JP4459796B2 - Image output apparatus, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing system that can synthesize and edit an image captured by a digital camera, an image read by a scanner, image data recorded on a recording medium brought by the user, an image stored in advance in the apparatus, and the like. About.

  Images taken with a digital camera or the like can be printed at home using a personal computer, a printer, or the like, instead of bringing a film into a photo shop for printing as in the past. In addition, a photograph that has already been printed can be read by a scanner or the like, reprinted, stretched, and the like.

  However, while there is a demand for more beautifully processed images and processing them with various ingenuity, electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers, printers, and scanners are making rapid progress. Since it is sold, it is difficult for individuals to always make the highest quality prints, and there are limits to what sub-images such as frame images to be combined with captured images can be used by individuals.

  Therefore, a digital photo print device, which is an image output device installed in a store such as a camera store, which can be installed in a relatively small space, records a recording medium on which an image has been recorded or a photograph that has already been printed. There is a method of carrying out and printing by combining frame images and the like (see, for example, a digital photo print system, for example, [Patent Document 1] and [Non-Patent Document 1]).

JP 2002-46324 A (paragraph number [0145] on page 18, FIG. 5 to FIG. 10) Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., “Digital Camera Print Recommendation”, [online], [December 1, 2002 Search], Internet <URL: http: // www. digitalamates. com / susume / index. html>

  However, in a conventional printing system such as a digital photo print apparatus or an image output apparatus, each recording medium is selected in a predetermined order (fixed) by selecting the type of recording medium on which data is recorded by screen operation or the like. Since scanning of the reading unit was started and reading of the image data was started when the target recording medium reading unit was found, it took time to start reading. In addition, if the user makes a mistake and inserts into a different media insertion slot, there is a problem that the image data cannot be read.

  Also, after printing, forgetting to remove recording media, forgetting change, forgetting to pick up printed matter, etc. frequently occur. However, it is strictly controlled by a predetermined rule, and there is a problem that forgetting to take out cannot be prevented. Furthermore, when the next user uses the recording medium inserted in a different media insertion slot while the recording medium forgotten by the previous user is still inserted, depending on the situation, the previous user's There was also a problem that the data on the recording medium would be read.

  Also, when the print system is idle (no use), a demo screen such as a promotion is displayed, but it has never been used by a user interested in the print system. There are questions such as "what can be done or what can be done", and it is difficult to appeal the print system itself only by looking at the screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image output device and the like that can improve the data reading method of a recording medium and improve the operability by installing a human body detection sensor. And

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first invention is an image output device comprising an input means for inputting image data and a printing means for printing the image data, wherein the input means includes the image data A plurality of recording medium reading means for each type of the recording medium, and scanning starts from the recording medium reading means corresponding to the type of the recording medium selected on the medium selection screen. When the recording medium is not inserted, the other recording medium reading means is sequentially scanned in accordance with a predetermined scanning order.

The input means preferably further comprises log holding means for holding log information relating to the recording medium insertion by scanning the recording medium reading means.
The log information may include recording medium misinsertion information, and the scan order may be set according to the recording medium misinsertion information .

  In the first invention, an image output apparatus that inputs image data and prints out the image data has a plurality of recording medium reading units for each type of the recording medium from which the image data is read, and the type of the selected recording medium Scanning is started from the recording medium reading means according to the above, and when no recording medium is inserted in the recording medium reading means, the other recording media reading means are sequentially scanned according to a predetermined scanning order.

“Recording media” includes smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), SD card, memory stick, floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, and the like.
“Log information” is log information relating to recording medium insertion, such as the use date and time, the number of uses for each type of recording medium, and information about erroneous insertion of recording media, and is held in a storage device (hard disk).

The second invention is a program causing a computer to function as the first inventions of the image output apparatus.
The third invention is a recording medium for recording a program that causes a computer to function as the first inventions of the image output apparatus.

  The above-mentioned program may be held and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The present invention can provide an image output device and the like that can improve the method of reading data from a recording medium and improve operability by installing a human body detection sensor.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image printing system and the like according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the image print system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image print system 100.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an image print system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image print system 100 is realized by an image output device 101 or the like.
The image output apparatus 101 includes an image data reading / writing unit 111, an image editing / synthesizing unit 112, a material database (material DB) 113, a printing unit 114, an order content input unit 115, a charging unit 116, a restart unit 117, and the like.

