

  If the image processing work can be performed only by the photo processing apparatus 1, even if it is desired to perform the image processing, if another operator is using the photo processing apparatus 1, it cannot be used because it is not possible to perform its own work. A long waiting time. According to the present invention, such a useless waiting time does not occur.

  When print processing is performed, the image processing data is sent to the network 3 via the data communication unit 55. The image processing data is transferred to the photo processing apparatus 1 via the network 3, and image data for exposure is generated on the image processing board 20 of the photo processing apparatus 1, and a photo print is created based on this.

  The image data writing device 56 is a device for writing image data on a recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD. In this case, the image data output from the data communication unit 55 is transferred to the image data writing device 56. The data transferred to the image data writing device 56 is not the image data and the correction data, but the corrected image data corrected by the correction data. The processing for generating the corrected image data is performed by software in the terminal processing device 2. The image data writing device 56 does not need to be provided in all the terminal processing devices 2 provided in plural, and may be provided only in a specific terminal processing device 2.

<Process distribution function between terminal processing devices>
As described above, by performing image processing in the terminal processing device 2, processing intensively performed in the photo processing device 1 can be distributed to the terminal processing device 2, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the entire system. be able to. However, processing to be performed by the terminal processing device is not only image processing, but also includes processing for writing other image data to a recording medium, processing for storing image data in the order data storage unit 50, and the like. The amount of processing to be performed can also be significant. Therefore, in a system in which two or more terminal processing devices 2 are connected to the network 3, a situation occurs in which processing is concentrated on a specific terminal processing device 2 and processing is not performed on other terminal processing devices 2. As a result, the processing efficiency is reduced. Therefore, the image processing system is provided with a mechanism for improving the processing efficiency of the entire system by appropriately distributing the processing among the terminal processing devices.

  In order to realize such a mechanism, a processing request unit 60 is provided. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the terminal processing device 2A is another terminal processing device. The terminal processing devices 2 and 2A are assumed to have the same function, and blocks having the same function are given the same number and a reference numeral “A”.

  The processing request unit 60 a has a function of sending a signal requesting processing to the other terminal processing device 2. The determination unit 60b has a function of receiving a signal from another terminal processing device 2A that responds to a signal from the processing request unit 60a and determining whether or not a request for processing is possible. For example, when data on the usage rate of the CPU of another terminal processing device 2A is returned, it can be determined whether the request can be made based on the usage rate. Further, as will be described later, since the terminal processing device can set whether or not to accept a request for processing from another, it can also make a determination based on this acceptance / rejection signal.

  The data transfer unit 60c transfers necessary data when the other terminal processing device 2A can request processing. If an image processing request is made, for example, the image data stored in the order data storage unit 50 is read and the image data is transferred. The process acceptability setting unit 60d has a function of setting whether or not to accept a process request from another terminal processing apparatus. Settings include whether or not to accept any request, setting that only specific processing (for example, only image processing, only storage processing, or multiple processes may be accepted), and terminal processing that accepts requests It is possible to perform setting of the apparatus, setting that arbitrarily combines these settings, and the like. The processing request destination setting means 60e can set which terminal processing device to request when requesting processing to another terminal processing device 2A. When a plurality of terminal processing devices 2A are connected to the network 3, it can be set in consideration of the skill of the operator who operates each terminal processing device 2A, the capacity of the hard disk of each terminal processing device 2A, and the like. Also, it is possible to set the terminal processing device 2A that makes a request according to the processing content. For example, if there is a terminal processing apparatus 2A provided with hardware for image processing, the processing request can be configured to be given priority.

  The process accepting unit 60f accepts a request when a request for a process is received from another terminal processing apparatus 2A. For example, when an image processing request for image data is received, the image data is transferred to the data storage unit 58 to enable image processing work. When the image data storage processing request is received, the order data storage unit 50 stores the image data. The free capacity detection unit 61 detects the free capacity of the order data storage unit 50 that is a storage device. For example, when a request for image data storage processing is received from another terminal processing device 2A, the free space is detected and the free space data is returned to the requesting terminal processing device 2A.

  The function of the processing request unit 60 can be realized by software. In FIG. 3, the processing request unit 60 and the second image processing unit 40 are configured separately, but some or all of the functions of the processing request unit 60 are included in the functions of the second image processing unit 40. You may let them.

