JP4370979B2 - Print processing method and print processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print processing method and a print processing system, and more particularly to a technique for efficiently processing an image shot in a photo studio or shooting studio.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a workflow of a photo studio from conventional customer registration to print output of a photo print.

  As shown in FIG. 5, after the customer is registered at the photo studio (step S10), digital photography is performed with the digital camera, and the photographed image is recorded in the image database from the digital camera or the recording medium of the digital camera. Capture (step S12). After that, an image obtained by digital photography is displayed on a display in the photo hall, and a presentation is given for the customer to select and receive an image to be printed (step S14).

  The image processing apparatus in the photo studio records the digital image selected by the presentation, and then performs color correction, trimming processing, layout composition (to a template) on the selected digital image using commercially available image processing software. Image processing) is performed (step S16). Then, the processed digital image is output to the printer 1 of the photo studio, where a photo print is created or the order information such as the number of prints and the print size is recorded on the medium together with the processed digital image. This is sent to the laboratory (development laboratory) 2.

  In the lab 2, the digital image received from the photo studio is digitally printed by the digital printer 3 according to the order information, and the digitally printed photo print is delivered to the photo studio.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a work flow of the digital process.

  In the figure, when a customer information copy is created at the customer reception (step S20), a customer folder for organizing customer images is created in the image database in association with the customer information.

  Next, when studio photography is performed (step S22), the photographed image is stored in a customer folder created corresponding to the customer. Thereafter, when an image to be printed is selected by the presentation (step S24), a copy of the selected image information is created, and the customer selected image is stored and managed in a subfolder in the image database.

  Next, image processing is performed on the customer selected image (step S26), and the image subjected to the image processing is managed as a processed image in the image database. Thereafter, a photo print is created by a printer in the photo hall based on the processed image, or a print order is made to the laboratory (step S28).

Conventionally, a photographing system that issues a numbered ticket and photographs a customer has been proposed (Patent Document 1). This photographing system issues a numbered ticket in which a customer ID is written by an automatic ticket vending machine, and starts photographing when it is inserted into a card reader. Image data obtained by this photographing is managed by an image data ID. The customer ID and the image data ID are associated with each other. Thereafter, when the numbered ticket is inserted into the card reader, the corresponding image data is read out by the image data ID associated with the customer ID, and an image is displayed. When a favorite image is selected, the image is printed. To do.
JP 2003-125236 A

  A conventional print processing system manages customer photographed images in an image database in association with customer information, but does not manage image processing information or the like. The management of the work flow is sequential for each customer. For this reason, the work load status (unworked order) for each processing step such as color correction, trimming processing, layout synthesis, etc. applied to the captured image is estimated, or the customer is There is a problem that it is difficult to check the completeness of each image. That is, there is a problem that the processing status cannot be grasped until the final product (photo print) is finished.