The image data reading / writing unit 111 captures an image of the subject 121 with an imaging device such as a digital camera, reads an original 122 with an original reading device such as a scanner device, or reads from a recording medium 123 on which image data is recorded in advance. Thus, image data is acquired. Further, the image data reading / writing unit 111 can record the image data created by the image output apparatus 101 on the recording medium 123.
The recording medium 123 is, for example, smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), an SD card, a memory stick, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, a CD-ROM, or the like.

  The image editing / synthesizing unit 112 synthesizes one or more input or selected image data, such as processing such as graffiti or stamp, clipping of image data, scaling, pasting of a clipped image on another image, etc. It comprises interactive interface means for interactive editing and image processing programs. Material image data, frame image data, etc. existing in the material database 113 can also be used as image data used for processing and composite editing.

  The printing unit 114 is a high resolution color printer. Any method such as sublimation type or ink jet type may be used. The printed matter 124 is a printed photo ID photo, a digital camera photo, a seal print, a postcard, or the like.

  The order content input means 115 allows the user to select the order content to be output as necessary. Items to be selected include print mode selection (normal image data output, index print output, postcard print, sticker print, ID photo print, etc. In the case of normal output of actual image data, thumbnail images are displayed, and which image is printed when image data for multiple frames is input (when digital camera images are output) Thumbnail image display and image selection), the number of prints and the print size are specified. Note that the user can specify one or more pieces of image data to be processed and combined and edited before outputting the image.

As the order content input means 115, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and various pointers such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The charging unit 116 validates each function of the image output apparatus 101 in accordance with the amount of money that has been input in advance.

The restart unit 117 performs post-processing and idle processing after printing is completed. As a post-processing, the restart unit 117 performs monitoring control of forgetting to remove the recording medium 123 by the human body detection sensor 214, and when detecting forgetting to remove, the voice guidance output for alerting, the screen display, and the network 140 are used. This is notified to the terminal device 131 of the administrator 130 of the connected system. In addition, switching control to the power saving mode for the power saving control device is performed. The restarting unit 117 receives a detection signal from the human body detection sensor in idle state as idle processing, and performs voice guidance output, demonstration screen display, and the like for the system.
Note that the terminal device 131 is a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, or the like.

Next, the external configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image output apparatus 101.

  A monitor screen 201 such as a monitor with a touch panel is arranged in front of the upper part of the image output apparatus 101. The monitor screen 201 functions as display means for displaying operation guidance, operation status, read images, edited images, and the like.

  A media insertion slot 202 is installed below the monitor screen 201. A scanner surface 203 that reads an image of a printed matter and converts it into digital data is installed in a horizontal portion that divides the upper portion and the lower portion. On the monitor screen 201, a lens window 204 for capturing a subject with an imaging device such as a digital camera is installed. The media insertion port 202, the scanner surface 203, and the lens window 204 constitute a part of the image data reading / writing unit 111. In addition, a human body detection sensor 214 is installed above the lens window 204. The human body detection sensor 214 is a sensor for detecting a person, and an infrared sensor or a thermal sensor can be used. The human body detection sensor 214 constitutes a part of the restart unit 117. Note that the installation position of the human body detection sensor 214 is not limited to the upper part of the lens window 204. In the lower part of the image output apparatus 101, side walls may be provided on both sides of the housing of the image output apparatus 101, and the detection sensors 214 may be disposed on both side walls.

  The media insertion slot 202 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, etc.), and floppy (registered trademark). A disk insertion slot, a CD-ROM insertion slot, a PC card insertion slot, a smart media insertion slot, a compact flash (registered trademark) insertion slot, and the like are arranged at a single position.

  Further, the main body of each reading / writing device is installed in the housing of the image output device 101 corresponding to the insertion port of each recording medium. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be taken out until the fee collection is completed.

  In the lower part of the image output apparatus 101, there are a charge insertion slot (coin insertion slot 205, bill insertion slot 206), return lever 207, return slot 208, receipt outlet 209, printed matter outlet 210, speaker 211, maintenance key 212. The door opening / closing key 213 and the like are respectively arranged.

The charge insertion slot (coin insertion slot 205, bill insertion slot 206), return lever 207, return slot 208, and receipt outlet 209 constitute a part of the charging means 116.
The customer pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 205 or inserting a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 206. When there is a change, it is discharged from the return port 208 and can be received. Further, when the order is canceled or when coins are jammed, the coin return lever 207 is turned to release it from the return port 208 so that it can be received.
After collecting the fee, a receipt printed with the amount collected and the details of the order is released from the receipt outlet 209.