<Distributed processing 1 (image processing)>
As an example of distributed processing, image processing in the case where image data is written to a CD-R (recording medium) will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

  First, image data to be written on the CD-R is input (# 20). The image data is mainly image data input from the image input device 47, but may be image data input via a network. When writing to a CD-R, it is necessary to perform image processing before writing. Therefore, a process start input is performed (# 21). This is performed by performing a specific key operation or clicking an appropriate place on the screen. As for image processing, if it has been set in advance that the terminal processing apparatus 2A is always requested, step # 22 is skipped and the process proceeds to # 23. That is, the function of the processing request unit 60a is automatically activated. Otherwise, based on the guidance screen as to whether or not to make a processing request, if a request is made, the process proceeds to step # 23 by manual operation. If no processing request is made, the image processing work is performed in the terminal processing device 2 of its own (# 24).

  When making a processing request to the other terminal processing device 2A, the processing request is inquired based on the function of the processing request means 60a (# 23). The processing request signal is transmitted to all the terminal processing devices 2A connected to the network 3 unless a terminal processing device that requests processing is set. The other terminal processing device 2A receives the processing request signal (# 25). The other terminal processing device 2A determines its own operating status and returns a response signal to the request signal (# 26). As the response signal, CPU utilization data can be returned. Although only the usage rate data may be returned, it is also determined whether or not a request is received from the usage rate data, and a signal indicating whether or not processing proxy is possible as a result may also be returned. In addition, if the other terminal processing device 2A is set to not accept processing from other, it is possible to return an acceptance rejection signal regardless of the usage rate.

  The terminal processing device 2 receives a response signal such as the usage rate data (# 27). Then, it is determined whether or not the request is possible (# 28). When request signals are sent to a plurality of other terminal processing devices 2A, a determination is made based on a plurality of response signals. For example, it can be determined that the terminal processing device 2A should request another terminal processing device 2A having the smallest CPU usage rate. If it is determined that processing requests cannot be made for all other terminal processing devices 2A, image processing is performed by itself (# 24).

  When another terminal processing apparatus 2A that can make a processing request is determined, image data is transmitted (# 29). The image data stored in the order data storage unit 50 is read out and transferred to another terminal processing apparatus 2A via the network. The other terminal processing device 2A receives the image data (# 30) and performs image processing (# 31). Then, the processed image data is transmitted to the requesting terminal processing device 2 (# 32). The requesting terminal processing device 2 receives the processed image data (# 33), and writes the image data to the CD-R (# 34).

  When image processing is performed by the other terminal processing apparatus 2A, it is not necessary to send back processed image data immediately, and it can be performed at an appropriate timing. For example, when a request for reply of processed image data is received from the requesting terminal processing device 2, it may be sent back.

  When requesting image processing, the request is basically made in units of orders. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the request may be made for a part of the order. For example, when one order is composed of 24 images, 12 of them may be requested to be processed by another terminal processing device 2A, and the rest may be processed by the terminal processing device 2 of its own. .

  According to the above configuration, processing to be performed by the terminal processing device can be distributed, so that the efficiency of the entire image processing system can be increased. In addition, when processing is delegated to another terminal processing device, all processing for requesting is automatically performed based on the function of the software. Therefore, it is not necessary to give a work burden to the operator. By setting the process acceptability setting unit 60d and the process request destination setting unit 60e first, it is possible to save time and labor related to operation management. When other terminal processing devices are equipped with functions specialized for specific processing or backed up software, the processing can be completed in a shorter time by requesting the processing. When receiving a processing request from another terminal processing apparatus, the requested processing can be efficiently performed by preallocating memory resources.

<Distributed processing 2 (storage processing)>
Next, distributed processing related to image data storage processing will be described. As described above, the image data is stored in the order data storage unit 50 so that the reprinting process and the extra printing process can be easily handled. The order data storage unit 50 is composed of a hard disk, but there is a limit to the storage capacity. Therefore, when there is no free space in the terminal processing device 2 of its own, it is possible to request another terminal processing device 2A to perform the storage process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

  First, it is determined whether or not the terminal processing device 2 (order data storage unit 50) has a free space (# 40). If there is free space, the image data can be saved as it is. The unit for storing image data is the order unit as described above. If there is no free space (if there is a storage capacity equal to or less than a predetermined value), an inquiry is made as to whether or not the storage process can be performed (# 42).

  The other terminal processing device 2A receives the storage request signal (# 43) and confirms the free capacity. The free space data is returned to the requesting terminal processing device (# 44). The returned signal may include a signal indicating whether or not the storage process is permitted. Since the storage process itself can be rejected, in that case, a reject signal is sent back regardless of the free space. The requesting terminal processing device 2 receives the response signal (# 45). If there are a plurality of other terminal processing devices 2A that have inquired, a plurality of response signals are received. It is determined from this response signal whether or not it is possible to request substitution of the saving process (# 46).

