JP3877880B2 - Image print ordering method and apparatus, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, an image print ordering method and apparatus and an image print ordering method for receiving a print order of a composite image at a storefront and creating a print image at an image output device located at a remote place away from the storefront are executed by a computer. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing the program to be recorded is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a photo print order is received and processed in a photo shop, a DPE store, a convenience store, a bookstore or the like. There are one that develops and prints at the same time, and one that keeps the developed photographic negative and prints it. In any case, a shop that develops and prints on the spot (called a minilab) like a photo shop or a DPE shop installs a small printer equipped with a developing machine at the shop, and starts development on the spot. I have done printing. In a minilab equipped with such a printer at the store, the space occupied by the device and a relatively large capital investment are required, and the amount and temperature of the developer and fixer must be managed at the store (liquid management). In a simple print reception store at a station or a department store, a developing machine and a printer are not installed, and reordering and reprinting of prints are sent to a large developing place elsewhere for processing. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to receive a print when the print is ordered from such a store.
[0003]
Recently, a system has been proposed in which image information is digitally read out from a photo original such as a photo negative, converted into a digital image signal, and the image signal is reproduced to obtain a photo print. In such a system, various types of image processing can be performed after the image is read, and if the post-image processing data, for example, correction data such as color correction conditions, is stored, the same can be made when ordering a reprint. There is an advantage that a reprint printed under the correction condition can be obtained. However, when this system is newly introduced, an image input device that reads an image from a negative or print and converts it into a digital image signal and an image output device that reproduces the print from the read image signal are newly installed in the store. This also requires a large burden from the viewpoint of occupied space and equipment cost, and there is a problem that the management of the liquid such as a developer is troublesome.
[0004]
For this reason, only an image input device is installed at a store, a high-speed image output device that takes up space and requires large cost and management is installed at a remote location, and an image input at the store is a high-speed image output device at a remote location The present applicant has proposed a photographic print system which is transmitted to the printer and printed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-13589). According to such a system, only the image input device is arranged at the store, the space is taken up, the high-speed image output device requiring large cost and management is placed at a remote place, and the image input at the store is an image of the remote place. Since it can be transmitted to the output device and printed, it is possible to save space, cost and management at the store, and the time to send negatives from the store to the development shop is greatly shortened. Even so, the print order can be processed quickly.
[0005]
On the other hand, postcards used for New Year postcards, greeting cards, commemorative cards, etc., the user brings the original image recorded on, for example, a negative film into a photo store, and the photo store converts the original image into digital image data. It is created by converting, synthesizing this digital image data with template data representing a template including character arrangement and characters, and obtaining composite image data, and printing the composite image based on this composite image data (For example, Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 10-124693). As described above, even in the case of a postcard or the like in which digital image data and a template are combined, the user can combine the digital image data and the template data as in the photo print system described in JP-A-10-13589. It is possible to place a print order by transferring the composite image data from the store to the image output device. In this case, the combination of the digital image data representing the user's photograph and the template is performed by an image input device provided at the store, and the combined image of the image and the template is displayed on the monitor at the store, for example. After confirmation, you will come to the store at a later date and receive a postcard.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when creating a postcard in the photo print system described in JP-A-10-13589, the user cannot reconfirm the composite result until the postcard is received, and is displayed on the monitor at the store. It was only possible to keep the synthesized image stored in memory. In this case, it is conceivable to record the composite image data representing the composite result on a medium such as an FD and pass it to the user. However, since the template image represented by the template often has a copyright, the composite image including the template Passing data to the user easily may cause a copyrighted template to leak.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and records an image print ordering method and apparatus capable of confirming a composite result without copyright problems, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image print ordering method. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first image print ordering method of the present invention, digital image data is acquired, and the desired template data read from a template storage unit storing template data representing a template and the digital image data are combined and combined. Obtain image data,
Transferring the composite image data to an image output device;
Based on the composite image data, create low resolution composite image data having a lower resolution than the composite image data,
The low-resolution composite image data is output.
[0009]
A second image print ordering method according to the present invention acquires digital image data,
Combining the template represented by the desired low resolution template data read from the low resolution template storage means storing the low resolution template data representing the low resolution template and the image represented by the digital image data. Create composite information about the image,
Transferring the composite information to an image output device;
Creating low resolution composite image data of the desired low resolution template data and the reduced digital image data;
The low-resolution composite image data is output.
[0010]
Here, “obtaining digital image data” refers to reading out digital image data from a memory card when the user records the digital image data on a medium such as a memory card and brings it in. When a photographic manuscript such as this is brought in, image information is read from the photographic manuscript and converted into digital image data. Examples of the “digital image data acquisition unit” include a reading unit that reads image data from a medium, and a scanner that reads image information from a photographic document and converts it into digital image data.
[0011]
Here, “output low-resolution composite image data” means that when digital image data is acquired from a medium such as a user's memory card or FD, it is recorded on the user's medium or a new medium such as FD. In addition, when the digital image data is obtained by reading the user's negative film or the like, it is recorded on a new medium such as an FD, and further, the low-resolution composite image data is stored in the user's E-mail address. Is to transfer.
