JP4213373B2 - Image data transmission method and system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image data transmission method and system for transmitting image data acquired by a digital camera and recorded on a recording medium to data storage means installed in a photo shop or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image data acquired by the digital camera is stored in a portable recording medium such as an IC memory, a memory stick, or smart media. Here, since the capacity of the recording medium is finite, when a large amount of image data is recorded, it is sufficient to prepare a plurality of recording media in advance, but there is a problem that costs are increased. In addition, there are some inexpensive digital cameras in which the recording medium cannot be removed. In such digital cameras, the number of shots is very limited.
[0003]
For this reason, a method has been proposed in which image data is transmitted and stored in an external data storage device installed in a photo shop or the like via a communication line. Also, after transmitting the image data recorded on the recording medium via the communication line to the data storage device, the image data recorded on the recording medium is deleted or the attribute of the image data is changed to an erasable attribute. A digital camera has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-184324). According to such a digital camera, when the free space of the recording medium decreases, the image data is transmitted to the data storage device, and the free space of the recording medium is increased by deleting the image data from the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to continue image capturing and acquire image data.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the digital camera described in the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-184324, image data is transmitted to the data storage device by the digital camera communicating directly with the data storage device. For this reason, when a user has a plurality of digital cameras, it is necessary to make a contract for a communication line for each digital camera.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the financial burden even when a user has a plurality of digital cameras so that image data can be transmitted to a data storage device. Is.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image data transmission method according to the present invention is an image data transmission method for transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium in a digital camera capable of communicating with data storage means having a remote communication function to the data storage means.
While communicating with the said data storage means via a communication means, the communication between the said digital camera and the said communication means is performed by local network communication.
[0007]
The “communication means” may be any means as long as it can communicate with the data storage means and can communicate with the digital camera through local network communication. Or the communication terminal etc. which were installed in event venues, such as a hotel, a convenience store, and an athletic meet, can be used as a communication means.
[0008]
“Local network communication” means communication performed using a line that does not require a contract with a telecommunications company, and uses, for example, a short-range network communication technology for wirelessly connecting a plurality of digital devices such as Bluetooth. Can do.
[0009]
An image data transmission system according to the present invention is capable of communicating with data storage means having a remote communication function, and includes image data including a digital camera having transmission means for transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium to the data storage means. In the transmission system,
In addition to communicating with the data storage means, further comprising a communication means for communicating with the transmission means by local network communication,
The transmission means is means for communicating with the data storage means via the communication means.
[0010]
In the image data transmission system according to the present invention, the predetermined communication means may be a mobile phone.
[0011]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, communication is performed with the data storage unit via the communication unit, and communication between the digital camera and the communication unit is performed by local network communication. Thus, a communication line contract with a communication company becomes unnecessary, and it is only necessary to have a communication line between the communication means and the data storage means. Therefore, even when the user has a plurality of digital cameras, if communication with the communication means is performed by local network communication, the contract of the communication line for communication with the data storage means may be one line. The financial burden can be reduced.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image data transmission system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image data transmission system according to the present embodiment exchanges data between a digital camera 1, a mobile phone 3, a personal computer 4 and a photo shop 2 that a user has.
[0013]
The digital camera 1 communicates with the mobile phone 3 at a short distance from an imaging unit 11 including an image data recording unit that records image data S acquired by imaging on a lens, a CCD, a shutter, and a medium 12 for the digital camera 1. A wireless communication terminal 13 to perform; a memory 14 storing ID information indicating a user ID or ID of the digital camera 1; a program for controlling the digital camera 1; a liquid crystal monitor 15 for displaying an image; A controller 16 for controlling the imaging means 11, the communication terminal 13, and the liquid crystal monitor 15 and an input means 17 such as a numeric keypad for various inputs are provided. Note that the communication terminal 13 and the controller 16 correspond to transmission means.
[0014]
The communication terminal 13 communicates with the mobile phone 3 using a short-distance network communication technology for wirelessly connecting a plurality of digital devices such as Bluetooth.
