JP2011210017A - Image print system, image output reception terminal, and image output method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print system for recommending a frame image matched with the needs of a user.SOLUTION: When a difference between the date and time information of frame definition data 12 of an object frame image and the shooting date and time information of image data 11 selected by a user is equal to or less than a threshold, or when a difference between the date and time information of frame definition data 13 of the object frame image and the current date and time is equal to or less than the threshold, or when a difference between the GPS position information of the frame definition data 13 of the object frame image and GPS position information included in the image data 11 selected by the user is equal to or less than the threshold, an image output reception terminal 1 selects the object frame image as a "recommended frame".

Description

The present invention relates to an image printing system that prints image data stored in a storage medium possessed by a user, and more particularly to an image printing system that synthesizes and prints a frame image on image data.

In recent years, an image print system or an image output apparatus that can be installed in a relatively small space of a store has been put into practical use. A user can print from a storage medium storing an image captured by a digital camera or the like using an image print system or an image output device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The user edits the selected image, such as writing a message, cutting it out, changing the magnification, etc., and compositing the material image, frame image, etc. stored in the image output receiving terminal or image output device, etc. It can be performed.

JP 2004-268431 A

  When a frame image is to be combined with an image selected by the user by the method described in Patent Document 1, one frame image is selected from the frame images stored in the image print system or the image output apparatus. . In order to answer a variety of user preferences and needs, it is necessary to store a large number of frame images in the image output receiving terminal or the image output device. Finding and selecting an image is very time consuming.

  To make it easier for users to find frame images, display the frame images classified into categories such as seasons and event events, select the desired category, and search for the desired frame image from the selected category There is also a method. However, for example, a large number of event event categories that do not match the current season, categories that do not match the image that the user is trying to synthesize the frame image, and the like may be displayed.

  Also, in order to reduce the number of frame images stored in the image print system or the image output device and make it easier to find the frame images, as a system maintenance work, there is also a method in which the frame images are replaced and updated for each season or event event. Conceivable. However, when a large number of image output receiving terminals or image output devices are installed, the maintenance work of the system becomes very large. In addition, since the user does not always print only the image taken most recently, there is a possibility that the user's needs may not be answered only by the frame image relating to the current season or event event.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image print system or the like that recommends frame images that meet the needs of users.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention is an image print system in which a printer and an image output receiving terminal are connected, and the image output receiving terminal inputs image data stored in a storage medium. Selected from the frame image data based on the frame definition data, an image input means to perform, a holding means for holding the image data, the frame image data, and frame definition data for defining attributes of the frame image data A recommended frame image display means for displaying a recommended frame image, a frame image selection means for allowing a user to select the frame image data to be combined with the image data, and the frame image data selected by the frame image selection means. Frame image combining means for generating print data by combining with image data; An image printing system characterized by comprising a print data transmitting means for transmitting data to the printer, the. According to the first invention, it is possible to recommend a frame image that meets the needs of the user.

The frame image data held by the holding means includes related date and time information related to frame image data, and the recommended frame image display means has a predetermined difference between the related date and time information and the shooting date and time information of the image data. If it is equal to or less than the threshold value, the frame image data is displayed as a recommended frame image.
Thereby, frame image data close to the shooting date and time of the image data selected by the user can be displayed as a recommended frame image.

The frame image data held by the holding unit includes related date and time information related to frame image data, and the recommended frame image display unit is configured such that the difference between the related date and time information and the current date and time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The frame image data is displayed as a recommended frame image.
Thereby, frame image data related to the current season or event event can be displayed as a recommended frame image.

The frame image data held by the holding means includes related GPS position information related to the frame image data, and the recommended frame image display means has a predetermined difference between the related GPS position information and the GPS position information of the image data. If it is equal to or less than the threshold value, the frame image data is displayed as a recommended frame image.
As a result, it is possible to display frame image data such as landmarks close to the shooting location of the image data selected by the user as a recommended frame image.

