JP2006053671A - Information recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information recording system which creates value added in generation service of an image forming medium like a photographic print by employing technologies of IC tags. <P>SOLUTION: The system includes a tag sticking means 40 for sticking an IC tag to a sheet-like paper and a tag information write means 41 for recording subject information of an image formed on the paper to the IC tag as tag information. Preferably, the image is a card picture including a face picture, and the subject information is personal information of a photographed person. Preferably, an item selection means 3 for selecting an item of personal information to be recorded to the IC tag is provided. Preferably, an IC tag reader 29 for reading tag information recorded in the IC tag and an image synthesizing part 30 for generating data for generating the card picture, on the basis of the read tag information, are provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording system for recording information on a sheet-like image forming medium such as a photographic print.

  A photographic print (corresponding to a sheet-like image forming medium) records past information in the form of an image. As has been done in the past, photographic prints are obtained by printing and exposing frame images of developed negative film onto photographic photosensitive materials. Has been enjoyed by. Also, when organizing photo prints in an album, you can also stick labels (descriptions of the shooting date and photo content) for each photo print. Well done.

  Also, with recent advances in digital technology, it is now possible to easily create not only a frame image of a negative film but also a photographic print in which this is combined with other information. For example, image synthesis using a template such as a New Year's card or calendar is the most commonly performed print service. There is also known a photo processing apparatus that can output a business card printed with a face image in the form of a photo print.

  On the other hand, IC tags are spreading in various industrial fields as small chips for recording information. The IC tag is a tag on which an IC chip of a small size is mounted and information can be read and written through an antenna mounted with the IC chip. Since the IC tag is small and can write arbitrary information, it is considered that a print service utilizing this can be provided also in the field of photographic printing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is to adopt an information recording system that can add value to a service for creating an image forming medium such as a photo print by adopting an IC tag technology. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, an information recording system according to the present invention provides:
Tag attaching means for attaching an IC tag to a sheet-like image forming medium;
The IC tag is provided with tag information writing means for recording subject information of an image formed on the image forming medium as tag information.

  According to this configuration, the IC tag is attached to each of the sheet-like image forming media. The subject information formed on the image forming medium is recorded on the IC tag. The timing of attaching the IC tag and the timing of writing the subject information can be set as appropriate, and either may be performed first. Or you may carry out simultaneously. By recording the subject information, information about the image formed on the image forming medium can be obtained by reading the recorded subject information. As a result, it is possible to provide an information recording system that can add value to a service for creating an image forming medium such as a photographic print.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the image is a business card image including a face image, and the subject information includes personal information of a photographed person. With recent advances in digital technology, business cards can also be created using image forming media. The face card is included in the business card, and personal information of the person is recorded in the IC tag. In general, various personal information such as name, company, phone number, FAX number, department, title, etc. is recorded on the business card. Personal information such as home address, entrusted telephone number, home FAX number, hobby, blood type, etc., information that is not printed can be recorded. As a result, it is possible not only to simply form a business card on the image forming medium but also to add value.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that an item selection means for selecting an item of personal information to be recorded on the IC tag is provided. As described above, various types of personal information can be recorded on the IC tag, but some of them can be selected and recorded on the IC tag. For example, hobbies, blood types, etc. that are not displayed on the business card can be recorded on the IC tag.

In the present invention, tag information reading means for reading tag information recorded on the IC tag,
It is preferable to include image data generation means for generating data for creating a business card image based on the read tag information.

  When the business card image described above is formed, the business card image to which the IC tag is attached can be handled as a sample business card image. That is, the IC tag is not attached to all the business cards to be created, but is attached only to the business card handled as a sample. Then, by reading the tag information recorded on the IC tag, data for creating a business card image can be generated. Using this data, the business card image can be duplicated.