  In addition, there is a problem in that there is a manual operation for searching for a customer image for each work process, which is inefficient, and it is difficult to skip a certain work process from among a plurality of work processes and perform a work process skipped later. . Furthermore, when a part of the processing steps is performed again later, there is a problem that the image quality deteriorates if the image processing is performed again on the processed image.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, there is a description of issuing a numbered ticket in which a customer ID is recorded, and using this numbered ticket to read a photograph or image data to select a favorite image. There is no description regarding image processing, and of course there is no description for managing processing information of images.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when performing required image processing on a customer's original image obtained by photographing at a photo studio, the processing status of each image processing can be easily performed. Can be grasped, and the order and combination of processing steps can be freely set according to the purpose. Further, the processing can be performed again and again efficiently without degrading the image quality. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print processing method and a print processing system that can be performed in parallel.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, after the required image processing is performed on the customer's original image obtained by photographing at the photo studio, the processed image is printed and the customer's original image is printed. in the print processing methods provided, the original association with the first storage means for storing in association with the original image acquired for each customer in the customer information, the processing information image processing on the original image on the original image Second storage means for storing separately from the image ,
(a) reading an original image corresponding to the customer information from the first storage means based on the customer information;
(b) a selection step of selecting an arbitrary step among image processing steps to be performed on the original image;
(c) reading the original image unprocessed by the selected process from the first storage means based on the process selected in the selection process and the processing information stored in the second storage means; ,
(d) a step of inputting processing information indicating image processing on the original image read out in the step (a) or the step (c) ;
(e) storing the input processing information in the second storage means in association with the original image;
(f) When a print instruction is input, the original image instructed to be printed is read from the first storage means, and processing information corresponding to the original image is read from the second storage means, and the read original A step of performing image processing based on the read processing information corresponding to an image to create a print image;
(g) a step of printing out a photographic print based on the created image for printing, and the process of step (d) and step (e) is repeated as appropriate.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the original image acquired for each customer is associated with the customer information and stored in the first storage means, and processing information indicating required image processing to be performed on the original image is stored in the original image. The original image and its processing information are separated and managed in association with each other and stored in the second storage means. That is, instead of creating and updating a print image for each image processing, processing information is sequentially described. The processing status of each image processing can be easily grasped from the processing information stored in the second storage means. In addition, when performing a plurality of image processing on the original image, the order and combination of the processing steps can be freely set according to the purpose, and only the already registered processing information is updated, thereby degrading the image quality. The image processing can be performed again and again efficiently as many times as necessary.

When a plurality of image processes are performed on the original image, the processes of step (d) and step (e) are repeated as appropriate. A plurality of image processing steps are independent, and necessary steps can be performed at an appropriate time to add or update processing information. In addition, each process can be operated and processed in parallel, and it is not necessary to perform sequential process groups. Further, when an image processing process to be performed on the original image is selected, a processed / unprocessed customer image in that process can be known, and the unprocessed image can be selectively read out to perform image processing. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print processing method according to the first aspect, the image processing includes at least one of color correction processing, trimming processing, and layout composition processing of an original image. .

3. The print processing method according to claim 1 , wherein printing is performed from among original images read out in correspondence with the customer information from the first storage unit based on the customer information. The method includes a step of selecting an image to be ordered, and a step of inputting a print order content of the selected image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print processing system for acquiring customer information registration means for registering customer information for identifying a customer, photographing means for photographing an original image of a customer, and capturing the original image photographed by the photographing means, First storage control means for storing in the first storage means in association with customer information registered in the registration means, and reading an original image corresponding to the customer information from the first storage means based on the customer information First reading means, selection means for selecting any of the image processing steps to be performed on the original image, the step selected by the selection means, and the second storage means Second reading means for reading from the first storage means an original image that has not been processed by the selected process based on processing information; Of a processing information input means for inputting process information indicating the image processing to the original image read by the reading means, processing information inputted by said processing information input means in association with the original image separate from the original image And reading out the original image from the first storage means and reading out processing information corresponding to the original image from the second storage means, An image processing unit that creates an image for printing by performing image processing based on the read processing information corresponding to the read original image, and prints a photographic print based on the printing image created by the image processing unit And printing means for outputting.

  The print processing system configured as described above may be a system that is completed at a photo studio such as a photo studio or a photo studio, or may be a system that includes a photo studio and a lab (development laboratory), or a photo studio. And a system composed of a laboratory and a net server.

  When a system is configured with a photo studio and a laboratory, the printing means is provided in the laboratory, and a print image created at the photo studio side is sent to the laboratory via a recording medium or a network. When a system is configured with a photo studio and a lab, only the photo taking means of the photo photo taking place is used, and images taken by the photo taking means and customer information received at the photo taking place are sent to the laboratory. The image sent to the laboratory may be a digital image or a negative film.

  Furthermore, when the system is composed of a photo studio, a lab, and a net server, the photo studio is provided with the above-mentioned photo taking means and processing information input means, images taken by this photo taking means, and customer information received at the photo photo studio To the lab. The image sent to the laboratory may be a digital image or a negative film. Also, the view image for confirming the processing result created on the lab side is uploaded to the net server so that it can be viewed from the photo studio, and the processing information is input via the net server by the processing information input means of the photo studio. Allow input.

