JPH09116657A - Camera print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a print desired by a photographer timely by sending picked-up image data and identification information to a printer at a remote location. SOLUTION: User ID information being identification information is given to an ID input section 14 of a camera 1, and a picked-up image is converted into digital data by an image pickup section 10 and compressed by a data compression section 12. Then the user ID information and compressed image data are sent by a transmission section 18. Furthermore, a reception section 20 of a printer 2 receives the transmitted signal and the user ID information is discriminated from the signal and the image data are stored in a storage section 24 corresponding to the user ID information. Then whether or not printing of the image data stored in the storage section 24 is to be started is discriminated by a print start discrimination section 26 and when the printing is discriminated to be started, the image data are printed out by a print section 28.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera / print system including a camera capable of transmitting data and a printing device for receiving and printing the data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic camera with a transmission function and a recording device with a reception function are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-16
Japanese Patent Publication 7965 has the following disclosure. After shooting with an electronic camera having a transmission function, by sending the image data obtained by shooting to a recording device in a remote place, it is not necessary to store a large amount of image data in the electronic camera, A technique is disclosed in which this electronic camera does not need to be equipped with a large-capacity storage medium.

[0003]

However, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 167965/1993 does not disclose a method of printing captured image data after transmitting the image data to the recording device. Therefore, in order to print image data, you can purchase an expensive printer yourself and print it, or once record the data on a medium such as a floppy disk and use this media for digital lab services provided at DPE stores. I had to take it and print it.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a photographer desires by transmitting image data and identification information captured by a camera with a transmission function to a printing device in a remote place. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera print system capable of timely creating a print to be printed.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the camera / print system of the present invention converts the photographed image into digital data by ID input means for inputting user ID information as identification information. Imaging means, data compression means for compressing the digital data, transmission signal forming means for converting the user ID information and digital data of the compressed image into a transmission signal, and transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal. A camera with a transmitting function, a receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission signal, a user ID information from the signal received by the receiving means, and a memory for storing image data corresponding to the user ID information. Means, print start determination means for determining whether or not to start printing the image data stored in the storage means, and the print start determination means. If it is determined that the print start by the start determination means, characterized by comprising a receiving function printing device having a printing means for printing the image data.

Further, the camera / print system of the present invention is characterized in that the user ID information inputted by the ID input means is information recorded in a memory card.

Further, in the camera / print system of the present invention, the camera with the transmission function has a print instruction means for transmitting a print request code for instructing printing, and the printing device with the reception function requests the print request. When the code is received, the image data stored in the storage means is printed out.

That is, in the camera with a transmission function in the camera / print system of the present invention, the user ID information, which is identification information, is input by the ID input means, and the photographed image is converted into digital data by the image pickup means, and the digital data is transmitted. The data is compressed by the data compression means. Then, the user ID information and the digital data of the compressed image are converted into a transmission signal by the transmission signal forming means, and the transmission signal is transmitted by the transmission means.

Further, in the printing device with the receiving function,
The transmission signal is transmitted by the receiving means,
The user I from the signal received by the receiving means by the storage means
The D information is determined, and the image data is stored corresponding to the user ID information. Then, whether or not to start printing the image data stored in the storage means is determined by the print start determination means, and when the print start determination means determines that printing is started, the image data is output by the print means. Printed.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the concept of the camera / print system according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a camera / print system according to the present invention. This camera / print system is composed of a camera 1 which is an imaging device having a transmission function, and a printing device 2 which has a reception function of receiving information transmitted from the camera 1.

Further, the camera 1 is an image pickup section 1 for photographing a subject and converting the image into digital image data.
0, a data compression unit 12 that compresses this image data,
An ID input unit 14 for inputting user ID information, a transmission signal forming unit 16 for converting the user ID information and the compressed image data into a transmission signal, and a transmission unit 18 for transmitting the transmission signal. .

The printing device 2 receives a transmission signal transmitted from the camera 1, an receiving unit 20 for discriminating the user ID information, and a user ID.
A storage unit 24 that stores image data for each information, and a print start determination unit 2 that determines whether to start printing.
6 and a print unit 28 that prints the image data according to an instruction from the print start determination unit 26.

In the camera / print system configured as described above, the picked-up image is directly sent to the printing apparatus 2 and automatically printed by the print start judgment. For this reason, the photographer, for example, takes a DP near the home where the printing apparatus 2 is located on the way home from the photograph taken during the trip.
You can drop in at e-shops and receive.

