JP7009833B2 - Image printing system and image printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image printing system and an image printing apparatus.

At theme parks and the like, there is a service in which staff take pictures of visitors in order, paste the printed pictures on the original mount, and sell them to the visitors.

In Patent Document 1, when a plurality of automatic photographing devices are installed in a theme park and a customer pays a fee for each installation location of the automatic photographing device and takes a picture, the photographed image data is transferred to a print system in an image output center. An imaging output system that is sent to produce a photographic print is disclosed. Customers can receive photo prints at the window of the image output center.

Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming system in which a printer downloads image data from a server and prints the image data.

Conventionally, when creating a photographic print (printed matter) of a composite image in which a template such as a frame is combined with an image taken by an automatic shooting device, the server creates the composite image, and the printer keeps the composite image downloaded from the server as it is. It was printed out.

The composite image data created by the server corresponded to a predetermined print size. When the size of the composite image data was converted or cropped on the printer side in response to the customer's request to change the print size, the template was deformed and the margin area of the image increased. In addition, when the brightness of the object to be photographed in the composite image is changed on the printer side in response to the request from the customer, the brightness of the template combined with the photographed image also changes. As described above, in the conventional system in which the server creates a composite image, there is a problem that the design of the image is impaired when the image is edited and processed on the printer side in response to the customer's request.

Japanese Patent No. 3913453 Japanese Patent No. 6079205

An object of the present invention is to provide an image printing system and an image printing apparatus capable of editing and processing an image without impairing the design and outputting a composite image.

The image print system of the present invention is an image print system including an image print device and a server that stores image data and template data and communicates with the image print device. The image print device is an image data. The first input unit that accepts the input of the identification information that identifies the data, the second input unit that accepts the input of the print size, and the identification information and the print size information are notified to the server, and the identification information is supported by the server. The communication processing unit that receives the image data to be processed and the template data corresponding to the print size information, and the size of the image data received from the server based on the print size information is converted into the image data after the size conversion. It has an image processing unit that synthesizes the composite image with the template data to generate a composite image, and a printer that prints the composite image on printing paper, and the server obtains a plurality of image data and template data for each print size. It has a storage unit for storing, and the image data corresponding to the identification information notified from the image printing device and the template data corresponding to the print size information are taken out from the storage unit and transmitted to the image printing device. It is a thing.

In one aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit performs an editing process including brightness adjustment or color correction of the image data, and synthesizes the image data after the editing process and the template data.

In one aspect of the present invention, the server transmits the first image data for preview to the image printing device, and then outputs the second image data for printing having a data size larger than that of the first image data to the image printing device. Send to.

The image printing device of the present invention is an image printing device capable of communicating with a server that stores image data and template data for each print size, and has a first input unit that accepts input of identification information that identifies the image data and printing. A second input unit that accepts size input, the identification information and the print size information are notified to the server, and the server notifies the image data corresponding to the identification information and the template data corresponding to the print size information. An image processing unit that converts the size of the image data received from the server based on the received communication processing unit and the print size information, and combines the image data after the size conversion with the template data to generate a composite image. And a printer for printing the composite image on printing paper.

In one aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit performs an editing process including brightness adjustment or color correction of the image data, and synthesizes the image data after the editing process and the template data.

In one aspect of the present invention, the communication processing unit receives the first image data for preview from the server, and then receives the second image data for printing, which has a larger data size than the first image data.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first input unit is a reading unit that reads a code printed on a ticket, and the second input unit is a touch panel.

According to the present invention, since the template corresponding to the print size is synthesized with the image whose size has been converted according to the print size, it is possible to prevent the template from being deformed or the margin area of the image from increasing, and the design of the image. A composite image can be printed out in a desired size without impairing the properties.

It is a figure which shows the installation example of the image printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram of the image providing system which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printed matter produced by an image printing apparatus. It is a block block diagram of the photographing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a perspective view of the image printing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a block block diagram of the image printing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the image print process which concerns on the same embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The image print system according to this embodiment is installed in a tourist spot, a theme park, or the like, and the photographing device is installed in various places, and the user (tourist) takes a picture at the place where the photographing device is installed. conduct. Templates such as commemorative frames and watermarks are combined with the captured image data, and prints of the combined images are provided (sold) to users.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which an image print system is installed in a theme park, and FIG. 2 shows a block configuration of the image print system. The image printing system includes an image printing device 5, a server 10, a ticket printer 20, and a plurality of photographing devices 40. The image printing device 5 and the ticket printer 20 are provided in the management center 1 where the entrance / exit gate of the theme park is located. The photographing device 40 is installed at various places in the theme park.

