JP2005223527A - Photoprinting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology of quickly and simply providing an output of an album print on the basis of a layout desired by a user by using a template. <P>SOLUTION: The photoprinting apparatus comprises: a printout section for outputting the album print wherein a plurality of photograph frame images are formed on a single photoprint; a layout setting section (43) of setting the layout of a frame on which the photograph frame images are laid out on the basis of template data; and an album print edit section (46a) for managing production of album print data on the basis of the layout. The photoprinting apparatus also includes a code interpretation section (42) that applies two-dimensional coding to the template data, interprets a read signal resulting from reading the generated two-dimensional code with a scanner and reproduces the template data, and gives reproduced template data to a layout setting section, thereby setting a particular layout. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides an image input unit that reads a shot frame image, a print output unit that outputs an album print in which a plurality of the shot frame images are formed on one photo print, and the shot frame image is arranged based on template data The present invention relates to a photo printing apparatus comprising a layout setting unit for setting a layout of frames to be performed and an album print editing unit for managing generation of album print data based on the layout.

  In recent DP shops, a photographic printing device that outputs photographic prints based on digital image data called a digital minilab has been introduced. Since this photographic printing device handles digital image data, it is a photographic film for a silver salt film camera. The shot frame image formed on the camera is scanned with film, and the shot frame image stored in the memory card of the digital camera is directly input, subjected to appropriate image processing and converted into print data, and the print output unit Output a photo print. Since the shot frame image is handled as digital image data, special processing of the shot frame image, which is impossible or extremely difficult with a conventional optical minilab, for example, a plurality of shot frame images can be arbitrarily selected. It can be arranged in a layout and output as a single photo print. In addition, such a print in which a plurality of shot frame images are arranged on one photo print or a combination of shot frame images and other special images (including characters) is called album print or multi-print. Yes.

  Identification information for each of a plurality of photographed frame images (actually image data of the photographed frame images, except in cases where it is particularly necessary to distinguish between them). Is stored in a storage medium, and a photo printer that outputs an album print by arranging the photographed frame images instructed using the identification information in the order information in the same instructed layout is known ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)

  Similarly, in a photographic printing apparatus capable of multi-printing, the multi-print layout determining means for determining the layout of captured frame images in multi-printing may use layout templates prepared in advance according to the number of captured frame images to be arranged. It is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, a template storage unit for storing images of a plurality of types of templates having a rectangular shape in which image insertion frames having predetermined shapes (frames in the present application) are formed at a plurality of locations, and a plurality of types displayed on a monitor screen A template selection unit that selects one template from the templates, an image synthesis unit that performs image synthesis by pasting a plurality of images prepared in advance for synthesis on the image insertion frame of the template, and a composite image A printer unit that prints image data on recording paper, and an image selection unit that selects desired multiple pieces of image data from the image data in the image recording medium as a composite image. A group of templates having a predetermined type, for example, three image insertion frames is displayed on the screen. And selection of the type of template that, together sizing have been proposed album printing apparatus to be performed (e.g., see Patent Document 3.).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-214886 (paragraph numbers 0001-0011, FIG. 1) JP 2000-89372 A (paragraph number 0009, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-92715 (paragraph numbers 0019-0030, FIG. 1)

  It is inefficient to set the layout while looking at the template drawing that is schematically written by the user in order to match the layout layout of the shot frame images in the album print to the user's preference, and the accuracy of such template drawing Depending on the situation, an album print having a layout as desired by the user may not be output. Even if a layout setting function using a template is installed, it is not efficient for the user to search for a template group displayed on the screen, and a lot of template data can be created and stored. A lot of burden will be required. In particular, even if you make a slight modification to the layout based on a given template and output an album print, if you later order an album print with the same layout, it will be very difficult to create the same layout as the previous one. It will be a laborious work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to quickly and easily perform album printing based on a layout desired by a user in a photo printing apparatus that outputs an album print using a template. It is to provide output technology.