  The subject information according to the present invention is preferably image data of an image formed on an image forming medium. There is a case where an image formed on an image forming medium such as a photo print is desired to be displayed on a screen of a personal computer or the like. In this case, reading an image using a flatbed scanner is time consuming and inefficient. Therefore, the image data itself is recorded on the IC tag. By reading this image data with an IC tag reader and transferring it to a personal computer or the like, the image formed on the image forming medium can be displayed on the monitor.

In order to solve the above problems, another information recording system according to the present invention provides:
Tag information writing means for causing the IC tag attached to the sheet-like image forming medium or the IC tag to be attached to record subject information of the image formed on the image forming medium as tag information;
Tag information input means for inputting tag information to be recorded on the IC tag is provided.

  According to this configuration, the subject information of the image can be recorded on the IC tag by the tag information writing means. The IC tag is attached to the image forming medium, but the timing for attaching the IC tag and the timing for writing the subject information can be set as appropriate, and either may be performed first. Or you may carry out simultaneously. In addition, when recording the subject information, it is input via tag information input means. Such information input can also be performed on the user side that manages the image forming medium (for example, a customer who requested creation of a photo print as the image forming medium). By attaching such an IC tag to the image forming medium, the enjoyment of image management increases and the added value can be increased.

  The subject information according to the present invention is preferably information on a shooting location of an image formed on the image forming medium. Thus, by reading information from the IC tag, it is possible to know where the image was taken.

  A preferred embodiment of a photographic processing system in which an information recording system according to the present invention is used will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a photo processing system. This system can obtain a frame image from a negative film or media and create a photo print based on the frame image. The main function of the photo processing system shown in FIG. 1 is to create a general photo print, but it is also possible to create a special print by image synthesis. The explanation will focus on the function to create business card prints.

<Photo processing system configuration (business card creation function)>
In the paper magazine 1, paper (corresponding to a sheet-like image forming medium) which is a photographic photosensitive material is accommodated in the form of a roll R. A plurality of paper magazines 1 can be detachably attached, and papers having different width dimensions can be set in advance. Paper is pulled out from one of the paper magazines 1. The advance roller 2 sends out the long paper drawn from the paper magazine 1 to the downstream side along the transport path. The paper cutter 3 cuts long paper into a predetermined print size. In the conveyance path, a conveyance device including a large number of rollers and the like for conveying the paper is provided.

  The IC tag attachment system 4 is a device for attaching the IC tag to the back side of the paper. The IC tag attaching system 4 includes an IC tag attaching means 40 (equivalent to a tag attaching means) for attaching an IC tag, and a tag information writing means 41 for writing tag information to the IC tag. Various information for forming an image on paper is written in the IC tag. Details will be described later. The IC tag is affixed to each paper cut into a business card size. A mechanism (not shown) for moving the IC tag attaching means 40 along the paper width direction is provided, and the IC tags can be attached at a plurality of locations along the paper width direction.

  The image exposure device 5 (corresponding to image forming means) is a device for printing and exposing an image on the emulsion surface of paper. When the image data is received, the image is exposed and formed by performing scanning exposure based on the received image data. The exposure engine 6 is a device that modulates and outputs exposure light based on image data, and a laser engine, a PLZT engine, or the like is used. The transport rollers 7a and 7b transport the paper at a constant speed in order to perform scanning exposure. The paper on which the image is printed and exposed is sent to the development processing unit 9 by the transport roller group 8. The developed paper is dried by the drying processing unit 10 and then discharged from the paper discharge unit 11 as a finished business card print.

  In order to acquire original image data (face image data) for creating a business card print, a media image input unit 20 and a film scanner 21 are provided. The media image input unit 20 has a function of inputting image data from various media such as a storage medium of a digital camera, a CD-R, or an MO disk. The film scanner reads a frame image formed on a photographic film F such as a developed negative film and converts it into digital data.

  The image data storage unit 22 stores input image data. The input image data is subjected to image processing in the image processing unit 23 and then transferred to the image exposure apparatus 5 described above. The contents of the image processing in the image processing unit 23 are various, and a typical example is a color / density correction process for appropriately printing the color / density. In order to perform image processing, an image to be printed is displayed on the monitor 24.

