JP2006186822A - Image processor and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rationally constitute a photograph printer which can be set up to an optimal state for performing image processing. <P>SOLUTION: A image processing part 3 of the photograph printer L1 can be connected to the Internet. When the photograph printer L1 starts, a management means 45 of the image processing part 3 downloads an image processing program from a distribution server A via the Internet and performs image processing by an image processing means 46. Then, when the photograph printer L1 stops operation, the management means 45 deletes the downloaded image processing program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system including an image processing unit that processes image data acquired by an image data acquisition unit, and more particularly, a technique for acquiring necessary information via a communication line such as the Internet. About.

  As a technique related to the image processing apparatus configured as described above, there is one described in Patent Document 1. That is, in this patent document 1, in a photographic processing apparatus that prints an image of a negative film on photographic paper, performs development processing, and sends it out after drying processing, a plurality of different signals corresponding to operating conditions are transmitted to a public telephone line. Means. This transmission means functions to display the driving state as characters on the liquid crystal display portion of the pager via the public telephone line. Specifically, when the photographic paper is clogged in the development processing section of the photographic processing apparatus, or when a trouble occurs in which the temperature of the processing liquid becomes abnormal, the characters “Error 4” are displayed on the liquid crystal display section of the pager. When there is no photographic paper in the paper magazine, the word “Error 3” is displayed on the LCD display of the pager, and when the negative film is exhausted, the word “Error 2” is displayed on the LCD of the pager. The processing form is set so as to.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-125891 (paragraph numbers [0011] to [0015], FIGS. 1 to 3)

  Taking a photo printing apparatus installed at a DP store as an apparatus for printing an image on a printing medium such as photographic paper, this printing apparatus has been digitized in recent years, and prints a frame image of a photographic film. In some cases, after a frame image of a photographic film is converted into a digital signal by a film scanner, image processing for obtaining an optimum color tone and a required effect is performed. In addition, even when printing from image data taken with a digital camera whose performance has been rapidly increasing recently, it is also possible to perform image processing to obtain the optimum color tone and the required effect, as described above. Many.

  What can be considered as such image processing includes not only those that directly affect the image quality, such as color correction and contrast correction, but also those that decorate image data, such as synthesis processing with a template.

  The processing means for performing image processing in the photographic printing apparatus has the same performance as that of a general-purpose computer. When performing this image processing, a dedicated unit for image processing provided on the board may be used. Most of them use a program for processing. Considering this image processing program, improvements have been made to cope with changes in the performance of photographic films, changes in the performance of photosensitive materials, or changes in the performance of digital cameras. This improvement can be made in various forms, such as improvement of only the part added to the program like plug-ins, change of parameters required for processing, or improvement of the whole program, such as those requiring re-installation. Become.

  Also, considering the printing process for New Year's cards and summer greetings using templates, this template often uses, for example, popular characters and materials that reflect the topic of the year. We had to pay attention to template updates.

  As described above, data and programs used for image processing, or data such as denplate used for decoration, etc. need the latest data. Considering using the Internet to obtain these data. However, some operation must be performed in order to acquire data, which may be a burden on the operator.

  An object of the present invention is to rationally configure an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that can be set up in an optimum state for performing image processing.

A feature of the present invention is an image processing apparatus including an image processing unit that processes image data acquired by an image data acquisition unit.
The image processing unit is connected to a communication line capable of acquiring information from the distribution server, and the image processing unit is a program or image for executing image processing from the distribution server via the communication line at the start of operation. Management means for acquiring processing information necessary for processing and erasing the program or processing information acquired from the distribution server when the operation is stopped is provided.

  With this configuration, when this image processing unit is operated, the management means acquires the program or processing information necessary for image processing from the distribution server via the communication line. It is possible to use the latest program or the latest processing information, for example, to perform the optimum image processing corresponding to the change in the performance of the photographic film or the new model of the digital camera. Further, when the operation of the image processing unit is stopped, the management unit deletes the program acquired from the distribution server or the processing information necessary for the image processing, so that the processing information necessary for the program or the image processing is not updated in the image processing apparatus. It will not be left behind. As a result, an image processing apparatus that can be set up in an optimal state for performing image processing and perform image processing in an optimal environment has been configured.