The printed matter outlet 210 constitutes a part of the printing means 114. The user receives the printed matter 124 discharged from the printed matter outlet 210 after instructing the execution of printing by touching the touch panel button or the like.
The speaker 211 reproduces voice, BGM, sound effects and the like during standby or during operation.

  The maintenance key 212 is a key for switching between a normal operation mode in which a user can be accepted and a management mode in which the administrator performs setting and maintenance of the image print system.

  In addition, although it cannot be clearly recognized from the appearance, a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the post-type image output device 101 or voltage conversion is performed in the casing of the post-type image output device 101. A power supply box, an uninterruptible power supply that prevents damage to the CPU and hard disk of the control unit in the event of a power failure are installed.

Next, a schematic configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 101.

  The image output apparatus 101 includes a control unit 301, a hard disk 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), a digital camera 305, a scanner 306, various media reading / writing units 307 (1 to n), A shutter 308 (1 to n), a monitor 309 (with a touch panel), a coin mech 310, a bill validator 311, a receipt journal processing unit 312, a printer 313, a communication control unit 314, a detection unit 315, etc. are connected via a bus 316. .

  The control unit 301 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device connected via the bus 316 according to a program stored in the hard disk 302 as a large-capacity storage medium.

  The hard disk 302 is input as a part of the image editing / synthesizing unit 112 in addition to a program for driving and controlling each component, for example, a reading / writing program corresponding to each recording medium 123, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging program, and the like. Alternatively, an image processing program for editing and processing the selected image, an image processing program for creating index data by creating thinned data, and an interactive menu as part of the order content input means 115 are displayed on the monitor 309, and printing means A program for setting print conditions to 114, a program for instructing the start of printing, a program corresponding to restart means 117, and image data such as a frame used for image synthesis, a background image, and a line drawing illustration image for coloring. Stored material database 113, each recording medium A number of uses, recording medium erroneous insertion information, such as the recording medium insertion log information 151 composed of information such as usage time is stored.

  Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 301 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) upgrades the programs and information stored in the ROM of the control unit 301 and the hard disk 302, or sets the operation of the image print system, device settings, etc. The main unit is switched to the management mode with the maintenance key, the CD-ROM for upgrading is inserted into the input / output unit 303, the data is rewritten, or the setting data is input. Set up.

The digital camera 305, the scanner 306, and various media reading / writing units 307 (1 to n) correspond to the image data reading / writing unit 111.
The shutter 308 is provided at the recording medium insertion port, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion port so that the recording medium cannot be removed during the reading process or the recording medium cannot be removed until the accounting process is completed. be able to.

  By selecting and touching the touch panel button displayed on the monitor 309 in accordance with the operation guide displayed on the monitor 309, from the selection of the print mode and reading of the original image data to processing, composition editing, and output of the printed matter 124. A series of operations can be performed.

The coin mech 310, the bill validator 311 and the receipt journal processing unit 312 correspond to the charging unit 116, and accept coin insertion and bill insertion, and issue receipts.
The printer 313 corresponds to the printing unit 114 and performs image printout processing.
The communication control unit 314 is a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and performs communication control between the image output device 101 and the terminal device 131 of the administrator 130 via the network 140.
The detection unit 315 receives a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 214 and detects a person.

Next, the operation of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image output apparatus 101.

  The control unit 301 of the image output apparatus 101 performs an idle process for outputting a voice guidance for appealing the present system and displaying a demonstration screen in a state of no use (step 401).

  The control unit 301 of the image output apparatus 101 displays a menu screen indicating service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like on the monitor screen 201 of the monitor 309 and allows the user to select a function. (Step 402).

  The control unit 301 acquires image data via any of the various media 307, the scanner 306, the digital camera 305, and the like (step 403). When inputting image data, the user selects a method such as reading from the recording medium 123, reading from a scanner, or imaging of a subject by an imaging device (such as a digital camera).

  The control unit 301 (image processing program) performs image processing, editing, composition, and the like based on a user instruction (step 404). Examples of image processing, editing, and composition include synthesis of input image data, frame images, existing images, etc., paint color, character input, movement, enlargement / reduction, and creation of postcard data.