The frame image data held by the holding unit includes related GPS position information related to frame image data, and the holding unit further holds locale data indicating an installation location of the image output reception terminal, and the recommendation The frame image display means displays the frame image data as a recommended frame image when the difference between the related GPS position information and the locale data is not more than a predetermined threshold value.
Thus, frame image data such as landmarks in the area where the image print system is installed can be displayed as a recommended frame image.

  A second invention is an image output receiving terminal connected to a printer, the image input means for inputting image data stored in a storage medium, the image data, the frame image data, and the frame image data Holding means for holding frame definition data for defining attributes; recommended frame image display means for displaying a recommended frame image selected from the frame image data based on the frame definition data; and the frame to be combined with the image data Frame image selecting means for allowing a user to select image data, frame image combining means for generating the print data by combining the frame image data selected by the frame image selecting means with the image data, and the print data Printing data transmission means for transmitting to the printer. It is an image output reception terminal.

  A third invention is an image output method in an image print system in which a printer and an image output reception terminal are connected, wherein the image output reception terminal inputs image data stored in a storage medium; A holding step for holding the image data, the frame image data, and frame definition data for defining attributes of the frame image data, and a recommended frame image selected from the frame image data based on the frame definition data A recommended frame image display step, a frame image selection step for allowing the user to select the frame image data to be combined with the image data, and the frame image data selected by the frame image selection means are combined with the image data. , Frame image composition step to generate print data , An image output method and executes a print data transmitting step of transmitting the print data to the printer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image print system that recommends a frame image that meets the needs of the user.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image print system 100 according to the first embodiment. Schematic perspective view of an example of the image output reception terminal 1 Hardware configuration diagram of image output reception terminal 1 Hardware configuration diagram of the printer server 3 Flowchart showing processing operation of image print system 100 The figure which shows an example of the thumbnail screen 600 The figure which shows an example of the image edit screen 700 The figure which shows an example of the frame selection screen 800 The figure which shows an example of the frame definition data 13 The figure which shows an example of the frame definition data 13 The flowchart which shows the recommendation frame image selection process of the image output reception terminal 1 System configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 2 of the second embodiment External perspective view of the image output device 2 Hardware configuration diagram of the image output device 2

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image print system 100 includes a plurality of image output reception terminals 1-1 and 1-2, a printer server 3, a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3. It is connected and configured.

  The network 9 is a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN), and may be wired or wireless.

  The image output acceptance terminal 1 is a terminal device that accepts image output at a store, and includes an image data reading unit 101, an image editing / synthesizing unit 102, a print data transmitting unit 103, a charging unit 104, and the like.

The image data reading unit 101 acquires the image data 11 from the input medium 121 in which the image data is recorded in advance and holds it in the storage unit 302.
The input medium 121 (storage medium) is, for example, smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), mini SD (secure digital) card, SD memory card, memory stick, compact disk, or the like.
In this embodiment, only the means for reading image data from the input medium 121 is shown as the image data reading means 101. However, the means for reading a paper medium or the like by the scanner device, or the means for taking an image of the subject by the photographing device. You may make it provide.

  For example, the image output receiving terminal 1 displays a thumbnail image of the image data 11 on a display with a touch panel such as a liquid crystal display, and enables designation of the number of prints, print size, image editing and composition processing, and the like. The user selects the image data 11 to order printing via the touch panel.

  The image editing / synthesizing means 102 interactively performs date / time synthesis, message writing, image data 11 clipping, magnification change, frame image synthesis editing, etc. on one or more input or selected image data 11. This is realized by an interactive interface program and an image processing program. The image editing / synthesizing unit 102 saves the print data 15 obtained by editing and synthesizing the image data 11 in the storage unit 302.

The frame image data 12 is image data of a frame image to be combined with the image data 11, and is image data related to seasons, event events, landmarks, or image data for decoration such as flowers, ribbons, laces, and polka dots. .
The frame definition data 13 is data that defines the attributes of the frame image data 12. The frame definition data 13 includes the name of the frame image data 12, the category to which the frame image data 12 belongs such as “animal”, “landscape”, “Valentine”, “Christmas”, “sports”, and the GPS (Global Positioning System) position information, date / time information about the frame image data 12, and the like.
The locale data 14 is the latitude and longitude of the place where the image output reception terminal 1 is installed.