  In the present invention, as the management means, when acquiring the program or processing information, a processing form may be set such that a list of programs or processing information to be acquired is displayed on a display and an operator is requested to select. .

  With this configuration, it is possible to acquire the minimum necessary program or processing information, or to acquire necessary processing information based on the processing schedule, and avoid the inconvenience of downloading a large amount of data.

  The present invention has a function of causing the image processing unit to process the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit on the image processing screen displayed on the display, and the image processing unit includes a browser on the display. The browser may be provided with a function of obtaining information by connecting to the distribution server or an arbitrary server via the communication line from the browser.

  With this configuration, for example, when performing image processing using a template, the image processing unit displays a browser on the display, and this browser needs to be connected to a distribution server or an arbitrary server via a communication line. Information can be acquired.

  The present invention includes a print unit that executes print processing based on image data processed by the image processing unit, and print history in the print unit or error history in the print unit is stored in the communication line. You may provide the log | history preservation | save means to preserve | save in the maintenance server to connect.

  With this configuration, the print history and error history in the printing unit are stored in the maintenance server connected to the communication line by the history storage unit. For example, the person who manages the image processing apparatus acquires the history from the maintenance server. As a result, it is possible to grasp the operating status of the printing unit from the outside and to grasp the failure of the printing unit.

A feature of the present invention is an image processing system including an image processing unit that processes image data acquired by an image data acquisition unit.
The image processing unit is connected to a communication line capable of acquiring information from a distribution server, and the distribution server responds to request information sent via the communication line at the start of operation of the image processing unit. Sends out a program for executing image processing or processing information necessary for image processing to the image processing unit,
The image processing unit includes management means for deleting the program or processing information acquired from the distribution server when operation is stopped.

  With this configuration, the distribution server sends out a program for executing image processing or processing information necessary for image processing to the image processing unit in response to request information sent out via the communication line at the start of operation of the image processing unit. When performing image processing in the processing unit, it is possible to use the latest program or the latest processing information. For example, optimal image processing is performed in response to changes in performance of photographic film and new models of digital cameras. It becomes possible. Further, when the operation of the image processing unit is stopped, the management unit deletes the program acquired from the distribution server or the processing information necessary for the image processing, so that the processing information necessary for the program or the image processing is not updated in the image processing apparatus. It will not be left behind. As a result, an image processing system that can be set up in an optimal state for performing image processing and perform image processing in an optimal environment has been configured.

  In the present invention, the distribution server may determine a model of the image processing unit based on the request information, and set a processing form so as to send out the program or the processing information corresponding to the model.

  With this configuration, when the distribution server receives request information from the image processing unit, the model of the image processing unit is determined from the request information, and a program or processing information corresponding to the model is sent out. It is possible to exchange the main part of the image processing apparatus or to send out an optimum program or processing information corresponding to these to a plurality of image processing apparatuses to perform image processing.

  In the present invention, a content server storing an image processing template is connected to the communication line, and the image processing unit performs image processing of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit on an image processing screen displayed on a display. The image processing unit may have a function of displaying a browser on the display and connecting the content server to the content server via the communication line to acquire a template.

  With this configuration, when image processing is performed using a template, the image processing unit displays a browser on the display, and a necessary template can be acquired by connecting to the content server from the browser via a communication line.

  The present invention includes a print unit that executes print processing based on image data processed by the image processing unit, and print history in the print unit or error history in the print unit is stored in the communication line. The maintenance server includes a history storage unit for storing in a connected maintenance server, and the maintenance server sets a processing form so that the history is sent out via a communication line when requested by a terminal connected to the communication line. May be.

  With this configuration, the print history and error history in the printing unit are stored in the maintenance server connected to the communication line by the history storage unit, and this maintenance server is used when there is a request from the terminal connected to the communication line. Since the history is sent to the terminal, for example, the person who manages the image processing apparatus can grasp the operation status of the print unit from the outside and can grasp the failure of the print unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
〔System configuration〕
As shown in FIG. 1, a silver salt type photo printing apparatus L1 and an ink jet type photo printing apparatus L2 as an example of an image processing apparatus are connected to the Internet N as a communication line and distributed to the Internet N. An image processing system is configured by connecting a server A, a content server B, a maintenance server C, and a reception server D.