The ticket printer 20 issues a shooting ticket printed with a two-dimensional code (or bar code) indicating identification information that uniquely identifies the user. The user receives the shooting ticket at the time of admission, and holds the shooting ticket over the reader 44 (see FIG. 4) of the shooting device 40 in the park. When the reader 44 reads the two-dimensional code of the shooting ticket, the shooting device 40 shoots the user with the camera 41 (see FIG. 4) and transmits the shot image data to the server 10.

The server 10 stores the image data transmitted from the plurality of photographing devices 40 in the park for each user in association with the identification information.

After shooting, the user stops at the management center 1 when leaving the park, for example, and holds the shooting ticket over the reading unit 53 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the image printing device 5. The reading unit 53 reads the two-dimensional code of the shooting ticket and notifies the server 10 of the identification information. The server 10 identifies a user's image taken by a plurality of photographing devices 40 based on the identification information, and transmits the image to the image printing device 5.

The image printing device 5 displays captured image data received from the server 10 and accepts selection of an image to be printed, print size, and number of prints.

In order to reduce the image display waiting time, the server 10 first transmits the captured image data having a small data size for preview to the image printing device 5. Then, when the user operates the image printing device 5 and browses the image, the server 10 transmits the captured image data having a large data size for printing (high resolution) to the image printing device 5.

When the print size is selected, the image print device 5 transmits the print size information to the server 10. The server 10 stores template data that can be combined with the captured image for each print size, and transmits the template data corresponding to the received print size information to the image printing device 5. The template is, for example, a memorial to the original frame or stamp of the theme park.

The image printing device 5 performs a resizing process of the captured image based on the selected print size, and synthesizes the template received from the server 10 with the resized captured image.

The image printing device 5 has editing functions such as brightness adjustment and color correction of the captured image. When the image printing device 5 receives an editing instruction from the user, the image printing device 5 adjusts the brightness of the captured image and synthesizes the template with the edited image. The photographed image to which the above-mentioned resizing process and editing process are performed is image data having a large data size for printing.

Upon receiving the payment of the fee from the user, the image printing device 5 prints the composite image on photographic paper to produce a printed matter. For example, the image printing device 5 produces a printed image 30 on which a composite image of the captured image 31 and the template 32 is printed, as shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of each part of the image printing system will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 has a code generation unit 11, an authentication unit 12, a communication processing unit 13, a template selection unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The server 10 is composed of a computer including an auxiliary storage device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication module, and a semiconductor memory, and each function is realized by the CPU executing a program.

The storage unit 15 stores template data for each print size.

The code generation unit 11 generates identification information for identifying a user, and issues a two-dimensional code indicating the identification information. For example, the code generation unit 11 uses a random number generation program to generate identification information consisting of a character string having a plurality of digits (for example, 20 digits). The generated identification information is stored in the storage unit 15 as an issue code.

The authentication unit 12 compares the identification information acquired by the reader 44 of the photographing apparatus 40 with the two-dimensional code and the issuance code stored in the storage unit 15, and determines whether the identification information is legitimate.

The communication processing unit 13 performs communication processing with the image printing device 5, the ticket printer 20, and each photographing device 40. For example, the communication processing unit 13 transmits the two-dimensional code generated by the code generation unit 11 to the ticket printer 20.

When the communication processing unit 13 receives the identification information read by the photographing device 40, the communication processing unit 13 transmits the determination result by the authentication unit 12 to the photographing device 40. When the communication processing unit 13 receives the photographed image data from the photographing device 40, the communication processing unit 13 stores the photographed image data in the storage unit 15 in association with the photographed user's identification information.

When the communication processing unit 13 receives the identification information from the image printing device 5, it identifies the captured image data corresponding to the identification information and transmits it to the image printing device 5. The communication processing unit 13 first transmits the preview data obtained by reducing the captured image data to the image printing device 5, and then transmits the high-resolution captured image data for printing.

When the template selection unit 14 receives the print size information from the image printing device 5, it selects the template data corresponding to the print size information and retrieves it from the storage unit 15. The extracted template data is transmitted to the image printing device 5 by the communication processing unit 13.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the photographing apparatus 40. The photographing device 40 includes a camera (photographing unit) 41, a touch panel 42, a speaker 43, a reader 44, and a control device 45. The control device 45 has an input processing unit 47, an output processing unit 48, and a communication unit 49. The control device 45 is composed of a computer having a CPU, RAM, a communication module, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and each function of the control device 45 is realized by executing a program by the CPU.

The camera 41 is, for example, a digital camera, and captures a user to generate captured image data. A camera 41 may be installed at the top of the building to photograph the user from above.