  The image composition unit 30 has a function of generating image data synthesized by image composition. When creating a business card print, the face image data composing the business card image and the item data are combined. The item data is a name, a company name, an address, etc. to be displayed on the business card. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a business card print, in which a face image M1 and an item M2 are displayed.

  The template storage unit 31 stores template data for generating a business card image, and stores a plurality of types of template data. The template data defines in which position the face image is to be inserted and in what location and in what character size each item is to be inserted. Based on this template data, business card image data for creating a business card print can be generated. When a business card print is created, a plurality of business card images are formed in one photo print. The number of business card images to be combined is also defined similarly.

  The item list storage unit 32 stores an item list that can be displayed on a business card for each individual. About the item input means 33, it can input about the displayable item about each individual. It can also be corrected when corrections occur in the content of the item. For example, there is a case where a department is changed due to a transfer or the like. FIG. 3 shows a monitor screen display example of the item list. The items shown here correspond to personal information.

  The item selection unit 34 can print out the selected item among the items shown in FIG. 3 as a business card image or record it on an IC tag. For example, in FIG. 3, the item selected by the check box in the A column can be printed as a business card image. The item selected by the check box in the B column can be recorded on the IC tag. The items may overlap in the A column and the B column.

  The image composition unit 30 can generate business card image data by combining the item A column item data selected by the item selection unit 34 and the face image data stored in the image data storage unit 22. it can. When the image data read from the image data storage unit 22 includes a background image other than the face image, only the face image can be cut out by performing trimming or the like. The item data transfer unit 35 transfers the item data selected in the B column of FIG. 3 to the IC tag attachment system 4. This item data is recorded on an IC tag attached to paper.

  The control device 27 controls the transport device that transports the paper and the IC tag attachment system 4. The control device 27 performs control so that the IC tag is attached to an appropriate position on the back side of the paper. The image data transfer unit 28 transfers the image data processed by the image processing unit 23 to the exposure engine 6.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state when the IC tag is attached to the back side of the paper. IC tags are used in various industrial fields in recent years. The IC tag is provided with an IC chip having a size of 1 mm square or less, and data can be written and read by radio waves. If it is a type not equipped with a battery, it can be miniaturized and is a size that does not cause a problem when pasted on a business card print.

  The IC tag affixing means 40 has a function of affixing the IC tag to the back side of the print, and as shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag T is attached to the elongated tape-like base film 40a at a predetermined interval. An adhesive material or an adhesive is applied in advance to the surface of the tape. A cut line 40b is provided around the IC tag T. Therefore, by pressing the base film 40a against the back side of the paper, the IC tag T can be attached to the back side of the print together with the area inside the cut line 40b. The base film 40a is fixedly fed by a drive mechanism (not shown). The used base film 40a is taken up by a take-up roller. When the IC tag is attached, information is written by the tag information writing means 41. The information to be written is data including correction data transferred via the correction data transfer unit 26. In addition to the correction data, data for specifying the image file of the image to be printed on the paper on which the IC tag T is pasted, data for managing the order, and other customer data can also be written. .

  The method of attaching the IC tag (form for attaching the tag) is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be considered. Various modifications can be considered for the attachment position of the IC tag. Further, the IC tag may be attached to the front surface instead of the back surface of the paper. The timing for writing the tag information to the IC tag may be the same as the time when the IC tag is pasted on the paper, or may be before or after the pasting.

<Procedure for creating a business card print>
Next, a procedure for creating a business card print will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for generating business card image data, and a flowchart showing a print processing procedure. First, item data of personal information is input (# 1). Next, among the input items, an item to be displayed as a business card and an item to be recorded on the IC tag are selected (# 2). These are as illustrated in FIG. These item data are stored in the item list storage unit 32. Also, the number of business card images to be formed on one photo print can be set. On the other hand, image data of a face image to be printed as a business card is input (# 4). The input image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 22 (# 5).

