JP4189580B2 - How to accept digital photo print orders - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital photo print order receiving method, and more particularly to a digital photo print order receiving method digitally photographed in a photo studio or a photography studio.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when digital photography is performed with the digital camera 12 in the photo studio 10 as shown in FIG. 3, an image obtained by digital photography is displayed on the display 14 in the photo gallery immediately after the photography is completed, and the image to be printed is displayed by the user. A presentation will be given for selection.
[0003]
In the photo studio 10, image processing such as color correction, gradation correction, trimming processing, and image composition (template composition) is performed on the digital image selected by the presentation by the image processing device 16. Then, along with the digital image that has been subjected to image processing, order information such as the number of prints and print size is recorded on a medium, which is sent to the developing station 20.
[0004]
At the developing station 20, the digital image received from the photo studio 10 is digitally printed by the digital printer 22 in accordance with the user's order information, and the digitally printed photo print is delivered to the photo studio 10. In some cases, the digital printer 18 in the photo studio 10 may be used for printing without using the digital printer 22 in the developing station 20.
[0005]
Conventionally, a studio photography support system that can confirm a finished image of a photograph before photographing has been proposed (Patent Document 1).
[0006]
This system reads out and displays the images of each item such as background, shooting set, costumer, etc. from the database in which images such as background, shooting set, costumer, etc. necessary for studio photo shooting are registered, and displays it to the user. Lets you select an item. Then, the image of each item such as the selected background, shooting set, costumes, etc. and the user's face image recorded on the recording medium brought by the user or the user's face image taken with the studio digital camera are combined. Before the actual shooting, the finished image of the studio photo can be confirmed, and after confirming the available date and time of the background, the shooting set, the costume, etc., the reservation of the shooting can be made.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-314993 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in digital photography at photo studios such as photo studios and photography studios, a large number of pictures are taken for one user with different poses and costumes. There is a problem that both the presenter and the user on the photo studio side are bound by a lot of time.
[0009]
In addition, the digital image presented in the presentation immediately after the digital photography is processed by default by the image processing function in the digital camera, etc., but in the photo studio to create an appropriate photo print Various image processing such as various corrections, corrections, and trimmings are not performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot see the finished image of the photographic print in the presentation, and has to place a print order based on the presentation image that does not match the finished image.
[0010]
In a presentation immediately after digital shooting, due to time constraints and the number of shots, images that match the finished image of the photo print (that is, image processing for photo print is applied to each digital image). It is difficult to present the (applied image).
[0011]
Further, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the finished image of the photograph that can be confirmed before actual studio shooting is a composite of images prepared in advance, such as backgrounds, shooting sets, costumes, etc., and the user's face photo. It is a composite photograph, and is not an image after various kinds of image processing performed on an original image acquired by actual photographing.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. By omitting a presentation that is performed immediately after digital photography, the burden on a photo studio such as a photo studio or a photography studio is reduced, and a presentation is performed. Similarly, it is possible to promote print orders, while for the user, it is possible to carefully select an image to order print at a desired time, and to select an image that matches the finished image of the photo print. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital photo print order receiving method capable of viewing and placing a print order and receiving a photo print according to the print order image.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a digital image which allows a user to view a digital image digitally photographed at a photo studio, prints the digital image accepted from the user, and provides the user with the digital image. In the photo print order receiving method, a step of uploading an unprocessed view image having a smaller image size than an original image obtained by digital photography from a terminal of the photo studio to a net server; The image processing information indicating the image processing corresponding to the view image uploaded to the net server is added as information attached to the view image. From the terminal of the photo studio Uploading to the net server; performing image processing on the uploaded view image on the net server based on image processing information attached to the view image; and viewing the image processed view image with a user terminal And when the print order is made based on the view image using the user terminal, the order information indicating the print order is notified to the terminal of the photo studio. It is characterized by including.
[0014]
That is, an unprocessed view image having an image size smaller than the original image generated from the original image is uploaded to the net server instead of the presentation performed immediately after the digital photo shooting. In addition, when image processing (color correction, gradation correction, trimming processing, red-eye processing, etc.) for performing proper printing on the original image is performed at the photo studio, image processing information indicating the image processing is obtained. The information is uploaded to the network server simultaneously with or separately from the view image as the attached information of the view image.