  For example, the size of the free space can be compared, and the other terminal processing device 2A with the largest free space can be requested to perform the storage process. If there is no terminal processing apparatus 2A that can request the saving process, an appropriate measure is taken (# 47). For example, measures such as deleting old image data to ensure storage capacity are taken. When another terminal processing device 2A that can perform the saving process is found, first, the requested data (ID) is saved (# 48), and the image data is sent to the other requested terminal processing device 2A. Transfer (# 49). Even in the case of requesting the saving process, the order data is stored in the order data storage unit 50 although the image data is not stored. This order data includes the ID (identification code) of the request processing terminal processing apparatus for the storage process.

  The requested terminal processing device 2A receives the image data (# 50), and stores the image data in the order data storage unit 50A (storage device). When saving, the requester ID is also saved (# 51).

  Next, a processing procedure for reading stored image data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the storage location of the image data is confirmed (# 60). If it is stored in the terminal processing device 2 of its own, the image data is read out from it and processing such as print creation processing is performed (# 61, # 62, # 68). If it is not the terminal processing device 2 of its own, an image data extraction request signal is sent to the terminal processing device 2A that is the storage processing request destination (# 63). This request signal includes an ID for specifying a terminal processing apparatus as a transmission destination. This take-out request signal is received by the other terminal processing apparatus 2A that is the data storage destination (# 64).

  The ID included in the request signal is collated with the ID stored in the order data storage unit 50A (# 65). If the IDs match as a result of the collation, the image data associated with the ID is taken out and returned (# 66). When this image data is received (# 67), print creation processing or the like is performed (# 68).

  According to the above configuration, the storage device provided in the system can be used effectively. Further, the storage area of the other terminal processing device 2A connected to the network 3 can be handled as if it is the storage area of its own terminal processing device 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which image data cannot be stored due to a lack of storage capacity (as a result, customer orders cannot be received). Further, since the storage area can be shared and used as the entire system, it is considered that the processing efficiency of the entire system is improved. Data transfer and reading can be automatically performed between terminal processing devices. Therefore, the labor of the operator can be saved.

  A terminal processing apparatus having a large storage capacity can be configured to receive a request for storage processing preferentially. Further, a priority order may be given to each terminal processing device in advance according to the storage capacity, and the terminal processing device that requests the storage processing may be determined based on this.

<Distributed processing 3 (others)>
Another example of requesting processing to another terminal processing device 2 will be described. For example, a data backup can be requested. A backup of the order data stored in the order data storage unit 50 can be requested to another terminal processing device 2. As a result, even if the hard disk is broken and data cannot be read, the data can be restored from the backup destination.

  You can request uploading of image data. Although the process of uploading image data to the server has been described with reference to FIG. 1, it is possible to request uploading of this image data to another terminal processing apparatus. If the communication line such as the Internet 4 is congested, it may take time to upload, but by requesting another terminal processing device, you can perform your work regardless of the time required for upload. .

<Print creation processing procedure>
Next, an outline of a processing procedure when a photo print is created by the photo processing apparatus 1 using the image data received by the terminal processing apparatus 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, image data is acquired from a storage medium via the image input device 47 (# 01). The input image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 48. The input image is displayed on the screen of the monitor 44, and it is determined whether or not an appropriate color / density print is created. If necessary, color / density correction data is input and other necessary image processing operations are performed (# 02). Image processing work is performed in units of orders, and when image processing data for one order is generated (# 03), it is determined whether or not to perform print processing (# 04).

  When print processing is not performed, the image processing data is stored as order data in the order data storage unit (# 15). Further, even when the print processing is performed immediately, the image processing data is stored in the order data storage unit 50 (# 05). As described above, this is to deal with a case where a customer requests a reprinting process later. When print processing is performed, the image processing data is sent from the data communication unit 55 to the network (# 06).

  The data sent here is image data and correction data, and is not exposure image data finally provided for exposure. If the same data as the image data for exposure is sent to the network, the amount of data may be considerably large (particularly the size of four or six), causing the network 3 to be congested and hindering communication. Sometimes. In the case of the present invention, the image data sent to the network 3 sends the same data as the image data inputted from the image input device 47. If the input image data is a compressed file, the transmitted image data is also sent in a compressed state, and therefore, the minimum necessary data may be sent. Therefore, network congestion can be avoided in advance.