[0015]
The user inputs an instruction to transmit the image data S using the input unit 17 when the free space of the medium 12 runs out or decreases. At this time, all the image data S recorded on the medium 12 may be transmitted. However, the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 and the image data S to be transmitted is displayed to the user. You may make it select. Alternatively, the controller 16 may monitor the free space of the medium 12 and automatically transmit the image data S when the free space runs out or the free space becomes less than a predetermined amount.
[0016]
Alternatively, the user may be notified that the image data S needs to be transmitted when the free space of the medium 12 runs out or the free space becomes less than a predetermined capacity. In this case, this may be notified by displaying on the liquid crystal monitor 15 or by a sound such as a chime. In addition, the digital camera 1 notifies the mobile phone 3 using the communication terminal 13, and the mobile phone 3 uses a predetermined method such as ringing a bell, vibrating, or lighting a lamp. You may make it inform a user. In this case, it is preferable to display on the liquid crystal monitor 31 of the mobile phone 3 that the image data S needs to be transmitted because the free space of the medium 12 has decreased.
[0017]
When transmitting the image data S, the controller 16 reads the ID information stored in the memory 14 and assigns the ID information to the image data S as tag information. The ID information may be transmitted as a separate file from the image data S in association with the image data S.
[0018]
In addition, the controller 16 calculates the total capacity of the image data S to be transmitted, generates capacity information C representing the total capacity, and photographs the capacity information C together with the ID information via the mobile phone 3 before transmitting the image data S. Send to store 2. When the photo shop 2 receives the capacity information C, the photo shop 2 transmits information D for performing various processes to the mobile phone 3 as described later.
[0019]
After receiving the information D, the mobile phone 3 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 31 according to the information D as will be described later. In addition, during the transmission of the image data S, the mobile phone 3 displays the ratio (%) of the transmitted image data S to the capacity of the entire image data S to be transmitted, the estimated transmission completion time, and the like on the liquid crystal monitor 31.
[0020]
Further, in the photo store 2, as will be described later, when the image data S is normally stored, confirmation information B indicating that fact is transmitted to the digital camera 1 via the mobile phone 3. When the digital camera 1 receives the confirmation information B, the archive attribute of the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is turned off.
[0021]
Here, the “archive attribute” is a flag of a file attribute, and is automatically set to ON when a file is newly created or the contents of the file are changed. The meaning that the archive attribute is turned on is “the file needs to be backed up”. Therefore, when the archive attribute is turned off, the file has already been backed up, and it can be said that there is no problem even if it is deleted.
[0022]
The photograph store 2 obtains a print by outputting the communication IF 21 for receiving the image data S, a server 22 for storing the image data S, a controller 23 for controlling the communication IF 21 and the server 22, and printing the image data S. And a digital minilab 24.
[0023]
The communication IF 21 has a remote communication function for transmitting and receiving various data and information wirelessly.
[0024]
The controller 23 includes a computer and a printer, and performs state management and control of the communication IF 21 and the server 22. Further, the controller 23 classifies the image data S transmitted from the digital camera 1 via the mobile phone 3 based on the ID information given to the image data S and stores it in the server 22. Here, a directory is created for each user in the server 22 (hereinafter referred to as a user directory), and the image data S is stored in a user directory corresponding to the ID information according to the ID information given to the image data S. . If the ID information represents the ID of the digital camera 1, a directory may be created for each digital camera.
[0025]
The capacity of the user directory is determined according to the charge (for example, 1000 yen per 100 MB per month). Therefore, based on the capacity information C transmitted from the digital camera 1 via the mobile phone 3 and the ID information transmitted before the transmission of the image data S, the controller 23 has a free space in the user directory corresponding to the ID information. Is compared with the capacity of the image data S to be transmitted, and information D corresponding to the comparison result is transmitted to the mobile phone 3.
[0026]
Here, in the present embodiment, the information D is (1) information indicating that the image data S can be stored if there is a free capacity that can store all of the transmitted image data S, and (2) transmitted. If the image data S to be stored cannot be stored, information indicating the insufficient capacity is included. Information D also includes information for allowing the user to perform processing in accordance with (1) and (2) above. For example, when the information (1) is included, the image data S can be transmitted, and therefore includes information for displaying a “transmittable” message. In addition, when the information (2) is included, it includes information for displaying a shortage capacity and a command for performing various processes described later.