[0015]
In the net server, the uploaded unprocessed view image is subjected to image processing based on image processing information attached to the view image, and the image processed view image can be browsed by the user terminal. Since the unprocessed view image and the image processing information for the view image are uploaded to the net server, the unprocessed view image can be uploaded immediately after shooting, and the image processing information is not processed. It is possible to transfer the view image to the network server at an appropriate time after uploading the view image, and it is also possible to update only the image processing information as necessary. The user can carefully select an image to be ordered for printing at a favorite time at home while confirming the finished image processed on the net server. Further, trimming can be performed to confirm an image simulating the final product such as the finished album, and a processing method can be selected and instructed.
[0016]
When a print order is made based on the view image using the user terminal, order information indicating the print order is notified to the terminal of the photo studio via the net server.
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital photo print order receiving method according to the first aspect, the image processing information attached to the view image uploaded to the net server is converted into the original image performed at the photo studio. In contrast, the present invention is characterized in that it is used for calculating a usage fee of image processing means for performing image processing for performing proper printing.
[0018]
The provider who provides the image processing means for performing image processing for performing proper printing to the photo studio, the image processing attached to the view image uploaded to the net server is the number of times the image processing means is used. It can be acquired from the information, and the usage fee can be charged according to the number of times the image processing means is used.
[0019]
3. The digital photo print order receiving method according to claim 1, wherein the photo studio receives the original image corresponding to the order information, the image processing information and the order information via a network or a recording medium. It is characterized by being sent to a photo lab.
[0020]
4. The digital photo print order receiving method according to claim 3, wherein the digital photo print order receiving method is based on image processing information attached to a view image uploaded to the net server and order information from the user terminal. Image processing means for detecting the image processing information sent to the developing station and performing image processing for performing proper printing on the original image used in the developing station. It is characterized by the fact that it is used for the calculation of usage fees.
[0021]
A provider that provides image processing means for performing image processing for performing appropriate printing to a laboratory (laboratory) attaches the number of times the image processing means is used to the view image uploaded to the net server. Detection can be performed based on image processing information and order information from a user terminal, and usage fees can be charged according to the number of times the image processing means is used.
[0022]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital photo print order receiving method for causing a user to browse a digital image digitally photographed at a photo studio, printing only the digital image for which a print order has been received from the user, and providing the digital image to the user Uploading to the net server a view image having a smaller image size than the original image obtained by digital photography and not subjected to image processing for printing to a net server, When the uploaded view image can be browsed by the user's terminal, and the user selects an image for which print finish confirmation is desired from among the view images, information on the selected image is stored in the photo studio. A step of notifying the terminal, and at the photo studio A step of performing an image process for performing an appropriate print on the original image corresponding to the selected image, and a view image for confirming a print finish on which the image process has been performed. When the print order is made based on the view image for confirming the print finish using the user terminal, order information indicating the print order is displayed in the photo studio. And a step of notifying the terminal.
[0023]
In other words, after digital photography, the user browses an unprocessed view image uploaded to the net server from the terminal at the photo studio, and allows the user to select an image for which print finish confirmation is desired. The information on the selected image is notified from the user terminal to the terminal of the photo studio via the net server.
[0024]
Upon receiving information about the image selected by the user, the photo studio performs image processing for performing proper printing only on the selected image of the user's original image, and the same image as this image processing. The view image for confirming the print finish that has been processed can be viewed by the user via the network server and the user terminal. It is also possible to select an album frame, album layout, etc. prepared in advance for the selected image and confirm the image of the final product.
[0025]
As a result, the photo studio can select an image selected by the user from among a large number of original images taken with different poses, costumes, etc. (that is, an image that is likely to be printed). Image processing for performing proper printing is sufficient, and the burden on the photo studio can be reduced.