  To achieve the above object, an image input unit for reading a shot frame image, a print output unit for outputting an album print in which a plurality of the shot frame images are formed on one photo print, and the shooting frame based on template data. In the photo printing apparatus according to the present invention, which includes a layout setting unit for setting a layout of a frame for arranging an image and an album print editing unit for managing generation of album print data based on the layout, the template data is two-dimensionally A scanner that reads a two-dimensional code generated by encoding; and a code decoding unit that decodes a read signal read by the scanner and reproduces the template data; and Giving to the setting part Specific layout is set.

  In this configuration, a specific layout is set only by reading a two-dimensional code created by converting the template data into a two-dimensional code, preferably a QR code, with an attached scanner. Since the data capacity of the two-dimensional code is larger than a barcode, etc., it is possible to code all of the template data that defines the layout for album printing, so a database for storing the template data on the photographic printing device side can be created. There is no need to prepare. Since the controller of the photographic printing apparatus only needs to construct a code decoding unit that decodes the two-dimensional code, there is no upper limit on the number of layouts to be handled. Moreover, the layout setting can be made quickly and easily, and as a result, the album print can be output smoothly.

  In order to enable the user to easily find the desired album print layout, the two-dimensional code is created as an album print sample sheet together with a schematic diagram of a template created by template data reproduced from the two-dimensional code. It is convenient. On the other hand, the user can search for a favorite layout while looking at the album print sample. On the other hand, the corresponding layout is set immediately by reading the corresponding two-dimensional code with a scanner on the photo printing apparatus side. Further, if the album print sample sheet is configured so that it can be output from the print output unit, it is not necessary to request a specialist to create an album print sample sheet, and the high quality image quality of the photo printing apparatus can be enjoyed. Therefore, the two-dimensional code is also highly accurate and easy to read.

  Even if an album print sample sheet with various layouts is prepared in advance, it may not completely satisfy the user's request, so it is necessary to create it manually from the beginning or modify the existing layout. Need to set a new layout. It is advantageous if the new layout created in such a manner can be set by reading the two-dimensional code in the subsequent layout setting work. For this purpose, in one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a code generator for two-dimensionally coding template data defining a layout created by manual operation is provided. At that time, when a layout is newly created by manual operation, an album print sample sheet including at least a two-dimensional code for the new layout and a new template schematic diagram is automatically output from the print output unit. In this case, when a new layout is created, an album print sample having a two-dimensional code of the layout data and a template schematic diagram is output, which is more convenient. That is, this photo printing apparatus has a self-propagating album print sample sheet creation function.

  If a character string can be arranged in the frame constituting the template, it is convenient for creating a greeting card or the like. In such a case, by utilizing the large data capacity of the two-dimensional code adopted in the present invention, preferably the QR code, the character string arranged in the specific frame is also converted into the two-dimensional code of the template data. At this time, it is convenient to include the two-dimensional code in the form of a character code.

Template data expresses the shape and position of a frame, which is a frame for placing images and characters on a specific sheet (page), and in some cases, images such as character strings and illustrations. These can be converted into text files. Page description language (for example, Postscript: trademark of Adobe Corporation). In addition, since the contents of such a text file can be easily two-dimensionally encoded, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the template data is created in a page description language. Thus, even very complicated template data in which text and images are mixed can be handled by the photo printing apparatus of the present invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments using the drawings.

    FIG. 1 is an external view showing a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention. This photographic printing apparatus includes a printing station 1B as a print output unit for performing exposure processing and development processing on photographic paper P, and a developed photographic film. From the operation station 1A, which processes photographed image data fetched from the Ma or the digital camera memory card Mb and generates / transfers print data used in the print station 1B and generates / transfers control commands for the print station 1B. It is configured.

  This photo printing apparatus is also called a digital minilab. As can be understood from FIG. 2, the printing station 1B pulls out the roll-shaped printing paper P stored in the two printing paper magazines 11 and prints it with the sheet cutter 12. The back printing unit 13 prints print processing information such as color correction information and frame number on the back surface of the photographic paper P, and the digital exposure unit 14 cuts the paper into the size. A photographed image is exposed on the surface of the photographic paper P, and the exposed photographic paper P is sent to a processing tank unit 15 having a plurality of development processing tanks for development processing. The photographic paper P, that is, the photographic prints FP, sent to the sorter 17 from the transverse feed conveyor 16 at the upper part of the apparatus after drying, is collected in a plurality of trays 17a of the sorter 17 in a state of being sorted in order units (FIG. 1). reference). As will be described in detail later, in this photo printing apparatus, a large number of template schematics (image data and character data are simplified for the layout of the inserted frame) and the layout thereof are used as a reference for the user who orders the album print. An album as shown in FIG. 3, for example, in which data is two-dimensionally encoded, in this embodiment a QR code image (hereinafter simply referred to as a QR code) obtained by QR encoding is assigned as a template and assigned with a template ID. Similarly to the photographic print FP, the print sample sheet 2 is exposed to the appropriately cut photographic paper P by the digital exposure unit 14 and developed by the post-processing tank unit 15 to be output to the lateral feed conveyor 16 and the tray 17a. Placed on.

