JP2005327249A - Image recording device and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily check a date of an image recorded in a recording medium when image data to which information about a photographed date is imparted. <P>SOLUTION: The image data to which the information on the photographed date is imparted is sorted into the predetermined number of groups. One piece of image data is respectively selected from each group and pieces of thumbnail image data of them are generated. Then, the generated pieces of thumbnail image data are printed on a disk surface of a DVD-R which records the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and method for recording a plurality of images to which information related to the acquired age is provided on a recording medium such as a DVD-R, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image recording method.

  Prints using conventional silver halide photographic film can be used in various ways, such as looking at the image, showing it to a friend for communication, printing it to an acquaintance, decorating it by enlarging it, and pasting it on an album. Has been. However, a large number of prints using a silver halide photographic film accumulate if neglected, and it is difficult to utilize such as searching for a desired print from among them or increasing the number of prints. In particular, when the prints are stored, the prints are often arranged in a random manner without considering the shooting order, so that it is more difficult to arrange the prints.

  In addition, it is easy to use it if it is organized frequently, but it takes a lot of time to classify the collected prints according to the order of shooting dates and themes. In addition, even if you organize and paste it into an album, the album is usually only a part, so it is difficult for many people to view photos or to have remote people view photos .

  Also, neglecting to organize prints will result in the accumulation of negative films as well as prints. In many cases, the negative film is left as it is or stored in a box or bag even if it is arranged. Furthermore, if the user who is a photographer gets older, children and grandchildren, and the family grows, the number of prints and negative films will increase, and if you do not organize, a huge amount of prints and negative films will be left unattended Become. If a print or a negative film is thrown away, it cannot be printed again, so it is rarely thrown away, and in many homes, there is a problem with how to organize and place it.

  On the other hand, image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a negative film or a print by a reading device such as a scanner is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-R and viewed using a reproducing device such as a personal computer. In addition, a photo service system that prints out an image at the request of a user has been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, the image data is stored in the image storage server that stores the image data via a network such as the Internet, the image data is stored, and the image data can be viewed or printed using a terminal device remote from the image storage server. There has also been proposed a network photo service system including an image storage system capable of performing various processes relating to images such as orders (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, in the image storage system, it is assumed that the image recorded on the negative film is read during the process of developing and printing the negative film, and the image data is stored in units of film rolls. The work of associating the film roll with the user who requested storage of the image data is complicated. In addition, since the image is simply read and stored from the negative film, if the image is read from a huge number of negative films or prints left at home as described above, it is not arranged at all. A large amount of image data will be stored. In this case, it is necessary for the user who accesses the image storage server to organize a large amount of image data. However, the work is very complicated like the arrangement of negative films and prints, and the usability of the system is very high. It is bad.

  Therefore, image data is acquired from a recording medium such as a print or film on which an image is recorded, the acquired image data is associated with recording medium information representing the recording medium from which the image data was acquired, and image data associated with the recording medium information A system for providing a so-called photomining service in which a user is stored on a user basis based on user information has been proposed (see Patent Document 4). According to this system, even if a large number of negative films and prints buried in the home are not organized, the user only requests the photo shop to read the image, and the image data obtained by the reading is recorded as record information. It can be referred to in an organized state based on

  In particular, in the system described in Patent Document 4 described above, shooting date information representing the shooting date of an image is acquired as record information. Specifically, when the shooting date is reflected in the image, the shooting date information is acquired by performing character recognition, or the shooting date information included in the magnetic information is obtained for a film capable of recording magnetic information. The shooting date information is acquired by reading. Also, the shooting date specified by the user who placed the order is acquired as shooting date information. Further, when the shooting date is unknown, the shooting date information is obtained by estimating the shooting date from the DX code of the film or the brand mark printed on the print. Furthermore, when the shooting date is unknown, shooting date information indicating that the shooting date is unknown is acquired. As described above, by using the shooting date information as the recording body information, it is possible to refer to the images classified by age.

On the other hand, when recording a plurality of images on a recording medium such as a DVD-R, a method has been proposed in which thumbnail images of representative images of a plurality of images are added to the surface of the recording medium (see Patent Document 5). According to this method, since it is not necessary to set the recording medium on a personal computer and observe it with a viewer in order to confirm the image recorded on the recording medium, it is possible to reduce the trouble of searching for a desired image. it can.
JP-A-10-150538 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-150541 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154218 JP 2003-234985 A JP 2002-8350 A

  In the system described in Patent Document 4 described above, images represented by acquired image data are classified into a plurality of groups. At this time, it is possible to classify the images according to the age according to the shooting date information given to the image data. The classified image data can also be recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD-R. Here, since a large amount of image data is recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD-R, in order to easily confirm the contents of the image recorded on the recording medium, the method described in Patent Document 5 is used. It is conceivable to apply thumbnail images of representative images of a plurality of images to the disk surface of the media. However, if a representative image is appropriately selected from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium, it is impossible to determine what age image is recorded on the recording medium simply by looking at the recording medium. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to make it possible to easily confirm the age of an image recorded on a recording medium.

An image recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording unit that records a plurality of images to which age information related to an acquired age is added to a recording medium;
Selecting means for selecting at least one image according to the age information from the plurality of images;
The image processing apparatus includes an adding unit that adds a thumbnail image of the selected image and / or information indicating a storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image to the disk surface of the recording medium. is there.

  “Information related to the selected image” means information other than the selected image that allows the user to know what the selected image is. For example, the selected image created from the selected image is included. Moving images can be used.

  “Information indicating the storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image” refers to the image selected by accessing the storage location of the image selected by referring to it or the information related to the selected image, or It means information that can refer to information related to the selected image. For example, the storage location URL, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode obtained by encrypting the storage location URL, and the like can be used.

  In the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the selecting means may be means for selecting an image whose age can be estimated.

  The “image whose age can be estimated” means an image whose age can be estimated by looking at the image. Specifically, an image including a person's face or a building can be used.

  In the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the selection unit may be a unit that classifies the plurality of images into a plurality of groups according to age and selects at least one image from each of the plurality of classified groups. .

  In this case, the selection means may be means for selecting the newest image and the oldest image in each of the plurality of classified groups.

  In the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the selection means may be means for determining a story of the plurality of images and selecting an image corresponding to the age information and the story.

  Further, in the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, when the plurality of thumbnail images of the selected images are added to the board surface, the adding unit may be a unit that increases the size of a thumbnail image of a newer image.

  In this case, the plurality of thumbnail images may be spirally arranged in chronological order and applied to the board surface.

  Further, in the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, when the adding unit adds the thumbnail image of the selected image to the board surface, the predetermined template and the thumbnail image are combined and applied to the board surface. Also good.

  In the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the adding unit may be a unit that further adds a news image corresponding to the age of the selected image to the board surface.

The image recording method according to the present invention records, on a recording medium, a plurality of images to which age information related to the acquired age is given,
Selecting at least one image according to the age information from the plurality of images;
The thumbnail image of the selected image and / or information indicating the storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image is given to the board surface of the recording medium.

  The image recording method according to the present invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the image recording method.

