JP2013065225A - Print system, server, printing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to simply see a picturesque image that is converted from one printed photograph, thereby guiding the user to a web site.SOLUTION: The camera of a terminal 1-1 is used to read a marker 22 printed with a photograph 21 printed on a printing medium 20, for a link to the location of URL address of server indicated by the marker 22, so that picturesque image data 32 obtained by converting the photograph 21 stored in the location into a picturesque image is downloaded to be displayed on a display unit 31.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a server, a printing method, and a program for ordering and printing photographs on the Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art A printing service in which a photograph taken with a digital camera is ordered from a printing company via the Internet and a photograph printed on a printing medium such as photographic paper is received by mail has become widespread.
However, this service is completed when the ordered user receives the printed photo. Since photographs taken with a digital camera are digital image data that can be processed in various ways and can be easily transmitted via the Internet, there has been a demand for expansion of business opportunities.

As a technique for processing image data, there is a picture conversion technique for converting a photograph into picture-like image data composed of a picture-like picture tone (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, there is a website that converts pictures uploaded by the user into picture-like image data by adopting such a picture conversion technique.
However, it cannot be said that the existence of such a website is well known to users, and in order to broaden business opportunities, it has been a challenge to make users recognize and guide the existence of such websites.

  Therefore, the URL address of the website or a two-dimensional barcode such as QR code (registered trademark) indicating it is printed together with the photograph, and the website is accessed by reading the two-dimensional barcode with a mobile phone or a smartphone. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

  The technique described in Patent Document 2 is print data including a still image (preview image) corresponding to one frame of moving image data and a two-dimensional barcode embedded with information specifying a download destination of the moving image data by a URL or the like. And a printed matter that can be shown to others as if a preview of a scene of a moving image generated from a still image is displayed.

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that scenario data must be created in advance. That is, the scenario data defines the display state (placement coordinates, size, color, etc.) of various objects such as an original image and its accompanying documents, characters, icons, etc. along the time axis. It is necessary to generate it according to the editing conditions described in the data.

  The technology described in Patent Document 3 realizes a service that allows a user to easily obtain additional information such as audio information added to an image for which a print order has been received through a network, using a finished photo print. A URL for accessing additional information is issued, this URL is converted into a QR code (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as a two-dimensional barcode), and an image and a two-dimensional barcode are transmitted to the printing apparatus. A photographic print is created by printing a two-dimensional bar code along with the image on the print paper. When a two-dimensional bar code on a photo print is read with a camera-equipped mobile phone and accessed using a URL obtained by decoding the two-dimensional bar code, additional information on the image managed corresponding to the URL is obtained. This is read from the database and sent to the camera-equipped mobile phone.

  However, there is a problem that what the user can obtain is only additional information such as audio information added to an image for which a print order has been accepted.

  That is, the complicated work of creating scenario data as in the technique described in Patent Document 2 is required, or if only additional information of a photograph can be obtained as in the technique described in Patent Document 3, the user is referred to the website. There was a problem that the appeal power to guide

JP 2011-166217 A JP 2007-193609 A JP 2005-108200 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one object is that a user can easily see how the photograph has been converted into a painting-like appearance from a single printed photograph. And guiding users to the website.
Another object is that the user can convert his / her picture (original image data) into a picture with a simple operation.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a print system that includes a terminal and a server and prints an image, wherein the server stores first image data uploaded from the terminal, Painting tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting tone image data composed of a plurality of types of painting tone, and the painting tone image data converted by the painting tone conversion means A second storage means for storing the original image data in a predetermined location; and a print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating the location where the picture-like image data is stored. Uploading means for uploading the original image data to the server; and printing on the print medium Read the manufacturers, there is provided a printing system which comprises a display control means for displaying on the display unit download and the pictorial image data stored in the location which the marker is shown.
Further, the present invention is a printing system that includes a terminal and a server and prints an image, wherein the server stores a first storage unit that stores original image data uploaded from the terminal, and the first storage. The tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the means into painting tone image data composed of a plurality of types of painting tone, and the painting tone image data converted by the painting tone conversion means in a predetermined place Second storage means for storing, print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating the location where the picture-like image data is stored, and control data for displaying an operation menu on the terminal Is transmitted from the terminal by the operation of the terminal in the operation menu displayed on the terminal. Operation control means for receiving an operation signal to be received and performing control according to the operation signal, wherein the terminal includes an upload means for uploading the original image data to the server, and a marker printed on the print medium. Display control means for downloading the painting-like image data stored at the location indicated by the marker of the server and displaying it on the display section, and the display control means displays an operation menu on the display section. The present invention provides a printing system comprising: a menu display unit for displaying; and a transmission unit for transmitting an operation signal to the server when the operation menu is operated.