  A photographic paper transport mechanism 18 is laid to transport the photographic paper P at a transport speed in accordance with various processes for the photographic paper P described above. The photographic paper transport mechanism 18 is composed of a plurality of nipping and transporting roller pairs including a chucker type photographic paper transport unit 18a disposed before and after the exposure unit 14 in the photographic paper transport direction.

  The digital exposure unit 14 applies R (red), G (green), and B (blue) to the printing paper P conveyed in the sub-scanning direction based on print data from the operation station 1A along the main scanning direction. A line exposure head for irradiating laser beams of the three primary colors (1) is provided. The processing tank unit 15 includes a color developing tank 15a for storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing tank 15b for storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a stabilizing tank 15c for storing a stable processing liquid.

  At the upper position of the desk-like console of the operation station 1A, the photographed image data is obtained from a film scanner 6a for obtaining photographed image data from the photographed image frame of the photographic film Ma, a memory card Mb attached to a digital camera or the like. In this embodiment, the media reader 6b outputs the captured image data to a recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD-R. It is incorporated in a general-purpose personal computer that functions as the controller unit 4 of this photographic printing apparatus together with the drive 7 for use. This general-purpose personal computer is further used as a handy scanner 3 for reading a QR code printed on the album print sample sheet 2, a monitor 5 for displaying various information, and an operation input unit used for various settings and adjustments. A keyboard 8a and a mouse 8b are also connected.

  In the controller unit 4 of this photographic printing apparatus, a functional unit for performing various operations of the photographic printing apparatus is constructed by hardware and / or software using a CPU as a core member. As described above, the functional unit particularly related to the present invention includes a memory 40 for temporarily storing photographed image data read by the film scanner 6a and the media reader 6b and code image data read by the handy scanner 3. A graphic user interface (hereinafter referred to as a control screen) for generating / transferring control commands from a user operation input (via the keyboard 8a, mouse 8b, etc.) through creation of a graphic operation screen including various windows and various operation buttons. (Abbreviated as GUI) Sent from the code decoding unit 42, a code decoding unit 42 for decoding the code image data read by the handy scanner 3 from the QR code of the album print sample sheet 2, and reproducing the original template data. A layout setting unit 43 that sets frame attribute values (size, position, etc.) of the frame for image embedding by manual operation through the album data editing screen provided by the template data or the GUI unit 41, and a layout edited by manual operation. Print data for the album print sample sheet 2 by combining the QR code and the template schematic diagram corresponding to the code generation unit 44 that generates QR code image data by converting the template data to be defined into a QR code. A sample sheet data generating unit 45 for generating the image data, an album print data table 45a for storing print data for the album print sample sheet 2, and a template data sent from the layout setting unit 43 and a GUI data sent from the GUI unit 41. A print management unit 46 that performs processing control for various print outputs based on the received control command, and performs image processing on the image data developed in the memory 40 based on a command from the print management unit 46. An image processing unit 47 and a print data generation unit 48 that converts final image data subjected to image processing such as resolution conversion and color correction into print data suitable for the digital exposure unit 14 installed in the print station 1B. Print settings such as the number of prints, and color correction A video signal for displaying on the monitor 5 graphic data for constructing a graphic user interface sent from the GUI unit 41 such as a pre-judge screen for displaying a print source image or a simulated image as an expected finished print image at the time of the judgment work. Examples include a video control unit 49 to be generated, and a formatter unit 50 that formats raw captured image data or processed captured image data that has been subjected to image processing into a format for writing to a CD-R, according to customer requirements. .