The touch panel 42 displays information that can be visually recognized by the user. The output processing unit 48 performs data processing necessary for displaying information on the touch panel 42. Further, the touch panel 42 detects the user's operation. The input processing unit 47 performs data processing according to the user operation. Instead of the touch panel 42, a display for displaying information, an operation button for accepting a user's operation, and the like may be provided.

The speaker 43 outputs voice guidance and the like. The output processing unit 48 performs data processing for generating the sound emitted by the speaker 43.

The reader 44 reads the two-dimensional code printed on the ticket possessed by the user and acquires the identification information.

When the reader 44 reads the two-dimensional code of the ticket presented to the user and acquires the identification information, the communication unit 49 notifies the server 10 of the identification information and determines whether or not the identification information is legitimate. receive.

If the identification information is not legitimate, the photographing device 40 outputs a voice saying "The code seems to be different" from the speaker 43 or displays it in characters on the touch panel 42. If the identification information is legitimate, the photographing device 40 outputs a voice saying "take a picture", and the camera 41 takes a picture of the user. The photographing device 40 may analyze the captured image, detect the position of the user, output a voice such as "Please stand a little further behind", and adjust the standing position of the user.

When the camera 41 is installed at a distant position such as a high place, the photographing device 40 informs the user of the position of the camera 41 by voice, display of the touch panel 42, or the like, and instructs the user to face the camera 41.

The photographing device 40 may display the image captured by the camera 41 on the touch panel 42 and ask the user whether to retake the image. The communication unit 49 transmits the captured image data to the server 10 together with the user's identification information.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the image printing device 5, and FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of the image printing device 5.

The image printing device 5 includes a first touch panel 51A, a second touch panel 51B, a charging unit 52, a reading unit 53, a CPU (central processing unit) 54, a storage unit 55, a communication processing unit 56, and a printer 57.

The first touch panel 51A is provided on the top plate 50A portion of the housing 50, and the second touch panel 51B is provided on the upper portion of the housing 50. The screens of the top plate 50A and the first touch panel 51A are slightly tilted so that the front side is low and the back side is high so that the input operation to the first touch panel 51A can be easily performed. The display screen of the second touch panel 51B is in a state of standing substantially vertically. The display screens of the first touch panel 51A and the second touch panel 51B have the same size.

The first touch panel 51A and the second touch panel 51B function as an input unit that displays information including an image and receives input of various instructions from the user. For example, the first touch panel 51A or the second touch panel 51B displays a screen for receiving an image to be printed out, a template to be combined, a print size and a number of prints, an image editing instruction, and the like. In the present embodiment, two touch panels 51A and 51B are provided, but one touch panel may be used.

The billing unit 52 has a coin slot 52A, a bill slot 52B, and a change return port 52C provided on the front side of the housing 50, and identifies and counts coins inserted from the coin slot 52A and the bill slot 52B. Then, the change is discharged from the change return port 52C. Further, the billing unit 52 may have a payment function using electronic money. Further, the billing unit 52 may have a receipt printer that prints and outputs the order details, the billing amount, the input amount, the change amount, and the like on the receipt.

The reading unit 53 reads the identification information from the two-dimensional code printed on the ticket possessed by the user. The reading unit 53 functions as an input unit that receives input of identification information that identifies the user.

The communication processing unit 56 communicates with the server 10, transmits the identification information read by the reading unit 53 to the server 10, and receives the captured image data corresponding to the identification information. Further, the communication processing unit 56 transmits the print size information to the server 10 and acquires the corresponding template data.

The printer 57 is a high-resolution color printer such as a sublimation type or an inkjet type, and prints image data on photographic paper and outputs the image data based on the order contents. The printer 57 is housed in the housing 50. A plurality of printers 57 may be installed. As shown in FIG. 5, a transparent opening / closing door 50B is provided on the front surface side of the housing 50 so as to be openable / closable. On the back surface side of the opening / closing door 50B, an integrated portion (not shown) for accumulating the printed matter printed and output by the printer 57 is provided, and when the opening / closing door 50B is opened, the imprints accumulated in the accumulating portion can be taken out. It has become like.

The storage unit 55 includes a main memory and a hard disk drive for storing a control program and an image processing program. The CPU 54 functions as a control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the image printing device 5 by executing a control program. Further, the CPU 54 functions as an image processing unit 54A that performs image processing such as resizing processing of a captured image, editing processing such as brightness adjustment, and compositing processing of a captured image and a template by executing an image processing program.

Next, the image printing process using the image printing device 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

A user who has taken a picture with a plurality of taking pictures 40 in the theme park holds a taking picture ticket over the reading unit 53 of the image printing device 5. The reading unit 53 reads the two-dimensional code of the shooting ticket and acquires the identification information (step S1).