5. The print processing system according to claim 4 , further comprising print instruction input means for inputting a print instruction, wherein the second image processing means is instructed to print by the print instruction input means. The original image is read from the first storage means, the processing information corresponding to the original image is read from the second storage means, and image processing based on the read processing information is performed corresponding to the read original image. It is characterized by creating an image for printing.

  According to the present invention, when required image processing is performed on an original image of a customer obtained by photographing at a photo studio, the original image and processing information indicating image processing on the original image are separated from each other. Therefore, when performing multiple image processing on an original image, the order and combination of processing steps can be freely set according to the purpose, and appropriate processing information can be added at any timing. Can be done. In addition, by updating only the processing information, it is possible to efficiently perform image processing again and again without incurring image quality degradation.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a print processing method and a print processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a print processing system according to the present invention, and shows a system provided in a photo studio.

  This system mainly includes a customer reception device 10, a photographing device 20, a database (database management system) 30, and image processing devices 40 and 50.

  The customer reception device 10 includes, for example, a personal computer (personal computer) and a customer card issuing device. When customer information such as a customer's address, name, and telephone number is input at the time of customer reception, the customer reception device 10 is a unique identifier for identifying the customer. Customer identification information (customer ID) is issued, customer information including this customer ID is sent to the database 30 and registered in the customer database 32 in the database 30. Further, the customer card issuing device of the customer reception device 10 issues a customer card on which a barcode indicating the customer's name and customer ID is printed, and this customer card is handed to the customer.

  The photographing device 20 includes a digital camera 22 and an image capturing device 24 composed of a personal computer. The image capturing device 24 reads a barcode indicating a customer ID from a customer card and includes a barcode reader. The digital camera 22 is connected to the image capturing device 24 via an interface such as IEEE1394, and transfers an image file to the image capturing device 24 via the interface every time a customer is photographed.

  Here, when photographing a customer, first, the customer ID printed on the customer card is read by the barcode reader of the image capturing device 24, and then the photographer of the photo studio operates the digital camera 22. Usually, dozens of pictures are taken for one customer, changing poses and costumes. The image file in which the digital image (original image) digitally captured in this way is recorded is transferred from the digital camera 22 to the image capturing device 24 every time the image is captured.

  The image capture device 24 uses the file name of the image file captured from the digital camera 22 (for example, the file name automatically named by the digital camera 22 in accordance with the DCF rules) associated with the customer ID read in advance. Rename to (customer ID + serial number) and send this image file to the image database 34 of the database 30. Note that the image capturing device 24 may capture an image file of an original image via a recording medium of the digital camera 22. The image data of the original image is unprocessed RAW data.

  The database 30 includes a customer information database 32, an image database 34, and a processing information database 36. The customer information database 32 manages customer information transmitted from the customer reception apparatus 10, and the image database 34 includes: The original image transmitted from the image capturing device 24 is managed, and the processing information database 36 manages processing information for the original image and the like as will be described later.

  When new customer information is registered in the customer information database 32, a customer folder whose folder name is the customer ID included in the customer information is automatically created in the image database 34. Thereafter, when an image file of the original image is sent from the image capturing device 24 to the image database 34, the image file is automatically stored in a customer folder having a customer ID corresponding to the file name (customer ID + serial number). Is done.

  The image processing apparatus 40 includes a personal computer in which software corresponding to each process such as image selection, color correction, trimming processing, layout synthesis, and print order is incorporated, and a barcode reader. It is connected.

  This image processing apparatus 40 performs desired customer selection and process selection. Customer selection is performed by causing the barcode reader of the image processing apparatus 40 to read the customer ID of the customer card, and process selection is performed by selecting a desired process using a process selection menu or the like.

