WO1999052719A1

WO1999052719A1 - System for making ornamental seal for small electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO1999052719A1
Application number: PCT/JP1999/001888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazuhiro Takada; Tsutomu Kosukegawa
Original assignee: World Creative Lab. Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-04-10
Filing date: 1999-04-08
Publication date: 1999-10-21
Also published as: TW479451B; CN1263502A; EP0988998A1; KR20010013558A

Abstract

A system for making an ornamental seal suitable for the housing of a small electronic device of any shape and possessed of any pattern selected on the spot, adaptable to change of the housing and to addition and change of the pattern of the seal. Data about the shape and dimensions of the housing of a small electronic device and data about the pattern are sent to a client computer through network communication or by transportation of a CD-ROM to supply the data to a printer with a cutting function connected to the client, thus making a sticking seal having a shape suitable for a specified housing and having a specified pattern printed thereon.

Description

Description System for creating small decorative seals for electronic devices

The present invention relates to a variety of decorations for decorating housings of portable information terminals such as mobile phones, PHSs, pagers, electronic notebooks and notebook computers, and small electronic devices (small information devices) such as portable MD players. Related to seal creation system. Background art

Generally, the housing of a small electronic device is often plain so as to be designed for any age group. However, in reality, small electronic devices are prevalent among younger generations. For example, in the field of mobile communication terminals, PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) has become widespread especially among high school girls and the like, and there is a usage situation in which communication is performed using this PHS. In such a usage situation, PHS is perceived by users as a so-called play goods, and the design of the housing is required to be unique. In order to respond to such demands, replacement housings with modified shapes and patterns have been commercially available, and this decorative housing has gained popularity.

However, in order to manufacture a housing with a devised shape, it is necessary to raise a special mold for that purpose and form it using that mold, so it is necessary to manufacture housings of various shapes. Then, the production cost becomes higher. In addition, housings with a pattern by coloring the housing itself are also manufactured and sold individually with the housing itself, so the cost is similarly high.

Small information devices such as mobile phones, PHS, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) Containers are carried around on a daily basis, and younger generations in recent years in particular have a desire to change to a unique design housing that matches their own lifestyle. Therefore, for example, telephone seals containing a design such as wood grain as shown in FIG. 14 are commercially available, for example, on commercially available mobile phones. This telephone seal can be used to change the mobile phone to a desired design simply by sticking it on the case surface of the mobile phone.

However, although the above telephone seals are relatively inexpensive, the patterns are limited and the housings of mobile phones are diverse, so that a seal that fits the dimensions and shape of all these housings is required. However, it is difficult for manufacturers to sell products in stock. Therefore, mobile phone users cannot freely select their favorite patterns or design their own. In addition to the fact that there are many mobile phone manufacturers, the number of mobile phone models is intense, and in order to provide various patterns of seals for all models, about 10,000 types of seals are always available, and more than half a year. It is necessary to add many types of seals in response to the model change that is performed about once every two years. For these reasons, the manufacture and sale of telephone seals has not been established as a business and has hardly spread. The situation is the same for other small electronic devices other than mobile phones.

The present invention provides a decorative seal that fits into a housing (casing) of a small electronic device such as a mobile phone having a variety of dimensions and shapes. It can be selected in the field and created in a short time, it is also possible to bring in your favorite design, and it is possible to upgrade the dimensions and shape of the above housing and add or change pictures at any time An object of the present invention is to provide a system for producing a seal for decoration of a small electronic device. Disclosure of the invention The system for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer, an electronic organizer, a pager, or the like, according to the present invention, regularly or periodically collects data on the shape and / or picture of the housing of the small electronic device. A server that distributes the data in response to a request from the client, and a client that receives the data, wherein the client supplies data relating to the shape of the housing of the small information device and / or picture data to a printer / cutter, This is to create a sticker for the housing decoration of the designated picture, with a cut line corresponding to the shape of the designated small information equipment housing. Further, the present invention is a mobile telephone device, wherein the small information device includes at least a dial button, a liquid crystal display unit, a microphone and a speaker, and the data relating to the shape of the small information device housing includes data on the outer shape of the housing; The position and shape data of the button, the position and shape data of the display unit, the position and shape data of the microphone, the position and shape data of the speaker, and other holes are formed on the housing surface. This is a system for creating decorative stickers for small information equipment, including data on the location and shape of the necessary parts.

