JP2005196652A - Image processing system and photographic processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system including a photographic processor connected to a terminal processor through a network, in which an image processing work to be carried out in the terminal processor in conformity to the skill of an operator. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing system comprises the terminal processor 2 including an image processing part 40 having the function of performing image processing to input image data, and the photographic processor 1 having the function of performing print formation based on print forming data obtained in the image processing work by the image processing part 40, the photographic processor 1 being connectable with the terminal processor 2 through a network 3. At least either the photographic processor 1 or the terminal processor 2 includes a limiting means 10a for limiting the working range of the image processing work by the operator through the image processing part 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal processing apparatus having an image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data, and printing based on print creation data obtained by image processing work by the image processing unit. An image processing system configured to connect a photographic processing apparatus having a function of creating, one or a plurality of photographic processing apparatuses, and a plurality of the terminal processing apparatuses via a network, and photographic processing used in the system It relates to the device.

An outline procedure of photographic processing in such a 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 (print creation 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.

  On the other hand, a photographic print creation system in which a terminal processing device and a photographic processing device are connected by network means is known (for example, Patent Document 1 listed below by the present applicant). In this system, image data from a developed photographic film is mainly input to a photographic processing apparatus, and image data from a recording medium such as a digital camera is input from a terminal processing apparatus.

  In addition, as described above, an image processing operation is performed by an operator in a photo processing apparatus, but in a system in which a terminal processing apparatus is connected via a network, image data input from the terminal processing apparatus is processed by the terminal processing apparatus. It is preferable to carry out the treatment. If the image processing unit is provided in the terminal processing device and the print processing data obtained as a result of the image processing is transmitted to the photo processing device, the image processing work performed in the photo processing device can be performed by the terminal processing device. Can be dispersed. Thereby, it is possible to increase the processing efficiency of the entire system by distributing the image processing work.

In the above system, as the number of terminal processing devices connected to the network increases, the number of operators who operate the terminal processing devices also increases. However, there are some experienced operators and beginners such as part-time workers. As described above, since the operator has large and small skills, an undesired result may be generated particularly when a beginner is allowed to perform image processing work freely. For example, if a beginner with little knowledge of image processing is allowed to perform image processing work freely, a photo print with poor image quality may be created.
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 the problem is that in a system in which a photographic processing apparatus and a terminal processing apparatus are connected by a network, image processing work performed by the terminal processing apparatus is performed according to the skill of the operator An image processing system and a photographic processing apparatus used in this system are provided.

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing system according to the present invention provides:
A terminal processing apparatus including an image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data;
A photo processing apparatus having a function of performing print creation based on print creation data obtained by image processing work by the image processing unit;
An image processing system configured to connect one or a plurality of the photographic processing devices and a plurality of the terminal processing devices via a network,
At least one of the photo processing device or the terminal processing device,
The image processing unit includes a limiting unit for limiting a work range of an operator's image processing work.

  The operation and effect of this image processing system will be described. In this system, a photo processing device and a terminal processing device are connected by a network. An image processing unit is provided in the terminal processing device, and image data input to the terminal processing device is subjected to image processing work as necessary by the image processing unit, and the obtained print creation data is stored in the photo processing device. The print is generated by the photo processing apparatus.

  At least one of the photographic processing device and the terminal processing device (or both of them) is provided with a limiting means, and this limiting means has a function of limiting the work range of the operator's image processing work by the image processing unit. Yes. When the limiting unit is provided in the photographic processing apparatus, the work range of the image processing unit of the terminal processing apparatus connected to the photographic processing apparatus via a network can be limited. Therefore, the terminal processing device used by beginners can be restricted to limit the work range. It is also possible to collectively manage the work range of each terminal processing apparatus in the photo processing apparatus. The restricting means is provided in a specific terminal processing device. In this case, the work range of other terminal processing devices connected to the network can be restricted and the work range can be managed collectively. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing system capable of performing image processing work performed by the terminal processing device in accordance with the skill of the operator and a photographic processing device used in this system.