  The processing information database 36 manages the processed / unprocessed status of each process with respect to the original image and the processing information indicating the processing content when the processing has been performed. The process is selected by the image processing apparatus 40. Then, an unprocessed original image of the process is extracted from the image database 34. When a customer is selected by the image processing apparatus 40, an unprocessed original image of the customer is further extracted.

  When a presentation is made to select an image to be printed from a customer's original image for the customer, the corresponding original image is read from the image database 34 based on the customer's customer ID and displayed on the display. Let Here, when an image to be printed is selected, information on the selected image is registered in the processing information database 36.

  Similarly, by selecting processes such as color correction, gradation correction, trimming processing, and layout composition (template composition) of the original image and inputting appropriate processing information, the processing information in each process is converted into the original image. The information can be registered in the processing information database 36 in association with each other. Note that the image processing apparatus 40 creates a view image indicating a processing result based on the processing information input to the original image as an auxiliary function for inputting processing information in each process, and displays the view image on the display. It has a function.

  When the print order process is selected, in this process, the print order contents indicating the print size, the number of prints, the processing contents, etc. are confirmed and instructions are entered, and the print order contents are registered in the processing information database 36. The

  Thereafter, when there is a print instruction input of a customer image from the image processing device 40, the original image instructed to print and the processing information for the original image are read from the image database 34 and the processing information database 36, respectively. It is output to the processing device 50.

  The image processing apparatus 50 performs image processing of the original image based on the input original image and processing information for the original image to create a print image, and the processed print image, print size, and number of prints Such information is sent to the photo printer 60.

  The photographic printer 60 prints an image by scanning and exposing a silver salt type color paper with R, G, and B lasers based on the processed print image input from the image processing apparatus 50.

  A plurality of image processing apparatuses 40 in the print processing system having the above-described configuration may be provided. In this case, a plurality of processes can be performed in parallel by each image processing apparatus. Further, the image processing device 40 and the image processing device 50 may be the same.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a workflow showing the print processing method according to the present invention.

  In the figure, when customer information is input by the customer reception device 10 (step S50), the received customer information is registered in the customer information database 32, and a customer folder is created in the image database 34. .

  Subsequently, processing steps including studio shooting, presentation, and image processing are performed (step S52). Each customer's original image taken in the studio for each customer is stored in the customer folder of the image database 34. Thereafter, desired customer selection and process selection are performed in the image processing apparatus 40. When giving a presentation, an original image corresponding to the customer is read from the image database 34 and displayed on the display, and an image to be printed is selected. This select information is registered in the processing information database 36. Further, by the customer selection and the process selection, an unprocessed original image of the selected process of the selected customer is extracted from the image database, and image processing of the selected process is performed on the extracted original image. Then, the processing information indicating the processing result is registered in the processing information database 36.

  When the above processing steps are completed, customer-specific print order information is created (step S54), and this order information is registered in the processing information database 36. Then, the original image that has been ordered for printing stored in the image database 34 is subjected to image processing based on the processing information registered in the processing information database 36, and a printing image is created (step S56).

  In the processing step in step S52, the processing status of each step can be confirmed from the processed / unprocessed information of each step managed in the processing information database 36, whereby the processing is accumulated. Can concentrate on work. Further, by adding or updating a part of the processing information later, reprocessing, reprocessing, and additional processing can be performed without degrading the image quality.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the print processing system according to the present invention, which comprises a photo studio 100 and a laboratory 200. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in FIG. 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photograph taking place 100 is provided with a customer reception device 10, a photographing device 20, a database 30, and an image processing device 40. Here, the customer information managed in the database 30, the original image that has been ordered for printing, and the processing information (including order information) for the original image are sent to the laboratory 200. These pieces of information may be transmitted to a laboratory via a network, or may be transmitted via a recording medium such as a CD-R or MO. Furthermore, the processing information may be included in the image file of the original image.