  The image editing / synthesizing unit 102 recommends a recommended frame image from the frame image data 12 based on the shooting date / time information and the GPS position information included in the EXIF data of the image data 11 and the frame definition data 13 held in the storage unit 302. (Recommended frame image) is extracted and displayed as a recommended frame image (recommended frame image) for the user.

  The print data transmission unit 103 transmits the print data 15 stored in the storage unit 302 to the printer server 3 via the network 9.

The billing means 104 calculates and displays a fee according to the print order of the printed matter 123 by the user, issues a receipt (voucher) 122 by a receipt printer as required, and requests payment from the user at the store To do.
In the present embodiment, the billing unit 104 only calculates the fee and issues a receipt (voucher) 122. However, the billing unit 104 is equipped with a billing machine and requests the user to deposit money so as to have a billing process using cash. It may be.

The printer server 3 is a computer or the like, and includes a print data receiving unit 131, a print control unit 132, and the like.
The print data receiving unit 131 receives the print data 15 from the plurality of image output reception terminals 1-1 and 1-2 and stores it as the print data 20 in the storage unit 402.
The print control unit 132 distributes the print data 20 to a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 and transfers them.

  The printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 are high-resolution color printers that print image data, and print a printed matter 123. Any printer system such as a thermal transfer printer or an ink jet printer may be used. In the present embodiment, three printers are used, but the number of printers is not limited to this.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the image output receiving terminal 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, a display 201 with a touch panel is arranged on the upper front of the image output reception terminal 1. A display 201 with a touch panel displays operation guidance, operation status, read image data 11 and the like, and receives instructions from the user. The user performs selection of image data 11 to be ordered for printing, selection of a frame image to be combined with the image data 11, instruction for image processing, and the like via the display 201 with a touch panel.

A media input port 203 and a receipt outlet 205 are provided at the lower part of the display 201 with a touch panel.
The media insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot for each storage medium (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), mini SD (secure digital) card, SD memory card, memory stick, compact disc, etc.). They are arranged in one place. Further, various media reading units (see FIG. 3) are installed in the housing of the image output receiving terminal 1 so as to correspond to the insertion ports of the respective recording media.
Further, a receipt (voucher) 122 on which the collected amount, order details, and the like are printed is released from the receipt outlet 205. A receipt printer (see FIG. 3) is provided in the housing of the image output receiving terminal 1 in correspondence with the receipt outlet 205.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output receiving terminal 1.
The image output receiving terminal 1 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, etc.), a communication unit 304, various media reading units 305, a shutter 306, a monitor (with a touch panel) 307, A receipt journal processing unit (receipt printer) 310 and the like are connected via a bus 319.

  The control unit 301 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes a program, a RAM (random access memory) that stores program instructions or data, a ROM (read only memory), and the like. The control unit 301 controls each device connected via the bus 319 in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 302 or the like.

The storage unit 302 stores a program executed by the control unit 301, data necessary for program execution, an OS (Operating System), and the like. Examples of the program include an image input program, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging processing program, a receipt printing processing program, and a maintenance program. The data is, for example, image data 11, frame image data 12, frame definition data 13, locale data 14, print data 15, and the like.
The program code is read by the control unit 301 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read to the CPU, and executed as various functions.

The input / output unit 303 is used at the time of maintenance for updating the program stored in the storage unit 302, setting the image output receiving terminal 1, and the like.
The communication unit 304 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the image output reception terminal 1 and the network 9. The communication unit 304 performs communication control between the image output reception terminal 1 and the printer server 3 via the network 9.

The various media reading unit 305 reads image data stored in advance in the input media 121.
The shutter 306 is provided at each insertion port of the media insertion port 203, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion port so that the input medium 121 cannot be taken out during the reading process or until the accounting process is completed.
The monitor 307 is a display 201 with a touch panel.
The receipt journal processing unit 310 serves as a charging function. Corresponding to the receipt outlet 205, it is provided inside the image output reception terminal 1, and performs voucher and receipt printing.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the printer server 3.
The printer server 3 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a media input / output unit (drive device) 403, a communication control unit (communication control device, communication port, etc.) 404, an input unit (keyboard, pointing device, etc.) 405, a display unit. 406, a communication I / F unit 407, and the like.