From a single printed photo, the user can easily see how the photo has been converted to painting.
In addition, the user can convert his / her picture (original image data) into a picture with a simple operation.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the network system of one Embodiment which concerns on this invention. In the same embodiment, it is a figure which shows the state in which the photograph and the marker are printed on the print medium. In the embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the state which reads the marker printed on the print medium with a terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server in the same embodiment. (A) is a flowchart for explaining the flow when a photo print is ordered in the embodiment, and (B) is a case where a marker printed on a print medium is read by a terminal in the embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a flow. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a picture conversion process of image data in the embodiment. In the same embodiment, it is a figure which shows the state which is displaying the multiple types of painting style image data on the terminal. In the same embodiment, it is a figure which shows the state which is displaying the operation menu on the terminal.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, 1-2, 1-3,... Are so-called terminals such as personal computers (PCs), smart phones, mobile phones, and information terminals, and can be connected to the image service site 10 via the Internet 500. .

The image service site 10 receives a print order from a user and prints an image from digital image data onto a print medium. The image service site 10 is a painting-like image data composed of the image data uploaded from the user. It is a website that provides services such as converting images into photos, and publishing posted photos.
The image service site 10 includes a server 11 and performs processing related to the various services. The image service site 10 includes a printing apparatus 12 and prints a photograph ordered by a user. The printing apparatus 12 does not need to be in the image service site 10, and includes one that is outsourced to another print site.

  FIG. 2A illustrates the printing of a photo ordered by a user. In addition to printing a photo, a photo 21 is printed on a print medium 20 such as paper or photographic paper, and a QR code ( A marker 22 made of registered trademark or the like is printed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the marker 22 is read by a camera (not shown) on the back surface of the terminal 1-1. Since the marker 22 indicates the URL address of the server 11 of the image service site 10, the terminal 1-1 connects to the image service site 10, and a picture 21 (original image data) that is ordered and printed by the user is a painting. The painting-like image data composed of the converted painting-like painting tone is downloaded from the server 11 to the terminal 1-1. Then, the painting-like image data 32 can be displayed on the display unit 31.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a storage unit for storing a photograph (original image data) uploaded by the user. Reference numeral 14 denotes a painting style image obtained by converting the original image data into a painting style image. A storage unit for storing image data, 15 is a storage unit for storing a link control program for controlling the link between the server 11 and the terminal 1-1, and 16 is a painting conversion process in accordance with a painting conversion algorithm. A storage unit 17 for storing parameters for effect conversion necessary for painting conversion, and a painting-like image obtained by converting the photograph (original image data) received from the order. A memory that stores a print control program for printing together with a marker indicating a location where data is stored It is.

  Here, the types of painting styles that can be converted by the painting conversion program are oil painting style, watercolor painting style, pastel painting style, colored pencil painting style, gothic painting style, airbrush painting style, beast group painting style. There are 16 types of colors available: embroidery, illustration, pale watercolor, crayon, gouache, silkscreen, collage, drawing, and heavy oil.

  15A is a start address of the storage unit 15 in which the link control program is stored, and 14A is a start address of the storage unit 14 in which the painting-like image data is stored. By designating this start address, various link control programs and various picture-like image data are designated.

  FIG. 4A is a flowchart for explaining the flow when ordering a print of a photograph. Since it is described along the procedure, the processing performed by the terminal 1-1 and the processing performed by the server 11 are described in one flowchart.

  First, when the user wants to place an order for a print of his / her photograph to the image service site 10 via the Internet, the user uploads it from the terminal 1-1 to the server 11 (step S401). At that time, the print number, print size, etc. are also specified.

  On the server 11 side, the uploaded photo, that is, the original image data is stored in the original image data storage unit 13 (step S402). In step S403, the original image data is subjected to a picture conversion process by a picture conversion program. There are 16 types of image tone as described above, but here, all 16 types are created and stored in the painting image data storage unit 14 (step S404). After receiving the designation of the type of painting tone, it is also possible to convert the painting tone image data of the designated painting tone.

