JP2017220029A - Image processing device, image processing system, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To give image data such as a photo as a present by only simple operation and make it printable without directly inputting information necessary for authentication such as a user number or password.SOLUTION PART: An image processing device includes an image processing unit (control unit 11) that stores additional information necessary for authentication in image data read from a storage medium, or image data downloaded from a content server, or image data read from a user's terminal by radio communication, and stores the image data storing the additional information in the storage medium, or uploads it onto the content server, or returns (transmits) it to the terminal by radio communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that can save additional information necessary for authentication in image data, and can execute printing without printing operations required for authentication when the image data is printed. The present invention relates to a system, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

  In recent years, it has become possible to upload a photograph via a network, download the photograph from a multi-copy machine installed in a convenience store (hereinafter simply referred to as a convenience store), and print it. Therefore, recently, there is a service that uses a multi-copy machine installed in a convenience store to give a photo to a distant relative, etc., and that the relative prints a photo from a multi-copy machine of a nearby convenience store. It has begun to spread.

  When using this service, relatives and other users who receive photos will receive information such as user numbers, email addresses and passwords from users who will receive photos in advance by e-mail or telephone. It was necessary to go to the front of the multi-copy machine installed in and to authenticate by entering either the received user number or email address + password. As one method for performing authentication, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, when a subject (poster) is read with a digital camera for the purpose of verifying that the captured multimedia data has not been tampered with and that the object is genuine, the subject (poster) The ID of the wireless ID tag attached to is stored in the maker note of the image data, the server device compares the ID stored in the maker note with the ID stored in the server device, and the image data is A technique for verifying whether the product is genuine is disclosed.

JP 2006-86661 A

  By the way, if the relatives and other users who are presented with photos are elderly people such as grandpas and grandmas, it is often difficult to enter information such as a user number, e-mail address and password into the multi-copy machine. Even if the input operation is possible, there is a problem that the operation is troublesome and complicated. In addition, there is a problem that charging for printing is paid when a relative or other user prints, so that it is not a present in a true sense.

  The present invention was devised to solve such problems, and its purpose is to present image data such as a photograph by a simple operation without directly inputting information necessary for authentication such as a user number and a password. It is an object to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing program that can be printed in the same manner.

  In order to solve the above problems, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is required for authentication of image data read from a storage medium, image data downloaded from a content server, or image data read from a user's terminal by wireless communication. And an image processing unit that stores the additional data stored in the storage medium, uploads the content data to the content server, or returns the image data to the terminal through wireless communication. It is said.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the additional information includes information such as a user number, a mail address, a password, and a prepaid card.

  Further, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the additional information may be stored from a dedicated home page and / or a dedicated application.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include a transmission unit that transmits the image data storing the additional information to a third party terminal.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the image data in which the additional information is stored is read, the image processing unit reads a user number, a mail address, a password, a prepaid card, and the like from the additional information. The information may be read, and communication with an authentication server or a prepaid card server based on the read information may be performed to perform authentication processing, download of the image data stored in the content server, and payment processing for an image printing fee. .

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image processing unit receives a result of the collation performed in the prepaid card server based on the transmitted code number of the prepaid card, and downloads it from the content server. It is possible to determine whether or not to permit printing of the image data, and to execute printing when it is determined to permit it.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the result of the collation includes the number of sheets permitted to be printed according to the deposit amount and the set number of sheets in the prepaid card server, and the image processing unit May be returned to the prepaid card server.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image data stored in the content server includes a plurality of image data associated with a user number, an email address, and a password, and the image processing unit A plurality of image data may be downloaded and displayed on the display unit.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the additional information can be stored in a file name or property detail setting section as data in a PDF file format or Office (registered trademark) file format other than the image data. It is good also as a structure.

  The image processing system of the present invention is an image processing system including the image processing apparatus having the above configuration, a content server, and a prepaid card server, wherein the image processing apparatus stores the additional information. When the image data is read, information such as a user number, e-mail address, password, and prepaid card is read from the additional information, and the user logs in to the content server based on the read-in information such as the user number, e-mail address, and password. Requesting the image data to be transmitted, and transmitting the code number of the prepaid card to the prepaid card server to request verification, and the content server stores the corresponding image based on the login information. Sending data to the image processing device; The prepaid card server performs collation based on the transmitted code number of the prepaid card, transmits the collation result to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus displays the transmitted image data. The image data may be displayed on the screen, and whether to permit printing of the image data is determined from the transmitted collation result, and printing is performed when it is determined to permit the image data.