The communication processing unit 56 transmits the identification information to the server 10 (step S2). The communication processing unit 56 receives from the server 10 the photographed image data corresponding to the identification information, that is, the image data captured by the user who has the photographing ticket (step S3).

At this time, the communication processing unit 56 receives the captured image data having a small data size for preview display from the server 10. A thumbnail of the captured image is displayed on the first touch panel 51A (step S4). The user operates the first touch panel 51A and selects an image to be printed and a print size (step S5). By transferring the photographed image data having a small data size from the server 10 to the image printing device 5, the user can quickly view the photographed image after holding the photographed ticket.

The print size selection screen may be displayed before the captured image is displayed, the list of captured images may be displayed after the print size selection is accepted, and the selection of the image to be printed may be accepted.

In parallel with the user browsing the captured image, the communication processing unit 56 performs a process of receiving the captured image data having a large data size for printing from the server 10. As for the captured image for which the data for printing is received, the image displayed on the first touch panel 51A may be replaced with a high-resolution image.

The communication processing unit 56 transmits the print size information indicating the print size selected by the user to the server 10 (step S6). The communication processing unit 56 acquires template data corresponding to the print size from the server 10 (step S7).

The image processing unit 54A performs resizing processing (enlargement / reduction, clipping, etc.) on the photographed image data for printing based on the print size. Further, the image processing unit 54A performs editing processing such as brightness adjustment in response to a request from the user. The image processing unit 54A creates a composite image by synthesizing the captured image data after the resizing process and the editing process and the template data (step S8).

When the user confirms the composite image and pays the fee according to the print size and the number of prints (step S9), the printer 57 prints the composite image on photographic paper to produce a printed matter (step S10).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the template corresponding to the print size is combined with the photographed image resized according to the print size, the template may be deformed or the margin area of the image may increase. do not have. In addition, since the template is combined with the captured image after editing such as brightness adjustment, the brightness of the template does not change. Therefore, it is possible to edit and process the image without impairing the design of the image and print out the composite image in a desired size.

In the above embodiment, the server 10 may transmit the captured image data having a small data size for preview to the image printing device 5, and may also transmit the template data having a small data size for preview. The image printing device 5 displays a composite image obtained by synthesizing a photographed image having a small data size and a template on a thumbnail screen.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the image printing device 5 downloads the template data from the server 10 each time the printed matter is produced has been described. However, the image printing device 5 downloads the template data from the server 10 in advance and stores the template data in the storage unit 55. You may store it. For example, the image printing device 5 accesses the server 10 at a predetermined time such as 9:00 am every day and downloads all the template data.

The above description is an example of the present invention, and the present invention may be in a form other than the above.

5 Image printing device 10 Server 20 Ticket printer 40 Shooting device

Claims (7)

An image printing system including an image printing device and a server that stores image data and template data and communicates with the image printing device.
The image printing device is
The first input unit that accepts the input of identification information that identifies the user ,
The second input section that accepts print size input and
A communication processing unit that notifies the server of the identification information and the print size information, and receives the image data corresponding to the identification information and the template data corresponding to the print size information from the server.
An image processing unit that converts the size of image data received from the server based on the print size information and combines the image data after size conversion with the template data to generate a composite image.
A printer that prints the composite image on photographic paper,
Have,
The server has a storage unit for storing a plurality of image data and template data for each print size, and the image data corresponding to the identification information notified from the image printing device and the template corresponding to the print size information. An image printing system characterized in that data is taken out from the storage unit and transmitted to the image printing device. The image print according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs an editing process including brightness adjustment or color correction of the image data, and synthesizes the image data after the editing process and the template data. system. The server is characterized in that after transmitting the first image data for preview to the image printing device, the second image data for printing having a data size larger than that of the first image data is transmitted to the image printing device. The image printing system according to claim 1 or 2. An image printing device capable of communicating with a server that stores image data and template data for each print size.
The first input unit that accepts the input of identification information that identifies the user ,
The second input section that accepts print size input and
A communication processing unit that notifies the server of the identification information and the print size information, and receives the image data corresponding to the identification information and the template data corresponding to the print size information from the server.
An image processing unit that converts the size of image data received from the server based on the print size information and combines the image data after size conversion with the template data to generate a composite image.
A printer that prints the composite image on photographic paper,
An image printing device characterized by comprising. The image print according to claim 4, wherein the image processing unit performs an editing process including brightness adjustment or color correction of the image data, and synthesizes the image data after the editing process and the template data. Device. 4. The communication processing unit is characterized in that after receiving the first image data for preview from the server, the communication processing unit receives the second image data for printing having a data size larger than that of the first image data. Or the image printing apparatus according to 5. The image printing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first input unit is a reading unit that reads a code printed on a ticket, and the second input unit is a touch panel.

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