  Subsequently, the head address 14A of the painting-like image data storage unit 14, that is, a marker indicating the location where the painting-like image data is stored is created (step S405). The marker is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). Which address is designated among the 16 types of painting-like image data is arbitrary, but here, the address of the painting-like image data of oil painting tone, which is a typical painting tone, is designated.

In step S406, the created marker 22 and original image data 21 are printed on the same print medium 20. This may be performed in the image service site 10 or a print instruction may be given to another print server or a print company.
Then, the print medium 10 on which both the original image data 21 and the marker 22 are printed is mailed to the user (step S407).

  FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing an operation procedure on the terminal 1-1 side of the user. The marker 22 printed on the print medium 20 is photographed with the camera provided in the terminal 1-1 (step S411). Then, the terminal 1-1 recognizes the marker 22 and automatically connects to the link destination of the server 11 designated by the marker 22, that is, the place where the picture-like image data is stored (step S412). At this time, whether to request a click once by displaying the URL address of the link destination is a design matter, so it is assumed that the connection is made directly to the place where the picture-like image data is stored. The picture-like image data 32 stored in the place is downloaded to the terminal 1-1 (in this case, oil-like picture-like image data) (step S413) and displayed on the display unit 31 (step S414).

  By doing in this way, the user can see the state of the image obtained by converting his / her picture 21 into a painting style only by holding the terminal 1-1 on the print medium 20. If the user is interested in picture conversion, the possibility of accessing the image service site 10 is increased.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a picture conversion process by the picture conversion program stored in the picture conversion program storage unit 16.
First, preprocessing is performed (step S502). This is a process that is executed in common regardless of the type of painting, and the image conversion process requires that the image data be in bitmap format, so image data expressed in JPEG format is converted to bitmap format. To do. Also, noise is removed by applying a filter.

Subsequently, an image tone selection process is performed (step S504).
When the image tone is selected, the process proceeds to the step of each image tone conversion algorithm. For example, if it is oil-tone conversion, the process proceeds to step S506, and if it is watercolor-tone conversion, the process proceeds to step S510. Otherwise, the process proceeds to another step of the tone conversion algorithm (step S520).
When executing each algorithm of the painting conversion process, various parameters for effect processing necessary for the conversion are acquired (steps S508 and S512). The parameters are stored in the picture conversion program storage unit 16.

The effect processing basically obtains the same effect as the effect processing adopted in photo retouching software.
In addition, as a kind of effect processing, overexposure of overexposure or underexposure is achieved by inserting a photo with a wide dynamic range, which cannot be represented by a normal photo called HDR (High Dynamic Range), into a narrow dynamic range by tone mapping. There is also an effect process that increases the expressive power by correcting blackout. By applying this effect processing, it is possible to obtain an image that realizes a new photographic expression that takes artistic expression into consideration by bringing the photograph closer to the memory and impression received by the human brain.

Then, the 16 types of painting conversion processes described above are performed via steps S522 and S504.
Since 16 types of painting conversion processes are assumed to be viewed on the display unit 31 of the terminal 1-1, a very large image is not necessary. For example, the resized image data obtained by resizing the original image data to about 800 × 600 pixels. Is being processed. The original image data is generally very large such as about 4000 × 3000. Therefore, when a specific image tone such as a print order is determined (step S522), the process proceeds to step S524, and a picture conversion process is performed on the original image data (step S524). At this time, the necessary parameters are acquired (step S526).

Thereafter, post-processing for converting the picture-like image data after the picture conversion into the JPEG format again is performed (step S528).
If it is not necessary to convert the original image data into a picture, steps S524 and S526 may be skipped.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a plurality of types of picture-like image data are displayed on the display unit 31 of the terminal 1-1 in the present embodiment. That is, a list of 16 kinds of reduced-size images 41a, 42b,... Of painting-like image data is displayed on the display unit 31 of the terminal 1-1 (reference numeral 41). 41a is an oil painting tone, 41b is a watercolor painting tone, 41c is a pastel painting tone, 41d is a color pencil painting tone, 41e is a painting tone image data converted into a Gothic painting tone.
The display unit 31 of the terminal 1-1 has a touch panel, and when one of the reduced images 41a, 42b,... Is touched, the image is enlarged and a menu display as shown in FIG. .