  The image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method executed by the image processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the step of reading the image data in which the additional information is stored into the image processing apparatus, and the additional information Reading information such as a user number, e-mail address, password, and prepaid card from the image, and image data stored by logging in to the content server based on the read-in information such as the user number, e-mail address, and password Requesting transmission, a step of transmitting the read code number of the prepaid card to the prepaid card server and requesting collation, and a storage in association with the login information transmitted from the content server. Receiving image data; and Printing is performed in accordance with a step of receiving a verification result based on the code number of the prepaid card transmitted from the prepaid card server, a step of displaying the transmitted image data on a display unit, and a display content of the display unit. When instructed, it includes a step of determining whether or not to permit printing of the image data from the collation result, and a step of executing printing when it is determined to permit the image data.

  Further, according to the image processing method of the present invention, the collation result includes information on a number of sheets permitted to be printed according to a deposit amount and a set number of sheets in the prepaid card server, and the image processing apparatus performs printing. It may be configured to further include a step of transmitting the amount and the number of printed sheets to the prepaid card server.

  The image processing program of the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute each step of the image processing method having the above-described configuration.

  According to the image processing apparatus, the image processing system, the image processing method, and the image processing program of the present invention, the image data read from the storage medium, the image data downloaded from the content server, or read from the user terminal by wireless communication When printing image data, authentication can be done automatically and image data can be printed easily without requiring the user to directly input information such as a user number, email address, or password for authentication. .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the first embodiment for registering image data in a network print server. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to the second embodiment for registering image data in a network print server. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a third embodiment in which another user prints image data stored in a network print server.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing system 1 including an image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing system 1 includes an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a network print server (content server) 100, and a prepaid card server 200 installed in a public place such as a convenience store via a network N. Thus, it is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus having, for example, a copying function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like, and includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, an operation input unit 14, a printing unit 15, an image. A reading unit 16, a storage medium reading unit 17, a data communication unit 18, a wireless communication unit 19, and a facsimile communication unit 20 are provided. The image processing apparatus 10 also includes a billing device 21 that charges a usage fee such as the number of prints.

  The storage unit 13 includes a RAM that functions as a work area for a program executed by the control unit 11, and an HDD that stores various control programs, application programs, image data, and the like. The control unit 11 reads out and executes necessary programs from the storage unit 13 and controls the entire image processing apparatus 10.

  The image reading unit 16 reads an image of a document. The printing unit 15 prints and records an image on a recording sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic method.

  The display unit 12 may be of any type such as a liquid crystal display device, a CRT, or an EL display device, and may be a small unit integrated with the image processing device 10 or may be attached to the image processing device 10. It may be a large connected one.

  The operation input unit 14 includes a plurality of operation keys and a touch panel overlaid on the screen of the display unit 12, and outputs an input instruction according to operation of the operation keys or the touch panel to the control unit 11. For example, the control unit 11 controls the image reading unit 16 in response to an input instruction from the operation input unit 14, causes the image reading unit 16 to read an image of a document, and controls the printing unit 15 to control the printing unit. The image of the original is printed on the recording paper by 15.

  The storage medium reading unit 17 reads information of image data stored in a portable storage medium MC such as a USB memory, an IC card, an SD card, or smart media (registered trademark).

  The data communication unit 18 performs data communication with the network print server 100 and the prepaid card server 200 through a network N such as a LAN.

  The wireless communication unit 19 communicates with the user's portable terminal 40 through a wireless line n1 such as Wi-Fi, LET, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The facsimile communication unit 20 performs facsimile communication with other facsimile terminals or the like through a line n2 formed of a public line or the like.

(Description of processing for registering image data in network print server 100)
<Example 1>
Next, in the image processing system 1 having the above-described configuration, a process according to the first embodiment for registering image data in the network print server 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, in the first embodiment, image data is registered in the network print server 100 using the image processing apparatus 10 installed in a convenience store or the like.