[0012]
The “composite information” in the second image print ordering method relates to information for specifying a template used for composition (for example, a template number), the position of the image at the time of composition, the size of the image, input characters, and the like. Information.
[0013]
Furthermore, “low-resolution composite image data” in the second image print ordering method refers to composite image data representing a composite image of a low-resolution template and digital image data reduced to match the resolution of the template. That means.
[0014]
A first image print ordering apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image acquisition means for acquiring digital image data,
A template storage unit that stores template data representing a template; a combining unit that combines desired template data and the digital image data to obtain combined image data;
Transfer means for transferring the composite image data to an image output device;
Low resolution composite image data creating means for creating low resolution composite image data having a lower resolution than the composite image data based on the composite image data;
Output means for outputting the low resolution composite image data.
[0015]
A second image print ordering apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image acquisition means for acquiring digital image data,
Low-resolution template storage means storing low-resolution template data representing a low-resolution template;
Composition information creating means for creating composite information relating to a composite image obtained by combining a template represented by desired low resolution template data read from the low resolution template storage means and an image represented by the digital image data; ,
Transfer means for transferring the composite information to the image output device;
Low-resolution composite image data creating means for creating low-resolution composite image data of the desired low-resolution template data and the digital image data;
Output means for outputting the low resolution composite image data.
[0016]
The first and second image print ordering methods according to the present invention may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the method.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first image print ordering method and apparatus of the present invention, digital image data is acquired, and composite image data representing a composite image of the digital image data and a template is transferred to an image output device to create a print image. Is done. On the other hand, low-resolution composite image data having a resolution lower than that of the composite image data is created, and this is recorded on a recording medium and outputted to be delivered to the user. On the other hand, according to the second image print ordering method and apparatus of the present invention, digital image data is acquired, and composite information representing a composite image of the digital image data and the template is transferred to the image output apparatus, and the image output apparatus In this case, a print image of the composite image is created with reference to this composite information. On the other hand, low-resolution composite image data is created from the low-resolution template data and the reduced digital image data, and this is recorded on a recording medium and outputted to be delivered to the user.
[0018]
For this reason, the user can reconfirm the synthesis result by displaying the low-resolution synthesized image data on a monitor or the like. Also, since low resolution composite image data is passed to the user and a high quality image cannot be reproduced even after printing or the like, the low resolution template image included in the low resolution composite image data is leaked. It can be done. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an easy outflow of a copyrighted template.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a photo print system to which an image print ordering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the photo print system according to the present embodiment includes an image data input means 1 for inputting image data S0 representing an image to be synthesized, an instruction input means 2 for inputting various instructions, and a composition. A database 3 in which a plurality of template data representing templates used in the process are stored, and a desired template data T0 is read from the database 3 based on an instruction from the instruction input unit 2, and the template data T0 and the image data S0 are obtained. Compositing means 4 for compositing to create composite image data G0, a monitor 5 for displaying a list of selectable templates and displaying composite results, and transferring the composite image data G0 to a remote printer 6 Transfer means 7, reduction means 8 for reducing the composite image data G 0 to create reduced composite image data G 1, And output means 9 for recording small synthetic image data G1 to the media.
[0021]
The image data input means 1 is a reading means for reading out image data from a memory card when the user takes an image with a digital camera and image data representing the image is recorded in the memory card of the digital camera. The On the other hand, when a user brings a photographic document such as a negative film, a positive film, or a photograph, it is a reading unit such as a negative scanner or a flatbed scanner that reads image information from the photographic document and converts it into image data S0. The
[0022]
The instruction input means 2 inputs a template selection, an instruction for the number of prints, etc., and may be composed of a keyboard or a mouse, but is preferably composed of a touch panel or a simple switch. In the case of a touch panel, the touch panel is displayed on the monitor 5, and the instruction input unit 2 and the monitor 5 are used together.
[0023]
When the image data S0 is acquired from the user's memory card or FD or other media, the output means 9 records the reduced composite image data G1 on the user's media or a new FD or other media. When the data S0 is obtained by reading a user's photo original, it is recorded on a new medium such as an FD.
[0024]
The transfer means 7 and the printer 6 are connected by a transmission line 10. The transmission line 10 may be a dedicated transmission line, a telephone line, or a wireless connection.
[0025]
The printer 6 records a photographic image by two-dimensionally scanning a photosensitive material with a recording beam modulated by the composite image data G0, and development may be performed by wet development using a liquid such as a developer. However, it may be by dry development using a dry photosensitive material such as dry silver.