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 32 denotes painting-like image data of the selected painting tone, and reference numeral 42 denotes a menu display.
The display browser of the terminal 1-1 is configured using, for example, HTML5 or CSS3 (style sheet), etc., and is compatible regardless of the model, and is stored in the link control program storage unit 16 of the server 11. It can be linked with the link control program.
That is, when any one of the operation menus 42 is operated on the touch panel of the display unit 31 of the terminal 1-1, the operation signal is transmitted to the server 11 via the Internet 500, and the corresponding link control program storage unit 16 jumps to the address 16A, and the link control program of the server 11 executes the corresponding process.

For example, when the “next” key or the “return” key on the operation menu display 42 is pressed while the painting-like image data 32 is displayed, the painting-like image data of the types of paintings displayed in the list in FIG. The images are displayed one by one in order or backward. It is also possible to touch the part of the painting-like image data 32 on the touch panel of the display unit 31 to page (swipe) the page.
When the “list display” key is pressed, a list display state shown in FIG. 6 is obtained.
When the “Enlarged Display” key is pressed, the currently displayed display is enlarged and the details of the image can be seen. As described above, the number of pixels of the display unit 31 of the terminal 1-1 is about 800 × 600 pixels, and the actual image data is about 4000 × 3000 pixels. be able to.

If you want to place a print order for painting-like image data, select the print size with the “Specify size” key, select the presence / absence and type of the frame with the “Specify frame” key, Select mugs, T-shirts, etc. Finally, the user places an order by pressing the “print order” key.
Of course, the submenu can be displayed by pressing one operation key.

The above operations allow selection, display, print order, etc. of painting-like image data without being particularly conscious of the image service site 10, but the top page of the image service site 10 is displayed by operating the “top page” key. Displayed on the unit 31. You can view photos posted by other users and post your own photos as well as print orders.
In this case, when the terminal 1-1 is a personal computer or a smartphone, the normal home page of the image service site 10 is displayed, but when the terminal 1-1 is a mobile phone, the mobile page dedicated to the mobile phone may be jumped to.
If the user is interested, the user accesses the top page of the image service site 10 and can be guided to the website.

As explained above, the user can see the state of the original image data converted to painting on the spot with a simple operation. Can be ordered. Furthermore, it is possible to select a print medium such as a mug or a T-shirt, or to select a frame.
By simply reading the marker attached as a “bonus” to the photo that the user ordered for printing, linkage with the image service site will occur, increasing the opportunity to access the website, leading to the website and improving recognition Can be expected.
Furthermore, the user who ordered the print from the image service site knows the existence of the image service site, but the person who received the photo printed as a present does not know the existence of the website. If a person who has received an interest by looking at the picture-like image data from the marker, it can lead to opportunities for new customer development.

In the above embodiment, a QR code (registered trademark) is used as a marker. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a two-dimensional barcode or a one-dimensional barcode may be used. It can also be configured.
Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which image data display and menu display are performed simultaneously, it is needless to say that a full display menu may be used.
Further, the link between the terminal 1-1 and the server 11 is controlled by the link control program so as to operate on the server, but the application program is downloaded and installed on the terminal 1-1, You may make it operate | move.

The invention described in the claims of the present invention will be appended below.
[Claim 1]
A printing system that includes a terminal and a server and prints an image,
The server
First storage means for storing original image data uploaded from the terminal;
Tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting-like image data comprising a plurality of kinds of painting-like paintings;
Second storage means for storing the painting-like image data converted by the painting-tone conversion means in a predetermined location;
Print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating a location where the picture-like image data is stored;
Including
The terminal
Uploading means for uploading the original image data to the server;
Display control means for reading a marker printed on the print medium, downloading the painting-like image data stored in a location indicated by the marker, and displaying the data on a display unit;
A printing system comprising:
[Claim 2]
The display control unit of the terminal downloads a plurality of types of painting-like images converted from the original image data by the image-tone conversion unit of the server and displays the list on the display unit as a list. Printing system.
[Claim 3]
First storage means for storing original image data;
Tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting-like image data composed of painting-like painting tone;
Second storage means for storing the painting-like image data converted by the painting-tone conversion means in a predetermined location;
Print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating the location where the picture-like image data is stored;
The server characterized by having.
[Claim 4]
A method of printing an image,
Receiving original image data from a terminal connectable via a network;
Converting the received original image data into painting-like image data comprising a plurality of types of painting-like paintings;
Storing the converted picture-like image data in a predetermined location;
Receiving from the terminal information specifying the type of painting-like image;
Printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating the location where the designated picture-like image data is stored;
A printing method comprising:
[Claim 5]
A program readable and executable by a computer,
Converting original image data into painting-like image data composed of painting-like paintings;
Storing the converted picture-like image data in a predetermined location;
Creating a marker indicating the location where the converted pictorial image data is stored;
Printing the original image data on a print medium together with the created marker;
A program characterized by having executed.
[Claim 6]
A printing system that includes a terminal and a server and prints an image,
The server
First storage means for storing original image data uploaded from the terminal;
Tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting-like image data comprising a plurality of kinds of painting-like paintings;
Second storage means for storing the painting-like image data converted by the painting-tone conversion means in a predetermined location;
Print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating a location where the picture-like image data is stored;
Transmission control means for transmitting control data for displaying an operation menu on the terminal;
An operation control means for receiving an operation signal transmitted from the terminal by an operation of the terminal of the operation menu displayed on the terminal, and performing control according to the operation signal;
With
The terminal
Uploading means for uploading the original image data to the server;
Display control means for reading a marker printed on the print medium, downloading painting-like image data stored in a location indicated by the marker of the server, and displaying it on a display unit;
With
The display control means includes menu display means for displaying an operation menu on a display unit;
Transmitting means for transmitting an operation signal to the server when the operation menu is operated;
A printing system comprising:

1-1, 1-2, 1-3,... Terminal 10 Image service site 11 Server 12 Printing device 13 Original image data storage unit 14 Painting image data storage unit 14A Address 15 of painting image data Link control program storage Section 15A Link control program address 16 Painting conversion program storage section 17 Print control program storage section 20 Print medium 21 Photo 22 Marker 31 Display section 32 Painting-like image data 41 List display 41a, 41b, ... Reduced image 42 Menu display 500 the Internet

Claims (6)

A printing system that includes a terminal and a server and prints an image,
The server
First storage means for storing original image data uploaded from the terminal;
Tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting-like image data comprising a plurality of kinds of painting-like paintings;
Second storage means for storing the painting-like image data converted by the painting-tone conversion means in a predetermined location;
Print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating a location where the picture-like image data is stored;
Including
The terminal
Uploading means for uploading the original image data to the server;
Display control means for reading a marker printed on the print medium, downloading the painting-like image data stored in a location indicated by the marker, and displaying the data on a display unit;
A printing system comprising:   The display control unit of the terminal downloads a plurality of types of painting-like images converted from the original image data by the image-tone conversion unit of the server and displays the list on the display unit as a list. Printing system. First storage means for storing original image data;
Tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting-like image data composed of painting-like painting tone;
Second storage means for storing the painting-like image data converted by the painting-tone conversion means in a predetermined location;
Print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating the location where the picture-like image data is stored;
The server characterized by having. A method of printing an image,
Receiving original image data from a terminal connectable via a network;
Converting the received original image data into painting-like image data comprising a plurality of types of painting-like paintings;
Storing the converted picture-like image data in a predetermined location;
Receiving from the terminal information specifying the type of painting-like image;
Printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating the location where the designated picture-like image data is stored;
A printing method comprising: A program readable and executable by a computer,
Converting original image data into painting-like image data composed of painting-like paintings;
Storing the converted picture-like image data in a predetermined location;
Creating a marker indicating the location where the converted pictorial image data is stored;
Printing the original image data on a print medium together with the created marker;
A program characterized by having executed. A printing system that includes a terminal and a server and prints an image,
The server
First storage means for storing original image data uploaded from the terminal;
Tone conversion means for converting the original image data stored in the first storage means into painting-like image data comprising a plurality of kinds of painting-like paintings;
Second storage means for storing the painting-like image data converted by the painting-tone conversion means in a predetermined location;
Print control means for printing the original image data on a print medium together with a marker indicating a location where the picture-like image data is stored;
Transmission control means for transmitting control data for displaying an operation menu on the terminal;
An operation control means for receiving an operation signal transmitted from the terminal by an operation of the terminal of the operation menu displayed on the terminal, and performing control according to the operation signal;
With
The terminal
Uploading means for uploading the original image data to the server;
Display control means for reading a marker printed on the print medium, downloading painting-like image data stored in a location indicated by the marker of the server, and displaying it on a display unit;
With
The display control means includes menu display means for displaying an operation menu on a display unit;
Transmitting means for transmitting an operation signal to the server when the operation menu is operated;
A printing system comprising:

Images