The control unit 401 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device according to a program stored in the storage unit 402.
The storage unit 402 is an HDD (hard disk drive), and stores a program executed by the control unit 401, data necessary for program execution, an OS, and the like. As for the program, a control program corresponding to the OS, a program for realizing the print data receiving unit 131 and the print control unit 132, and the like are stored.

The media input / output unit 403 inputs and outputs data. For example, a media input such as a CD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), DVD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), MO drive, etc. It has an output device.
The communication control unit 404 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the printer server 3 and the network 9. The printer server 3 and the image output reception terminal 1 are connected via the network 9. Control communication between the two.

  The input unit 405 inputs data. For example, the input unit 405 includes an input device such as a touch device, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, and can perform operation instructions, operation instructions, data input, and the like.

The display unit 406 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal panel.
The communication I / F unit 407 is an interface for performing communication between the printer server 3 and the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.
A bus 409 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices.

  The printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 perform print output processing of the print data 20. By providing a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, it is possible to shorten the printing time.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the image printing system 100.
The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 displays a menu screen showing service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like on the monitor 307, and allows the user to select a function (step S501). For example, the user selects the type of the input medium 121, the payment method, and the like. The selected information is stored in the storage unit 302 or the like.

  When the user inserts the input medium 121 into the media insertion slot 203, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 activates the media reading unit that matches the input medium 121 of the various media reading unit 305, and the inserted input The image data of the medium 121 is read and stored in the storage unit 302 (step S502).

  The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 displays a list of thumbnail images of the image data 11 stored in the storage unit 302 on the monitor 307, selects the image data 11 to be ordered for printing from the user, specifies the number of prints, and the like. The image is adjusted according to the user's instruction (step S503).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the thumbnail screen 600. On the thumbnail screen 600, a list of thumbnail images of the image data 11 is displayed.
The user sets the number of prints of image data that he / she wants to print by touching the touch panel at the “+” or “−” portion, for example. The number set by the user is displayed as the order number.

  The thumbnail image 600 has a “return to previous” button 601 for returning to the previous screen, an “image edit” button 602, an “order” button 603 to be pressed after the completion of print designation, and the like.

  An “image editing” button 602 is a button for editing selected image data. When the user touches the touch panel of the “image editing” button 602, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 displays an image editing screen on the monitor 307.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image editing screen 700.
The image editing screen 700 includes an image correction menu 701 for performing color adjustment, red-eye correction, etc., a position adjustment menu 702 for performing left rotation, right rotation, trimming, etc., a “frame selection” button 703 for selecting a frame image to be combined, An “undo” button 704, an “end editing” button 705, etc. for canceling image editing performed by the user are provided.

The user performs image editing such as color adjustment, red-eye correction, rotation processing, and trimming of the selected image data using the image correction menu 701 or the position adjustment menu 702.
When the user presses the “end editing” button 705 on the image editing screen 700 and completes the image editing designation, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 performs image correction of the image data based on the user instruction, Image editing such as position adjustment is performed, and the print data 15 is stored in the storage unit 302.

  When the user presses the “frame selection” button 703 on the image editing screen 700, the control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 displays a frame selection screen on the monitor 307.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frame selection screen 800.
The frame selection screen 800 includes a frame image display 801 that displays frame image data 12 that can be used by the user, a pull-down menu 802 for selecting a category of the frame image, a preview 803, and an OK button 804. The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 displays the image data 11 selected by the user in the preview 803.