Further, the recording medium of the present invention includes a pattern data file storing various pattern data for decorating a housing of a small electronic device, an art line data file storing data relating to various shapes of the housing, By outputting the relevant data and the selected picture data to a printer / cutter, a sticker for housing decoration of the designated picture with a cut line of a shape adapted to the housing of the designated small electronic device And a computer file that is recorded in a computer readable format. The recording medium of the present invention is periodically delivered to a user-registered seal shop or the like, and the program file and the data are periodically updated and installed in a computer owned by each user. However, it is possible to construct a device for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device corresponding to the type of the latest small electronic device. Further, the present invention is a mobile telephone device, wherein the small information device includes at least a dial button, a liquid crystal display unit, a microphone and a speaker, and the data relating to the shape of the small information device housing includes data on the outer shape of the housing; The position and shape data of the button, the position and shape data of the display unit, the position and shape data of the microphone, the position and shape data of the speaker, and other holes are formed in the housing surface. This is a recording medium that contains the data of the position and shape of the necessary part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic system configuration of a client side of a network system for creating a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a decorative seal is attached to a mobile phone. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a decorative seal for a mobile phone.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing various samples of a decorative seal created by the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the state of the pasting seal after the seal of FIG. 4 has been removed.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a sample in a state where the decorative seal created by the system of the present invention is actually attached to a mobile phone.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a printing apparatus used for producing a seal according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of a network system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of updating data of the user terminal in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of data output at the user terminal of the system of the present invention. It is a whole conceptual diagram showing an example.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a program for selecting either a ready-made image or an original image in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a program for adding an original image to a ready-made image in the system of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a client computer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a conventional telephone's seal.

Fig. 15 is a conceptual diagram of attaching a decorative sticker to an electronic organizer.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of attaching a decorative seal to a pager.

Fig. 17 is a conceptual diagram of attaching a decorative sticker to a notebook computer.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of attaching a decorative seal to a side surface of a mobile phone. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a computer having an auxiliary storage device, and a printing device with a cutting function (printer / cutter) connected to the computer, wherein the printing device outputs image data from the computer. By printing a design represented by the data on a seal sheet (adhesive paper: seal-seat), and outputting form data from a computer, the form of the shape represented by the data is printed. A cut line is inserted into the seal sheet. The auxiliary storage device of the computer stores a large number of image data representing various pictures and various types of small electronic devices (smaller). l A large number of shape data corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the housing of the electronic machine, the various pictures and the various Arbitrarily selecting one pattern and one model from among the models of Outputting the image data and the shape data corresponding to the selected model to the printing apparatus, the program being executable by the computer; and It can be implemented as a device. According to this device, by updating the data in the auxiliary storage device to the latest data at any time by network distribution or CD-ROM distribution, small electronic devices such as mobile phones owned by the seal purchaser can be obtained. It is possible to create and sell on-the-spot stickers that are force-fitted to the shape and dimensions of the device and that have the button position and liquid crystal display cut out. In addition, since the buyer creates the seal after selecting the seal pattern according to the purchaser's preference, there is no need to manufacture and manage a large amount of inventory in advance, and a low cost seal creation system Can be provided.

The image data is generally bitmap data composed of a large number of vertical and horizontal dots, or is composed of compressed bitmap data. In order to make a cut within the range of the printed pattern, the number of horizontal dots of the bitmap data is larger than the product of the largest width and the image resolution of the shape represented by each shape data, In addition, the number of dots in the vertical direction of the bitmap data may be larger than the product of the largest vertical width of the shapes represented by each shape data and the image resolution. For example, if the maximum width of the sticker to be created is 2 inches, the maximum height is 6 inches, and the image resolution is 400 dpi, the number of horizontal dots in the bitmap image is 800 dots or more. The number of dots in the vertical direction should be 2400 dots or more. As the image resolution, the one stored in each image data can be used. An example of the data format in which the image resolution is stored in the data is a Jpeg format. Preferably, the computer includes an input device for setting a correction amount of a drawing position of an outline with respect to a picture when an output image is displayed on a display device, and the correction value set by the input device. After correcting the shape data selected based on the data, the corrected shape data is output to the printing device. W-can be formed. According to this, by providing a hole in the decorative seal corresponding to the button or the liquid crystal display, it is possible to avoid cutting out the main part of the pattern (for example, the part where the character's face is drawn). it can. As the input device, a keyboard / mouse that is normally connected to a personal computer can be used. The above configuration can be realized by monitoring predetermined key operation of the keyboard and mouse operation by a process running on the computer and programming the seal creation application so that any correction value can be set. .