[0026]
When a print order is made from the user terminal based on the view image for confirming the print finish, the order information indicating the print order is notified to the terminal of the photo studio via the net server. In this way, the user can confirm an image that matches the finished image of the photographic print before ordering the print.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a digital photo print order receiving method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system to which a digital photo print order receiving method according to the present invention is applied.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 is a photo studio, 200 is a net server, 300 is a user's home, and 400 is a developing station for creating a photo print.
[0030]
The photo studio 100 is provided with a digital camera 110 for digitally photographing a user, an image processing apparatus 120, a terminal such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “client terminal”) 130, and a digital printer 140.
[0031]
A photographer of the photo studio 100 operates the digital camera 110 and usually shoots several tens of images by changing the pose, costume, etc. for one user. The digital image (original image) digitally photographed in this way is stored in a large-capacity medium such as a hard disk of the image processing apparatus 120 via a medium of the digital camera 110 or a communication cable such as a USB cable. .
[0032]
The image processing apparatus 120 performs image processing means (including image processing software) for performing image processing for performing proper printing on the original image, and operations for specifying trimming processing, print size, number of prints, and the like. The operator can operate the image processing apparatus 120 to perform color correction, gradation correction, trimming processing, image composition (template composition), red-eye processing, and the like of the original image. ing.
[0033]
The image processing apparatus 120 and the client terminal 130 can communicate with each other. The image processing apparatus 120 transmits an original image and information on image processing performed on the original image in the image processing apparatus 120 (image Processing information) is transmitted to the client terminal 130, and the client terminal 130 transmits to the image processing apparatus 120 information on the image desired to be confirmed by the user and print order information. When the image processing apparatus 120 receives the print order information, the image data of the original image corresponding to the print order (for example, raw data in the R, G, B color filter array of the image sensor of the digital camera 110) and The image processing information applied to the original image and the order information are recorded on a recording medium. This recording medium is sent to the development station 400 in order to request creation of a photo print.
[0034]
The image processing information may be included in the image file of the original image, or stored separately in a database managed by the photo studio 100, and the corresponding image processing is performed from this database. You may make it notify the address for reading information. Furthermore, the image data of the original image or the like from the photo studio 100 may be transferred to the developing station 400 via a network.
[0035]
Further, instead of requesting the photo lab to make a photo print, the image data of the original image for which the print order has been received is sent from the image processing device 120 to the digital printer 140 in the photo studio 100, where Photo prints may be created.
[0036]
The client terminal 130 resizes the original image received from the image processing apparatus 120 to an image having a smaller image size than the original image, and uploads the resized image to the net server 200 as a view image. The image size of the view image is, for example, 320 × 480 pixels vertically (usually portrait portraits are often taken vertically). The resizing process for creating a view image from the original image may be performed by the image processing apparatus 120.
[0037]
Further, the client terminal 130 transmits the image processing information received from the image processing device 120 to the net server 200 together with attached information (for example, a file name) for associating with the view image to be subjected to the image processing.
[0038]
The net server 200 performs image processing on an unprocessed view image based on image processing information attached to the view image, and performs image processing for emulating a finished image (processed view image) of a photographic print on the net. Means 210, a view image registration function, a function for allowing the user to view the registered view image, a user authentication function, a print order receiving function, and the like are provided.
[0039]
The user's home 300 is provided with a terminal device 310 (hereinafter referred to as “user terminal device”) such as a personal computer. The user terminal 310 can use a network and has a homepage browsing function and the like provided in a normal personal computer.
[0040]
The user accesses the net server 200 on the network using the user terminal 310 using a URL (Uniform Resource Locators), logs in by entering a user ID and password, and is uploaded to the net server 200 by the photo studio 100. You can browse your own view image. In addition, while browsing this view image, a print order can be selected by selecting a desired image or processing form using a print order screen provided by the network server 200 or the like.
[0041]
When the view image of each user is uploaded from the photo studio 100, the net server 200 issues a user ID and a password for each user, and sends an e-mail to each user or via the photo studio 100. 200 URL, user ID, and password are notified.