  In this embodiment, some of the templates handled by the layout setting unit 43 include a frame in which character or image data is preliminarily incorporated, and a bitmap data generation unit that converts these data into bitmaps. 43 a is included in the layout setting unit 43. Furthermore, the print management unit 46 includes an album print management unit 46a that arranges a shot frame image in each frame based on the layout (frame arrangement) set by the layout setting unit 43 and makes other adjustments. It has been incorporated.

  FIG. 5 shows the data structure of template data read by the handy scanner 3 and reproduced by the code decoding unit 42 from the template QR code selected from the album print sample sheet 2 shown in FIG. All templates are given unique template IDs that are also printed on the album print sample sheet 2, and as a result, the template size that becomes the size of the album print 2 and the number of frames included in this template are displayed. Subsequently, frame attributes indicating the characteristics of the frame are added by the number of frames indicated by the number of frames. Each frame attribute includes a frame number, a frame type, a Y position, an X position, a height, a width, a rotation angle, and frame content data. As a frame type, a frame image frame in which a shot frame image is inserted is generally used. However, a character frame in which a character is inserted, a special image frame in which an illustration or a character image is inserted may be used depending on circumstances. When the frame type is a character frame or a special image frame, character data or image data is placed in the frame content data.

  When the template data is sent to the layout setting unit 43, a template confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. An album print is created using this template (which defines the layout of the constituent elements of the album print). Make sure. In order to facilitate this confirmation, the attribute value, Y position, X position, and the like of the frames constituting this template are displayed at the lower left of the template confirmation screen. If a character frame or special image frame is included as a frame, characters and images as frame contents are displayed in the frame area.

  When using the template selected from the album print sample sheet 2 as it is, it is only necessary to click the confirmation button on the template confirmation screen, but when changing from the template of the sample, the edit button is clicked and displayed in FIG. Edit the template on the template editing screen as shown. This template editing screen is substantially the same as the template confirmation screen, but a completion button is arranged instead of the confirmation button, and a delete button for deleting the selected frame and a frame addition button for adding a new frame are provided. Has been placed. Further, the attribute value, Y position, X position, etc. of the frame displayed at the lower left of the screen can be changed for editing the template. The template data of the new template edited on the template editing screen is sent to the sample sheet data generation unit 45, where it is incorporated as a part of album print sample sheet print data and additionally stored in the album print data table 45a.

  When the confirmation button is clicked on the template confirmation screen or the completion button is clicked on the template editing screen, an album print simulation screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Through this screen, a desired shot frame image is displayed. The simulated image is confirmed while being inserted into the frame, and the final printing operation is started. In addition, when the photographed frame image inserted in each frame is determined in advance, the operation of inserting the photographed frame image into the frame is automatically performed.

A typical flow of album print processing in the photo printing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, an album print sample sheet 2 as shown in FIG. 3 created in advance is shown to the customer, and a template that the customer likes is selected (# 01). At that time, if the album print sample sheet 2 has a template that matches the customer's wishes, the QR code belonging to that template is read using the handy scanner 3, and if there is no desired template, the QR of the template closest to the desired one is read. Read the code (# 02). The read signal from the handy scanner 3 is reproduced as template data by the code decoding unit 42 of the controller 4 (# 03). The reproduced template data is transferred to the layout setting unit 43 (# 04). The layout setting unit 43 displays a template confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor 5 based on the received template data (# 5). If the template displayed on the template confirmation screen (which defines the layout of album print components) is a template that matches the customer's wishes, click the confirmation button and proceed to the next album print simulation step ( # 07 No branch). If the template displayed on the template confirmation screen is a template that requires correction, the editing button is clicked to move to the template editing step (# 07 Yes branch). In the template editing step, a template desired by the customer is created through a template editing screen as shown in FIG. 7 displayed on the monitor 5 (# 08). When the template editing operation is completed and the completion button is clicked, template data of a new template created by editing is created (# 09) and temporarily stored (# 10). Further, a new sample flag is set (# 11), and the process proceeds to the next album print simulation step.