  This image processing system has a basic configuration including a distribution server A connected to the Internet N (an example of a communication line) and a photo print device L (a superordinate concept of the two types of photo print devices).

[Photo printing device]
As shown in FIG. 2, the silver salt photographic printing apparatus L1 includes a film scanner 1 (an example of an image data acquisition unit) that acquires a frame image of a developed photographic film F as image data by photoelectric conversion, In addition to a display 2 for displaying information, an image processing unit 3 composed of a general-purpose computer for processing image data, an operating unit X1 having a keyboard 4 and a mouse 5, an inside of a casing 10 having a dark box structure A long photographic paper is pulled out from a stored photographic paper magazine (not shown), cut into a print size, supplied to an exposure head inside the housing 10, and image data is exposed. The photographic paper P1 is developed in a developing tank inside the housing 10 and dried, and then sent onto the belt conveyor 11 to be fed into the sorter 1. And a print unit Y1 of recovering on the order units in.

  The image processing unit 3 implements various processes according to information displayed on the display 2 by operating the keyboard 4 and the mouse 5, and further acquires image data acquired by the film scanner 1 or the image processing unit 3. The image data acquired from the medium M set in the media drive 6 (an example of the image acquisition means) provided for the image processing is processed to generate image data and order data such as the print size and the number of prints, and the print unit Y1 By performing the transmission, the printing process in the printing unit Y1 is realized.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink-jet photographic printing apparatus L2 includes an image processing unit 21 composed of a general-purpose computer for processing image data, and an operating unit X2 having a display 23 having a touch panel 22 formed on the display surface. In addition, a long paper housed in the lower portion of the housing 30 is sent to the upper portion of the housing 30 and an image is formed by spraying ink with a print head arranged on the upper portion, and then cut into a print size. A printing unit Y <b> 2 that feeds the paper P <b> 2 to the table 31 at the top of the housing 30 is provided.

  Incidentally, the operating part X is referred to as an operating part X as a superordinate concept of the operating parts X1 and X2, and the printing part Y is referred to as a superordinate concept of the printing parts Y1 and Y2. The operating unit X and the printing unit Y are not limited to those having the configuration shown in this embodiment. For example, a general-purpose computer may be used as the operating unit X. Alternatively, a thermal transfer type or a sublimation type may be used.

  The image processing unit 21 includes a plurality of types of media drives 24 (an example of image data acquisition means) that acquire image data from the semiconductor media M and the disk media M used in the digital camera. After the image data acquired in step S3 is displayed on the display 23, the operator touches the touch panel 22 to generate order data for designating the print size, the number of prints, and the image data to be printed, and the print unit Y2. Is transmitted to the print unit Y2, thereby realizing a print process in the print unit Y2.

  The image processing units 3 and 21 constituting each of the photographic printing apparatuses L1 and L2 not only perform processing that directly affects the image quality, such as color correction and contrast correction of image data, but also decorate the image data using a template. It is configured to be able to perform processing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image processing unit 3 includes a microprocessor (CPU) and an input / output interface 41 (I / O) for inputting / outputting information to / from the microprocessor (CPU). Yes. The input / output interface 41 forms an information input / output system for the film scanner 1, media drive 6, display 2, keyboard 4 and mouse 5, and is connected to the hard disk HD, the print unit Y 1 and the Internet N. An information input / output system for the communication unit 42 is realized.

  In addition, a semiconductor memory 43 formed of RAM or ROM, an operating system 44 for realizing processing in the image processing unit 3, a program executed in the image processing unit 3, and the like on the data bus of the microprocessor (CPU) Management means 45 that manages processing information, image processing means 46 that performs image processing of image data, order data acquisition means 47 that acquires order data such as print size and number of prints when printing image data, order data and images Based on the data, the print execution means 48 for realizing the print processing in the print unit Y1 and the history storage means 49 for storing the print history in the print unit Y1 and the error history in the entire photo printing apparatus L1 are connected. .