  On the other hand, the lab 200 is provided with a database 210, image processing apparatuses 220 and 230, and a photo printer 240. Customer information, original images, and processing information for the original images sent from the photo studio 100 are registered in the database 210 of the lab 200. The structure of the database 210 is the same as the structure of the database 30 of the photo studio 100.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 220 has the same function as the image processing apparatus 40 of the photo studio 100. By operating this image processing apparatus 220, it is possible to complement and rework the shortage process. The processing information is registered in the processing information database of the database 210. The processing of the original image itself is the same as the processing at the photo studio.

  After the processing by the image processing device 220, the original image and the processing information for the original image are read from the database 210 and output to the image processing device 230.

  The image processing device 230 performs image processing of the original image based on the input original image and processing information for the original image to create a print image, and the processed print image, print size, and number of prints And the like are sent to the photo printer 240. The photographic printer 240 prints an image by scanning exposure with a R, G, B laser on silver salt color paper based on the processed print image input from the image processing apparatus 50.

  In this embodiment, processing information in each processing step can be registered in both the photo studio 100 and the laboratory 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photo studio 100 places a print order. Only the original image, customer information, and order information may be provided to the lab 200, and processing information for each processing step may be registered only on the lab 200 side. The original image provided from the photo studio 100 may be an undeveloped negative film.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing still another embodiment of the print processing system according to the present invention, which is composed of a photo studio 100 ′, a lab 200 ′, and a net server 300. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to FIG.1 and FIG.3 and a common part, The detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The photograph taking place 100 ′ is provided with a customer reception device 10 ′, a photographing device 20 ′, and an information input device 70.

  When customer information is input at the time of customer reception, the customer reception device 10 issues a customer card 11 in which customer information is described. The photographing device 20 ′ is a silver salt camera, and a photographer in the photo studio operates the photographing device 20 ′ to photograph the customer. After the photographing of the customer is completed, the negative film 21 and the customer card 11 taken out from the photographing device 20 ′ are sent to the laboratory 200 ′.

  The information input device 70 can access the network server 300 and browse information uploaded to the network server 300, and can input processing information and the like as will be described later.

  In the lab 200 ′, in addition to the database 210, the image processing device 230, and the photographic printer 240 shown in FIG. 3, a developing device 250, a negative scanner 260, and an information processing device 270 are provided.

  In the lab 200 ′, customer information described in the customer card 11 sent from the photo studio 100 ′ is input, and this customer information is registered in the customer information database 212. Further, the negative film 21 sent from the photo studio 100 ′ is developed by the developing device 250, and the developed negative film 21 is read by the negative scanner 260 and digitized. This digitized image (original image) is registered in the image database 214. Here, a customer folder is automatically generated in the image database 214 corresponding to the registration of customer information in the customer information database 212, and the digitized original image is stored in the corresponding customer folder.

  The information processing device 270 captures processing information and the like input by the information input device 70 on the photo studio 100 ′ via the network server 300, and corresponds to the captured processing information an original image read from the image database 214. A function for creating the processed simulation result (view image), a function for uploading the view image, customer information and processing information to the network server 300, a function for registering the confirmed processing information in the processing information database 216, and the like. is doing.

  The information input device 70 on the photo studio 100 ′ can access the network server 300 and exchange necessary information with the laboratory 200 ′ via the network server 300. When customer selection or process selection is performed by the information input device 70, an unprocessed image (view image) of the selected process of the selected customer can be browsed, and a print order is made while monitoring the view image. Image selection to be performed, input of processing information in each processing step, and input of print order information can be performed.

  The information processing device 270 on the lab 200 'side fetches various information input by the information input device 70 via the network server 300, creates a view image corresponding to the fetched processing information, and newly creates it. When the view image on the network server 300 is updated with the view image or the processing content is confirmed, the processing information is registered in the processing information database 216.

  As described above, the processing operation is performed remotely by the information input device 70 of the photo studio 100 ′, and when the processing step is completed, the lab 200 ′ side prints the original image ordered from the database 210 and the original image. And the processing information for is read out and output to the image processing device 230.