  According to the image recording apparatus and method of the present invention, a plurality of images to which age information related to the acquired age is added are recorded on the recording medium, and at least one image corresponding to the age information is selected from the plurality of images. Then, information indicating the thumbnail image of the selected image and / or the storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image is given to the board of the recording medium. For this reason, when viewing the recording medium or referring to the information indicating the storage location and referring to the image or information stored in the storage location, the content of the image recorded on the recording medium and the content of the image are used to determine the age of the image. Can be confirmed. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the recording medium on a personal computer and observe it with a viewer in order to confirm the image recorded on the recording medium, so that it is possible to reduce time and labor when searching for a desired image.

  In addition, by selecting an image whose age can be estimated, the age of the image can be more reliably estimated from the thumbnail image assigned to the board.

  Also, by classifying multiple images into multiple groups for each age group and selecting at least one image from each of the grouped multiple groups, it is easy to check which age image is recorded on the recording medium can do.

  In this case, by selecting the newest image and the oldest image in each of the plurality of classified groups, the age range of the images recorded on the recording medium can be easily recognized.

  Further, when giving thumbnail images of a plurality of selected images to the board, the thumbnail images given to the board can be easily recognized by age by increasing the size of the thumbnail images having a newer age.

  In this case, by arranging the thumbnail images in a spiral shape in chronological order, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the thumbnail images provided on the board according to the age.

  In addition, when a thumbnail image of the selected image is assigned to the board, a predetermined template and a thumbnail image are combined and given to the board, thereby making the thumbnail image given to the board visually superior. be able to.

  Further, by giving a news image corresponding to the age of the selected image to the board surface, it is possible to know the news generated in the age of the image recorded on the recording medium.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photomining system to which an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a photo mining system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of users 2 and a photo mining server (hereinafter referred to as a PM server) that accepts orders for a photo mining service by a plurality of users 2 via the Internet. 3 and various information, negative films, prints, and the like are exchanged between the digital center 4 that processes an order of the photomining service performed by the user 2.

  In this embodiment, the photomining service acquires the image data S0 from the media M such as the negative film NF, the print P and the CD-R, and the memory card owned by the user 2, and from the acquired image data and image data. The created slide show format DVD-Video file is recorded on a medium such as a DVD-R (in this embodiment, DVD-R), and is delivered to the user.

  The user 2 owns a large amount of negative film NF and prints P without organizing them, and records a large amount of image data on the medium M without organizing them. An order for a photo mining service for print P is made. That is, the user 2 has a user terminal 20 such as a personal computer connected to the Internet 7, accesses the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, and orders a photo mining service.

  Note that the photo mining system 1 according to the present embodiment has a membership system, and the user 2 registers a member in advance with the PM server 3 and issues a user ID and password that are identification symbols for identifying the user 2. It is what has been received. At the time of member registration, the user 2 registers information such as the user's name, address, age, telephone number, e-mail address, and family structure as user information at the same time. The registered user information is registered in the user information database of the PM server 3 and the digital center 4 as described later.

  The PM server 3 operates a website that accepts orders for photo mining services, and accepts orders for photo mining services by the user 2. At this time, the user 2 accesses the website of the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, inputs a user ID and a password, and orders a photo mining service. When the PM server 3 accepts an order from the user 2, the PM server 3 issues an order number, and transmits an e-mail for notifying the user 2 of the order number and the delivery date for confirmation of order acceptance. Further, the PM server 3 notifies the digital center 4 that the order from the user 2 has been accepted. The notification includes user information, order number, delivery date and order reception date.

  The PM server 3 stores a user information database DB1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user information database DB1. As shown in FIG. 2, the user information database DB1 includes a plurality of user information and header information for managing each user information. Here, when a new user is registered, the user information database DB1 is updated. Specifically, each piece of user information includes a user ID, name, date of birth, age, address, hobby, e-mail address, family structure, usage record of image data, settlement method, and other information.

  When the operator of the digital center 4 is notified that the order has been received from the PM server 3, the user refers to the user information included in the notification and the user information database DB1 stored in the digital center 4 as will be described later. 2 is sent to the address of the user 2 who made the order. The delivery box B for sending the negative film NF, the print P, and the medium M (hereinafter referred to as the recording medium 10) owned by the customer 2 to the digital center 4 is sent. Note that an order slip in which information such as the order number of the user is recorded together with the shipping box B is also sent to the user 2. Further, the order slip is also attached to the sending box B. A bar code associated with the order number is printed on the order slip. Further, the sending box B may be sent from an external supplier different from the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the user 2 packs the recording body 10 owned by the user 2 in the sending box B and sends it to the digital center 4. At this time, the type, number, and comments of the recording medium 10 are described in the order slip and returned to the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the digital center 4 uses the image forming apparatus 40 to perform processing for the photomining service.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 40 acquires image data from the recording body 10 and creates a DVD-R on which the acquired image data is recorded. The image forming apparatus 40 reads an image recorded on the negative film NF. Three film scanners 41A to 41C for acquiring the image data S0, a print scanner 42 for reading the image from the print P and acquiring the image data S0, and a media drive 43 for reading the image data S0 from the medium M and acquiring the image data S0 Various information for acquiring the shooting date information D from the image data S0 read from the medium M, and for adding to the image data S0 information relating to the shooting date (hereinafter referred to as shooting date information D) from the negative film NF and the print P. An information acquisition unit 44 that acquires information, and performs image processing and image restoration processing on the image data S0. The image processing unit 45 to obtain an image data S1 processed by, comprising a storage unit 46 storing various kinds of information including the image data S1.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 40 determines which of the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 (hereinafter referred to as the image acquisition unit 12) acquires the image data S0 from the recording medium 10 sent by the user 2. Sorting unit 47 for sorting, job management unit 48 that manages the type of image acquisition unit 12 that performs acquisition processing of image data S0 from each recording medium 10 in units of acquisition processing (hereinafter referred to as job), job unit or image By providing a comment input unit 49 that accepts input of comments regarding images in units, an image confirmation unit 50 that performs confirmation and correction of an image represented by the processed image data S1, and various information such as comments to the image data S1. An image converter 51 for converting the image data 1 into the image data S2 in the Exif format; A DVD-Video file V0 in a slide show format from the DVD-R, and a DVD creation unit 52 for creating a DVD-R in which the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 are recorded, and a communication unit 53 for communicating with the PM server 3 .

  Note that the components of the image forming apparatus 40 are connected by a bus 55.

  The film scanners 41A to 41C sequentially read a plurality of images recorded on the negative film NF, and obtain a plurality of image data S0 representing the images recorded on the negative film NF. Here, the negative film NF is delivered to the digital center 4 while being cut into film pieces in units of six frames and stored in a film storage sheet. For this reason, an operator who operates the film scanners 41A to 41C sequentially takes out the film pieces from the film storage sheet, sets them on the film scanners 41A to 41C, and reads an image.

  In the present embodiment, reading of an image from the negative film NF stored in one film storage sheet is one acquisition process, that is, job. For this reason, the operator of the film scanners 41A to 41C performs an input to the effect that one job has been completed on the operation unit of the film scanners 41A to 41C every time reading of an image from one film storage sheet is completed.