  The operating system 44, the management means 45, the image processing means 46, the order data acquisition means 47, the print execution means 48, and the history storage means 49 are each constituted by a program developed in a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM). Assumed, but may be configured in combination with hardware such as logic. The image processing unit 3 requires a control bus, an address bus, and the like in addition to the data bus in order to realize control, but in order to avoid complication, the control bus and address bus are shown in the drawing. Or, the interfaces are not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing unit 21 includes a microprocessor (CPU) and an input / output interface 41 (I / O) for inputting / outputting information to / from the microprocessor (CPU). Yes. An information input / output system for the media drive 24, the display 23, and the touch panel 22 is formed for the input / output interface 41, and the communication unit 42 for realizing connection to the hard disk HD, the print unit Y2, and the Internet N is provided. An information input / output system is formed.

  In addition, a semiconductor memory 43 formed of RAM or ROM, an operating system 44 for realizing processing in the image processing unit 21, programs executed in the image processing unit 21, and the like on the data bus of the microprocessor (CPU). Management means 45 that manages processing information, image processing means 46 that performs image processing of image data, order data acquisition means 47 that acquires order data such as print size and number of prints when printing image data, order data and images Based on the data, the print execution means 48 for realizing the print processing in the print unit Y2 and the history storage means 49 for storing the print history in the print unit Y2 and the error history in the entire photo printing apparatus L2 are connected. .

〔server〕
The distribution server A, the content server B, the maintenance server C, and the reception server D are each managed by a company that manufactures the photographic printing apparatuses L1 and L2 and a company that provides a distribution service, and a management server that manages them. E is connected to the Internet N.

 It is possible to log in with any server by specifying a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and after logging in, it functions as a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) or ASP (Active Server Pages) set in each server. System that transmits the requested information from the logged-in terminal, executes the requested processing, and transmits information preset based on the request to the terminal in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format A basic processing form is set to do this.

  The distribution server A functions to distribute a program for executing image processing or processing information necessary for image processing to the photographic printing apparatus L (processing mode will be described later). The content server B stores templates and material image data used in a form to be combined with image data, and functions to distribute based on a request (processing form will be described later). The maintenance server C stores the print history and error history of the photo printing apparatus L, and functions to distribute history data to the terminal based on a request from a terminal connected to the Internet N (the processing form will be described later). ).

  When the management server E is updated to the latest version, such as when upgrading the program or processing information to be distributed from the distribution server A, or when a new model of the photo printing apparatus is released, The program and processing information corresponding to the model are used in the form of uploading via the Internet N. This management server does not have to be managed only by the company that manufactures the photographic printing apparatus L. For example, it is managed by a company that develops programs and is used in the form of uploading the latest programs. Also good.

  In addition, a large number of personal computers G are connected to the Internet N (only one is shown in the drawing), and a base station H of a mobile phone company is also connected from the mobile phone J via the base station H. It is configured to be connected to the Internet N.

  Incidentally, the management server E and the computer G each have a general configuration including a general-purpose computer main body 51, a display 52, a keyboard 53, and a mouse 54. The mobile phone J is configured to be able to connect to the Internet N by displaying a browser on the liquid crystal display 56.

  The reception server D displays a reception screen on the display 52 of the terminal by logging in from a terminal such as a computer G of a customer connected to the Internet N as shown in FIG. On the screen, request to specify the image data to be printed, obtain order information such as the print size and number of prints of the image data, request the DP store that wants to receive the print finish, and charge required for the order Is displayed. As described above, after obtaining image data, order data, and the like from the customer, the image data and the order data function so as to be transferred to the DP store designated by the customer.

  Incidentally, the reception server D can receive data in the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) format as order data, and the reception server D receives the order of the image data in this way as a DP store designated by the customer. You will be paid to pay the fee and receive the finished order.