Next, the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention
The print system will be described. FIG. 2 is a specific image diagram showing the configuration of the camera / print system according to the embodiment.

The camera 1 as an image pickup device is an electronic camera having a built-in modem and telephone. The image data taken by the camera 1 is sent to a nearby receiving point 30 by a telephone system such as PHS system, from which it is connected to an access point 32 such as personal computer communication to send the data. At the access point 32, the received user ID code and destination ID code (ID code of DPE store etc.) are checked, and the above data is filed in the database 34 for each destination ID code.

The database 34 and the DPE store 36 that owns the printing device are usually connected by a LAN.
The PE store 36 siphons the data for each user ID code, and when a print start determination is made, starts creating the print 38.

The data transmission method is not limited to the PHS method, and other methods may be used. The database 34 need not be one used for personal computer communication, but may be a dedicated database for the printing system.
The DPE store may be in a convenience store, a supermarket, or the like. Also, the above LA
N may be a telephone line, a cable TV line, or the like.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the camera 1. A lens 42 is provided in the control unit 40, which includes a RISC type microcomputer and controls the overall operation of the camera 1.
An image pickup section 10 for converting the subject image formed by the above into digital image data, and temporarily storing the image data,
An image memory 44 which is a buffer memory and a storage location of the compressed data when the image data is compressed.
And a display unit 46 for displaying an image created from the image data and for displaying a state of the camera 1 described later and a warning.
And an ID input unit 14 for inputting a user ID and the like described later.
A non-volatile memory 48, such as an EEPROM or a flash memory, which stores the number of frames to be photographed and the like, and a transmission unit 18 which has a modem function and a telephone function and transmits data are connected.

Further, the control unit 40 includes the camera 1
Power switch (hereinafter PWS
A W) 50, a release switch (hereinafter referred to as RSW) 52 for starting photographing, and a print instruction switch (hereinafter referred to as PSW) 54 for transmitting a print start to the printing apparatus 2 are connected. .

The control unit 40 is composed of a RISC type microcomputer, but is not limited to this, and may be another CISC type microcomputer if the speed is high. The nonvolatile memory 48 may store the compressed data of the image data when it has a large capacity, and in this case, the data is retained even when the power of the camera 1 is turned off.

The transmitter 18 may not have a modem function and a telephone function and may be connected to the camera 1 separately from the camera 1. Further, the control unit 40 may have a modem function and a telephone function.

FIG. 4 shows the user I input to the ID input unit 14.
It is the figure which showed the example which inputs D information with an ID card. The ID card 58 having the contact point 56 is used for the ID of the camera
By inserting the ID into the input unit 14, as described later
The user ID information stored in the card 58 can be transmitted to the printing device 2.

The ID card 58 is given to the photographer when a contract is made with a DPE store or the like which owns the printing apparatus 2.
This ID card 58 is a flash memory, EEPRO
Built-in M etc. The content of the user ID information stored in the ID card 58 includes, for example, a user ID code for identifying the photographer, as shown in FIG. 10 described later, and whether or not the user is the original when the data is sent. Check the user passcode for confirmation, the DPE store ID code that indicates the contract store (usually a store near your house) when the DPE stores are chain stores and are nationwide, and whether or not there is an error in their data. A check code such as a CRC and a parity code for checking whether or not it is included.

As the user ID code, it is preferable to use a number that is never registered in duplicate, such as a telephone number. Next, the operation of the camera 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing of the control unit 40 as the operation of the camera 1. When the power switch (PWSW) 50 is turned on, first, the control unit 4
0 determines whether or not the user ID code is set (step S1). When the user ID code is not set, data cannot be transmitted, so the display unit 46
"No ID code" is displayed on the screen (step S2),
It is determined whether the PWSW 50 is off (step S11). Here, when the PWSW 50 is off, this processing ends. On the other hand, when the PWSW 50 is not off, the process returns to step S1 and the determination of step S1 is repeated. When the user ID code is set during this period, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the control unit 40 determines whether the release switch (RSW) 52 is on or off. When the RSW 52 is on, shooting is performed (step S4), and the image data digitized by the image pickup unit 10 is transferred to the image memory 44 (step S5).

Next, the control unit 40 sends the above image data to JP
Compress by EG or other method (step S
6) It is determined whether or not there is an empty area to be stored in the image memory 44 or the non-volatile memory 48, that is, whether or not there is a room for storage (step S7). When there is no room, the user ID information and the compressed image data are transmitted to the printing device 2 (step S8), and step S8 is performed.
Move to 9. On the other hand, when there is a margin, the data is not transmitted and the process jumps to step S9.