  The films stored in the respective film storage sheets are taken out and sequentially joined, and the joined negative film NF is further joined to create a film roll, and image reading is performed from the film roll using the film scanners 41A to 41C. May be performed.

  The print scanner 42 reads the image of the print P and acquires image data S0 representing the image of the print P. Here, the prints P are delivered to the digital center 4 in a state where a plurality of prints are bundled together. Therefore, an operator who operates the print scanner 42 sets the prints P one by one in the print scanner 42 and reads an image. In the present embodiment, reading one image from a bundle of prints P is one job. For this reason, the operator of the print scanner 42 performs an input to the effect that one job has been completed on the operation unit of the print scanner 42 every time reading of an image from the bundle of prints P is completed.

  Note that sorting means for automatically feeding the prints P to the print scanner 42 may be provided so that images from the prints P are automatically read.

  The media drive 43 acquires the image data S0 by reading the image data S0 recorded on the medium M. Since there are a wide variety of media M, media drive 43 of a type corresponding to the media used in the market is prepared.

  In the present embodiment, reading of image data from one medium M is one acquisition process, that is, job. For this reason, the operator of the media drive 43 performs an input to the effect that one job has been completed on the operation unit of the media drive 43 every time reading of image data from one medium M is completed.

  The information acquisition unit 44 acquires the shooting date information D from the negative film NF and the print P. Here, in the negative film NF, a code number (hereinafter referred to as DX code) peculiar to the film is recorded, and by referring to this DX code, it is possible to estimate the age when the film was manufactured. Is. For this reason, the information acquisition unit 44 reads the DX code recorded in the negative film NF, and refers to the age database DB2 stored in the storage unit 46 as will be described later. Is obtained.

  When the negative film NF is a so-called APS film having a magnetic recording part capable of recording magnetic information, the shooting date can be recorded as magnetic information in the magnetic recording part. In this case, it is possible to read the magnetic information indicating the shooting date recorded in the magnetic reading unit of the negative film NF and use it as shooting date information D.

  Further, when the date is reflected in the image, the shooting date can be known by reading the date and performing character recognition. In this case, information obtained by reading the date reflected in the image can be used as the shooting date information D. Note that, depending on the image, the date being reflected may be difficult to read. In such a case, the shooting date information D of the image whose shooting date could not be read may be obtained based on the date that can be read in the images before and after the image.

  On the other hand, for the print P, when the date is reflected in the print P, the date of photographing can be known by reading the date and performing character recognition. In this case, information obtained by reading the date reflected on the print P can be used as the shooting date information D.

  In addition, when the print P is a bordered print, information indicating the print age, such as “Fujicolor 99”, may be included in the edge portion. In addition, information indicating the age of the print (for example, a brand mark of a print that differs depending on the release year) may be printed on the back surface of the print P. In such a case, information obtained by reading the edge or back of the print P and further performing character recognition may be used as the shooting date information D.

  In some cases, the user 2 describes the shooting date on the film storage sheet of the negative film NF, the storage bag of the film storage sheet, and / or the back surface of the print P. In addition, the user 2 may record the shooting date for each recording medium 10 in the order slip. In such a case, input of these dates by the operator of the digital center 4 may be received by a comment input unit 49 or the like which will be described later, and the input date may be used as the shooting date information D.

  Further, since the image date S0 read from the medium M has the shooting date information described in the tag, the shooting date information D may be acquired based on the shooting date information described in the tag.

  Here, as described above, the shooting date information D is described in the DX code, the shooting date reflected in the image, the shooting date instructed by the user, the information recorded on the edge and back of the print P, and the tag. It can be obtained based on many types of information sources, such as information. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the priority order of the information sources to be obtained and obtain the shooting date information D according to the priority order. At this time, it is preferable that the information source from which the photographing date information D is obtained can be identified so that the information source from which the photographing date information D is obtained can be recognized. Note that a plurality of shooting date information D may be acquired in association with the information source without setting the priority order in advance.

  Further, in the information acquisition unit 44, in addition to the shooting date information D, the frame number in the case of reading from the negative film NF, the type of the recording body from which the image data S0 is obtained (the negative film NF, the print P, and the media M The information data J is generated together with the shooting date information D.

  Here, there are cases where the shooting date is unknown even if any information source is referred to. In this case, the information acquisition unit 44 obtains shooting date information D indicating that the shooting date is unknown.

  The photographing date information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 may be acquired at the same time as the image data S0 is acquired by the image acquisition unit 12. In this case, the information acquisition unit 44 is added to the image acquisition unit 12, and the operator of the image acquisition unit 12 operates the information acquisition unit 44.

  The image processing unit 45 performs image processing for improving image quality such as gradation processing, color conversion processing, and sharpness processing on the image data S0 to obtain processed image data S1. Note that, in the negative film NF or the print P for which the user 2 has requested the photomining service, the image may fade and become sepia or may be scratched over time. In addition, red eyes may occur in an image obtained by photographing using a flash.

  For this reason, the image processing unit 45 may perform image restoration processing such as fading correction processing, flaw correction processing, and red-eye correction processing for correcting the sepia color to a normal color on the image data S0. The image restoration process may be automatically performed by analyzing the image data S0. However, in order to respond to the user 2's desire to leave the image as it is, the image restoration process is performed only when there is an instruction from the user 2. A repair process may be performed. Furthermore, an image restoration process may be performed on all the image data S0 according to an instruction from the user 2. The instruction by the user 2 is described in the order slip. For this reason, the operator of the digital center 4 can determine whether or not to execute the image restoration process by confirming the presence or absence of an instruction from the user 2 by referring to the order slip.

  Note that when reading images with the film scanners 41A to 41C and the print scanner 42, IR data is obtained in correspondence with the image data S0 by irradiating the film with infrared rays and reading infrared transmitted light, and based on the IR data. Then, the scratch correction process may be performed. That is, the IR data obtained by irradiating the film with infrared rays represents the defect position and the extent of the image data S0 caused by film scratches or dust. If such IR data is acquired and the flaw correction process is performed based on the IR data, flaws can be corrected efficiently.

  The storage unit 46 is composed of a large-capacity hard disk, and temporarily stores the image data S0 and processed image data S1 acquired by the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43, and the user information database DB1 and An age database DB2 representing the relationship between the DX code and the film production age and the relationship between the print brand mark and the age is stored. Further, the storage unit 46 stores the order number, sorting information (to be described later), the file name of the image data S0, the shooting date information D, the comment, the frame number of the negative film NF, the image aspect ratio, etc. The business management database DB3 in which information is registered is stored.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the age database DB2. As shown in FIG. 4, the age database DB2 includes a plurality of DX code information, brand mark information, and header information for managing each DX code information and each brand mark information. Each DX code information is specifically composed of DX code and information on the age when the negative film NF on which the DX code is recorded is manufactured. Each brand mark information is specifically composed of a brand mark and information on the age when the brand mark was used.

  The information acquisition unit 44 can acquire shooting date information D representing the age when the negative film NF was manufactured by reading the DX code recorded in the negative film NF and referring to the age database DB2. Further, the information acquisition unit 44 can acquire the shooting date information D representing the age when the brand mark was used by reading the brand mark printed on the back surface of the print P and referring to the age database DB2. .