  The image composition unit 30 performs image composition using the selected item data and face image data to generate business card image data (# 6). The image data synthesized by the image synthesis unit 30 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 23 (# 7). For example, correction data is input so that colors and densities are appropriate, and finally image data used for print creation is created. The print image data is transferred to the exposure engine 6 via the image data transfer unit 28. On the other hand, the selected item data is transferred to the IC tag attachment system 4 via the item data transfer unit 35.

  Next, the print processing procedure will be described. First, paper is pulled out from the paper magazine 1 (# 11). The paper is cut into a print size by the paper cutter 3 (# 12). The cut paper is sent to the IC tag attachment system 4 and the IC tag is attached to the back side of the paper (# 13). The number of IC tags attached to the back side of one paper is the same as the number of business card images to be formed. At the same time or before and after this pasting, the item data transferred to the IC tag in step # 9 is written as tag information (# 14). When a plurality of IC tags are attached to one photo print, tag information is written to each IC tag.

  Each paper to which the IC tag is affixed is sent to the image exposure device 5, and an image is printed and exposed by the exposure engine 6 (# 15). The exposure engine 6 prints and exposes the business card image on the emulsion surface of the paper based on the image data transferred in step # 8. This paper is subjected to development processing and drying processing, and is then discharged outside the apparatus (# 16, 17).

  Since a plurality of business card images are formed on the discharged photographic print, it is necessary to cut them individually. In other words, a plurality of business card images as shown in FIG. In order to cut this, a dedicated cutter (not shown) is provided. The division into individual business cards may be performed manually by an operator or may be configured to automatically cut based on the format data. By separating individual business card images, a business card print as shown in FIG. 2 can be created.

<Photo Processing System According to Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, an IC tag is affixed to each business card print to be created. Generally, when printing business cards, the same business cards are ordered together (for example, in units of 100 sheets). Also in the first embodiment, when 100 business card prints are created, an IC tag is attached to each of the 100 business card prints. Therefore, the person who has received the business card print can read the personal information recorded on the IC tag if it has an IC tag reader.

  Instead of this configuration, only one business card print can be attached to the IC tag. The business card print with the IC tag attached is managed as a sample business card. When reprinting a business card print, the business card print can be duplicated based on tag information recorded in the IC tag. Such a system configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Blocks having the same functions as in FIG. 1 are given the same figure numbers, and only different functions will be described.

  The item data transfer unit 35 transfers not only item data but also face image data printed as a business card print. That is, both item data and face image data are recorded on the IC tag. Further, the IC tag is attached only to the sample business card.

  An IC tag reader 29 (corresponding to tag information reading means) reads tag information recorded on an IC tag attached to a sample business card. The tag information analysis means 36 analyzes the contents of the read tag information. The face image data extraction unit 37 extracts face image data included in the tag information. The item data extraction unit 38 extracts item data (personal information) included in the tag information. Based on the extracted data, the image composition unit 30 can perform image composition and duplicate the same business card print. Note that item data and face image data can be corrected or replaced. A new sample business card is created when corrections or replacements are made.

<Procedure for creating a business card print from IC tag information>
Next, a processing procedure for duplicating the same business card print using a sample business card will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the tag information recorded on the IC tag attached to the sample business card is read by the IC tag reader 36 (# 21). The face image data and item data included in the tag information are extracted (# 22, 23). If correction or the like is necessary for these data, the data is corrected (# 25). If not necessary, image synthesis is performed using the face image data and the item data (# 26). After image processing is performed on the obtained composite image data (# 27), the image data is transferred to the exposure engine 6 via the image data transfer unit 28 (# 28). Thus, a business card print creation process is performed (# 29). Note that item data and image data are not transferred from the item data transfer unit 35 except when creating a sample business card.