When the user selects “all frames” from the pull-down menu 802, all frame image data 12 is displayed in the frame image display 801. When the user selects “recommended frame” from the pull-down menu 802, the frame image data 12 selected as the “recommended frame” from the frame image data 12 by the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 is displayed in the frame image display 801. Is displayed. When the user selects a category such as “animal”, “landscape”, “valentine”, “christmas”, “sports” from the pull-down menu 802, the frame image data 12 belonging to the selected category is displayed as a frame image display 801. Is displayed.
The “recommended frame” is selected for each image data 11 selected by the user from the frame image data 12 by the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1. Details of the recommended frame image selection process will be described later.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of the frame definition data 13 that defines the attributes of the frame image data 12.
The frame definition data 13 that defines the frame image data 12 includes the name, category, GPS position information, date / time information, and the like of the frame image data 12.
The category of the frame definition data 13 includes seasons and event events such as “animal”, “landscape”, “valentine”, “christmas”, “sports”, and the like. A plurality of categories may be designated.

The GPS position information of the frame definition data 13 indicates the latitude and longitude regarding the frame image data 12. The frame image data 12 that does not depend on the position is assumed to have no data as shown in the frame B definition in FIG.
The date and time information of the frame definition data 13 may specify a date range as in the frame A definition of FIG. 9, or may specify a specific date as in the frame B definition of FIG. When a specific date is designated, a threshold value may be set, and for example, several days before and after the specific date may be included as a range. The administrator of the image print system 100 arbitrarily sets the threshold value.

Returning to the description of FIG.
When the user selects favorite frame image data 12 from the frame image data 12 displayed in the frame image display 801, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 displays the frame image selected by the user in the preview 803. An image obtained by combining the data 12 with the image data 11 is displayed. When the user selects the OK button 804, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 combines the selected image data 11 and the frame image data 12 and saves them as the print data 15 in the storage unit 302 (step S504). .

  The control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 executes charging processing by the charging unit 104 (step S505). That is, the control unit 301 calculates the total price for the print order and displays it on the monitor 307. Further, the control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 prints a receipt (voucher ticket) 122 on which the total amount, order contents, and the like are printed by the receipt journal unit 310 and discharges it from the receipt outlet 205. The user pays the price at the store in exchange for the printed matter 123 associated with the receipt (exchange ticket) 122.

The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 transmits the print data 15 to the printer server 3 by the print data transmission unit 103 (step S506).
The control unit 401 of the printer server 3 receives the print data from the image output receiving terminal 1 by the print data receiving unit 131 and holds it as the print data 20 in the storage unit 402. Then, the control unit 401 of the printer server 3 causes the print control unit 132 to print the print data 20 using the printers 5-1 to 5-3, and discharges the printed matter 123.

Next, details of the recommended frame image selection process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a recommended frame image selection process of the image output reception terminal 1.

  When the user presses the “frame selection” button 703 on the image editing screen 700, the control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 selects one of the frame image data 12 as a target frame image (step S1101). Then, it is determined whether the difference between the date / time information of the frame definition data 12 of the target frame image and the shooting date / time information included in the EXIF data of the image data 11 selected by the user is equal to or smaller than a threshold value (step S1102). If it is equal to or less than the threshold (Yes in step S1102), the control unit 301 selects the target frame image as a “recommended frame” (step S1105).

Here, when the frame definition data 12 designates a date range as in the frame A definition shown in FIG. 9, if the shooting date / time information is included in the range, the control unit 301 does not exceed the threshold value. Is determined. If the frame definition data 12 designates a specific date as in the frame B definition shown in FIG. 10, the shooting date / time information matches the specific date, or is within the threshold set by the administrator. For example, the control unit 301 determines that the value is equal to or less than the threshold value.
For example, when the shooting date / time information of the image data 11 is “January 15, 2009”, it is determined that the frame A defined by the definition of the frame A in FIG.

  Based on the determination in step S1102, the frame image data 12 related to the event and event close to the date and time when the image data 11 was captured is selected as the “recommended frame”.

  When the difference between the date / time information of the frame definition data 12 of the target frame image and the shooting date / time information of the image data 11 selected by the user is not less than or equal to the threshold (No in step S1102), the control unit 301 displays the target frame image. Whether the difference between the date and time information of the frame definition data 13 and the current date and time (system date and time of the image output receiving terminal 1) is equal to or smaller than a threshold value is determined (step S1103). If it is equal to or less than the threshold value (Yes in step S1103), the control unit 301 selects the target frame image as a “recommended frame” (step S1105). The administrator of the image print system 100 arbitrarily sets the threshold value.