  The image processing device 230 performs image processing of the original image based on the input original image and processing information for the original image to create a print image, and the processed print image, print size, and number of prints And the like are sent to the photo printer 240. The photographic printer 240 prints an image by scanning exposure with a R, G, B laser on silver salt color paper based on the processed print image input from the image processing apparatus 50.

  In this embodiment, the customer card 11 and the negative film 21 are sent from the photo studio 100 ′ to the laboratory 200 ′. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and digital customer information and original images are recorded on a recording medium or network. It may be sent to the laboratory 200 'via

  In addition, the customer reception device issues a customer card in which a barcode indicating a customer ID is recorded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic card or an IC card in which a customer ID is recorded is issued. May be. In addition, a revisit may be automatically accepted by recognizing the face with a surveillance camera.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a print processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a workflow showing the print processing method according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the print processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing still another embodiment of the print processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a workflow of a photo studio from conventional customer registration to print output of a photo print. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a work flow of the digital process shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Customer reception apparatus 20, 20 '... Shooting apparatus 30, 210 ... Database, 32, 212 ... Customer information database 34, 214 ... Image database 36, 216 ... Processing information database 40, 50, 220, 230 ... Image processing device 60, 240 ... Photo printer, 100, 100 '... Photographing place, 200,200' ... Development place (lab), 300 ... Net server

Claims (5)

In the print processing method for printing the processed image and providing it to the customer after performing the required image processing on the customer's original image obtained by photographing at the photo studio,
First storage means for storing an original image acquired for each customer in association with customer information, and processing information obtained by performing image processing on the original image is stored separately from the original image in association with the original image. Second storage means,
(a) reading an original image corresponding to the customer information from the first storage means based on the customer information;
(b) a selection step of selecting an arbitrary step among image processing steps to be performed on the original image;
(c) reading the original image unprocessed by the selected process from the first storage means based on the process selected in the selection process and the processing information stored in the second storage means; ,
(d) a step of inputting processing information indicating image processing on the original image read out in the step (a) or the step (c) ;
(e) storing the input processing information in the second storage means in association with the original image;
(f) When a print instruction is input, the original image instructed to be printed is read from the first storage means, and processing information corresponding to the original image is read from the second storage means, and the read original A step of performing image processing based on the read processing information corresponding to an image to create a print image;
(g) A print processing method comprising: printing out a photographic print based on the created print image, and repeating the steps (d) and (e) as appropriate.   The print processing method according to claim 1, wherein the image processing for the original image includes at least one of color correction processing, trimming processing, and layout synthesis processing of the original image. A step of selecting an image to be printed out of the original images read out corresponding to the customer information from the first storage means based on the customer information, and a print order content of the selected image is input. print processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a step. Customer information registration means for registering customer information for identifying customers;
Photographing means for photographing the customer's original image;
A first storage control unit that captures an original image captured by the imaging unit and stores the original image in association with the customer information registered in the customer information registration unit;
First reading means for reading an original image corresponding to the customer information from the first storage means based on the customer information;
A selection means for selecting an arbitrary step of the image processing steps to be performed on the original image;
Second reading means for reading from the first storage means an original image that has not been processed by the selected process based on the process selected by the selection means and the processing information stored in the second storage means. When,
Processing information input means for inputting processing information indicating image processing on the original image read by the first reading means or the second reading means ;
Second storage control means for associating the processing information input by the processing information input means with the original image and separating it from the original image and storing it in a second storage means;
The original image is read from the first storage means, and processing information corresponding to the original image is read from the second storage means, and image processing based on the read processing information corresponding to the read original image Image processing means for creating a print image by applying,
Print means for printing out a photographic print based on the print image created by the image processing means;
A print processing system comprising: The image processing means further includes a print instruction input means for inputting a print instruction, and the image processing means reads the original image instructed to be printed by the print instruction input means from the first storage means and processes information corresponding to the original image. 5. The print processing according to claim 4 , wherein a print image is created by reading image data from the second storage unit and performing image processing based on the read processing information corresponding to the read original image. system.

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