  A modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 will be described. Instead of recording face image data as tag information, identification information for specifying the face image data may be recorded. For example, when the face image data is stored in the image data storage unit 22, the file name can be specified. Therefore, if the file name is recorded as tag information, the face image data can be read out. Of course, identification information other than the file name may be used.

<Photo processing system according to the third embodiment>
Next, a photographic processing system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first and second embodiments, the configuration example for creating the business card print has been described. What is recorded as tag information is subject information (face image data and item data) of the image. The subject information can be recorded on the IC tag in the case of a general photo print instead of the business card print. As subject information, the entire image printed as a photographic print can be recorded.

  A description will be given centering on differences from the above embodiments. When image processing is performed in the image processing unit 23, the print image data is transferred to the exposure engine 6 via the first image data transfer unit 28. A photo print is created using this image data. Further, in order to record the image data on the IC tag, the image data is transferred to the IC tag attachment system 4 via the second image data transfer unit 44. However, since the image data for printing has a large amount of information, a compression processing unit 43 is provided and transferred in a data-compressed form (JPEG, GIFF, etc.). According to the above configuration, an IC tag can be pasted on the back side of a photographic print, and image data of an image printed on the IC tag can be recorded.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a usage method when an IC tag in which image data is recorded is pasted. In FIG. 9A, the information on the IC tag attached to the back of the photographic print can be read by the IC tag reader 45 and displayed on the monitor screen 46a of the personal computer 46 to which the IC tag reader 45 is connected. You can import images into a computer in a simpler way than reading a photo print image with a flatbed scanner.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining a method of taking in a personal computer by another method. By incorporating an IC tag reader in the mobile phone 47 (or a portable device such as a PDA), image data can be taken into the mobile phone 47. The captured image data can be distributed to another personal computer 46 via a network such as the Internet.

<Other embodiment 1>
Still another embodiment will be described. The subject information that can be recorded on the IC tag may be personal information such as the name, address, telephone number, age, birthday, etc. of the person in the photograph. This is particularly useful in a photograph in which a large number of subjects are photographed. The writing of personal information to the IC tag may be performed at a photo shop, or may be performed at home by a customer who has received a photo print. Information that explains the contents of such photos is conventionally information that has been handwritten on a label and pasted together with a photo print on an album. Information can be recorded. It also increases the enjoyment of album management and can create added value for photo prints. Information may be recorded on the IC tag before or after the IC tag is attached to the photographic print.

  When pasting an IC tag on a photographic print in advance, a system configuration as shown in FIG. 1 can be used. In this case, the IC tag may be simply pasted or data necessary for a photo shop may be recorded. For example, color / density correction data may be recorded on the IC tag. In this case, personal information can be written using an unused storage area of the IC tag.

<Other embodiment 2>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another embodiment. In this example, data (corresponding to subject information) of the place where the photograph was taken is recorded on the IC tag T. The timing for recording the location data can be the same as in <Other Embodiment 1>. The location data recorded on the IC tag T can be read by the IC tag reader 45. The shooting location data extraction unit 48 has a function of extracting location data included in the tag information. The navigation system 49 can display the actual position information on the monitor screen 50 by reading the extracted place data. The position information can be displayed in the form of a map. This allows you to actually go to the place where the picture was taken.

<Other embodiment 3>
Still another embodiment will be described. Information relating to commuter passes can be recorded as personal information that can be recorded on the IC tag. That is, the photo print created by the photo processing system can be used as a commuter pass. The IC tag can be attached by a commuter pass vendor. A person who purchases a commuter pass can create a commuter pass created with an original image by bringing his or her favorite photo print to the commuter pass seller. Moreover, a plurality of commuter passes can be combined into one sheet by pasting a plurality of IC tags. For example, you can have a bus and train commuter pass. Alternatively, the company A and company B commuter passes can be combined into one. It can be applied to any prepaid card, not a commuter pass. When used as a commuter pass or prepaid card, it is preferable to subject the surface of the photographic print to durability treatment such as laminating.