  The restricting means according to the present invention preferably has a function of setting a specific function of the image processing unit to an unusable state. It is particularly preferable that the specific function includes at least one of an image editing function, a template composition function, and a template creation function.

  Since the image editing function and the like are operations requiring skill, it is considered undesirable for a beginner to perform. Therefore, it is preferable that the terminal processing device used by a beginner can be set so that this function cannot be used.

  The specific function is preferably a function for setting an input amount input by one operation input when inputting a correction value of color or density. This specific function is, for example, a function that can be changed so that a numerical value (input amount) of “1.5” becomes “1.0” when a specific key is pressed once for color correction. . Such a setting relating to the input of the correction value is directly related to the image quality, and is preferably set so that a beginner cannot change it.

  The restricting means according to the present invention preferably has a function of setting an editable range for a specific function of the image processing unit. The specific function preferably includes at least one of a correction range for image density correction, a sharpness correction range, and a contrast correction range.

  These image density corrections and the like are functions required for performing image processing work, but if a beginner can use them without limitation, a print with poor image quality may be created. Thus, these functions can be used even by beginners, but it is preferable to limit the range that can be edited (corrected) to some extent.

  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 (corresponding to print creation data) is composed of at least image data and correction data, and the image data acquired from the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is used as the image data. Can be transmitted to the image processing board 20 as they are.

  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 by the image processing means 22 not only generates corrected image data having a color / density corrected based on the correction data, but also becomes data having the same size as the print size to be created. Enlargement processing or rotation processing that converts the image's height and width, special corrections such as red-eye correction and backlight correction that are performed as needed, color matching correction to match the color of the finished photo print with the color on the monitor screen, development Examples include corrections that take into account the type of processing liquid 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 development 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.

<Function of restriction means>
Next, the function of the limiting unit 10a provided in the first image processing unit 10 of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be described.

  As already described, the same software is basically used for the image processing software constituting the first image processing unit 10 and the image processing software constituting the second image processing unit 40. And since the 2nd image processing part 40 is provided also in the terminal processing apparatus 2, an image processing work can be distributed also to the terminal processing apparatus 2, and the processing efficiency of the whole system can be raised.

  On the other hand, when the number of terminal processing devices 2 connected to the network 3 increases, various operators will operate the terminal processing devices 2, and not only skilled workers who have knowledge of image processing work. Even beginners such as part-time workers and part-timers may operate the terminal processing device 2. If there is a difference in image processing skills as described above, it is considered undesirable to allow all operators to perform image processing work in the same range. Image processing operations include operations that are difficult for non-experts and parameter settings that directly affect image quality. Therefore, there are operations that may be left to beginners and tasks that should not be performed by beginners.

  Therefore, the photographic processing apparatus 1 is provided with a restricting means 10a so that the work range of the image processing work of each terminal processing apparatus 2 connected to the network 3 can be restricted. Further, the work range can be restricted individually for each of the plurality of terminal processing devices 2. In other words, the work range is limited according to the skill of the operator. Restriction data for each terminal processing device 2 is stored in the terminal management data storage unit 37.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a setting screen when the work range is limited. In FIG. 5, the restriction content about the terminal processing devices X, Y, and Z is shown. In addition, functions A, B, C, and D relating to image processing are given as examples. The terminal processing device X is a device used by a skilled person, can be used for all functions, and parameters for the functions C and D can be freely changed. That is, the terminal processing device X is set so as not to have any restrictions. The terminal processing apparatus Y can use the function A freely, but cannot use the function B. The functions C and D can be used, but the editable range is narrower than that of the terminal processing device X. The terminal processing device Z cannot use both functions A and B. The functions C and D can be used, but the editable range is further narrowed. As described above, the function and editing range can be limited according to the skill of the operator.

  Next, the function of image processing will be specifically described. As functions corresponding to A and B in FIG. 5, there are an image editing function, a template composition function, and a template creation function. Image editing is a function that combines input image data and other image data to edit and generate new image data. The template composition function is a function that inserts and synthesizes an input image with respect to a template image. For example, a calendar image or an image for a New Year's card is prepared in advance as a template, and an image according to a customer request is inserted into the template image to create a photo print. The template creation function is a function for creating the calendar image and the image (template image) for New Year's cards. Since these functions are considered to be difficult tasks for beginners, it is preferable to limit the functions so that the terminal processing device 2 used by the beginners cannot be used.