  The control unit 301 performs billing processing and receipt issuance processing according to the user's order contents (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.) (step 405).

  The control unit 301 (image processing program) performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, character / logo synthesis (step 406), and holds the image processed image data in the hard disk 302 (step 407). The image data is transferred to the printer that is ready for output, and printing processing is performed (step 408).

  The control unit 301 performs post-processing such as monitoring control for forgetting to remove the recording medium 123 and power saving control (step 409).

  When the operation of the image printing system 100 is continued (No in Step 410), the control unit 301 repeats the processing from Step 401 to Step 410.

Next, the idle process in step 401 will be described in detail.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of idle processing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 301 displays a demonstration screen (or a black screen of the power saving function) in an idle state (not in use) on the monitor screen 201 (step 501).
When the control unit 301 does not determine human detection from the human body detection sensor 214, that is, when it does not receive a detection signal (No in Step 502), the control unit 301 returns to Step 501, and displays a demonstration screen for advertisements (or black for the power saving function). Screen).

When the control unit 301 determines human detection from the human body detection sensor 214 (Yes in Step 502), that is, when a detection signal is received at a predetermined time interval, the control unit 301 outputs a voice guidance for appealing the system from the speaker 211 (Step S301). 503), a demonstration screen different from the screen content displayed so far and other screens for system appeal are displayed on the monitor screen 201 (step 504). Until the user touches the monitor screen 201 (No in Step 505), the processing from Step 503 to Step 505 is repeated. When the user touches the monitor screen 201 (Yes in step 505), the process proceeds to the menu screen display and function selection processing in step 402.
Depending on the system environment, the control unit 301 may move to the menu screen display and function selection processing in step 402 when it is determined that the human body detection sensor 214 detects a person.

Next, the processing when “recording medium” is selected in the menu screen display and function selection processing in step 402 will be described in detail.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for selecting the “recording medium” in step 402.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the user selects “recording medium” for reading from the recording medium 123 on the menu screen (not shown), the control unit 301 displays the media selection screen 800 on the monitor screen 201. It is displayed (step 601). FIG. 8 shows a media selection screen 800.
As shown in FIG. 8, the media selection screen 800 includes a plurality of media numbers 801 corresponding to the types of the recording media 123. The media numbers 801 “1”, “2”,... Correspond to the media insertion ports 202-1, 202-2,.

  The user selects a media number 801 “n” corresponding to the type of the recording medium 123 brought on the media selection screen 800, and enters the media insertion slot 202-n corresponding to the selected media number 801. Insert (step 602).

  The control unit 301 scans the media reading / writing unit 307-n of the selected media number 801 “n” and reads the image data of the recording medium 123 (step 603). For example, the selected media number 801 “3” is scanned from the media reading / writing unit 307-3 of the media insertion port 202-3.

When the recording medium 123 is not inserted, the control unit 301 writes the recording medium erroneous insertion information such as the use date and time, the erroneous insertion media number 801 and the like to the hard disk 302 as the recording media insertion log information 151 (step 604), and sets in advance. N is updated in accordance with the scanning order that has been performed (step 605), the process proceeds to step 603, and the next media reading / writing unit 307-n is scanned. The scan order is set in advance based on the recording medium erroneous insertion information recorded in the recording medium insertion log information 151. For example, the scan order is set in order of increasing frequency of erroneous insertion, ascending order, or the like.
When all the media that can be inserted are scanned and the recording medium 123 is not inserted, the control unit 301 displays a message of “Request to insert recording media to user” on the screen, and voice guidance output. Then, the process proceeds to step 601.

  When the reading of the image data of the recording medium 123 is normally completed, the control unit 301 writes the recording medium insertion log information 151 such as the use date and time and the added number of times of use of the recording medium into the hard disk 302 (step 606).

Next, the post-processing of the image print system 100 in step 409 will be described in detail.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a post-processing procedure.

As shown in FIG. 7, after the printing process is completed, the control unit 301 monitors a human body until receiving a detection signal (detection signal ON → OFF) from the human body detection sensor 214 (No in step 701). When a detection signal (detection signal ON → OFF) from the detection sensor 214 is received for a predetermined time (Yes in step 701), it is detected that a person has left the image output apparatus 101, and all media reading / writing units 307 are detected. Scan (step 702).
When there is a recording medium 123 that has been forgotten to be removed (Yes in Step 703), the control unit 301 displays a message “There is a recording medium that has been forgotten to be removed” on the monitor screen 201 and outputs voice guidance from the speaker 211 (Step S703). 704), a notification to that effect is sent to the terminal device 131 of the system administrator 130 by e-mail (step 705).