<Other embodiment 4>
In the present embodiment, a system for developing a photographic photosensitive material to produce a photographic print (sheet-like image forming medium) has been described. However, a system for creating a print without using a developing solution such as an inkjet printer. Also in this case, the present invention can be applied.

  In this embodiment, the IC tag attachment system 4 is disposed on the upstream side of the image exposure apparatus 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the IC tag attachment system 4 is disposed on the downstream side of the image exposure apparatus 5. May be.

  Although the configuration in which the IC tag is attached to the back surface or the front surface of the paper is shown, in any embodiment, it may be attached to either side. Since the IC tag has a small size, even if it is attached to the surface, the appearance of the photographic print is not impaired.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the IC tag attaching means 40 moves along the paper width direction has been described, but instead, a plurality of IC tag attaching means may be arranged along the paper width direction. . The number of arrangement can be arbitrarily set.

  In this embodiment, the IC tag is attached to the paper after cutting the paper into a print size, but may be performed before cutting into the print size. For example, an IC tag can be attached in advance in the paper manufacturing process. Or it can be made to adhere in the middle of the conveyance process until paper is pulled out from a paper magazine and reaches a paper cutter. In this case, the IC tag can be attached to each piece of paper to be cut into the print size based on the print size data and the paper conveyance amount data. Alternatively, an IC tag may be attached based on a cut mark provided on the paper.

  Although the configuration of various embodiments has been described, a system can be configured by combining the configurations of several embodiments. A system of another embodiment can be newly configured by combining any embodiment with any other embodiment.

Conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a photo processing system Figure showing an example of creating a business card print Figure showing a configuration example of the item input screen The figure which shows a mode when affixing an IC tag on the back of paper Flow chart showing the procedure to create a business card print A conceptual diagram showing composition of a photo processing system concerning a 2nd embodiment. Flow chart showing the procedure for creating a business card print using a sample business card Conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a photographic processing system according to the third embodiment. The figure explaining the method of taking in the image data recorded on the IC tag to the personal computer The figure explaining the method of taking in and displaying the place data recorded on the IC tag on the personal computer

Explanation of symbols

4 IC tag attachment system 5 Image exposure device 6 Exposure engine 9 Development processing unit 10 Drying processing unit 11 Paper discharge unit 20 Media image input unit 21 Film scanner 22 Image data storage unit 23 Image processing unit 24 Monitor 27 Control device 28 Image data transfer Unit 29 IC tag reader 30 Image composition unit 31 Template storage unit 32 Item list storage unit 33 Item input unit 34 Item selection unit 35 Item data transfer unit 36 Tag information analysis unit 37 Face image data extraction unit 38 Item data extraction unit 40 IC tag pasting Attachment means 41 Tag information writing means 43 Compression processing section 44 Second image data transfer section 45 IC tag reader T IC tag

Claims (7)

Tag attaching means for attaching an IC tag to a sheet-like image forming medium;
An information recording system, wherein an IC tag is provided with tag information writing means for recording subject information of an image formed on the image forming medium as tag information.   The information recording system according to claim 1, wherein the image is a business card image including a face image, and the subject information includes personal information of a photographed person.   3. The information recording system according to claim 2, further comprising item selection means for selecting items of personal information to be recorded on the IC tag. Tag information reading means for reading tag information recorded in the IC tag;
The information recording system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising image data generating means for generating data for generating a business card image based on the read tag information.   The information recording system according to claim 1, wherein the subject information is image data of an image formed on an image forming medium. Tag information writing means for causing the IC tag attached to the sheet-like image forming medium or the IC tag to be attached to record subject information of the image formed on the image forming medium as tag information;
An information recording system comprising tag information input means for inputting tag information to be recorded on an IC tag.   The information recording system according to claim 6, wherein the subject information is information on a shooting location of an image formed on an image forming medium.

Images