  The sorting unit 47 sorts which image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 for each of the plurality of recording bodies 10 according to an operator's instruction. Therefore, the sorting unit 47 includes a display unit 47A for performing various displays and an input unit 47B including a barcode reader.

  First, the operator uses the sorting unit 47 to perform an arrival work. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an arrival screen displayed on the display unit 47A of the sorting unit 47. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the arrival screen 61 includes an order number, a user ID, a user name, an order reception date, a current state, an arrival date, an answer delivery date indicating a delivery date answered to the user, a shipment date, a settlement completion date, and A payment method item is displayed. The operator reads the barcode of the order slip attached to the sending box B with a barcode reader. Thus, the read order number is displayed in the order number column, and when the operator clicks the search button 61A, the user ID, name, name, The date of acceptance of the order made by the user 2 to the PM server 3 and the delivery date answered to the user 2 are displayed. In the arrival date column, the date of the arrival work day is entered. The operator confirms the contents, and if this is OK, the input completion button 61B is clicked. As a result, the sorting unit 47 transmits the information displayed on the arrival screen 61 to the business management unit 48.

  Thereafter, the operator performs a sorting operation. Note that the sorting operation may be performed after all the shipping boxes B currently received are received. First, the operator unpacks the transmission box B, and the number of negative films NF, the number of prints P, the number of media M and the number of negative films NF actually packed, the number of prints P, the media Check the number of M. At this time, even if the recording body 10 packed in the shipping box B is photographed and image data representing the packed recording body 10 is acquired and stored in the storage unit 46 in association with the order number. Good.

  Then, the sorting unit 47 displays a main screen on the display unit 47A in accordance with an operator instruction. FIG. 6 shows the main screen. As shown in FIG. 6, the main screen 62 includes an information display box 62A for displaying information about the photomining service for each user, a sort registration button 62B for sorting registration, and a comment registration button for registering comments. 62C, a top / bottom registration button 62D for performing top / bottom registration is displayed.

  In the information display box 62A, information such as an order number, a user ID, a user name, a situation, a settlement method, a reception date, an arrival date, a delivery date, and a shipment date is displayed as a list. Here, the status represents the current status of the order.

  In FIG. 6, the delivery date and the shipping date are not displayed, but can be displayed by operating the horizontal scroll bar 62E. Further, the list can be scrolled by operating the vertical scroll bar 62F.

  The operator of the sorting unit 47 performs the sorting work by selecting an order for sorting work in the list and then clicking the sort registration button 62E to display a sorting screen on the display unit 47A.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sorting screen. As shown in FIG. 7, the sorting screen 63 includes an order number display box 63A for displaying an order number for the selected order, and a model name of the image acquisition unit 12 installed in the digital center 4 (that is, the film scanner 41A to 41A). When reading an image from a negative film NF, a name box 63B displaying a film scanner No. 1 to No. 3 corresponding to 41C, a print scanner No. 1 corresponding to a print scanner 42, and a media drive No. 1 corresponding to a media drive 43) A sorting name box 63C for displaying a sorting name indicating the type of the designated film, and a line order number (that is, numbers corresponding to the model names of the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 selected in the name field 63B). Show Line order number box 63D, sorting number box 63E for inputting the number of sorting, setting button 63F for setting sorting, sorting status box 63G indicating the sorting status for the model selected in the name box 63B, for confirming sorting registration A sort registration button 63H, a cancel button 63J for canceling sort registration, and a remark input box 63K for inputting remarks are displayed.

  The operator selects the model name of the image acquisition unit 12 displayed in the name box 63B for each of the recording bodies 10 sent by the user 2. When the model name is selected, the line order number of the selected model is displayed in the line order number box 63D, and the sorting status of the selected model is displayed in the sorting status box 63G.

  The sorting status indicates how many recording bodies 10 are currently sorted into the model of the image acquisition unit 12 selected by the user. The model name, line order number, sorting name, number of sorting, and the image acquisition unit thereof 12 is made up of information on the operator who is currently operating.

  The operator selects a model that seems to be appropriate for acquiring the image data S0 in units of the recording medium 10 while looking at the sorting status. At this time, it is preferable to select the model in consideration of the operator's work ability displayed in the sorting status box 63G. For the negative film NF, one film storage sheet is used as one piece, the film type is selected in the film type box 63C, the number of sorting is input to the sorting number box 63E, and the setting button 63F is clicked. Thereby, the sorting of one negative film NF is completed, and the sorting status is added to the sorting status box 63G. Note that there are cases where scanning cannot be performed due to damage to the negative film NF. In such a case, the fact is input to the remark input box 63K.

  For the print P, the operator selects the first print scanner in the name box 63B with one bundle as one piece, and inputs the sorting number in the sorting number box 63E.

  Further, the operator selects one of the media M as one piece, selects the first media drive in the name box 63B, and inputs the number of sorting in the sorting number box 63E.

  When sorting for all the recording bodies 10 is completed, the sorting operation for the order is completed by clicking the sort registration button 63H. As a result, the sorting unit 47 generates sorting information indicating the sorting result, and transmits the sorting information to the job management unit 48. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing sorting information. As shown in FIG. 8, the sorting information includes a user ID and a job number. The job number is assigned in units of acquisition processing of the image data S0 from each of the plurality of recording bodies 10, and describes which image acquisition unit 12 is used to acquire the image data S0 for one job. It becomes.

  The sorting information shown in FIG. 8 represents the sorting result when the image data S0 is acquired from the three negative films NF, a bundle of prints, and one medium M. Further, the sorting result is printed out as a sorting slip and is passed to the operator of the image acquisition unit 12. The operator of the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 from the recording body 10 using the image acquisition unit 12 with reference to the sorting result printed on the sorting slip.

  The business management unit 48 manages the business of the photomining service performed by the digital center 4. That is, in photo mining services such as order acceptance, shipping box B, shipping box B, sorting, image data S0 acquisition, image processing, comment input, image confirmation, image conversion, DVD creation, DVD shipping and settlement Manage all work done for each order number on a per-user basis. Specifically, the business is managed using the business management database DB3.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the business management database DB3. As shown in FIG. 9, the business management database DB3 is composed of order information indicating the order contents for the photomining service for each user and header information for managing each order information. The order information includes an order number, sorting information, information on all jobs included in the order, and the current status of the order. The job information includes the line order number of the image acquisition unit 12 that performs the job, the shooting date information, the reliability of the shooting date represented by the shooting date information, an individual comment in the job, the file name, and the current status of the job The type of the recording medium 10 and other information.

  Further, the file name information includes individual shooting date information about the image data S0 having the file name, reliability of the shooting date, individual comments on the image data S0, top and bottom information indicating the orientation of the image, and negative film NF. It consists of a frame number when read, an aspect ratio of the image, a slide show for registering whether to include in the slide show, and other information.