  For example, the user A goes to the front of the image processing apparatus 10 installed in the nearest convenience store or the like, operates the operation input unit 14 of the image processing apparatus 10 to set the print registration mode, and takes one or a plurality of photographed images. Are read and stored in the image processing apparatus 10 (step S1). As a reading method, for example, one or a plurality of pieces of image data is read into the image processing apparatus 10 via the wireless communication unit 19 from a digital camera with a Wi-Fi function, a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, or the like, or a digital camera Then, the storage medium MC is extracted from a personal computer at home or the like, and the storage medium MC is mounted on the storage medium reading unit 17 so that the image processing apparatus 10 reads one or a plurality of image data. The read one or more pieces of image data are temporarily stored (saved) in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13. At this time, a plurality of pieces of image data are stored in association with each other.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 10 transmits (uploads) one or more read image data to the network print server 100 (step S2).

  The network print server 100 registers (saves) one or more transmitted image data in a state of being linked to a predetermined area (step S11). Thereafter, the network print server 100 transmits the user number, mail address, and password information to be added to the registered image data or one or more pieces of image data to the image processing apparatus 10 (step S12).

  The image processing apparatus 10 displays the transmitted login information such as the user number, e-mail address, and password on the display unit 12 and determines whether or not to register such information (additional information) with the user A. Determine (step S3).

  As a result, when the user A does not register these additional information (when it is determined No in step S4), one or a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 13 is deleted (step S5). The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when registration of additional information for login is selected (when determined Yes in step S4), the user A determines whether or not to register additional information related to image data settlement. (Step S6).

  As a result, when the user A does not register the additional information related to the payment (when determined No in step S6), the user A logs in to one or a plurality of image data stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13. Additional information (ie, user number, mail address, password information) is written and stored (step S7). Here, for example, when Exif (Exchangeable image file format) is used as the format format of the image data file, additional information can be written in a so-called maker note portion in the header information.

  That is, in step S7, the user number, mail address, and password information are written in the maker note portion of the image data.

  Thereafter, one or a plurality of image data in which the additional information stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13 is written is returned to the user A's digital camera, mobile phone terminal, smartphone, etc., and overwritten, Alternatively, if the storage medium MC is loaded, the storage medium MC is overwritten, and one or more image data finally stored in the storage unit 13 is erased (step S8), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when registration of additional information related to payment is selected (when it is determined Yes in step S6), the maker note part of one or a plurality of image data stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13 is used. Information on the user number, mail address, password, and code number of the prepaid card is written and stored as additional information (step S9).

  Thereafter, one or a plurality of image data in which the additional information stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13 is written is returned to the user A's digital camera, mobile phone terminal, smartphone, etc., and overwritten, Alternatively, if the storage medium MC is loaded, the storage medium MC is overwritten, and one or more image data finally stored in the storage unit 13 is erased (step S8), and the process is terminated.

<Example 2>
Next, the processing of the second embodiment for registering image data from the personal computer or the portable terminal 40 to the network print server 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  User A accesses a dedicated home page of the network print server 100 from a personal computer or starts a network print application of the mobile terminal 40 (step S21), and the personal computer or the mobile terminal 40 (hereinafter referred to as a mobile terminal or the like). One or a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit is transmitted (uploaded) to the network print server 100 (step S22). At this time, the plurality of pieces of image data are linked to each other and transmitted.

  The network print server 100 registers (saves) one or more transmitted image data in a predetermined area (step S11). Thereafter, the network print server 100 transmits the user number, e-mail address, and password information to be given to the registered one or more image data to the mobile terminal of the user A (step S12).

  The mobile terminal or the like displays the transmitted login information such as the user number, e-mail address, and password (step S23), and allows the user A to determine whether or not to register the information (additional information). (Step S24).

  As a result, when the user A does not register the additional information (when it is determined No in step S24), the process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when registration of additional information for login is selected (when it is determined Yes in step S24), the user A determines whether or not to register additional information related to image data settlement. (Step S25).

  As a result, when the user A does not register the additional information related to the payment (when determined No in step S25), one or a plurality of images stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit such as the portable terminal Additional information for login (that is, user number, e-mail address, password information) is written in the maker note section of the data (step S26), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when registration of additional information related to payment is selected (when it is determined Yes in step S25), a maker note of one or a plurality of image data stored in a predetermined area of a storage unit such as a portable terminal. The user number, e-mail address, password, and prepaid card code number information are written in the section as additional information (step S27), and the process ends.