[Distribution by distribution server]
The distribution server A functions as a portal server that always logs in from the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 when the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 start to operate, and distributes information to the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 are powered on and started to operate, the management unit 45 logs into the distribution server A and transmits request information. The request information includes information indicating the model of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 and information for requesting distribution at the time of activation. The distribution server A distributes an image processing program corresponding to the model to the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 based on the model information included in the request information. After the image processing program is distributed in this way, the management unit 45 installs the image processing program so that the image processing unit 46 can perform image processing.

  In this processing, the management unit 45 has been described as requesting distribution of the image processing program from the distribution server A. However, as information distributed from the distribution server A, distribution of processing information such as parameters necessary for image processing is requested. The processing form may be set to Further, the processing form may be set so that the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 request distribution of the image processing program and the processing information from the distribution server A.

  Next, when executing printing (order), the order data acquisition means 47 acquires the order data in each of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2, and the image processing means 46 delivers the image distributed as described above. Necessary image processing is performed using the processing program, and the print execution means 48 prints the image data on the photographic paper P1 or the paper P2 in the printing units Y1 and Y2 based on the order data.

  When an operation to stop (end) the operation of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 is performed, after the management unit 45 deletes the image processing program distributed from the distribution server A as described above, The operation of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 itself is stopped.

  Incidentally, the distribution server A uploads the latest program and data from the management server E via the Internet N.

  As described above, at the start of activation of the front photo print apparatuses L1 and L2, the management means 45 configuring the respective image processing units 3 and 21 logs in to the distribution server A and transmits the request information. The distribution server A distributes a program for executing image processing corresponding to the model of the photographic printing apparatuses L1 and L2 or processing information necessary for image processing. Even so, image processing can be performed using the latest program and data necessary for image processing.

[Different forms of distribution by distribution server]
As an example of the different processing forms shown in FIG. 7, when the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 are turned on and started to operate, the management means 45 logs in to the distribution server A. Transmit request information. The request information includes information indicating the model of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 and information for requesting distribution at the time of activation. The distribution server A extracts an image processing program corresponding to the model and processing information list data such as parameters necessary for the image processing based on the model information included in the request information, and sends it to the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2. To deliver.

  The list data distributed in this way is displayed on the display 2 by the management means 45 functioning as a browser. Then, based on this display, the operator designates what is required for the processing, whereby designation information is transmitted to the distribution server A. For example, when an image processing program is designated, the distribution server A distributes the image processing program to the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2. After the image processing program is distributed in this way, the management unit 45 installs the image processing program so that the image processing unit 46 can perform image processing.

  That is, in this processing, when the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 are operated, for example, when there is a plan to process image data photographed with a digital camera, the processing is good corresponding to the characteristics of the digital camera. As an example, it is possible to acquire plug-in data and parameters for realizing image processing such as color correction. Then, by specifying the program to be distributed, it is possible to download at high speed without acquiring useless information. In particular, when the system is constructed to charge for this distribution, the amount of payment can be reduced.

[Distribution by content server]
The distribution of information from the content server B to the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, when a template is required for image processing in the state in which the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 are activated, the management unit 47 logs in the content server B, transmits request information, and transmits the template T. (See FIG. 9).

  More specifically, when the image data and the template are combined, the template print screen 60 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 2 in the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2. The template composition screen 60 also functions as a browser for displaying necessary information by connecting to the content server B via the Internet N, and a composition display unit 61 for confirming the composition state of the image data and the template T. An image data display unit 62 that displays a plurality of image data to be selected, a template display unit 63 that displays a plurality of templates T in a thumbnail format, an OK button 64, and a download button 65. .

  In the template synthesis screen 60 in the initial state, the template T is not displayed on the template display section 63, and the download button 65 is selected with a cursor and operated (for example, a mouse switch is operated), whereby the setting screen 70 shown in FIG. Is displayed at a position partially overlapping with the template composition screen 60.

  On this setting screen 70, a print size input unit 71, a posture input unit 72 for setting the posture of image data, a genre input unit 73 for setting the genre of the template T, and an OK button 74 are displayed.

  By operating the OK button 74 after inputting necessary information on the setting screen 70, the request information is transmitted from the setting screen 70 to the content server B, and the content server B is based on the request information. A plurality of templates T that match the setting information described above are extracted, and thumbnail images (list data) of the plurality of templates T are distributed (downloaded) to the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2, so that they are displayed on the template display unit 63. A thumbnail image of the template T is displayed. Then, the setting screen 70 is deleted.