In the above sticker creating apparatus, it is preferable that the computer includes a display device for displaying an output image formed by drawing an outline corresponding to the selected model on the selected picture. According to this, the output image can be visually confirmed in advance before the seal is created by the printing apparatus. The outline drawn in the output image can be generated using the shape data corresponding to the selected model. Also, in order to perform high-definition full-color printing, the size of the image data becomes very large (generally, about several hundred KB yte), and this large-sized image data is read from the auxiliary storage device when a picture is selected. If you reduce the display to a size suitable for the screen size and display it, the response will be very poor. Therefore, in order to improve the response of the selection operation, a large number of low-resolution image data representing the same picture as each of the above image data is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the computer, and the output image on the display device is stored. It is preferable to use low-resolution image data for the display. The bitmap size of such low-resolution image data should be less than 640 dots in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so that it can be properly displayed even at VGA resolution, which is one of the most popular screen display methods. Is preferably 480 dots or less.

When creating a decorative sticker using a seal sheet on which a picture is printed in advance, the image data and a program for processing the data are not necessary. _In addition, it is also possible to use a cutting device having no printing function instead of the printing device.

The present invention also includes a computer having an auxiliary storage device, and a printing device connected to the computer, wherein the printing device inputs a bitmap data in a predetermined format to convert a picture represented by the data. The image is printed on a seal sheet; the storage device of the computer stores a large number of image data representing various patterns and a large number corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices. Arbitrarily selecting one pattern and one model from the various patterns and various models; and corresponding to the image data corresponding to the selected pattern and the selected model. Generating an output image in which a cut line is drawn on the selected pattern based on the shape data; and Generating bitmap data conforming to the input format of the printing apparatus from the above, and outputting the bitmap data generated by the step to the printing apparatus; and a program executable by the computer, comprising: It can be implemented as a device for making decorative seals for small electronic devices. According to this device, by updating the data in the auxiliary storage device to the latest data as needed by network distribution or CD-ROM distribution, small-sized devices such as mobile phones owned by the seal purchaser can be obtained. Stickers with cutout lines can be created and sold on the front panel of electronic devices, such as the outline of the front panel, liquid crystal display, and buttons that need to be cut out. Therefore, by cutting with a force cutter knife or scissors along the cut line of the seal, it becomes possible to attach the seal to the surface of the small electronic device possessed by the purchaser. In addition, since the purchaser creates the seal after selecting the seal pattern according to the purchaser's preference, there is no need to manufacture and manage a large amount of inventory in advance, and a low-cost seal creation system can be provided. Note that, even in such a seal creation device, the computer includes a display device that displays the output image. g is preferred.

The registration and update of data in the auxiliary storage device of the computer can be performed by distributing the data to each computer through a network to a store (user), and the necessary data is recorded. The distribution can also be performed by each user by distributing the recording medium. Such a recording medium of the present invention includes a large number of image data representing various patterns, a large number of shape data describing shapes corresponding to dimensions and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices, respectively, One image and one image are arbitrarily selected from a large number of images and a number of types, and the image data corresponding to the selected image and the shape data corresponding to the selected type are sent to a computer. A computer-executable program for outputting to a connected printing device, and a computer can be implemented as being recorded in a computer-readable manner. In order to improve the convenience of program design and data management, it is desirable to record the large number of image data and the large number of shape data as separate files that can be identified by file names.