  Based on the determination in step S1103, the frame image data 12 relating to the event and event close to the date and time when the print order of the image data 11 is ordered is selected as the “recommended frame”.

When the difference between the date / time information of the frame definition data 13 of the target frame image and the current date / time is not less than or equal to the threshold value (No in step S1103), the control unit 301 determines the GPS position information of the frame definition data 13 of the target frame image and Then, it is determined whether the difference from the GPS position information included in the image data 11 selected by the user is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S1104). If it is equal to or less than the threshold value (Yes in step S1104), the control unit 301 selects the target frame image as a “recommended frame” (step S1105). The administrator of the image print system 100 arbitrarily sets the threshold value.
As shown in the definition of frame B in FIG. 10, when the GPS position information has no data, the determination process in step S1104 is not performed, and is not less than the threshold value (No in step S1104).

Based on the determination in step S1104, frame image data 12 related to a landmark or the like in the vicinity of the position where the image data 11 was captured is selected as a “recommended frame”.
In the determination regarding the GPS position information, locale data 14 indicating the installation location of the image output reception terminal 1 may be used instead of the GPS position information of the image data 11. In this case, for example, in the image output reception terminal 1 installed in Osaka, the frame image data 12 such as Osaka Castle is selected as the “recommended frame”.

When the difference between the GPS position information of the frame definition data 13 of the target frame image and the GPS position information included in the image data 11 selected by the user is not less than the threshold value (No in step S1104), the control unit 301 Then, the determination for the target frame image is completed, and it is confirmed whether the determination for all the frame image data 12 is completed (step S1106).
When the determination of all the frame image data 12 has not been completed (No in step S1106), the control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 returns to step S1101, selects the next frame image data 12, and performs the determination process. Do.
When the determination of all the frame image data 12 is completed (Yes in step S1106), the control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 ends the “recommended frame” selection process.

  As described above, in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the frame definition data 13 that defines the attributes of the frame image data 12 is stored in advance, and the shooting date and time of the image data 11 selected by the user is stored. By selecting the frame image data 12 close to the shooting location as a “recommended frame” (recommended frame image) and displaying it to the user, the user can easily find the frame image data 12 that matches the image data 11. Can be selected. As a result, even if the frame image data 12 relating to all seasons and event events is stored, the user does not feel inconvenience, so the update operation of the frame image data 12 becomes unnecessary, and the administrator's labor is reduced. It is reduced.

In the frame image selection process of FIG. 11 described above, it is determined whether or not to recommend for each frame image. However, the recommendation order is determined for each category, and the category displayed in the pull-down menu 802 on the frame selection screen 800 is determined. You may make it display in order of recommendation. The recommendation order is, for example, the order in which the number of Yes is large with respect to the three determinations (S1102, S1103, S1104) shown in FIG. Further, when the number of Yes is the same, for example, the difference is in ascending order.
Similarly, when the recommended order of frame images is determined and “all frames” is selected on the frame selection screen 800, the thumbnail images of the frame image data 12 displayed in a list on the frame image display 801 are displayed according to the recommended order. It may be.

Next, an image output apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment.
The image output device 2 is a terminal device that accepts a print order at a store and performs printing, and includes an image data reading unit 101, an image editing / synthesizing unit 102, a printing unit 105, a charging unit 104, and the like.
The image data reading means 101 and the image editing / synthesizing means 102 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The storage unit 302 stores image data 11, frame image data 12, frame definition data 13, locale data 14, and print data 15.
Image data 11, frame image data 12, frame definition data 13, locale data 14, and print data 15 are the same as in the first embodiment. The print data 15 is the same as the print data 20 in the first embodiment.

  The printing unit 105 is a high-resolution color printer that prints the print data 15 and prints a printed matter 123. The image output apparatus 2 may include a plurality of printers in order to shorten the printing time.