(Description of processing for printing image data stored in network print server 100)
<Example 3>
Next, the process of the third embodiment in which another user B prints the image data stored in the network print server 100 as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  For example, the user A sends one piece of image data selected from a plurality of pieces of image data in which additional information stored in the portable terminal or the like is written to the portable terminal of the user B or the like. Alternatively, the user A stores one piece of image data in which the additional information is written in the storage medium MC and sends it to the user B by mail or the like. Further, when the image processing apparatus 10 has a mail transmission function, when the user A executes the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3, the image data stored in the storage unit 13 is deleted. Prior to this, one piece of image data may be selected from a plurality of pieces of image data stored in the storage unit 13 and sent to the mobile terminal of the user B by e-mail. Here, the image data to be transmitted may be one representative image data or a thumbnail image in which a plurality of image data is listed.

User B goes to the nearest convenience store, etc., with a portable terminal or the like storing the received image data, or storage medium MC storing the image data received by mail. The operation input unit 14 of the processing apparatus 10 is operated to select a print mode, and one piece of image data stored in the portable terminal or the storage medium MC is read into the image processing apparatus 10 and stored (step S31). . As a reading method, image data is directly read into the image processing apparatus 10 from a portable terminal or the like via the wireless communication unit 19, or the brought-in storage medium MC is attached to the storage medium reading unit 17, and the image processing apparatus 10 is read. To read the image data. The read image data is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 10 confirms whether additional information is written in one piece of read image data (step S32).

  As a result, when additional information is written (when it is determined Yes in step S32), the additional information is read (step S33), and login information (user number, mail address) is included in the read additional information. , Password, etc.) is checked (step S34).

  As a result, if there is login information (if determined Yes in step S34), the login information is used to log in to the network print server 100 (step S35), and a request for transmission of stored image data is made. (Step S36).

  In response to a transmission request from the image processing apparatus 10, the network print server 100 transmits (downloads) one or a plurality of pieces of image data matching the login information stored therein to the image processing apparatus 10 (step S51).

  The image processing apparatus 10 displays the received one or more pieces of image data on the display unit 12, and completes the print setting by the operation of the user B who sees the image data (step S37).

  Next, the image processing apparatus 10 confirms whether or not the prepaid card settlement information (that is, the code number) is included in the additional information (step S38).

  As a result, when there is a code number (when determined Yes in step S38), the code number is transmitted to the prepaid card server 200 (step S39).

  The prepaid card server 200 verifies the transmitted code number to confirm whether or not the code number is valid (step S61). If the code number is valid, the prepaid card server 200 confirms the code number. Information on the amount of money that can be used (basically, the card balance) is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 10 (step S62). If the code number is invalid, or if the code number is valid but the card balance is 0 yen, information indicating that the code number cannot be used is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 10.

  When the notice that the card is valid and the card balance information are transmitted from the prepaid card server 200, the image processing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the number of prints set in step S37 can be printed. Judgment is made (step S40).

  As a result, when printing is possible (when it is determined Yes in step S40), the print setting set in step S37 is executed as it is (step S42). On the other hand, if printing is possible but the card balance is less than the set print amount (if determined No in step S40), for example, an instruction to change the print set number is given ( In step S41), when the setting number is changed to a number that can be printed with the card balance, printing is executed with the changed number of prints (step S42).

  Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 10 transmits information on the printing amount to the prepaid card server 200 (step S43).

  The prepaid card server 200 that has received the information of the printing amount updates the card balance of the card with the code number (step S63), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, returning to step S38, if the image processing apparatus 10 determines that there is no code number of the prepaid card in the additional information (determined No in step S38), then whether or not to settle with cash. Is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S44), and when the user B selects cash settlement (that is, inputs the price necessary for printing into the billing apparatus 21) and presses the print start button, the image processing apparatus 10 executes printing in accordance with the charge (step S45).

  On the other hand, returning to step S32, when additional information is not written in the image data (when it is determined No in step S32), the portal screen is displayed on the display unit 12 as usual (step S46). The login information is input from this screen to complete various settings (step S47). Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 10 performs printing through the processes of steps S44 and S45.

  According to the above embodiment, the user A presents, for example, a child's photograph (image data) to an elderly person (user B) such as a grandpa or grandma who is far away by mail transmission or mailing of the storage medium MC. In this case, an elderly person (user B) goes to a nearby convenience store with his / her portable terminal or storage medium MC, and uses his / her portable terminal to connect to the installed image processing apparatus 10 using wireless communication or the like. It is only necessary to transfer a photo (image data) from the computer or the like, or to install the storage medium MC. After that, the presented photo (image data) can be printed simply by pressing the displayed print start button. . At this time, when the code number of the prepaid card is included in the image data, a fee is not paid, so that a sense of present can be enhanced.