  The order number transmitted from the PM server 3 is registered as the order number, and the information generated by the sorting unit 47 is registered as the sorting information. As the status of each order, the current status of the order is registered at any time. That is, sending box has been sent, waiting for arrival, receiving, sorting, waiting for sorting, scanning, scanning, scanned, image processing, image processing, image conversion, image conversion completed, DVD creation waiting, DVD creation in progress , And the status of shipment etc. are registered by input from components of the image forming apparatus 40 such as the image acquisition unit 12, the image processing unit 45, the sorting unit 47, and the DVD creation unit 52.

  The shooting date information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 is registered as shooting date information for each job. As will be described later, a comment input in the comment input unit 49 is registered for each job. The status of each job is registered as to what status each job is currently in. That is, the status of processing performed in units of jobs, such as sorting, waiting for scanning, scanning, scanned, image processing, and image processing, is determined by the image forming apparatus 40 such as the image acquisition unit 12 and the image processing unit 45. Registered by input from the component.

  The current situation in order units or job units is used by the operator of the digital center 4 for confirmation, but this may be transmitted to the PM server 3. Thereby, when the user 2 accesses the PM server 3, it is possible to confirm the current state of the order of the user 2. Here, the current situation to be notified to the user 2 does not have to be so fine as to notify the operator of the digital center 4. For example, the user 2 is notified of only three types, that is, scanning, DVD creation, and DVD shipment completed. It may be.

  Here, regarding the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera and the image data S0 read from the negative film NF in which the shooting date is recorded as magnetic information, the reliability of the shooting date information D is high, but the DX code or print of the film is high. Since the shooting date information D obtained by referring to the age database DB2 from the P brand mark or the like only knows the rough age, the reliability is low. For this reason, regarding the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera and the image data S0 read from the negative film NF in which the shooting date is recorded as magnetic information, the reliability of the shooting date represented by the shooting date information D is high. The fact that the reliability of the shooting date represented by the shooting date information D estimated by referring to the age database DB2 from the DX code, brand mark, etc. is low is registered. Specifically, the reliability is set in four stages of 0 to 3. If the reliability is high, 3 is registered, and thereafter, it is registered in steps of 2, 1, 0 as the reliability decreases.

  If the shooting date information D indicates that the shooting date is unknown, the reliability need not be registered.

  Instead of registering the reliability in the business management database DB3, the reliability may be obtained from the shooting date information D when the image conversion unit 51 converts the image data S1 as described later.

  The business management unit 48 manages the status of sorting performed on the image acquisition unit 12. The sorting status is displayed in a sorting status box 63G on the sorting screen 63.

  The comment input unit 49 accepts input of a comment for each job. Here, the event name written by the user 2 on the film storage sheet of the negative film NF, the event name written by the user 2 on the back side of the print P, and the event name written by the user 2 on the order slip are used as comments. be able to. The comment input unit 49 includes a display unit 49A and an input unit 49B. The main screen 62 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 49A according to the operator's instruction. When the operator clicks the comment registration button 62C, the comment is displayed on the display unit 49A. Display the input screen.

  FIG. 10 shows a comment input screen. As shown in FIG. 10, in the comment input screen 64, an order number display box 64A for displaying an order number for an order for inputting a comment, a job list box 64B for displaying a list of jobs, and a shooting for inputting a shooting date. A date input box 64C, a comment input box 64D for inputting a comment, a comment list box 64E for displaying a list of comments, a setting button 64F for setting a comment, a reset button 64G for resetting the input contents, and an input comment A comment registration button 64H for confirming and a cancel button 64J for canceling comment input are displayed.

  The operator who inputs a comment selects a job for inputting a comment from the job list box 64B, and inputs the comment in the comment input box 64D. Since comments with high versatility are displayed in the comment list box 64E, a comment can be input to the comment input box 64D by selecting the comment to be input in the comment list box 64E.

  In order to order a photo mining service for the same user 2, a user-specific comment such as the name of the child of the user 2 or the name of a frequently visited place is often repeatedly input. For this reason, the comment input unit 49 may store the comments once input for each user and display the stored comments in the comment list box 64E. In the present embodiment, “Taro's Sports Day” and “Hanako's Entrance Ceremony” are displayed in the comment list box 64E as comments previously input for the user.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 44 acquires the shooting date information D, but the shooting date may be written on the back side of the film storage sheet or the print P. Therefore, the operator inputs the shooting date from the shooting date input box 64C when the shooting date is written on the back side of the film storage sheet or the print P. As a result, the shooting date information D registered in the business management database DB3 for the image data S0 acquired from the job or the print P is replaced with the shooting date information represented by the input shooting date. The shooting date input box 64C has a pull-down menu, which makes it easy to input the shooting date.

  The operator inputs a comment for each job, and sets a comment for that job by clicking the setting button 64F. Also, by clicking the reset button 64G, the input content can be reset and the comment input can be performed again. Then, after inputting comments (if necessary, shooting date if necessary) for all jobs and clicking the setting button 64F, the comment input unit 49 displays each job and comment by clicking the comment registration button 64H. The associated information is transmitted to the business management unit 48. The business management unit 48 registers a comment in each job of the business management database DB3 based on this information.

  Note that the input of a comment can also be performed at the stage of acquiring the image data S0 and confirming the image described later. In order to input a comment when acquiring the image data S0, the comment input unit 49 and the image acquisition unit 12 are provided together so that an operator who acquires the image data S0 inputs a comment. Good. In order to input a comment when confirming an image, a comment input unit 49 and an image confirmation unit 50 may be provided so that an operator who confirms an image inputs a comment.

  The image confirmation unit 50 is for confirming and correcting the image data S1 subjected to image processing, and includes a display unit 50A and an input unit 50B. Then, in response to the operator's instruction, the main screen 62 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 50A, and when the operator clicks the top and bottom registration button 62D, an image confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 50A.

  FIG. 11 shows an image confirmation screen. As shown in FIG. 11, the image confirmation screen 65 has an order number display box 65A for displaying the order number for the selected order, and a list display box for displaying a list of thumbnail images represented by the acquired image data S1 together with comments. 65B, a comment correction button 65C for correcting a comment displayed in the list display box 65B, a top / bottom registration button 65D for performing top / bottom registration described later, a completion button 65E for confirming top / bottom registration, and top / bottom registration. A cancel button 65F for canceling is displayed.

  The list display box 65B is provided with scroll bars 65G and 65H, so that thumbnail images and comments that cannot be displayed in the list display box 65B can be displayed. Each thumbnail image displayed in the list display box 65B is provided with radio buttons 65J at four positions, top, bottom, left and right. A comment is displayed below each thumbnail image, and a path check box 65K that is checked when the image is not included in the slide show and a mandatory check box 65L that is checked when the image is desired to be included in the slide show are further displayed below the comment. It is displayed.

  When the operator of the image confirmation unit 50 selects a thumbnail image displayed in the list display box 65B and clicks the comment correction button 65C, the image confirmation unit 50 displays an individual comment input screen for each image on the display unit 50A. indicate. As in the comment input screen shown in FIG. 10, a shooting date input box 64C for inputting a shooting date, a comment input box 64D for inputting a comment, and a predetermined comment input screen for each image are set in advance. A comment list box 64E for displaying a list of comments, a setting button 64F for setting a comment, a reset button 64G for resetting the input content, a comment registration button 64H for confirming the input comment, and canceling the comment input The cancel button 64J is displayed. Thus, the operator can correct the comment and / or shooting date for each image.