[0042]
In the developing station 400, an image processing apparatus 410 and a digital printer 420 are installed. The image processing apparatus 410 performs image processing of the image data of the original image based on the image data of the original image received from the photo studio 100 via digital media and the image processing information applied to the original image. The image processed image data and information such as the print size and the number of prints are sent to the digital printer 420. Note that the image processing information used for the original image by the image processing apparatus 410 may be fetched from the network server 200.
[0043]
The digital printer 420 prints an image by scanning exposure with a R, G, B laser on silver salt color paper based on the image processed image data input from the image processing device 410.
[0044]
The photo prints created at the development station 400 are delivered to the photo studio 100 that requested the print creation, or delivered directly to the user's home 300.
[0045]
Next, a flow from digital photography in the photo studio 100 to reception of a print order will be described.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 2, first, in the photo studio 100, a user is photographed by the digital camera 110 (step S10). When digital photography is completed, a view image with a small image size is created from the original image (step S12), and this view image is uploaded to the network server 200.
[0047]
The user browses his / her view image uploaded to the network server 200 by accessing the network server 200 at home at any time after shooting at the photo studio 100 and entering a user ID and password. Can do. Note that the view image at this point is an unprocessed image that has not been subjected to image processing.
[0048]
On the screen of the user terminal 310 on which the view image is displayed, there is an image selection item for which a print finished image is to be confirmed from among the view images, and an image for which the user desires to confirm the print finish is selected from the view images. When selected, information on the selected image (user ID, file name, etc.) is notified to the client terminal 130 of the photo studio 100 via the network server 200. At this point, a print order such as an image to be printed and the number of prints can be accepted.
[0049]
In the photo studio 100, when the selected image for which the print finish confirmation is desired is notified via the net server 200, the operator of the photo studio 100 selects only the image selected by the user from the series of images of the user. Image processing (color correction, gradation correction, trimming processing, image synthesis (template synthesis), red-eye processing, etc.) for appropriately printing an image (original image) selected by operating the image processing apparatus 120 (Step S14).
[0050]
When image processing is performed on the image selected by the user as described above, the image processing information indicating the type and content of the image processing is associated with the view image to be subjected to image processing via the client terminal 130. The information is transmitted to the network server 200 together with the attached information.
[0051]
When the net server 200 receives the image processing information for the unprocessed view image from the photo studio 100, the net server 200 performs image processing on the unprocessed view image based on the image processing information (step S20). After that, when the server is connected again to the user, the user can browse the finished image (processed view image) of the photo print of the preselected image. In this case, since the processed view image and the unprocessed view image are mixed, the identification information is displayed so that the user can identify both, and the unprocessed view image and the processed view image are displayed. Are preferably displayed side by side.
[0052]
Then, while confirming the finished image of the photographic print with the view image processed on the net, when the print order is issued on the screen of the user terminal 310 to instruct the selection of the image to be printed, the number of prints, etc. Order information indicating the print order is notified to the client terminal 130 of the photo studio 100 via the network server 200.
[0053]
Upon receiving the order information in this way, the photo studio 100 sends the image data, the image processing information, and the order information of the original image that has been ordered for printing as described above to the developing station 400 via digital media or the like.
[0054]
In this embodiment, the image data of the original image and the image processing information are sent to the developer when requesting the developer to create a photo print. You may make it send the image data of the original image in which the image process was performed to a developing laboratory.
[0055]
Also, a provider that provides image processing means for performing image processing for performing proper printing on an original image in a photo studio can perform image processing based on image processing information attached to a view image uploaded to a net server. The number of uses for each means can be detected, and the usage fee can be charged according to the number of uses. In addition, a means for calculating the usage fee may be provided in the net server, or information necessary for calculating the usage fee is transmitted from the net server to the terminal of the provider that provides the image processing means. The usage fee may be calculated at the provider's terminal.
[0056]
Similarly, a provider that provides image processing means for performing image processing for performing proper printing on an original image at a development site, image processing information attached to a view image uploaded to a net server, and a user terminal Can detect image processing information sent to the development center based on the order information from and detects the number of uses for each image processing means based on the detected image processing information, and uses it according to the number of uses You can charge a fee.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the user's images digitally photographed at a photo studio such as a photo studio or a photography studio can be browsed on the net, and a print order including selection of an image to be ordered can be made. Since it was accepted, the presentation for accepting print orders made immediately after shooting at the photo studio can be separated from the workflow of the photo studio, reducing the burden on the photo studio and for the user. Has the advantage that you can carefully select the images you want to print at your preferred time.