[0027]
The mobile phone 3 performs various displays on the liquid crystal monitor 31 for causing the user to perform processing based on the information D. For example, when the information D includes the information (1), a message “transmittable” is displayed as shown in FIG. The user who sees this can operate the operation button 32 of the mobile phone 3 to execute transmission of the image data S.
[0028]
On the other hand, when the information D includes the information (2), as shown in FIG. 2B, the display of “insufficient capacity” and “transmission stop” for stopping the transmission of the image data S, “Deletion” for deleting user image data (hereinafter referred to as image data Ss) stored in the user directory of the server 22 and processing for increasing the capacity of the user directory by paying an additional fee. The processing contents of “Increase capacity” and “Select” for reselecting the image data S to transmit the image data S of the capacity that can be stored in the server 22 by reducing the total capacity of the image data S Displays the command to represent. The user who sees this can select a desired command and cause the digital camera 1, the photo shop 2 and / or the mobile phone 3 to execute processing corresponding to the selected command. Here, the selection of the command can be performed by operating the operation button 32 of the mobile phone 3 to highlight the desired command.
[0029]
Here, when the “transmission stop” command is selected, information indicating that is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the photo shop 2. In the photo shop 2, all processing is stopped by the controller 23. When the “delete” command is selected, information indicating that is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the photo shop 2. In the photo store 2, the controller 23 deletes the image data Ss stored in the user directory of the server 22 in order from the oldest shooting date and time, and secures a capacity for storing the transmitted image data S in the user directory. Is done. Also, when the command “increase capacity” is selected, information indicating that is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the photo shop 2. In the photo shop 2, the capacity of the user directory in the server 22 is increased by the controller 23. In this case, the user needs to pay a fee for the increased capacity when paying for the storage of the image data S. Therefore, it is preferable to notify the user that the payment of the fee will increase and allow the user to confirm that fact.
[0030]
Further, when the “select” command is selected, information indicating that is transmitted to the digital camera 1. As a result, the selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 of the digital camera 1, and the user can reselect the image data S to be transmitted while viewing the selection screen, thereby reducing the capacity of the image data S to be transmitted. Note that a selection screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 31 of the mobile phone 3 to reselect the image data S to be transmitted.
[0031]
It should be noted that the display of commands representing messages or processing contents based on the information D and the selection of commands may be performed not by the mobile phone 3 but by the digital camera 1. In this case, the information D transmitted from the photo shop 2 is transmitted to the digital camera 1 via the mobile phone 3 and a message or command is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15. The user can select a command using the input unit 17 while referring to the message or command displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15.
[0032]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment. The user takes a picture using the digital camera 1 while going out, such as a travel destination, acquires the image data S, and records it in the medium 12. Then, when the free space of the medium 12 runs out or decreases, the user transmits the image data S acquired in the digital camera 1 to the photo shop 2 by the mobile phone 3 and sends it to the server 22 for the image data S. Request storage. After the storage, the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is reduced or deleted to increase the free space of the medium 12, and then shooting is performed.
[0033]
First, in the digital camera 1, selection of image data S to be transmitted is accepted (step S1). This is performed by sequentially displaying the image data S recorded on the medium 12 by the operation of the input unit 17 on the liquid crystal monitor 15 and accepting a user's selection input from the input unit 17 for the displayed image. The image data S to be transmitted may be all image data S recorded on the medium 12 or a part of the image data S. Then, the ID or user ID of the digital camera 1 is given as ID information to the selected image data S (step S2), and the total capacity of the image data S to be transmitted is calculated, and capacity information C representing the total capacity is obtained. It is generated (step S3). Note that an IPv6 address can be used as the ID of the digital camera 1. Next, the digital camera 1 is accessed to the mobile phone 3 by the communication terminal 13 (step S4). Then, the ID information, the capacity information C, and the telephone number (hereinafter referred to as ID information) stored in the memory 14 are transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the mobile phone 3 (step S5).