Further, when image data of high resolution for printing and low resolution for screen display are supplied to the user, the recording medium of the present invention can be configured as follows. That is, the computer-readable recording medium of the present invention includes a large number of high-resolution image data representing various patterns, a large number of low-resolution image data representing the same pattern as each of the high-resolution image data, and various types of image data. It is assumed that a large number of shape data respectively corresponding to the size and shape of the housing of the small electronic device and a program executable by a computer are recorded in a computer-readable manner. Here, the program may include a step of arbitrarily selecting one pattern and one model from the plurality of patterns and the plurality of models, and a low-resolution image data corresponding to the selected pattern and a selected model. An output image based on the corresponding shape data is displayed on a display device connected to a computer. And outputting the resolution image data corresponding to the selected picture to a printing device connected to the computer, and printing the shape data corresponding to the selected model to the computer. And the step of outputting to. More preferably, the plurality of high-resolution image data, the low-resolution image data, and the plurality of shape data are recorded as separate files each identifiable by a file name, and high-resolution image data representing the same picture. The database file that associates the file name of the low-resolution image data with the file name is also recorded. According to this, it is possible to access each data easily and quickly with a simple program using a database file, and the degree of freedom in file names is improved, so that file management is further facilitated. .

The format of the database file may be any format. For example, a low-resolution image data file name and a high-resolution image data file name are separated by a comma (,) in a text document. Data association can be described.

Further, if the purpose is only to update data in the computer owned by the user, the recording medium of the present invention includes at least a large number of high-resolution image files representing various pictures, and each high-resolution image data. A number of low-resolution image data files representing the same picture, a data file describing the association between the high-resolution image data file and the low-resolution image data file of the same picture, It is sufficient if a large number of shape data files corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of the housings of various types of small electronic devices, respectively, are recorded in a computer-readable manner.

Further, the present invention is suitable for constructing a system for creating a small electronic device decoration seal on a network system. The present invention includes a server having an auxiliary storage device, and a client connected to the server so as to be capable of two-way communication, The auxiliary storage device of the server stores a large number of resolution image data representing various pictures, and a large number of shape data corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices. And a process for distributing the image data and the shape data to the client is executed on the server, and the client outputs the image data by outputting the image data from the client. A printing device with a force-fitting function for printing a pattern represented by the data on a seal sheet and outputting a cut line of the shape represented by the data by outputting shape data from the client is connected. And on the client, one of the various patterns and various types A process is executed for arbitrarily selecting a pattern and one model, and outputting high-resolution image data corresponding to the selected pattern and shape data corresponding to the selected model to the printing apparatus. It can be implemented as a small electronic device decoration seal creation network system. The number of processes executed on the server or the client may be one, or the above-described predetermined processing may be performed by two or more processes.

Also in the network system of the present invention, the high-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a large number of dots in the vertical and horizontal directions or compressed data of the bitmap data. The number of dots in the vertical direction of the bitmap data is larger than the product of the largest width and the image resolution among the shapes represented by the shape data, and the largest number of the dots represented by each shape data. It shall be larger than the product of the height and the image resolution. Further, it is preferable that the client is provided with a display device for displaying an output image formed by drawing an outline corresponding to the selected model on the selected picture. Furthermore, a large number of low-resolution image data representing the same pattern as each high-resolution image data is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the server, and the It is preferable to use low-resolution image data when displaying the output image on the display device. In addition, a large number of low-resolution image data are distributed from the server to the client periodically or in response to a request from the client. Preferably, low resolution image data stored in the client's auxiliary storage is used. According to this, the amount of data transferred from the server to the client can be reduced as much as possible when selecting a picture, and necessary data can be delivered to the client while avoiding congestion on the network line. it can. More preferably, the high resolution image data can be transmitted from the server to the client from the server corresponding to the pattern selected by the request from the client after the selection of the pattern and the model is completed.

Preferably, the client includes an input device for setting a correction amount of a drawing position of an outline with respect to the picture when the output image is displayed on the display device, and the client sets the correction amount set by the input device. After the selected shape data is corrected based on the value, the corrected shape data may be output to the printing apparatus. According to this, by providing a hole in the decorative seal corresponding to the button or the liquid crystal display unit, it is possible to prevent a main part of the pattern (for example, a part where a character's face is drawn) from being cut off. . As the input device, a keyboard / mouse that is connected to a personal computer as standard can be used. The above configuration is implemented by monitoring predetermined key operations on the keyboard and mouse operations by a process running on the computer and programming the seal creation application so that any correction value can be set. Realization.