In step S9, the nonvolatile memory 4
The number of shooting frames stored in 8 is incremented (step S9), and the number of shooting frames after this increment is stored again in the non-volatile memory 48 (step S10). The number of frames to be photographed is reset when the print request code is sent, and is also sent when the data is sent in step S8.

Subsequently, the control section 40 determines whether the PWSW 50 is off (step S11). P
When the WSW 50 is off, this process ends. On the other hand, when it is not turned off, the process returns to step S1 and the processes after step S1 are repeated.

When the RSW 52 is off in step S3, it is determined whether the print instruction switch 54 (PSW) is on or off (step S12). PSW5
When 4 is off, the process returns to step S1 and the processes after step S1 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is turned on, it is determined whether or not the number of shooting frames stored in the non-volatile memory 48 is "0" (step S13). When the number of frames to be photographed is “0”, it is not necessary to transmit data, so “No photographed data” is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S14).
The process returns to step S1 and the processes after step S1 are repeated.

On the other hand, if the number of photographed frames is not "0" in step S13, it is determined whether or not there is untransferred compressed image data (step S15). When there is no untransferred data, the user ID information and the print request code are sent (steps S16 and S17), and the nonvolatile memory 4
Reset the number of shooting frames stored in 8 (step S1
8) and shifts to step S10. If there is untransferred data, the user ID information and the compressed image data are transmitted (step S19), and then the print request code is transmitted (step S17). The number of shooting frames stored in the non-volatile memory 48 is reset (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the number of image frames after reset is stored in the non-volatile memory 48 again (step S10). Subsequently, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the PWSW 50 is off (step S11). PW
When the SW 50 is off, this process ends. On the other hand, when it is not turned off, the process returns to step S1 and the processes after step S1 are repeated.

The JPEG is a kind of compressed image format for still images standardized by ISO. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the camera 1.

The configuration of this camera 1 is obtained by adding a mode switch (MSW) 60 for setting the input mode of the user ID information to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and other configurations are shown in FIG. Since it is the same as the camera 1 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, the user ID is input to the ID input unit 14.
It is the figure which showed the example which connects the writing external device 62 and performs user ID information input. ID input unit 14 of camera 1
By connecting the user ID writing external device 62 to the user ID, the contents input or stored in the user ID writing external device 62 can be transmitted to the printing device 2.

The contents input or stored in the user ID writing external device 62 are the same as the contents of the data stored in the above-mentioned ID card 58, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows the user I input to the ID input unit 14.
It is the figure which showed the example which transmits D information input with the telephone. By transmitting from the telephone 64 to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1, the user ID information is set and can be transmitted to the printing device 2. This user ID information is the same as the content of the data stored in the ID card 58 described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing of the control unit 40 when setting the user ID information in another example of the configuration of the camera 1 shown in FIG. When the mode switch (MSW) 60 is turned on, this flow chart is started by an interrupt. First, the control unit 40 displays on the display unit 46 that the ID input mode has been entered (step S21).

Next, the control section 40 determines whether or not the data input of the user ID information is started (step S2).
2). When no data is input, PWSW50
Is turned off (step S2)
3). If the PWSW 50 is not turned off, the process returns to step S22 and waits until data is input. On the other hand, when the PWSW 50 is off, this processing ends.

In step S22, the user ID
When the data input of information is started, the control unit 40 fetches the user ID information (step S24), and checks the data with the check code shown in FIG. 10 (step S25). If the check result is normal,
“Data input success” is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S
26) On the other hand, if the check result is not normal, "data input failure" is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S2).
7). After that, this processing ends.

Next, the printing device 2 in the camera print system of the embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the printing device 2.

The print control unit 70 for controlling the overall operation of the printing apparatus 2 includes a modem 74 for converting the data coming from the communication line 72 into digital data, and an image storage unit 76 for storing the received image data. A user ID storage unit 78 in which data as shown in FIG. 12 to be described later is stored, an image printer 80 for printing an image from the image data stored in the image storage unit 76, and a media writing for writing to the medium. The part 82 is connected.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing data stored in the user ID storage unit 78. The stored data is
User ID code for identifying the photographer, user pass code for confirming whether or not the person is the original when the data is sent, and whether or not the photographer wishes to output media, the number of simultaneous prints Further, the print sheet type, for example, the paper size, gloss / cut, and the like, and whether or not the user wishes to mail the printed result.