  As already described with reference to FIG. 4, when correcting the density and color, a correction value is input by operating a key on the keyboard. When performing key operation input, for example, when a specific key on the keyboard is pressed once, the Y color changes by “+1” (corresponding to the input amount per key operation input). It can also be set to do. The same applies to input by mouse click operation instead of key operation. Such setting of the input amount is directly related to the image quality, and it is necessary to acquire knowledge about image processing as to how to change the setting. Therefore, it is preferable to set so that a beginner cannot use such a function. For the terminal processing device 2 used by a beginner, for example, the amount of change per key operation input (input amount) is fixed to “1.0”.

  Next, specific examples of the functions C and D will be described. Examples of the functions C and D include a density set value correction range, a sharpness correction range, and a contrast correction range. These corrections can be performed even by beginners, but if correction (editing) can be performed freely, a photographic print with an undesirable image quality may be created. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the correctable range in advance even if the density is corrected.

  After completing the setting on the setting screen as shown in FIG. 5, the set restriction data is transmitted to each terminal processing device 2 via the data communication unit 36 via the network. Next, functions on the terminal processing device 2 side will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second image processing unit 40 is provided with a function control unit 40a. The restriction data set by the restriction means 10a is received via the data communication unit 55 of the terminal processing device 2. The function control unit 40a limits the function and work range of the second image processing unit 40 based on the received restriction data. Thereby, the work range of the image processing work of each terminal processing device 2 can be limited and set collectively.

<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 the 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).

  Note that the data sent here is image data and correction data (corresponding to print creation data), and is not image data for exposure finally used 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 this embodiment, image processing data including image data and correction data is transferred from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device. This image data is the same as the image data when input to the terminal processing apparatus, but the corrected image data corrected by some correction parameters and the remaining correction data (these also correspond to print creation data). May be transferred.

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 Conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of the setting screen when limiting the work range Flow chart showing the procedure of print creation processing

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo processing apparatus 2 Terminal processing apparatus 3 Network 8 Image data storage part 10 1st image processing part 10a Restriction means 11 GUI
12 Image processing unit 13 Hardware control unit 14 Setting data file storage unit 17 Correction data storage unit 20 Image processing substrate 22 Image processing unit 32 Exposure engine 36 Data communication unit 37 Terminal management data storage unit 40 Second image processing unit 40a Function control unit 41 GUI
42 Image processing unit 43 Network control unit 44 Monitor 45 Keyboard 46 Setting data file storage unit 47 Image input device 48 Image data storage unit 49 Correction data storage unit 50 Order data storage unit 55 Data communication unit

Claims (7)

A terminal processing apparatus including an image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data;
A photo processing apparatus having a function of performing print creation based on print creation data obtained by image processing work by the image processing unit;
An image processing system configured to connect one or a plurality of the photographic processing devices and a plurality of the terminal processing devices via a network,
At least one of the photo processing device or the terminal processing device,
An image processing system comprising: a restricting unit for restricting a work range of an operator's image processing work by the image processing unit. A photograph based on print creation data obtained by image processing operations connected to a terminal processing apparatus having an image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data through a network. A photo processing device capable of creating prints,
A photographic processing apparatus comprising: a restricting means for restricting a work range of an image processing work of an operator by the image processing unit.   The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the restriction unit has a function of setting a specific function of the image processing unit to an unusable state.   The photo processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the restriction unit has a function of setting an editable range for a specific function of the image processing unit.   The photo processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific function includes at least one of an image editing function, a template composition function, and a template creation function.   6. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific function is a setting function of an input amount input by one operation input when a correction value of color or density is input.   The photograph according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the specific function includes at least one of a correction range of image density correction, a correction range of sharpness, and a correction range of contrast. Processing equipment.

Images