When a decorative seal is created using a seal sheet on which a picture is printed in advance, the image data and a program for processing the data are not necessary. Without printing function W

It is also possible to use a weak force-setting device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network server for distributing data for creating small electronic device decoration stickers, which can be suitably used as a file server connected to the Internet. The present invention is a server to which a client connected to a printing device for creating a decorative seal for a small electronic device is connected so as to be capable of two-way communication,

Multiple 髙 resolution image data representing various pictures, many low resolution image data representing the same picture as each 髙 resolution image data, and corresponding to the size and shape of the housing of various types of small electronic devices Along with an auxiliary storage device that stores a large number of shape data and charging information data for each client,

In the server's central processing unit,

In response to a request from the client, the high-resolution image data selected by the client, the low-resolution image data selected by the client, and the shape data selected by the client are distributed.

Updating the billing information data of the client when the selected high-resolution image data is distributed to the client

Process is running for

The high-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of the bitmap data. The number of horizontal dots of the high-resolution image data is represented by each shape data. The number of dots in the vertical direction of the high-resolution image data is larger than the product of the largest width of the shape and the image resolution of the high-resolution image data. Larger than the product of the largest vertical width of the image and the image resolution of the high-resolution image data,

The low-resolution image data is a bitmap composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots. ^ Small electronic equipment decorative sticker consisting of data or compressed data of the bitmap data, wherein the number of horizontal dots of the low-resolution image data is less than 640 and the number of vertical dots is less than 480. It can be implemented as a network server for distribution of created data.

According to the server of the present invention, the personal computer in each home is connected to the Internet as a client, so that the server of the present invention can be connected to the housing of a small electronic device such as a mobile phone carried by a seal purchaser. It is possible to select and download suitable shape data and favorite pattern data. In addition, when selecting the desired pattern data, a low-res image data with a small file size is downloaded from the server and displayed on the display device of the client, so that a selection operation with good response can be performed. That is, the low-resolution image data distributed by the server of the present invention is mainly used as screen display data at the time of a picture selecting operation in the client. Generally, the display screen of a personal computer used in each home is (horizontal dot number) X (vertical dot number) 640 × 480 in the IVGA standard, 800 × 600 in the SVGA standard, According to the XGA standard, it is set to 102 4 X 768. Therefore, in order to make low-resolution image data used for screen display general-purpose, the number of horizontal dots of low-resolution image data should be less than 640 and the number of vertical dots should be less than 480. Is preferred.

Further, after the seal purchaser's favorite pattern is determined from the server of the present invention described above, high-resolution image data of the pattern is downloaded, and the seal purchaser possesses the output image represented by the data. By adding a cutout line in black using, for example, shape data that fits the housing of the small electronic device to be printed, and outputting this output image to a color printer, a high-definition, vivid color pattern with the cutout line included Can print decorative stickers. Then, cut along the cut line using a cutter knife or scissors, and then cleanly attach the seal to the housing. Can be pasted. The sales information to the seal purchaser is assured by updating the billing information data in the server when the high-resolution image data is distributed, and is charged periodically (for example, once a month). It is possible to send an invoice to the buyer based on the information data.

In order to describe the present invention in more detail, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a basic system on a user terminal (client) side of a network system (data distribution system) for decorative seal of a small information device such as a mobile phone according to the present invention.

In the figure, a sticker printing machine 1 is a device in which a color 'inkjet' printer and a cutting machine are combined into one. As such a printing press 1 (printer cutter), for example, a printer already available from Roland DG Inc. under the trade name “COLOR SIGN MAKER” can be used. Reference numeral 2 denotes a personal computer serving as a client of the network system. The computer 2 controls the sticker printing machine 1 and transmits / receives data to / from a server 1 described later. As shown in the figure, when using the network, the client 2 receives the data from the server installed at the data distribution center and sends the billing information 4 corresponding to the data use to the center. have. The present invention can be a distribution system via the above network. However, as a simple system that does not use a network, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is regularly sent to a sticker store (user 1). It may be a stand-alone computer system that can be delivered locally and users can upgrade individually.