  The control unit 301 displays a warning message such as other forgetting change or forgetting printed matter, and outputs a voice guidance (step 706).

  The control unit 301 switches to the power saving mode for devices (for example, the monitor screen 201) that can control power saving of the image output apparatus 101 (step 707).

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 301 of the image output apparatus 101 reads image data from the recording medium 123, it corresponds to the media number corresponding to the type of the selected recording medium. Scanning is started from the recording medium reading / writing unit 307, and when the recording medium is not inserted into the recording medium reading / writing unit 307, the other recording medium reading / writing unit 307 is set in accordance with a predetermined scanning order. Scan sequentially. In addition, the control unit 301 includes a human body detection sensor 214 that detects a human body on the front surface of the image output device. After the printing process is completed, the control unit 301 detects that a person has left in accordance with a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 214, and By scanning the recording medium reading / writing unit 307 that reads data, it detects that the recording medium has been forgotten to be removed, outputs a voice guidance for alerting and displays a screen, and notifies the terminal device 131 of the administrator 130 by e-mail or the like. . In addition, the control unit 301 detects a person and outputs a voice guidance for system appeal or / and screen display according to a human body detection signal from the human body detection sensor in a state where the image output apparatus is not used.

As a result, data can be read quickly from the recording medium, and even when the recording medium is erroneously inserted, the inserted recording medium can be found and data can be read.
In addition, after the printing process is completed, the human body detection sensor monitors the entry / exit of the person and scans the recording media read / write unit, so that it is possible to promptly forget to forget to remove the recording media and reduce the number of forgetting to remove. . In addition, by notifying the terminal device on the administrator side of forgetting to remove, the load on the system administrator can be reduced. Further, it is possible to control power saving earlier in a device capable of controlling power saving in the printing system.
In addition, by installing a human body detection sensor and monitoring the entrance and exit of people during idle, the demo screen display state during the conventional idle (no use state) is more attractive to those who stopped in front of the printing system with interest Can appeal.
By reducing the problems as described above, it is possible to improve the usability and reliability of the entire printing system. By reducing the problems, it is expected that the system operation load can be reduced.

It should be noted that the time interval and the number of times that the human body detection sensor 214 determines human detection depend on the contents to be controlled (display of a demo screen in an idle state, monitoring control for forgetting to remove a recording medium after printing, power saving control, etc.) Is set.
Further, the detection determination by the human body detection sensor 214 is not limited to the screen, the forgetting to take out monitoring control, the power saving control, or the like shown in the present embodiment. It is also possible to expand to other screens, for example, monitoring control by the human body detection sensor 214 on each screen on which a user selects and inputs a function, parameter, and the like.

  The preferred embodiments of the image printing system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the image printing system 100 External perspective view of image output apparatus 101 Hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 101 A flowchart showing the operation of the image output apparatus 101 The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of idle processing Flowchart showing the processing procedure for selecting “recording medium” in step 402 Flow chart showing post-processing procedure The figure which shows the media selection screen 800

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ......... Image printing system 101 ......... Image output device 111 ......... Image data reading / writing means 112 ......... Image editing composition means 113 ......... Material database 114 ......... Print means 115 ......... Contents of order Input means 116... Billing means 117... Restart means 123... Recording medium 202... Media insertion port 214.

Claims (7)

Input means for inputting image data;
Printing means for printing the image data;
An image output device comprising:
The input means includes a plurality of recording medium reading means for each type of the recording medium for reading the image data, and scanning is performed from the recording medium reading means corresponding to the type of the recording medium selected on the media selection screen. An image output apparatus which starts, and scans other recording media reading means sequentially in accordance with a predetermined scanning order when the recording media is not inserted in the recording media reading means.   2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation continues during selection of the type of the recording medium and scanning of the recording medium reading means. The input means scans the recording medium reading means to hold log information related to recording medium insertion,
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The image output apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the log information includes at least one piece of information such as a use date and time, a use count of each recording medium type, and a recording medium erroneous insertion information. The log information includes recording medium erroneous insertion information,
The scan order, image output apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that set on the basis of the recording medium erroneous insertion information. A program for causing a computer to function as the image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is recorded.

Images