[0034]
In the mobile phone 3, ID information and the like are received (step S6), and the communication IF 21 of the photo store 2 is accessed based on the phone number of the photo store 2 (step S7). Note that the communication between the mobile phone 3 and the communication IF 21 is wireless communication using a public line, and is different from the communication between the digital camera 1 and the mobile phone 3. Then, the ID information and the capacity information C are transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the photo shop 2 (step S8). When accessing the photo store 2 from the mobile phone 3, authentication for access may be performed using the phone number of the mobile phone 3.
[0035]
The telephone number of the mobile phone 3 can also be used as ID information. In this case, the digital camera 1 does not need to transmit ID information in step S5, and it is not necessary to transmit ID information from the mobile phone 3 in step S8.
[0036]
In the photo shop 2, the ID information and the capacity information C are received (step S9), and a storage capacity confirmation process is performed (step S10).
[0037]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the storage capacity confirmation process. First, based on the ID information, the free capacity of the user directory corresponding to the ID information is confirmed (step S21), and it is determined whether or not the free capacity is equal to or greater than the total capacity of the image data S to be transmitted ( Step S22). When step S22 is affirmed, all the image data S that the user is going to transmit can be stored, and therefore includes information that can display a “transmittable” message for starting transmission of the image data S. Information D is transmitted to the mobile phone 3 (step S23).
[0038]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the mobile phone 3 and the digital camera 1 when the transmittable information D is transmitted. When the mobile phone 3 receives the information D, based on this, a message “transmittable” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 31 as shown in FIG. 2A (step S31). The user confirms the message that can be transmitted, and performs an input for starting the transmission of the image data S using the operation button 32 of the mobile phone 3. Thereby, the transmission instruction of the image data S is issued to the digital camera 1 (step S32). When the transmission instruction is received by the digital camera 1, the image data S is transmitted to the mobile phone 3 (step S33). In the mobile phone 3, the image data S is received and the received image data S is transmitted to the photo store 2 one by one (step S34).
[0039]
Returning to FIG. 4, when step S22 is negative, the shortage capacity of the user directory is calculated (step S24), and the command for causing the calculated shortage capacity and the above-described processing such as deletion to be included in the information D is included. And transmitted to the mobile phone 3 (step S25).
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the digital camera 1, the photo shop 2, and the mobile phone 3 when the information D is transmitted in step S25. The cellular phone 3 receives the information D (step S41), and displays the shortage capacity and a command for performing the subsequent processing on the liquid crystal monitor 31 as shown in FIG. 2B (step S42).
[0041]
Then, selection of a command by the user is accepted (step S43). First, it is determined whether or not a “transmission stop” command has been selected (step S44). If step S44 is affirmed, transmission stop information indicating that transmission is to be stopped is transmitted to the photo shop 2 (step S44). S45), the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0042]
If step S44 is negative, it is determined whether or not a “delete” command has been selected (step S46). If step S46 is positive, the command is stored in the server 22 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Deletion information for requesting deletion of the image data Ss is transmitted to the photo shop 2 (step S51). When the photo store 2 receives the deletion information (step S52), the image data Ss stored in the user directory of the server 22 is deleted in order from the oldest shooting date and time (step S53), and the transmitted image. A capacity capable of storing the data S is secured. When the storage capacity is secured, the process proceeds to step S23 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and information D that can display a “transmittable” message is transmitted to the mobile phone 3, and after step S31 in the flowchart of FIG. Is performed.
[0043]
Returning to FIG. 6, if step S46 is negative, it is determined whether or not the “capacity increase” command has been selected (step S47). If step S47 is positive, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In addition, instruction information for increasing the free space in the user directory is transmitted to the photo shop 2 (step S54). In the photo shop 2, when this instruction information is received (step S55), fee information representing a fee necessary for increasing the free space of the user directory is transmitted to the mobile phone 3 (step S56), and the fee information is displayed. Is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 31 of the mobile phone 3 (step S57).