  Further, an image acquired by taking a picture with the camera held vertically is displayed in the list display box 65B in a landscape orientation as shown in FIG. For this reason, the operator selects a thumbnail image that he / she wants to change, clicks on the radio button 65J attached to the upper side of the thumbnail image to check the radio button 65J, and then clicks the top / bottom registration button 65D. Thus, the image confirmation unit 50 generates the top and bottom information of the image data S1 corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the operator. For example, in the case of the image shown in FIG. 12, since the image can be viewed normally by setting the right side of the thumbnail image as the upper side, the operator clicks the radio button 65J on the right side. Thereby, the image confirmation part 50 produces | generates the top-and-bottom information that the right side is made into an upper side.

  Further, among the thumbnail images displayed in the list display box 65B, the operator checks by clicking the path check box 65K for images that are not to be included in the slide show due to out-of-focus or the like. In addition, the required check box 65L is checked for images to be included in the slide show. The results of checking the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L are transmitted as selection designation information to the storage unit 46, registered in the business management database DB3, and referred to when creating a slide show to be recorded on a DVD-R described later. For images that may or may not be included in the slide show, the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L need not be checked.

  Then, the operator checks the radio button 65J for the thumbnail image whose vertical direction is to be corrected among the thumbnail images displayed in the list display box 65B, checks the path check box 65K or the mandatory check box 65L, and further clicks the completion button 65F. Click to complete the top-and-bottom registration process. Thereby, the image confirmation unit 50 transmits the top and bottom information, the newly input comment, and information indicating the check result of the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L to the business management unit 48.

  The business management unit 48 registers the top and bottom information, the newly input comment, and the check result of the path check box 65K and the essential check box 65L in the business management database DB3.

  The image conversion unit 51 adds the information registered for each image in the business management database DB3 as a tag to the corresponding image data S1 with respect to the image data S1 for which the image confirmation processing has been completed. The image data is converted into Exif format image data S2. At this time, based on the top and bottom information registered in the business management database DB3, the image data S1 whose top and bottom direction is to be changed is rotated and converted into the image data S2.

  The tag describes the shooting date information, and also describes the reliability of the shooting date.

  The DVD creation unit 52 records all the image data S2 generated by the image conversion unit 51 on the DVD-R, calculates the free space of the DVD-R when all the image data S2 is recorded, and the free space A DVD-Video file V0 having a capacity suitable for recording is generated and recorded on the DVD-R.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the DVD creation unit 52. As shown in FIG. 13, the DVD creation unit 52 stores the operation program of the display unit 52A that performs various displays necessary for creating the DVD-R, the input unit 52B that accepts various inputs, and the DVD creation unit 52, and executes the program. A memory 52C serving as a working area, a storage unit 52D for storing various information, a communication unit 52E connected to the bus 55 of the image forming apparatus 40, a CPU 52F (selection means) for controlling the operation of the DVD creation unit 52, a DVD A DVD drive 52G that writes the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 to -R and a printer 52H that prints thumbnail images on the surface of the DVD-R, as will be described later, are connected via a bus 52J.

  Hereinafter, generation of the DVD-Video file V0 will be described.

  First, the CPU 52F of the DVD creating unit 52 creates a list of age information for all the image data S2 by referring to the shooting date information described in the tag of the image data S2 based on the operation program. , The image data S2 is classified into a predetermined number of groups. At this time, the image data S2 whose path check box 65K is checked by the image confirmation unit 50 is removed from the list. Further, the image data is classified into each group almost equally for each age. For example, if there is image data S2 for 10 years and the number of groups is 2, the image data S2 for 5 years is classified into each group. At this time, the image data S2 having the same job number is always classified into the same group. Further, the image data S2 is classified so that the number of image data S2 of one group is equal to or greater than the minimum number of images Min required for creating the DVD-Video file V0.

  Here, the predetermined number corresponds to the number of DVD-Video files V0 to be created, and the total number of image data S2 added to the list, the minimum number of images necessary to create one DVD-Video file V0. The maximum value (for example, 6) determined in advance according to Min and the maximum number of images Max is determined as a limit.

  On the other hand, for image data whose age is unknown because the shooting date is unknown, one group is created from the image data whose age is unknown. Note that the group for classifying image data with unknown age is not counted as a group for creating the DVD-Video file V0.

  Then, the image data S2 classified into groups is classified into folders by age group corresponding to each group. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a folder structure of folders classified by age. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the age of the image data S2 is 39 years from 1965 to 2004, and the image data S2 is classified into six folders according to the age. That is, the image data S2 is subordinate to the root directory from 1965 to 1970, 1971 to 1976, 1977 to 1982, 1983 to 1988, 1989 to 1994, 1995 to 2000 and 2001. Suppose that it is classified into six folders of ~ 2004. In addition to these groups, unknown-age image data is classified into folders of unknown age.

  Here, when classifying the image data S2 into folders, the image data S2 whose path check box 65K is checked is also classified together with other image data S2.

  Then, the free capacity of the DVD-R is calculated by subtracting the total capacity of all the image data S2 from the capacity of the DVD-R. At this time, it is preferable to leave some free space. Then, the number of image data S2 corresponding to the calculated free space is calculated, and the calculated number of image data S2 is removed from each group corresponding to each folder (that is, the image data S2 in which the path check box 65K is checked is removed). A group of image data S2). At this time, the image data S2 whose essential check box 65L is checked on the image confirmation screen 65 is always selected. Then, an MPEG format file in which images are continuously switched is created from the selected image data S2, and further authored including a title menu and BGM to create a DVD-Video file V0. Note that the number of created DVD-Video files V0 corresponds to the number of folders.

  Note that the image data S2 included in the DVD-Video file V0 is selected almost equally from each group corresponding to each folder in which the image data S2 is classified by age as described above.

  Then, the CPU 52F records the created image data S2 on the DVD-R using the DVD drive 52G for each folder into which the image data S2 is classified, and records the created DVD-Video file V0 on the DVD-R.

  On the other hand, based on the operation program, the CPU 52F selects one image data S2 from each folder that classifies the image data S2 by age. Note that when selecting the image data S2, image data representing an image including a person's face is known so that the age when the image is acquired when the image represented by the selected image data S2 is viewed can be understood. Select S2.

  Specifically, as described in JP-A-8-122944, the image represented by the image data S2 is divided into a plurality of areas, and after removing areas not including a person, the head of the person A shape pattern representing the contour of the face is detected, face candidate regions are detected according to the detected pattern, and a shape pattern representing the contour of the face of the person, a shape pattern representing the internal structure of the face, and a contour of the human torso Each shape pattern is detected, the consistency of the face candidate area is determined based on the detected pattern, the face area is extracted by determining the area with the highest degree of accuracy corresponding to the human face, and the face area is extracted. The selected image may be selected.

  After detecting the face area, the size and position of the face area on the image represented by the image data S2 are detected, and the image where the face area size exceeds a predetermined threshold or the position of the face area is an image. An image in the vicinity of the center may be selected. The position of the face area may be the center position of both eyes included in the face.