[0026]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment. First, in step S1, image data S0 is acquired by the image data input means 1. Next, the user inputs a synthesis instruction such as selection of a template to be used for synthesis and a position of an image to be inserted into the template from the instruction input unit 2 (step S2). Then, the template data T0 corresponding to the instruction content input from the instruction input means 2 is read from the database 3 (step S3), and composite image data G0 of the template data T0 and the image data S0 is created (step S4). ). The created composite image data G0 is displayed on the monitor 5 (step S5), and the user confirms the composite result, and inputs the composite content confirmation instruction from the instruction input means 2 if the composite content is acceptable. On the other hand, if the content of the composition is not satisfactory, a correction instruction is input from the instruction input means 2 and correction is performed. Then, when an instruction to confirm the composite content is input from the instruction input unit 2 (step S6), the transfer unit 7 transfers the composite image data G0 to the printer 6 via the transmission line 10 (step S7). On the other hand, the composite image data G0 is reduced in the reduction means 8 to produce reduced composite image data G1 (step S8), and the reduced composite image data G1 is recorded on the medium in the output means 9 (step S9). In addition, the process of step S7 and the process of step S8, S9 may be performed in parallel, and the process of step S7 may be performed later.
[0027]
Thus, according to the first embodiment, the composite image data G0 is transferred to the remote printer 6 to create a print image, and the reduced composite image data G1 is recorded on the medium. The user can reconfirm the composite result by displaying the reduced composite image data G1 recorded on the medium on a monitor or the like. Also, since the reduced composite image data G1 representing the low resolution composite image is passed to the user and a high quality image cannot be reproduced even if printing or the like is performed, the template included in the reduced composite image data G1 The image can be leaked. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent easy outflow of a copyrighted template image.
[0028]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a photo print system to which an image print ordering apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the second embodiment, instead of the database 3 in the first embodiment, a database 3 ′ storing a plurality of reduced template data T1 representing a reduced template image is provided, and an image is replaced with the composite image data G0. The combined information I representing the combined contents of the data S0 and the template is transferred from the transfer means 7 to the printer 6, and the image data S0 is reduced, and the reduced combined image data G1 based on the reduced image data S0 and the reduced template data T1. Output means 9 'for recording the data on the medium.
[0029]
Note that the composition information I refers to information for specifying a template used for composition (for example, a template number), information about the position of the image at the time of composition, the size of the image, input characters, and the like.
[0030]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment. First, in step S11, image data S0 is acquired by the image data input means 1. Next, the user inputs a synthesis instruction such as selection of a template to be used for synthesis and a position of an image to be inserted into the template from the instruction input unit 2 (step S12). Then, the reduced template data T1 corresponding to the instruction content input from the instruction input means 2 is read from the database 3 '(step S13), the image data S0 is reduced, and the reduced combination of this and the reduced template data T1 is combined. Image data G1 is created (step S14). The generated reduced composite image data G1 is displayed on the monitor 5 (step S15), and the user checks the composite result, and inputs the composite content confirmation instruction from the instruction input means 2 if the composite content is acceptable. On the other hand, if the content of the composition is not satisfactory, a correction instruction is input from the instruction input means 2 and correction is performed. Then, when an instruction for confirming the composite content is input from the instruction input unit 2 (step S16), composite information I representing the composite content is transferred to the printer 6 via the transmission line 10 by the transfer unit 7 (step S17). ).
[0031]
On the other hand, the reduced composite image data G1 is recorded on the medium by the output means 9 '(step S18). In addition, the process of step S17 and the process of step S18 may be performed in parallel, and the process of step S17 may be performed later.
[0032]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the composite information I is transferred to the remote printer 6 to create a print image and the reduced composite image data G1 is recorded on the medium. By displaying the reduced composite image data G1 recorded on this medium on a monitor or the like, the composite result can be reconfirmed. In addition, it is possible to prevent easy outflow of a copyrighted template image.
[0033]
In each of the above embodiments, the reduced composite image data G1 is recorded on the medium in the output means 9, 9 '. However, the reduced composite image data G1 is transferred to the user's E-mail address and passed to the user. It may be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a photographic print system to which an image print ordering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a photo print system to which an image print ordering apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image data input means 2 Instruction input means 3, 3 'Database 4 Composition means 5 Monitor 6 Printer 7 Transfer means 8 Reduction means 9, 9' Output means 10 Transmission line

Claims (3)

Get digital image data,
The desired image data read from the template storage means storing the template data representing the template and the digital image data are combined to obtain combined image data,
Transferring the composite image data to an image output device;
Based on the composite image data, creating low resolution composite image data having a lower resolution than the composite image data,
An image print ordering method comprising outputting the low-resolution composite image data. Image acquisition means for acquiring digital image data;
Template storage means for storing template data representing a template;
Combining means for combining desired template data and the digital image data to obtain combined image data;
Transfer means for transferring the composite image data to an image output device;
Low-resolution composite image data creating means for creating low-resolution composite image data having a lower resolution than the composite image data based on the composite image data;
An image print ordering apparatus comprising: output means for outputting the low-resolution composite image data. In a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute an image print ordering method,
The program includes a procedure for acquiring digital image data;
A procedure for obtaining desired image data by combining desired digital data read from a template storage unit that stores template data representing a template and the digital image data;
Transferring the composite image data to an image output device;
Creating a low-resolution composite image data having a lower resolution than the composite image data based on the composite image data;
A computer-readable recording medium comprising: a procedure for outputting the low-resolution composite image data.

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