  In the album print simulation step, an album print simulation screen as shown in FIG. 8 created using the template data is first displayed on the monitor 5 (# 12). Through the album print simulation screen, the finally printed album print is confirmed with the simulated image created by fitting the shot frame image into each frame (# 13). When the combination of the template and the shot frame image is completed, a well-known print processing routine is started (# 14), and an album print is output as a photo print FP from the print station 1B.

  When the print processing related to this album printing is completed (if the capability of the controller 4 is possible, it may be simultaneously with the print processing), it is checked whether a template to be a new sample has been created, that is, whether a new sample flag has been set. (# 15). If a new template is not used in this album print (# 15 No branch), this album print processing routine ends. If a new template is used in this album print (# 15 Yes branch), the code The generation unit 44 reads the new template data temporarily stored in step # 09 and converts it into a QR code (# 16). The QR code image generated by the code generation unit 44 is sent to the sample sheet data generation unit 45, and a schematic diagram of this template is also created. By combining them, new album print sample sheet print data is generated, and the album It is additionally stored in the print data table 45a (# 17). The new print channel sheet data is sent from the sample sheet data generation unit to the digital exposure unit 14 of the print station 1B at an appropriate time, and a new album print sample sheet 2 is output (# 18). The routine ends.

  In the embodiment described above, in order to read the QR code printed on the album print sample sheet 2 and reproduce the template data, the handy scanner 3 and the code image data read by the handy scanner 3 are decoded to obtain the template data. The code decoding unit 42 for reproduction is used, but instead of this configuration, the output signal (template data) from the code reader is directly set to the layout setting unit 43 using a code reader integrating the handy scanner function and the code decoding function. A configuration may be adopted in which the data is directly input to.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the print station 1B exposes the photographic image to the photographic paper P by the exposure unit 14 equipped with the laser-type exposure engine, and performs a plurality of development processes on the photographic paper P after the exposure. However, the print station 1B according to the present invention is not limited to such a method, and for example, an image is formed by ejecting ink onto a film or paper. Various photographic printing methods such as an inkjet printing method and a thermal transfer method using a thermal transfer sheet can be employed.

  The present invention can be widely used in the technical field of an image output apparatus that can set a print channel using a machine-readable code and can output the code used for the print channel setting by itself. Can do.

1 is an external view showing a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the print station that composes the photo printing device Plan view showing a part of an album print sample sheet Functional block diagram showing the functions of the controller installed in the operation station Schematic diagram showing the data structure of template data Monitor screen showing an example of a template confirmation screen Monitor screen showing an example of the template editing screen Monitor screen showing an example of album print simulation screen Flow chart showing photo order processing routine

Explanation of symbols

1A: Operation station 1B: Print station (print output unit)
2: Print channel sheet 3: Handy scanner 4: Controller 6a: Film scanner (image input unit)
6b: Media reader (image input unit)
41: GUI unit 42: Code decoding unit 43: Layout setting unit 44: Code generation unit 45: Sample sheet data generation unit 46: Print management unit 46a; Album print management unit 47: Image processing unit 48: Print data generation unit

Claims (7)

An image input unit for reading a photographed frame image, a print output unit for outputting an album print in which a plurality of the photographed frame images are formed on one photo print, and a frame layout for arranging the photographed frame images based on template data In a photo printing apparatus comprising a layout setting unit for setting the album and an album print editing unit for managing the generation of album print data based on the layout,
A scanner that reads a two-dimensional code created by two-dimensionally coding the template data; and a code decoding unit that decodes a read signal read by the scanner and reproduces the template data. A specific printing layout is set by giving template data to the layout setting unit.   2. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is created as an album print sample sheet together with a schematic diagram of a template created from template data reproduced from the two-dimensional code.   3. The photo print apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the album print sample sheet is output from the print output unit.   4. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a code generation unit that two-dimensionally encodes template data that defines a layout created by manual operation.   When a layout is newly created by manual operation, an album print sample sheet including at least a two-dimensional code for the new layout and a new template schematic diagram is automatically output from the print output unit. Item 5. The photographic printing apparatus according to Item 4.   The template data includes a character frame in which a character string is arranged, and the character string is included in a two-dimensional code in the form of a character code when the template data is two-dimensionally encoded. The photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   6. The photo printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the template data is created in a page description language.