  The reason why the image data S2 representing an image including a face is selected is that an image that does not include a person such as a landscape does not know the age at which the image was acquired just by looking at the image. Here, in this embodiment, since the image data S2 is classified into six folders, a total of six image data S2 is selected from each folder.

  Then, the CPU 52F reduces the size of the image represented by the selected six image data S2 to generate thumbnail image data T0 representing a thumbnail image. At this time, the thumbnail image data T0 is generated so that the image data S2 having a newer age has a larger size.

  Then, the thumbnail image data T0 is transmitted to the printer 52H, and the thumbnail image represented by the thumbnail image data T0 is laid out and printed on the DVD-R board on which the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 are recorded. FIG. 15 shows a DVD-R with thumbnail images printed on the board. As shown in FIG. 15, a thumbnail image (hereinafter also referred to as the reference symbol T0 is similarly used for the thumbnail image) is laid out in a spiral shape from the center to the outside in a spiral shape on the surface of the DVD-R. Has been printed.

  Note that, when selecting the image data S2, it is possible to determine a story about a plurality of acquired images and select the image data S2 according to the age information and the story. Hereinafter, the story determination will be described.

  As described above, face recognition is performed after the face area is detected, and images including similar faces are grouped. At this time, grouping is performed in each folder classified by age as described above. Further, it is preferable to perform grouping so that images with the same name input as comments are grouped in the same group with reference to the input comments. Then, groups of images including similar faces are linked between folders classified by age. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining linking. For example, two groups G11 and G12 are included in the folder F1, two groups G21 and G22 are included in the folder F2, and the faces included in the images classified into the groups G11 and G21 are similar to the groups G12 and G22. When the faces included in the classified images are similar, the groups G11 and G12 and the groups G21 and G22 are linked to each other.

  If there is a group that is linked across more folders, the CPU 52F is a story of a growth record in which the acquired image is a person included in the image classified in that group. Is determined. In this case, the image data S2 is selected from the group over a plurality of ages.

  In addition, when the shape of the subject included in the acquired plurality of images is recognized and a large number of objects having the same shape are included, such as an automobile, the acquired plurality of images is a story of the user's hobby recording You may make it discriminate | determine that it is. In this case, it is only necessary to select image data S2 representing an image including a subject having the same shape over a plurality of ages so as to suit the story.

  Further, when the plurality of images are acquired in a very short period (for example, 1 day to 1 year) from the shooting date information D of the plurality of images acquired, it may be a wedding or a short trip. Many. In this case, referring to the comment, it may be determined that the story is a wedding or a short trip. For weddings, the image contains many people wearing white and black clothes, so white and black clothes are detected, and a certain percentage or more of people are wearing white and black clothes. If it is included, it may be determined that it is a wedding story. In this case, image data S2 representing an image including the groom and the bride may be selected so as to suit the story. In the case of a short trip, image data S2 representing an image including a person's face may be selected as described above.

  Although the story may be determined as described above, the operator may be able to input manually based on a user's comment or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a story input box 64K may be displayed on the comment input screen 64 so that a story can be input here. In this case, image data S2 suitable for the input story may be selected in the same manner as described above.

  Next, processing performed in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing performed when the user 2 orders the photo mining service in the present embodiment. The user 2 accesses the website of the PM server 3 using the user terminal 20, inputs the user ID and password, and the user 2 is authenticated by the PM server 3, and the process is started. An order for a photomining service is made (step S1). When the PM server 3 receives the order, it issues an order number (step S2), and sends an e-mail informing the order number and delivery date to the user 2 (step S3). Then, the digital center 4 is notified that the order has been received (step S4), and the process ends.

  When the operator of the digital center 4 receives notification from the PM server 3 that the business management unit 48 has received an order, it issues an order slip and sends it to the user 2 together with the sending box B.

  When the sending box B is sent, the user 2 packs the recording body 10 requesting the photomining service in the sending box B and sends it to the digital center 4.

  When the sending box B is sent, the digital center 4 uses the image forming apparatus 40 to perform processing for the photomining service.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing performed at the time of sorting in the digital center 4. In FIG. 19, the processing performed by the operator is indicated by a double line. First, the operator performs an arrival work (step S11). Then, the operator opens the sending box B, confirms the contents of the sending box B, and performs a sorting operation. At this time, a sorting screen 63 is displayed on the display unit 47A of the sorting unit 47 (step S12), and here, an input of sorting by the operator is accepted (step S13). Then, it is determined whether or not the sort registration button 63H has been clicked (step S14). If step S14 is affirmed, sort information indicating the sort result is generated (step S15). Then, the business management unit 48 registers the sorting information in the business management database DB3 (step S16), and finishes the sorting work.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the digital center 4 after the sorting operation. When the sorting operation is finished, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data S0 (step S21). Further, the image processing unit 45 performs image processing on the image data S0 to obtain image data S1 that has been subjected to image processing (step S22). The storage unit 46 stores the image data S1 (step S23). Further, the information acquisition unit 44 acquires information data J including the shooting date information D (step S24). In addition, when the image data S0 is acquired, the comment input unit 49 receives an input of a comment by the operator (step S25).

  Further, the image confirmation unit 50 receives confirmation of the image about whether or not to include top / bottom registration, comment correction, and slide show by the operator (step S26). Then, the business management unit 48 registers information represented by the information data J, comments, top and bottom information, and the like in the business management database DB3 (step S27).

  Then, the image conversion unit 51 converts the image data S1 into the image data S2 in the Exif format by adding the information registered in the business management database DB3 as a tag to the image data S1 (step S28). Further, the DVD creation unit 52 creates a slide show format DVD-Video file V0 from the image data S2 (step S29). Then, the DVD creation unit 52 records the image data S2 and the DVD-Video file V0 on the DVD-R (step S30), prints the thumbnail image T0 on the DVD-R board (step S31), and ends the processing. .

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing performed when thumbnail images are printed on the board. It is assumed that the image data S2 has already been classified into age-specific folders. First, the CPU 52F selects image data S2 one by one from each folder (step S41). Then, the thumbnail image data T0 is generated so that the size becomes larger as the age is newer (step S42). Then, the thumbnail image data T0 is laid out and printed on the DVD-R board (step S43), and the process is terminated.

  The created DVD-R is sent to the user 2 who made the order.

  The user 2 can enjoy a slide show by playing the DVD-Video file V0 recorded on the DVD-R. In addition, the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R can be displayed as a list or processed by itself.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the thumbnail images of the image data S2 of each age grouped from the image data S2 are printed on the DVD-R board, the user 2 can see the DVD-R board. The age can be confirmed from the content of the image recorded in -R and the content of the image. Therefore, since it is not necessary to set the DVD-R on a personal computer and observe it with a viewer in order to confirm the image recorded on the DVD-R, it is possible to reduce time and labor when searching for a desired image.

  In addition, by increasing the size of a thumbnail image with a new age, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the thumbnail image provided on the board by age. In particular, by arranging the thumbnail images in a spiral shape in chronological order, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the thumbnail images provided on the board by age.