[0044]
Then, if the capacity is increased by the displayed fee and an input indicating that it is OK is made (Yes at step S58), an instruction to increase the free space is given to the photo shop 2 (step S59). The free space in the user directory is increased (step S60). When the free space is increased, the process proceeds to step S23 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 to transmit information D for displaying a message “transmittable” on the mobile phone 3, and in the same manner as described above, step S31 in the flowchart of FIG. Subsequent processing is performed. If step S58 is negative, the process returns to step S43 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the processes after step S43 are repeated.
[0045]
Returning to FIG. 6, if step S47 is negative, it is determined that the “select” command has been selected, and as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, an instruction to select image data S to be transmitted is issued. Information indicating the selection instruction information and the insufficient capacity is transmitted to the digital camera 1 (step S71). The digital camera 1 receives these pieces of information (step S72), and the insufficient capacity is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 (step S73). The user confirms the insufficient capacity displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15, determines whether or not to stop the transmission of the image data S, and inputs that fact from the input means 17. Then, it is determined whether or not an input for cancellation has been made (step S74). If step S74 is affirmed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If step S74 is negative, the number of data that can be transmitted is calculated based on the shortage capacity, and the calculation result is displayed (step S75). Then, selection of the image data S corresponding to the number of displayed data is accepted (step S76), and capacity information C for the selected image data S is generated (step S77). The capacity information is transmitted to the photo shop 2 via the mobile phone 3 (step S78). The photo store 2 receives the capacity information (step S79), proceeds to step S23 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and transmits the information D capable of displaying the “transmittable” message to the mobile phone 3, as shown above. The process after step S31 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0046]
Returning to FIG. 3, when the image data S is transmitted from the digital camera 1, the transmitted image data S is received one by one in the photo shop 2, and stored in the server 22 (step S11). At this time, based on the ID information given to the image data S, the image data S is stored in a user directory corresponding to the ID information.
[0047]
Next, confirmation information B indicating that the image data S has been normally stored in the server 22 is transmitted to the digital camera 1 via the mobile phone 3 (step S12). When the confirmation information B is received in the digital camera 1 (step S13), the archive attribute is turned off for the image data S for which transmission has been completed (step S14). Then, it is determined whether or not the archive attribute has been turned off for all the transmitted image data S (step S15), and the processing ends when step S15 is affirmed.
[0048]
On the other hand, after step S12, it is determined whether or not reception has been completed for all image data S to be transmitted (step S16). If step S16 is negative, the reception and storage of the image data S is further continued. If step S16 is affirmed, the process ends.
[0049]
During transmission of the image data S, it is preferable to detect a communication error using a checksum or the like for error detection. This communication error may be detected separately between the digital camera 1 and the mobile phone 3 and between the mobile phone 3 and the photo shop 2, and between the digital camera 1 and the photo shop 2. You may implement. When a communication error occurs, retry is performed up to a predetermined number of times, and communication is terminated when the predetermined number of times is reached. Or you may retry further by a user's selection.
[0050]
Here, when the communication state is bad, it is often improved by moving the communication place. For this reason, when the communication is ended due to an error and the communication state is improved by moving the communication place, transmission is resumed by the user's operation from the image data S interrupted due to the error. When communication is terminated due to a communication error, it is stored for all image data whether transmission is complete or incomplete. When transmission is resumed, only image data S for which transmission has not been completed is stored. Just send it. In this case, every time transmission of one image data S is completed, the archive attribute of the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is turned off, and it is determined whether the transmission is completed or not. This may be done by determining whether or not there is.
[0051]
Thereafter, in the digital camera 1, the following processing is performed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the digital camera 1. First, one of the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is selected (step S81), and it is determined whether or not the archive attribute is turned off for the image data S (step S82). ). When step S82 is affirmed, the image data S is subjected to a process for reducing the capacity, and low-capacity image data having a smaller capacity than the image data S is generated (step S83). Here, the low-capacity image data may represent an image obtained by reducing the size of the image represented by the image data S, or may be an image obtained by increasing the compression rate of the image data S.