  The billing means 104 is equipped with a billing machine. The billing means 104 calculates and displays a charge according to the print order of the printed matter 123 by the user, requests payment from the user, performs a billing process with cash, issues a receipt 122, and changes the change 124 to the user. return.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the image output apparatus 2.
As shown in FIG. 13, a display 201 with a touch panel is disposed on the upper front of the image output apparatus 2. The display 201 with a touch panel is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  A media slot 203 is provided below the display 201 with a touch panel. The media slot 203 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  On the front plate 221 at the lower part of the image output device 2 are a charge input port such as a coin input port 207 and a bill insertion port 209, a change return port 211, a receipt output port 205, a printed material output port 213, a maintenance key 215, A door opening / closing key 217 and the like are provided.

The coin insertion slot 207, the bill insertion slot 209, the change return slot 211, and the receipt outlet 205 function as a billing unit 104 that requests deposit according to the order contents of the printed matter 123 by the user. The user pays a fee for the printed matter 123 by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 207 or inserting a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 209. If there is change, it is discharged from the change return port 211.
Further, after collecting the fee, a receipt on which the collected amount, order details, etc. are printed is discharged from the receipt outlet 205. A receipt printing printer is provided in the housing of the image output apparatus 2 in correspondence with the receipt outlet 205.
The image output apparatus 2 starts printing of the print data 15 when the user's payment is completed by the charging unit.

A printed matter 123 printed by a plurality of printers installed in the housing of the image output apparatus 2 is discharged to the printed matter outlet 213.
When the user selects an image to be ordered for printing from the images read from the recording medium using the touch panel provided on the display 201 with the touch panel, and instructs execution of printing, the computer (control device) in the image output device 2 Transfers the image data to a plurality of printing means 105. The printing unit 105 prints the transferred image data and discharges it to the printed matter outlet 213.

The maintenance key 215 is a key for switching between an operation mode in which the user can use the image output apparatus 2 and a management mode in which the administrator performs maintenance and setting of the image output apparatus 2 and reprints a receipt.
The door opening / closing key 217 is a key for opening and closing the front plate 221 of the image output apparatus 2.

FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 2.
The image output apparatus 2 includes a computer 200, various media reading units 305, a shutter 306, a monitor 307, a coin mech 308, a bill validator 309, a receipt journal processing unit 310, and a plurality of printers 311. Various media reading unit 305, shutter 306, monitor 307, coin mech 308, bill validator 309, receipt journal processing unit 310, and a plurality of printers 311 are connected to computer 200 and controlled by computer 200.
Various media reading unit 305, shutter 306, and monitor 307 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The computer 200 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an input / output unit 303, a communication unit 304, and the like.
The control unit 301, the storage unit 302, the input / output unit 303, and the communication unit 304 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The coin mech 308, the bill validator 309, and the receipt journal processing unit 310 serve as a charging function. A coin mech 308 is provided in the image output device 2 corresponding to the coin slot 207 and manages input / output of coins.
The bill burr 309 is provided inside the image output device 2 corresponding to the bill insertion slot 209 and manages the input / output of bills.
The receipt journal processing unit 310 is provided in the image output apparatus 2 corresponding to the receipt outlet 205, and prints a receipt 122 according to the amount collected by the user and the order contents.

The plurality of printers 311 are high-resolution color printers that print image data, and print a printed matter 123. The printer 311 is the same as the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 of the first embodiment.
In the second embodiment, the computer 200 transmits print data to the printer 311 without going through the printer server 3 in the first embodiment. Other processing operations of the computer 200 are the same as those of the image output receiving terminal 1 in the first embodiment.

The processing operation of the image output apparatus 2 is the same as the processing operation of the image printing system 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.
In the image output apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, the computer 200 holds the frame definition data 13 that defines the attributes of the frame image data 12 in advance, and is close to the shooting date / time and shooting location of the image data 11 selected by the user. By selecting the frame image data 12 as a “recommended frame” (recommended frame image) and displaying it to the user, the user can easily find and select the frame image data 12 that matches the image data 11. it can. As a result, even if the frame image data 12 relating to all seasons and event events is stored, the user does not feel inconvenience, so the update operation of the frame image data 12 becomes unnecessary, and the administrator's labor is reduced. It is reduced.