  Further, since the terminal processing device 2 is not provided with hardware (image processing board) for generating image data for exposure, if it is attempted to generate image data for exposure in the terminal processing device 2, it is assumed that software is used. However, there is a problem in that the burden on the CPU of the terminal processing device 2 increases as the data size increases. Therefore, it is preferable to transmit image processing data including image data and correction data as described above.

  The image processing data sent to the network 3 is received by the reception memory 21 of the photo processing apparatus 1 (# 10), and final image processing is performed by the image processing board 20. The correction data includes data on the print size and the number of prints in addition to correction parameters for correcting the color and density. Based on these data, exposure image data is generated from the transmitted image data (# 11). The generated image data for exposure is transferred to the exposure engine 32 (# 12), and the image is printed on the paper. The paper on which the image is printed and exposed is subjected to development processing and drying processing (# 13), and is then discharged to the outside as a finished photographic print (# 14).

<Another embodiment>
(1) The photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention may not be an apparatus in which the image processing unit and the image exposure unit are integrated. For example, in FIG. 1, the scanner device 6 has a structure separated from the photographic processing apparatus main body. However, the image processing unit and the image exposure unit may be separated from each other in the same manner as this. When disconnected, it is connected by a communication line.
(2) The terminal processing apparatus can be configured by a general-purpose computer (personal computer), but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by a computer specialized for a specific function.
(3) In the present embodiment, only image processing is requested when image data is written to a recording medium. However, image data writing may be requested together with image processing. Alternatively, only the writing of image data may be requested. When the recording medium writing device is provided only in a specific terminal processing device. The terminal processing device can be requested to write. When a specific terminal processing device is provided with hardware for image processing, the terminal processing device can be requested to perform image processing.
(4) A terminal processing device (server) that specially processes requests from other terminal processing devices may be provided in the network.

Schematic diagram showing the system overview Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the photo processing apparatus Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal processing device The figure which shows the structural example of the monitor screen at the time of performing image processing work Flow chart showing the procedure for requesting proxy for image processing Flowchart showing the procedure for requesting proxy for save processing The flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of taking out image data from a preservation processing substitution place Flow chart showing the procedure of print creation processing

Explanation of symbols

1 Photo Processing Device 2 Terminal Processing Device 3 Network 32 Exposure Engine 40 Second Image Processing Unit 41 GUI
42 Image processing unit 43 Network control unit 44 Monitor 45 Keyboard 47 Image input device 48 Image data storage unit 49 Correction data storage unit 50 Order data storage unit 55 Data communication unit 60 Processing request unit 60a Processing request unit 60b Determination unit 60c Data transfer unit 60d Process acceptability setting means 60e Process request destination setting means 60f Process accepting means 60g Collation means 61 Free capacity detection unit

Claims (9)

A terminal processing device that performs processing related to input image data;
An image processing system comprising network means for connecting a plurality of terminal processing devices,
In the terminal processor
Processing request means for sending a signal requesting processing to another terminal processing device;
A determination unit that receives a signal from another terminal processing device that responds to the signal from the processing request unit and determines whether the processing request is possible;
An image processing system, comprising: a data transfer unit configured to transfer processing data to the other terminal processing apparatus when processing can be requested. A terminal processing device that performs processing related to input image data and is connected to another terminal processing device via a network means,
Processing request means for sending a signal requesting processing to another terminal processing device;
A determination unit that receives a signal from another terminal processing device that responds to the signal from the processing request unit and determines whether the processing request is possible;
A terminal processing device, comprising: a data transfer means for transferring processing data to the other terminal processing device when a request for processing is possible.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a process acceptability setting unit capable of setting in advance whether or not to accept a process request from another terminal processing apparatus.   4. The terminal processing according to claim 2, further comprising: a processing request destination setting unit capable of presetting a terminal processing device that transmits a request signal when a request is made to another terminal processing device. apparatus.   The specific processing among the processing related to the image data is configured to automatically start up the function of the processing request unit. Terminal processing device.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the process relating to the image data is an image process performed prior to a process of writing the image data on a recording medium.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing related to the image data is image data storage processing.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the signal from the other terminal processing apparatus includes data on a free capacity of a storage device in which image data is to be stored.   When requesting another terminal processing device to store the image data, the request source ID for specifying the request source is also transmitted and stored together with the image data to be stored, and the stored image data is read. 9. The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising collating means for performing collation by ID when performing.

Images