[0052]
If step S82 is negative, the process returns to step S81 to select the next image data S. Next, the image data S on which the low-capacity image data is generated is deleted from the medium 12, and the low-capacity image data is recorded on the medium 12 (step S84). Then, it is determined whether or not the processing from step S81 to step S84 has been completed for all the image data recorded on the medium 12 (step S85), and the processing ends when step S85 is affirmed. If step S85 is negative, the process returns to step S81 to select the next image data S, and the processing from step S81 to step S85 is repeated.
[0053]
Here, since the capacity of the low-capacity image data is smaller than that of the image data S, the free capacity of the medium 12 can be increased by recording the low-capacity image data on the medium 12 instead of the image data S, and as a result. The user can record the image data S on the medium 12 by continuing shooting. Further, since the low-capacity image data of the image data S transmitted to the photo shop 2 is recorded on the medium 12, what kind of image data S is stored in the server 22 by referring to the low-capacity image data. It can be easily recognized.
[0054]
Note that when the file format of the image data S is the Exif format and thumbnail image data is given, the thumbnail image data may be used as low-capacity image data. In this case, only the thumbnail image data may be recorded on the medium 12 by deleting the image data S while leaving the thumbnail image data.
[0055]
Further, the processing for reducing the capacity of the image data S may be performed by an instruction from the mobile phone 3, and the image data S is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 or the liquid crystal monitor 31 in the digital camera 1 or the mobile phone 3 You may go while confirming.
[0056]
The digital camera 1 may perform processing as follows. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another process performed in the digital camera 1. First, when the input unit 17 instructs to delete the image data S recorded on the medium 12 (step S91), one of the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is selected (step S92). The image data S is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 (step S93). Then, it is determined whether or not the image data S displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 has been input for deletion (step S94). If step S94 is affirmed, the image data S is deleted from the medium 12 (step S94). Step S95). If step S94 is negative, the process returns to step S92 to select the next image data S, and the processing from step S92 to step S94 is repeated.
[0057]
Then, it is determined whether or not the processing from step S92 to step S95 has been completed for all image data recorded on the medium 12 (step S96), and the processing is terminated when step S96 is affirmed. If step S96 is negative, the process returns to step S92 to select the next image data S, and the processing from step S92 to step S96 is repeated.
[0058]
If the image data S is deleted from the medium 12 in this way, the free space of the medium 12 becomes large, so that the user can continue shooting and record the image data S on the medium 12. Since the image data S is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 at the time of deletion, the user can confirm what image data S is stored in the server 22 before the deletion. Therefore, the image data S stored in the server 22 can be stored in memory, and by tracing the storage, it is possible to easily recognize what image data S is stored in the server 22.
[0059]
Note that the deletion of the image data S may be performed by inputting an instruction from the mobile phone 3. At this time, the image data S is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 31 of the mobile phone 3 to confirm the deletion.
[0060]
Further, the image data S with the archive attribute turned off may be automatically deleted in the digital camera 1. In this case, the photo store 2 transmits information for deleting the image data S to the mobile phone 3, and the mobile phone 3 transmits this information to the digital camera 1, and the digital camera 1 receives this information. By doing so, the image data S may be deleted from the medium 12.
[0061]
The user can download the image data Ss stored in the server 22 to the personal computer 4 by returning to the home from the outside and operating the personal computer 4 to access the photo shop 2. Here, since the ID information is given to the image data Ss stored in the server 22 and is classified and stored in the user directory based on the ID information, the ID information is transferred from the personal computer 4 to the photo shop 2. By transmitting, it is possible to easily access the user directory and search the stored image data Ss.
[0062]
If the ID information and the IP address of the personal computer 4 are registered in the photo shop 2 in advance and are associated with each other, the user directory can be accessed without transmitting the ID information from the personal computer 4.
[0063]
When storing the image data S in the server 22 using the ID information of the digital camera 1, the ID information is transmitted to the personal computer 4 using a short-range network communication technology such as Bluetooth, and the ID information is transmitted from the personal computer 4 to the server 22. If transmitted, the user does not need to input ID information in the personal computer 4. In this case, the ID information may be transmitted to the personal computer 4 by connecting the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 4 not only with Bluetooth but also with a cable such as a cradle or USB.