  The request information includes, in addition to the information set on the setting screen 70, information indicating the model of the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2, and information for requesting distribution of the template. Distributes list data in which templates T corresponding to the models are listed based on the model information included in the request information.

  After the thumbnail images of the plurality of templates T are displayed on the template display unit 63 in this way, one of them is designated with the cursor (for example, double-clicking the switch of the mouse 5), so that the designation information becomes the content. The content server B distributes the designated template T (high resolution image data) to the photo print apparatuses L 1 and L 2, and the template T is displayed on the composite display unit 61.

  The image data selected from the image data display unit 62 is dragged to the template T displayed on the synthesis display unit 61 and moved to the synthesis position, or the mouse 5 This can be done by double-clicking the switch. When this composition processing is completed, the composition processing is determined by selecting the OK button 64 with the cursor and operating it (for example, operating the switch of the mouse 5).

  Although the processing mode in which the template T is not stored on the side of the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2 is shown, the general-purpose template T that stores the downloaded template T or realizes basic processing is used as the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2. It may be configured so as to be stored on the side. In particular, charging may be performed when the template T is downloaded.

  Incidentally, the content server B uploads the latest template data from the management server E.

  As described above, the content server B stores the template T and the image data as the material. In addition, a popular character can be used as the template T, and a material reflecting the topic of the year can be uploaded. For this reason, when processing using the template T is required, the user logs in to the content server B from the template composition screen 60 functioning as a browser, and designates the required genre, thereby thumbnailing a plurality of templates. By downloading an image and specifying what is necessary while checking the image, a high-resolution template T can be downloaded and combined with image data. Although not described, the same procedure is performed when downloading image data as a material.

[Processing on the maintenance server]
The history data access among the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2, the maintenance server C, and the content server B will be described with reference to FIG.

  When print processing is performed in the photo print apparatuses L1 and L2, the print history is extracted by the history storage means 49, and prints including information such as print size and number of prints, and information specifying the photo print apparatus are printed. A history is generated and transmitted to the maintenance server C. In the maintenance server C, when a print history is received, it is stored in a storage means such as a hard disk.

  Each part of the photographic printing apparatuses L1 and L2 includes a sensor for detecting clogging of the photographic paper P1 and the paper P2, a sensor for detecting abnormal processing, and the like. When any error is detected in these sensors, an error history including data specifying the error, date and time of occurrence, and information specifying the photo printing apparatus is generated and transmitted to the maintenance server C. In the maintenance server C, when an error history is received, it is stored in a storage means such as a hard disk.

  The print history and error history are set so that they can be transmitted at any timing during operation of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 (may be transmitted at a set time interval).

  In such a situation, for example, when the owner of the photo printing apparatuses L1 and L2 confirms the print history, or when the person in charge of the maintenance company wants to confirm the error history, the mobile phone J or the like is used. The user can log into the maintenance server C via the Internet N and check the print history and error history on the browser. When the print history is confirmed in this way, history request information is transmitted to the maintenance server C by inputting data for authentication such as a history ID. When this history request information is transmitted, the maintenance server C distributes the history data after the authentication, and the history data is displayed on the mobile phone J.

  As described above, the maintenance server C stores the print histories and error histories of a plurality of photo printing apparatuses, and can confirm the histories from a terminal connected to the Internet N. Therefore, even in a situation where the photo printing apparatus is not operated at the DP store, the owner can log in to the maintenance server C and grasp the sales of print processing and the degree of paper consumption from the print history information. It becomes. In addition, the person in charge (serviceman) of the company performing maintenance grasps the failure status of the photo printing device installed at each DP store from the error history of the photo printing device at the DP store, and parts required for maintenance and repair And prepare tools.

[Another embodiment]
The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the embodiment described above.

(A) A distribution server is provided with the function of a content server. In other words, the distribution server does not distribute the program or information only when the image processing apparatus (photo printing apparatus) is started, but can start the browser in the image processing apparatus at the timing required by the operator and request the necessary content. Configure as follows.