2 and 3 are conceptual diagrams of a mobile phone decorative seal. As shown in the figure, the decorative seal 5 has a hole in the surface of the liquid crystal display portion or the dial portion, and is manually attached to the mobile phone housing by an adhesive layer. The decorative seal 5 Is mainly used to decorate the surface of the housing, but the back and side surfaces of the housing may also be decorated. The seal includes a release paper 6, an adhesive layer 7, and a mount portion 8 on which a picture or the like is printed. This basic structure is the same as the conventional telephone seal shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a sample of a state in which the decorative sticker created by the sticker printing machine 1 has been peeled off from the release paper and is about to be attached to the telephone housing. FIG. 5 is a sample showing the state of the seal after the seal has been removed.

As shown in Fig. 7, the sticker printing machine prints a normal sticker sheet (adhesive sticker) 8 'in color and prints it at the same time as any specified pattern can be peeled by hand. A predetermined cut line is made in the specified shape corresponding to the size and shape of the housing. Generally, this type of printing apparatus is connected to a serial connection terminal of a computer and outputs image data from the computer to print a picture represented by the data on printing paper. The input data of a printing device is usually a picture in a bitmap format. The bitmap is a method of displaying a figure as a group of dots. Each dot has color information, and the bitmap data can represent various patterns of a vivid color pattern. When printing, using a fluorescent ink or a phosphorescent ink, a decorative effect that is particularly conspicuous at night can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 5, after the seal of FIG. 4 is peeled off, the release paper remains white and exposed on the surface. FIG. 6 shows a sample of the decorative sticker of the present invention thus produced, which is actually attached to a mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 18, the decorative seal may be affixed to the side of the mobile phone casing. The above pattern is color printed.

For other electronic information devices, the size of the seal, cutting, etc. Although there are differences between the lines, the basic mechanism for creating the seal is the same as above. Fig. 15 shows an example of an electronic organizer, Fig. 16 shows an example of a pager, and Fig. 17 shows an example of a notebook type bass computer.

FIG. 8 shows a system configuration of the network system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a server, reference numerals 12 and 13 denote clients (user terminals), and reference numeral 14 denotes a data content management center for supplying basic information to the server.

The management center 14 constantly manages the image file 16 (image data file) and the outline data file 17 (shape data file) distributed to the user terminal via the server, and the server 11 hard disk (storage device). The image file 20 and the art line data file 21 stored in) are updated periodically or in response to a request from a client. As shown in FIG. 8, when the management center 14 and the server 11 are separated from each other, the above data updating can be performed using a network via a telephone line or a dedicated line. The Internet can be used as such a network. In addition, the server 11 is connected to each of the user terminals 12 and 13 via the networks 30 and 31 via telephone lines, but a dedicated line may be used if necessary. Further, although not shown, a CD-ROM containing data to be delivered recorded in a computer-readable manner is delivered by mail to a user who is not connected to the network, and each user can store the data in his or her own computer. The data may be updated using the distributed CD-ROM.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of updating data between the server 11 and the user terminals 12 and 13. In this example, the image file 20 and the image line data file 21 stored in the storage device of the server 11 and the image file 2 stored in the storage device of each of the user terminals 12 and 13 are shown. 2, 25 and the art line data files 23, 26 are compared, ^ A system in which only new registration data that does not exist in the user terminals 1 and 1 and data with new dates updated in the server 11 are downloaded from the server 11 to the user terminals 12 and 13 It has a configuration. When the user terminals 12 and 13 use this system, a fee is charged according to the output information 24 and 27, and the charging information 19 stored in the server 11 is collected as needed. Then, billing information is created and sent to each user terminal 12, 13. As shown in Fig. 8, it is more convenient for the user terminal to process the payment information and to automatically manage the payment information at the management center, but such a payment system can be replaced by another existing system. .

FIG. 10 shows an overall conceptual diagram of data output at the client (user terminal). In the figure, a client program (integrated software) executed on the client manages the overall flow.

The image file 42 and the art line data file 43 correspond to the reference numerals 22 and 23 shown in FIG. These Huinores 42, 43 are regularly (eg, once a day) receiving automatic data updates from the server. It is also possible to configure so that data is downloaded from the server to the client in response to a request from the client without receiving the automatic update from the server.