[0064]
In the photo store 2, the archive attribute of the image data Ss downloaded by the user may be turned off. Since the image data Ss with the archive attribute turned off has been downloaded to the user's personal computer 4, the archive attribute has been turned off when the image data Ss is deleted in order to secure free space in the user directory. If the image data Ss is deleted sequentially, it is possible to prevent the image data Ss from being lost.
[0065]
As described above, in the present embodiment, communication is performed between the digital camera 1 and the photo shop 2 via the mobile phone 3, and communication between the digital camera 1 and the mobile phone 3 is performed as in Bluetooth. Since a short-distance network communication technology for wirelessly connecting a plurality of digital devices is used, a communication line contract with a communication company is not required between the digital camera 1 and the mobile phone 3, and the mobile phone 3 It is only necessary to have a communication line with the photo shop 2. Therefore, even when the user has a plurality of digital cameras 1, the contract of the communication line for communicating with the photo shop 2 may be one line, so that the financial burden on the user can be reduced.
[0066]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image data transmission system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it communicates with the photo shop 2 using a communication terminal 7 installed in place of going out instead of the mobile phone 3.
[0067]
The communication terminal 7 is installed in an event venue such as a hotel, a convenience store, and an athletic meet, and includes a monitor 72 for performing various displays.
[0068]
In the second embodiment, the user communicates between the digital camera 1 and the communication terminal 7 at the place of going out or at the event venue, and inputs the ID information and instructs the image data S to be transmitted. S is transmitted to the photo shop 2 via the communication terminal 7 and stored in the server 22. The processing when the storage capacity is insufficient is performed by displaying commands and messages on the monitor 72 based on the information D transmitted from the photo shop 2 to the communication terminal 7 as in the first embodiment. . When the transmission of the image data S is completed, confirmation information B is transmitted to the digital camera 1, the archive attribute of the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is turned off, and the digital camera 1 records it on the medium 12. The capacity reduction process or deletion of the image data S is performed.
[0069]
Here, in the second embodiment, the photo shop 2 that has received the image data S transmits a processing ID indicating that the image data S has been received to the communication terminal 7. The received image data S is assigned a processing ID and stored in the server 22. The process ID is displayed on the monitor 72 of the communication terminal 7. In the communication terminal 7. It is preferable to print out the process ID and pass it to the user. The user can confirm that the image data S is stored in the server 22 of the photo shop 2 by displaying the process ID or printing it out. Further, access to the image data stored in the server 22, an inquiry to the photo shop 2, and the like can be performed using the processing ID.
[0070]
In each of the above embodiments, the image data S recorded on the medium 12 is transmitted to the photo store 2 and the image data S is stored in the server 22 of the photo store 2. At the same time, a print order may be made. In this case, in the first embodiment, an order screen for inputting the number of prints, size, etc. is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 31 of the mobile phone 3 for each image data S to be transmitted. The order information is generated by inputting the size and the like, and transmitted to the photo store 2 together with the image data S. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, an order screen is displayed on the monitor 72 of the communication terminal 7, and order information is generated by receiving inputs such as the number of prints and size from an input means (not shown). S and S are sent to the photo shop 2 Note that order information may be generated in the digital camera 1 and transmitted to the photo shop 2 via the mobile phone 3 or the communication terminal 7.
[0071]
In the photo shop 2, the print P is created in the digital minilab 24 based on the order information. Here, the photo shop 2 that has received the transmission of the order information transmits information for displaying the delivery date of the print on the mobile phone 3 or the communication terminal 7. As a result, the user can know the delivery date of the print. Since the communication terminal 7 is installed at an event venue or the like, the delivery date cannot be confirmed later only by displaying the delivery date of the print. Therefore, in the communication terminal 7, it is preferable to print out the delivery date of the print and pass it to the user.
[0072]
When a print order is made, the photo shop 2 may generate index image data of the received image data S and transmit it to the mobile phone 3 or the communication terminal 7. When the index image data is transmitted to the mobile phone 3, the index image represented by the index image data may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 31 of the mobile phone 3, but the index image data is displayed on the digital camera 1 via the mobile phone 3. And an index image may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 of the digital camera 1. When the index image data is transmitted to the communication terminal 7, the index image may be displayed on the monitor 72, but a printer may be provided in the communication terminal 7 to print out the index image.