[0058]
In addition, the user browses an unprocessed view image uploaded to the net server after shooting and allows the user to select an image for which print finish confirmation is desired. In the photo studio, only the image selected by the user is displayed as an original image. Since the image processing for performing proper printing is performed on the network, the user can browse the view image for confirming the print finish that has been subjected to the same image processing as this image processing. It is not necessary to perform image processing for printing on all images taken with different poses and costumes, reducing the burden on the photo studio, and for users who want to check the printed image. Can view the view image that matches the printed image, It is possible to receive a photo print of the image as you ordered.
[0059]
Further, image processing information indicating image processing for performing proper printing on the original image at the photo shoot is transferred to the net server as attached information of the unprocessed view image, and the view image is displayed on the net server. Since the processing is based on the image processing information, the unprocessed view image can be uploaded immediately after shooting, and the image processing information is sent to the net server at an appropriate time after the unprocessed view image is uploaded. There is an advantage that it can be transferred and only the image processing information can be updated as necessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system to which a digital photo print order receiving method according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart used to explain the flow from digital photography in a photo studio to receipt of a print order on the Internet.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a workflow of a photo studio including a presentation for accepting a conventional print order.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Photo studio, 110 ... Digital camera, 120, 410 ... Image processing apparatus, 130 ... Client terminal, 200 ... Net server, 210 ... Image processing means, 300 ... User's home, 310 ... User terminal, 400 ... Development 420, digital printer

Claims (5)

In a digital photo print order receiving method for causing a user to browse a digital image digitally photographed at a photo studio and printing the digital image received from the user and providing the digital image to the user,
Uploading an unprocessed view image having a smaller image size than the original image obtained by digital photography from the terminal of the photo studio to a net server;
Performing image processing for performing proper printing on the original image at the photo studio;
Uploading image processing information indicating the image processing corresponding to the view image uploaded to the net server from the terminal of the photo studio to the net server as attached information of the view image;
Performing image processing on the uploaded view image in the net server based on image processing information attached to the view image, and allowing the view image that has been processed to be viewed on a user terminal;
When a print order is made based on the view image using the user's terminal, the order information indicating the print order is notified to the terminal of the photo studio;
A digital photo print order receiving method characterized by comprising:   The image processing information attached to the view image uploaded to the net server is used to calculate the usage fee of the image processing means for performing image processing for performing proper printing on the original image performed at the photo studio. 2. The method for accepting a print order for a digital photograph according to claim 1, wherein the print order is received.   2. The digital photo print order reception according to claim 1, wherein the photo studio sends the original image corresponding to the order information, the image processing information, and the order information to a developing station via a network or a recording medium. Method.   Based on the image processing information attached to the view image uploaded to the net server and the order information from the user terminal, the image processing information sent to the developing station is detected, and the detected image processing information is The digital photograph according to claim 3, wherein the digital image is used for calculating a usage fee of an image processing means for performing image processing for performing an appropriate print on the original image used at the developing station. How to accept print orders. In a digital photo print order reception method for allowing a user to browse a digital image digitally photographed at a photo studio and printing only a digital image for which a print order has been received from the user and providing the user with the print order,
Uploading a view image having a smaller image size than the original image obtained by digital photography from a terminal of a photo studio and not subjected to image processing for printing to a net server;
The view image uploaded to the net server can be browsed by a user terminal, and when the user selects an image for which print finish confirmation is desired from among the view images, information on the selected image is displayed. Notifying the terminal of the photo studio;
Performing image processing for performing appropriate printing on the original image corresponding to the selected image at the photo studio;
Enabling a user to view a view image for print finish confirmation subjected to the image processing via the net server and a user terminal;
When a print order is made using the user terminal based on the print finish confirmation view image, the order information indicating the print order is notified to the photo shoot terminal.
A digital photo print order receiving method characterized by comprising:

Images