  In the above-described embodiment, image data is exemplified as data to be transmitted. However, in addition to image data, for example, file data such as PDF file format such as document data or table data or Office (registered trademark) file format data can be used. It is also possible to save additional information in the detailed setting part of the name or property and transmit it.

  The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiment is only a mere illustration in all points, and should not be interpreted limitedly. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system 10 Image processing apparatus 11 Control part (image processing part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Display part 13 Memory | storage part 14 Operation input part 15 Printing part 16 Image reading part 17 Storage medium reading part 18 Data communication part 19 Wireless communication part 20 Facsimile communication part 21 Charging apparatus 40 Portable terminal 100 Network print server (content server)
200 Prepaid card server MC Storage medium

Claims (15)

  An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that stores additional information necessary for authentication in image data downloaded from a content server, and uploads the image data storing the additional information to the content server.   An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that stores additional information necessary for authentication in image data read from a storage medium, and stores the image data storing the additional information in the storage medium.   An image processing unit is provided that stores additional information necessary for authentication in image data read from a user's terminal by wireless communication and returns the image data storing the additional information to the terminal by wireless communication. A featured image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 3,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the additional information is information such as a user number, an e-mail address, a password, and a prepaid card. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4,
The additional information can be stored from a dedicated home page and / or a dedicated application. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
An image processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the image data storing the additional information to a third party terminal. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The additional information is information such as a user number, email address, password, and prepaid card,
When the image data storing the additional information is read, the image processing unit reads information such as a user number, an e-mail address, a password, and a prepaid card from the additional information, and an authentication server based on the read information An image processing apparatus that performs authentication processing, download of the image data stored in the content server, and payment processing for an image printing fee by communicating with a prepaid card server. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7,
The image processing unit receives a result of collation performed at the prepaid card server based on the transmitted code number of the prepaid card, and determines whether or not printing of the image data downloaded from the content server is permitted. An image processing apparatus that executes printing when it is determined to permit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8,
The result of the verification includes the number of sheets allowed to be printed according to the deposit amount and the set number of sheets at the prepaid card server,
The image processing unit returns the printed amount to the prepaid card server. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7, 8, and 9,
The image data stored in the content server includes a plurality of image data associated with a user number, an email address and a password,
The image processing unit downloads the plurality of image data and displays them on a display unit. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the additional information can be stored in a file name or property detail setting section as data in a PDF file format or Office (registered trademark) file format other than the image data. An image processing system comprising the image processing device according to claim 1, a content server, and a prepaid card server,
The additional information is information such as a user number, email address, password, and prepaid card,
When the image data storing the additional information is read, the image processing apparatus reads information such as a user number, an e-mail address, a password, and a prepaid card from the additional information, and reads the read user number and e-mail address. And log in to the content server based on login information such as a password to request transmission of image data, and send a code number of the prepaid card to the prepaid card server to request verification.
The content server, based on the login information, transmits correspondingly stored image data to the image processing device,
The prepaid card server performs collation based on the code number of the transmitted prepaid card, transmits the collation result to the image processing device,
The image processing apparatus displays the transmitted image data on a display unit, determines whether or not to permit printing of the image data from the transmitted collation result, and executes printing when it is determined to permit the image data An image processing system. An image processing method executed by the image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The additional information is information such as a user number, email address, password, and prepaid card,
Reading the image data in which the additional information is stored into the image processing device;
Reading information such as a user number, e-mail address, password, and prepaid card from the additional information;
Requesting transmission of image data stored by logging in to the content server based on the read login information such as the user number, email address and password;
Sending the read prepaid card code number to a prepaid card server to request verification;
Receiving image data stored in association with the login information transmitted from the content server;
Receiving a verification result based on a code number of the prepaid card transmitted from the prepaid card server;
Displaying the transmitted image data on a display unit;
When printing is instructed according to the display content of the display unit, the step of determining whether or not to permit printing of the image data from the collation result;
And a step of executing printing when it is determined to permit the image processing method. The image processing method according to claim 13,
The verification result includes information on the number of sheets permitted to be printed according to the amount deposited and set number at the prepaid card server,
The image processing apparatus further includes a step of transmitting the amount of money printed and the number of printed sheets to the prepaid card server.   An image processing program for causing a computer to execute each step of the image processing method according to claim 13.

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