The user ID code may be registered when a contract is made with a DPE store or the like which owns the printer device 2 so that the service of the present invention can be received. The media writing unit 82 writes the media when the media writing is desired, that is, when the media output is set. The medium refers to a floppy disk (FD) for storing image data, a mini disk (MD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a photo CD, or the like.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the processing of the print control unit 70 as the operation of the printing apparatus 2. First, the print control unit 70 determines whether the communication start time has come (step S31). Here, when the communication start time comes, communication with the database 34 is performed.
The communication start time is normally set to several times a day, and communication is performed at that time. As another method of starting communication, this device may be activated from the database 34 side when the data amount is accumulated over a certain amount or when the print request code is sent.

Next, the print control unit 70 determines whether there is image data and user ID information data in the database 34 by communication (step S32). If there is data, the print control unit 70 reads the data (step S33) and checks whether the user ID code and the user pass code match (step S34). When the user ID code and the user pass code match, the image data compressed for each user ID code is stored in the image storage unit 76 (step S).
35).

Subsequently, the print control unit 70 determines whether or not the print request code is read (step S3).
6). When the print request code is read, the unprinted data is expanded from the image data stored in the image storage unit 76 as the user ID code of the photographer corresponding to the print request code (step S
37), print (step S38), step S
Move to 39. On the other hand, when the print request code has not been read, this processing is ended as it is.

In step S39, it is determined whether or not there is a request for media output. When there is a desire to output the medium, the compressed data is written to the medium (step S40). Finally, the user request items (contents at the time of contract) are output to the label (step S41), and this processing ends.

If it is not the communication start time in step S31, there is no data in the database 34 in step S32, or if the user ID code and the user pass code do not match in step S34, Further, if there is no desire to output the media in step S39, this processing is similarly ended.

The DP that owns this printing apparatus 2
Store E can usually only read the data of its DPE store ID code. The printing in step S38 is performed according to the specifications agreed upon at the time of contract with the user.

In addition to the data stored in the user ID storage unit 78, when it is desired to enlarge and print only one image that has been image-processed from a personal computer at home, etc., the transmission data of the above-mentioned image is requested to be output. You can send it after adding the code. At this time, there is no problem if the transmitted data is processed prior to the data stored in the user ID storage unit 78.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an output example of the label in step S41. The label 90 records the customer's name, telephone number, address, output media, number of simultaneous prints, size, finishing, receiving method, and the like. A circle in the figure indicates that the item is selected from among several options.

Prints, media, etc. on which the image data and user ID code are output are put in a bag, and the label 9
You can easily manage the output by pasting 0.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the print control unit 70 as another example of the operation of the printing apparatus 2. This shows a means for starting printing when the camera 1 does not have a function of transmitting a print request code.

First, the print controller 70 determines whether the communication start time has come (step S51). here,
When the communication start time comes, communication with the database 34 is performed. The communication start time is normally set to several times a day, and communication is performed at that time. As another method of starting communication, this device may be activated from the database 34 side when the data amount is accumulated over a certain amount or when the print request code is sent.

Next, the print controller 70 determines whether there is image data and user ID information data in the database 34 by communication (step S52). If there is data, the print control unit 70 reads the data (step S53) and checks whether the user ID code and the user pass code match (step S54). When the user ID code and the user pass code match, the image data compressed for each user ID code is stored in the image storage unit 76 (step S).
55). When this storage is performed, the date and time at this time are stored in the image storage unit 76 for each user ID code by a clock function (not shown) built in the printing apparatus 2 (step S56). After that, this processing ends.

If there is no image data and user ID information data in the database 34 in step S52, the print controller 70 has passed a certain time since the latest reception date and time stored for each user ID code. It is determined whether there is image data (step S57).
If there is image data that has passed a certain time, this image data is decompressed (step S58) and printed (step S59).

Next, the print control unit 70 determines whether or not there is a request for media output (step S60). When there is a desire to output the medium, the compressed data is written to the medium (step S61). Then, finally, the user request items (contents at the time of contract) are output to the label (step S62), and this processing is ended.