[0073]
The user can go to the photo shop 2 at a later date and receive the print P in exchange for payment of the fee. The photo shop 2 print P may be mailed or delivered and the print P may be delivered to the user. In this case, payment of the fee may be performed by electronic settlement such as withdrawal from the user's account or credit card.
[0074]
When a print order is made from the communication terminal 7, it is preferable that the user authenticates the user and the process ID by notifying the photo shop 2 of the process ID via a mobile phone or the like for order confirmation. . Then, in the photo shop 2, the printing operation is started only when the information such as the user's telephone number and the process ID are authenticated.
[0075]
Further, after payment for the print P is made, the image data S is transferred from the photo shop 2 to the photo bank 8 as shown in the third embodiment shown in FIG. It may be stored. In this case, the user can access the photo bank 8 from the personal computer 4 and refer to the image data S.
[0076]
Further, in this case, the image data Ss stored in the server 22 of the photo shop 2 may be automatically deleted with a deadline (for example, two months).
[0077]
In each of the above embodiments, the image data S, information D, and the like are transmitted and received between the digital camera 1, the photo shop 2, and the mobile phone 3 or the communication terminal 7, but a wired line is used. The image data S and the like may be transmitted / received through the communication.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image data transmission system using a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing information displayed on a mobile phone
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment (part 1);
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment (No. 2).
FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the operation of the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 4) showing the operation of the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment (No. 5).
FIG. 8 is a flowchart (No. 6) showing the operation of the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing processing performed in the digital camera.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed in the digital camera (part 2);
FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image data transmission system using a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image data transmission system using a digital camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera
2 Photo shop
3 Mobile phone
4 PC
7,13 Communication terminal
8 Photo Bank
11 Imaging means
12 media
14 memory
15,31 LCD monitor
16, 23 controller
17 Input means
21 Communication IF
22 servers
24 Digital Minilab
32 Operation buttons
71 slots
72 Monitor

Claims (6)

A digital camera capable of communicating with data storage means having a remote communication function and having transmission means for transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium to the data storage means, input means for performing various inputs, and control means for performing various controls In an image data transmission method in an image data transmission system comprising :
Communicates with the said data storage means via the communication means, have rows by a local network communication communication between the digital camera and the communication means,
The input means accepts selection of image data to be transmitted to the data storage means;
The control means calculates a total capacity of the selected image data;
When the transmission unit transmits the total capacity to the data storage unit and receives an instruction from the data storage unit based on the result of comparison between the free capacity in the data storage unit and the total capacity, A method of transmitting image data, comprising: transmitting selected image data to the data storage means .   2. The image data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the communication means is a mobile phone. When the control means receives confirmation information transmitted from the data storage means and indicating that the transmitted image data has been normally stored via the communication means, the archive attribute of the transmitted image data is turned off. 3. The image data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transmitted. A digital camera capable of communicating with data storage means having a remote communication function and having transmission means for transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium to the data storage means, input means for performing various inputs, and control means for performing various controls In an image data transmission system comprising:
In addition to communicating with the data storage means, further comprising a communication means for communicating with the transmission means by local network communication,
The input means is means for receiving selection of image data to be transmitted to the data storage means;
The control means is means for calculating a total capacity of the selected image data;
Said transmission means have lines communicating with the data storage means via said communication means to transmit the total capacity in the data storage means, the result of the comparison between the capacities and the aggregate capacity of the data storage means An image data transmission system comprising: a means for transmitting the selected image data to the data storage means when an instruction to enable transmission is received from the data storage means . 5. The image data transmission system according to claim 4 , wherein the communication means is a mobile phone. The control unit turns off the archive attribute of the transmitted image data when receiving the confirmation information transmitted from the data storage unit and indicating that the transmitted image data is normally stored via the communication unit. 6. The image data transmission system according to claim 4, wherein the image data transmission system is a means.

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