  In the above embodiment, the thumbnail images are laid out in a spiral shape, but the thumbnail images may be laid out simply as shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the thumbnail image size is increased as the age is newer. However, as shown in FIG. 23, all thumbnail images may have the same size.

  Further, when laying out thumbnail images, the template and thumbnail images may be combined. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a DVD-R board surface on which a thumbnail image combined with a template is printed. As shown in FIG. 24, a template imitating a film and a thumbnail image are combined and printed on the DVD-R board.

  In the above embodiment, the image data S2 is selected one by one from the folder into which the image data S2 is classified. However, a plurality of image data S2 may be selected. Further, when selecting two image data S2 from each folder, it is preferable to select the oldest image data S2 and the newest image data S2 in each folder. As a result, the age range of the image data S2 recorded on the DVD-R can be easily recognized.

  In the above embodiment, a news image representing news in the age of the selected image data S2 may be printed on the DVD-R board together with the thumbnail image of the image data S2. Specifically, referring to the shooting date information D described in the tag of the selected image data 2, the DVD creation unit 52 refers to a news image database (not shown), and the age news corresponding to the shooting date information D is displayed. What is necessary is just to acquire the news image data showing an image, and to print this on the board surface of DVD-R. For example, when the shooting date information D of the image data S2 is 1964, the Tokyo Olympics image is the news image, and when it is June 2002, the soccer World Cup image is the news image.

  In the above embodiment, the thumbnail image is printed on the DVD-R board, but the thumbnail image is printed on a sticker having a shape suitable for the DVD-R board, and the sticker on which the thumbnail image is printed is attached to the DVD-R board. A thumbnail image may be added to the DVD-R board surface by pasting it on the -R board surface.

  In the above embodiment, the thumbnail image is printed on the DVD-R board. However, a two-dimensional barcode obtained by encrypting the URL indicating the storage location of the selected image data S2 may be printed. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a board surface of a DVD-R on which a two-dimensional barcode BC is printed. Hereinafter, an image acquisition system using such a two-dimensional barcode BC will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image acquisition system. As shown in FIG. 26, the image acquisition system stores a mobile phone 71 with a camera possessed by the user 2, a network management server 72 that manages communication of the mobile phone 71, and image data S2 selected by the DVD creation unit 52. And an image storage server 73. Then, the two-dimensional barcode BC printed on the DVD-R board surface is photographed by the camera-equipped mobile phone 71 and transmitted to the network management server 72 so that the network management server 72 decodes the two-dimensional barcode BC. Thus, information indicating the storage location of the image data S2 is acquired. Then, the image data S 2 is downloaded from the image storage server 73 with reference to the information indicating the storage location, and transmitted to the mobile phone 71. As a result, the mobile phone 71 displays an image represented by the image data S2, and as a result, the user can know the image recorded on the DVD-R and its age.

  In the embodiment of the image acquisition system, instead of the image data S2, the digest version of the DVD-Video file V0 including the image data S2 is stored in the image storage server 73, and the digest version of the DVD-Video file V0 is stored. A two-dimensional barcode BC in which the URL of the storage location is encrypted may be printed on the DVD-R board. In this case, the user 2 can view the digest version of the DVD-Video file V0 recorded on the DVD-R on the mobile phone 71.

  In the embodiment of the image acquisition system, information indicating the storage location of the image data S2 is recorded as the two-dimensional barcode BC, but the URL itself indicating the storage location of the one-dimensional barcode or the image data S2 is a DVD. You may print on the board surface of -R.

  In the above-described embodiment, the film scanners 41A to 41C, the print scanner 42, and the media drive 43 are used as the image acquisition unit 12. However, the album scanner that reads images from the album, and the user 2 records on the DVD-R. It goes without saying that a scanner or the like that reads a certificate desired, a ticket stub, or the like may be used as the image acquisition unit 12.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the photomining system to which the image recording device by embodiment of this invention is applied. Diagram showing the configuration of the user information database Block diagram showing configuration of image forming apparatus Diagram showing the composition of the age database Figure showing the arrival screen Figure showing the main screen Figure showing the sorting screen Figure showing sorting information Diagram showing the configuration of the business management database Figure showing the comment input screen Figure showing the image confirmation screen The figure which shows the image acquired by holding the camera vertically and shooting Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the DVD creation unit Diagram showing folder structure of folders categorized by age Diagram showing a DVD-R with thumbnail images printed on the board (Part 1) Diagram for explaining with link Figure showing another example of comment input screen Flow chart showing processing performed when ordering photo mining service Flow chart showing processing performed at the time of sorting in the digital center Flow chart showing processing performed in the digital center after sorting work Flow chart showing processing performed when thumbnail images are printed on the board Diagram showing a DVD-R with thumbnail images printed on the board (Part 2) A diagram showing a DVD-R with thumbnail images printed on the board (Part 3) A diagram showing a DVD-R with thumbnail images printed on the board (Part 4) The figure which shows DVD-R which two-dimensional barcode was printed on the board surface Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image acquisition system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photomining system 2 User 3 PM server 4 Digital center 7 Internet 10 Recording body 12 Image acquisition part 20 User terminal 40 Image forming apparatus 41A-41C Film scanner 42 Print scanner 43 Media drive 44 Information acquisition part 45 Image processing part 46 Storage part 47 Sorting section 48 Business management section 49 Comment input section 50 Image confirmation section 51 Image conversion section 52 DVD creation section 53 Communication section

Claims (11)

A recording means for recording a plurality of images to which age information relating to the acquired age is given on a recording medium;
Selecting means for selecting at least one image according to the age information from the plurality of images;
An image recording comprising: a thumbnail image of the selected image and / or an adding means for giving information indicating a storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image to a board surface of the recording medium apparatus.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is a unit that selects an image whose age can be estimated.   The said selection means is a means to classify | categorize the said several image into several groups according to age, and to select at least 1 image from each of this classified several group, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image recording device.   4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit is a unit that selects a newest image and an oldest image in each of the plurality of classified groups.   5. The image recording according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is a unit that determines a story of the plurality of images and selects an image according to the age information and the story. 6. apparatus.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit is a unit that increases the size of a thumbnail image of a newer age when adding a plurality of thumbnail images of the selected images to the board surface. 6. 2. An image recording apparatus according to item 1.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the assigning unit is a unit that arranges the plurality of thumbnail images in a spiral shape in chronological order and assigns the thumbnail images to the board surface.   8. The adding unit according to claim 1, wherein when the thumbnail image of the selected image is applied to the board surface, a predetermined template and the thumbnail image are combined and applied to the board surface. The image recording apparatus according to any one of the above.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit is a unit that further adds a news image corresponding to the age of the selected image to the board. Record multiple images with age information about the acquired age on a recording medium,
Selecting at least one image according to the age information from the plurality of images;
An image recording method, comprising: providing a thumbnail image of the selected image and / or information indicating a storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image on a board surface of the recording medium. A procedure for recording a plurality of images with age information on the acquired age on a recording medium;
Selecting at least one image according to the age information from the plurality of images;
An image recording method comprising: providing a thumbnail image of the selected image and / or information representing a storage location of the selected image or information related to the selected image to a board surface of the recording medium. A program that causes a computer to execute.

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