When it is not the communication start time in step S51, and when the user ID is entered in step S54.
If the code does not match the user pass code, or if there is no image data that has passed a certain period of time in step S57, and if there is no desire for media output in step S60, then this processing is similarly ended. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to make a print request without taking the photographed image data to the laboratory. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the following configurations can be obtained. (1) ID input means for inputting user ID information, image pickup means for converting a photographed image into digital data,
Data compression means for compressing the digital data, transmission signal forming means for converting the digital data of the user ID information and the compressed image into a transmission signal, and transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal. A camera with a transmitting function, a receiving means for receiving the transmitted signal for transmission, a storage means for discriminating user ID information from the signal received by the receiving means, and storing image data corresponding to the user ID information, Print start determining means for determining whether or not to start printing the image data stored in the storage means; and print means for printing the image data when the print start determining means determines that print is to start. A printing device with a receiving function having
A camera / print system that consists of (2) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the user ID information input by the ID input means is input from an external device and stored in a nonvolatile memory. (3) User ID input by the ID input means
The information is input from an external telephone line and stored in a non-volatile memory, and the camera / print system according to (1) above. (4) The camera print according to the above (1), characterized in that when a user ID code for user identification is not set in the user ID information input to the ID input means, photographing by the camera is prohibited. system. (5) The camera with a transmission function has print instruction means for transmitting a print request code for instructing printing, and when the printing device receives the print request code, the printing means determines the print start code based on the print start determination means. The camera print system according to (1), wherein the image data stored in the storage means is printed out. (6) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the printing start means starts printing by the printing means when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last received image data signal. (7) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the printing apparatus has a user ID storage unit that stores a user's desired item for print output, and printing is possible based on the content of the user ID storage unit. (8) The print output desired item includes at least one of a print size, the number of simultaneous prints, a print receiving method, necessity of media output, and output media type. Camera print system. (9) Types of the output media are FD, MD, M
The camera / print system according to (8) above, including at least one of O and a photo CD. (10) The camera print system according to (1), wherein the printing device has a writing unit that writes image data to a storage medium.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, by transmitting the image data and the identification information captured by the camera with the transmission function to the printing device at the remote place, the print desired by the photographer can be obtained. It is possible to provide a camera / print system that can be created in a timely manner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a camera / print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a specific image diagram showing the configuration of the camera / print system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a user ID to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1.
It is the figure which showed the example which inputs information by an ID card.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the control unit 40 as an operation of the camera 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the camera 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a user ID writing external device 62 is connected to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1 to input user ID information.

FIG. 8 is a user ID for the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1.
It is the figure which showed the example which transmits an information input with a telephone.

9 is a flowchart showing processing of the control unit 40 when setting user ID information in another example of the configuration of the camera 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the content of user ID information.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a user ID storage unit 78 of the printing apparatus 2.
It is a figure which shows the data stored in.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the print control unit 70 as the operation of the printing apparatus 2.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an output example of labels in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process of a print control unit as an operation of another example of the printing apparatus 2.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Camera, 2 ... Printing device, 10 ... Imaging unit, 12 ...
Data compression section, 14 ... ID input section, 16 ... transmission signal forming section, 18 ... transmission section, 20 ... reception section, 22 ... ID determination section,
24 ... Storage unit, 26 ... Print start determination unit, 28 ... Print unit, 30 ... Reception point, 32 ... Access point, 34 ... Database, 36 ... DPE store, 38 ... Print, 40 ... Control unit (RISC type microcomputer) , 42 ... Lens, 44 ... Image memory, 46 ... Display unit, 48 ... Non-volatile memory, 50 ... Power switch (P
WSW), 52 ... Release switch (RSW), 54 ...
Print instruction switch (PSW), 56 ... Contact, 58 ...
ID card, 60 ... Mode switch (MSW), 62 ...
User ID writing external device, 64 ... Telephone, 70 ... Print control unit, 72 ... Communication line, 74 ... Modem, 76 ...
Image storage unit, 78 ... User ID storage unit, 80 ... Image printer, 82 ... Media writing unit, 90 ... Label.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An ID input means for inputting user ID information as identification information, an image pickup means for converting a photographed image into digital data, a data compression means for compressing the digital data, the user ID information and the above A transmission signal forming means for converting the digital data of the compressed image into a transmission signal, a transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal, and a camera with a transmission function, and a receiver for receiving the transmitted transmission signal. Means, a storage means for discriminating the user ID information from the signal received by the receiving means and storing image data corresponding to the user ID information, and whether or not to start printing the image data stored in the storage means. If the print start determination means for determining whether or not the print start is determined by the print start determination means, the image data is printed. And a printing device with a reception function having a printing means for printing. 2. The camera / print system according to claim 1, wherein the user ID information input by the ID input means is information recorded in a memory card. 3. The camera with a transmission function has print instruction means for transmitting a print request code for instructing printing, and the printing device with a reception function is stored in the storage means when the print request code is received. 2. The camera print system according to claim 1, wherein the image data that has been printed is printed out.