Further, the recommendation order may be determined for each category, and the categories displayed in the pull-down menu 802 may be displayed in the recommended order on the frame selection screen 800. The recommendation order is, for example, the order in which the number of Yes is large with respect to the three determinations (S1102, S1103, S1104) shown in FIG. Further, when the number of Yes is the same, for example, the difference is in ascending order.
Similarly, when the recommended order of frame images is determined and “all frames” is selected on the frame selection screen 800, the thumbnail images of the frame image data 12 displayed in a list on the frame image display 801 are displayed according to the recommended order. It may be.

  The preferred embodiments of the image print system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1-1, 1-2 ......... Image output reception terminal 2 ......... Image output device 3 ......... Printer server 5-1, 5-2, 5-3 ......... Printer 9 ......... Network 11 Image data 12 ... Frame image data 13 ... Frame definition data 14 ... Locale data 15 ... Print data 100 ... Image print system 101 ... Image data reading means 102 ... Image editing / synthesizing means 103... Print data transmission means 104... Billing means 105... Printing means 121... Input media 122 ... Receipt 123 ... Printed matter 124 ... Change 11 Print data receiving means 132... Print control means

Claims (7)

An image print system in which a printer and an image output reception terminal are connected,
The image output receiving terminal is
Image input means for inputting image data stored in a storage medium;
Holding means for holding the image data, frame image data, and frame definition data for defining attributes of the frame image data;
A recommended frame image display means for displaying a recommended frame image selected from the frame image data based on the frame definition data;
Frame image selection means for allowing a user to select the frame image data to be combined with the image data;
Frame image combining means for combining the frame image data selected by the frame image selecting means with the image data and generating print data;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data to the printer;
An image print system comprising: The frame image data held by the holding means includes related date and time information related to the frame image data,
The recommended frame image display means displays the frame image data as a recommended frame image when a difference between the related date and time information and the shooting date and time information of the image data is a predetermined threshold value or less. 2. The image print system according to 1. The frame image data held by the holding means includes related date and time information related to the frame image data,
The image according to claim 1, wherein the recommended frame image display means displays the frame image data as a recommended frame image when a difference between the related date and time information and a current date and time is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Printing system. The frame image data held by the holding means includes related GPS position information related to the frame image data,
The recommended frame image display means displays the frame image data as a recommended frame image when a difference between the related GPS position information and the GPS position information of the image data is a predetermined threshold value or less. Item 2. The image print system according to Item 1. The frame image data held by the holding means includes related GPS position information related to the frame image data,
The holding means further holds locale data indicating an installation location of the image output reception terminal,
The said recommended frame image display means displays the said frame image data as a recommended frame image, when the difference of the said relevant GPS position information and the said locale data is below a predetermined threshold value. Image printing system. An image output receiving terminal connected to a printer,
Image input means for inputting image data stored in a storage medium;
Holding means for holding the image data, frame image data, and frame definition data for defining attributes of the frame image data;
A recommended frame image display means for displaying a recommended frame image selected from the frame image data based on the frame definition data;
Frame image selection means for allowing a user to select the frame image data to be combined with the image data;
Frame image combining means for combining the frame image data selected by the frame image selecting means with the image data and generating print data;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data to the printer;
An image output receiving terminal comprising: An image output method in an image print system in which a printer and an image output reception terminal are connected,
The image output receiving terminal is
An image input step for inputting image data stored in a storage medium;
A holding step for holding the image data, the frame image data, and frame definition data for defining attributes of the frame image data;
A recommended frame image display step of displaying a recommended frame image selected from the frame image data based on the frame definition data;
A frame image selection step for allowing a user to select the frame image data to be combined with the image data;
A frame image synthesizing step for synthesizing the frame image data selected by the frame image selecting means with the image data and generating print data;
A print data transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printer;
The image output method characterized by performing.

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