(B) The processing mode is set so that not only the image processing program but also a program for performing print processing in the printing unit and a program for acquiring image data and order data are acquired from the distribution server. May be. Specifically, all applications other than OS (Operating System) may be downloaded.

(C) A program for image processing may be created using, for example, Java (a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems) so that a browser is displayed on the display and can be executed on the browser. By configuring a program for image processing using a language that does not depend on an OS (Operating System) such as Java, versatility is enhanced and program development is facilitated.

(D) The image processing apparatus may have only a function of acquiring image data and a function of processing the image data.

(E) As a processing form in which the order is received by the reception server D, not only the customer's computer G but also a dedicated reception device installed at a convenience store store or the like logs in to the reception server D and requests print processing. It may be a thing.

(F) As a form for confirming the print history, not only the mobile phone J, but also a login to the maintenance server C from the photo printing apparatus L or a computer terminal, and the print history may be confirmed from these.

(G) When data is acquired by logging in to a server, it is not always necessary to use a browser to display data from the server on a terminal such as a computer. In particular, the processing mode may be set so that data is sent from the server in the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format, and a display unit that displays the language in this format on the terminal without using a browser may be used.

  In addition to acquiring information necessary for processing image data via a communication line, information for operating the image processing unit may be acquired via the communication line.

The figure which shows the outline of the image processing system Perspective view showing a silver salt photo printing device Perspective view showing an ink jet photo printing apparatus Block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit of a silver halide photo printing apparatus Block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing unit of an ink jet photographic printing apparatus The figure which shows the form of the delivery of the information by a delivery server The figure which shows the different form of the delivery of the information by a delivery server The figure which shows the form of the delivery of information by a content server Diagram showing template composition screen Figure showing the setting screen The figure which shows the form of the information processing with the maintenance server

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image data acquisition means: Film scanner 2 Display 3 Image processing part 24 Image data acquisition means: Media drive 45 Management means 49 History storage means A Distribution server C Maintenance server N Communication line: Internet Y Print part

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus including an image processing unit that processes image data acquired by an image data acquisition unit,
The image processing unit is connected to a communication line capable of acquiring information from the distribution server, and the image processing unit is a program or image for executing image processing from the distribution server via the communication line at the start of operation. An image processing apparatus comprising management means for acquiring processing information necessary for processing and erasing the program or processing information acquired from the distribution server when operation is stopped.   2. The processing mode according to claim 1, wherein when the management unit acquires the program or processing information, a processing mode is set so that a list of programs or processing information to be acquired is displayed on a display and an operator is requested to select. Image processing device.   The image processing unit has a function of processing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit on the image processing screen displayed on the display, and the image processing unit displays a browser on the display, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function capable of acquiring information from a browser connected to the distribution server or an arbitrary server via the communication line.   A maintenance server that includes a print unit that executes print processing based on image data processed by the image processing unit, and that connects a print history in the print unit or an error history in the print unit to the communication line The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a history storage unit that stores data in the storage unit. An image processing system including an image processing unit that processes image data acquired by an image data acquisition unit,
The image processing unit is connected to a communication line capable of acquiring information from a distribution server, and the distribution server responds to request information sent via the communication line at the start of operation of the image processing unit. Sends out a program for executing image processing or processing information necessary for image processing to the image processing unit,
The image processing system includes an managing unit that deletes the program or processing information acquired from the distribution server when operation is stopped.   6. The image according to claim 5, wherein the distribution server is configured to determine a model of the image processing unit based on the request information and to send out the program or the processing information corresponding to the model. Processing system.   A content server storing a template for image processing is connected to the communication line, and the image processing unit has a function of performing image processing of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit on an image processing screen displayed on a display. The image processing unit has a function of displaying a browser on the display and acquiring a template by connecting to the content server from the browser via the communication line. Image processing system.   A maintenance server that includes a print unit that executes print processing based on image data processed by the image processing unit, and that connects a print history in the print unit or an error history in the print unit to the communication line The maintenance server is configured to send the history via a communication line when requested by a terminal connected to the communication line. The image processing system according to any one of 5 to 7.

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