The image file 42 and the art line data file 43 are periodically updated via the network as described above. If a network is not used, the files 42 and 43 can be updated using a CD-ROM distributed separately by mail or the like. In addition to the ready-made images (pictures) registered on the server, use the original design images created by the seal purchaser (end user) as shown by reference numeral 46 in FIG. An image input device, such as a scanner or CCD camera, can be connected to the client computer (user terminal) so that the client computer (user terminal) can operate. The image file 42 contains a large number of high-resolution image data representing various patterns provided by the data content creation company. It is desirable that each of these many image data be stored in a separate image file so that each image data can be identified by a file name. However, many image data are stored in a single image file. Are also included in the present invention. The format of the image data is generally a bit map format, but may be compressed data of the bit map data. As such an image compression format, a Jpeg format, a GIF format, a PCX format, a TIFF format, a Targa format, and the like are known, and the image data used in the present invention system is any of these formats. Also good ,. Usually, when these compressed data files are read into the main memory (main memory) of the computer, they are decompressed into a bitmap format by a process running on the computer. Therefore, it is possible to print a desired picture by outputting the bitmap image data developed in the main storage device of the client to the printing device. In addition, since the size of high-resolution image data for output to a printing device becomes very large, if this is used for confirmation display on a screen, the response will be poor. Therefore, it is preferable to create a large number of low-resolution image data representing the same picture as each high-resolution image data. The art line data file 43 is provided by a data content creation company and includes a large number of shape data corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of various types of mobile phones and PHS housings. It is desirable to store each of the multiple shape data in a separate file data file so that each data can be identified by a file name. However, multiple data items can be stored in a single file. A description of the shape data is also included in the present invention. As the form of the shape data, generally, vector data representing the outer shape of the housing and the outer shapes of the buttons and the liquid crystal display in vector format is used. This kind of Vector data is widely used in plotter devices and the like, and has the advantage that a highly accurate shape can be described with a small amount of data. When the vector data is output to the printing device 1, the printing device 1 is configured to cut a predetermined shape in the seal sheet along the shape represented by the vector data.

On the client's hard disk (auxiliary storage device), in addition to the above data, communication with the server and control of the printing device, as well as selection of the model and desired picture of the mobile phone owned by the seal purchaser The program for creating decorative stickers is stored. Normally, this program is stored in an executable file format, and is executed by a client computer to generate a process for performing a predetermined process. The program includes, for example, a step of arbitrarily selecting one pattern and one type from various patterns and various types, image data corresponding to the selected pattern, and shape data corresponding to the selected type. Output to a printing device.

The data selected from the image file 42 and the art line data file 43 is visually checked on a display device 45 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and after confirming the output image on the screen, the sticker printing machine 47 displays the output image. The selected pattern is printed and pressed into a shape suitable for the housing of the specified type of small electronic device. As described above, since the cut-out line is already formed in the output decorative seal, the decorative seal is carefully peeled off from the release paper by hand, and is attached to the housing of the target mobile phone or the like.

Examples of these flowcharts are shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. Fig. 11 is a flowchart for selecting a model outline after selecting an image file first. FIG. 12 is a flowchart in a case where a model outline is selected first, and then an image file is selected. Either of these selection flows may be adopted. Fig. 11 shows the ready-made image and the original FIG. 12 is a flowchart including an operation of selecting one of the images. FIG. 12 is a flowchart including an operation of adding an original image to a ready-made image. FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the seal making device of the present invention. The creation device shown in FIG. 13 applies only the outline force setting to a seal on which a picture or the like is already printed. According to this system, it is possible to realize an inexpensive simplified mass-production system that applies only a cut that can be used for any model, particularly for a popular pattern.

According to the system for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to the above embodiment, it is possible to immediately respond to a change in the housing of a mobile phone having various dimensions and shapes, and to select an arbitrary pattern from among abundant patterns. You can choose your own design on the spot, bring your own design, and at any time pursue the shape and dimensions of the housing and add or change pictures. Can be provided.

In addition, the above system can use commercially available general-purpose personal computers and the Internet, does not require new capital investment, and can be realized at low cost mainly by software development and operation system construction. In addition, it is possible to quickly and inexpensively and easily realize a small electronic device housing such as a decorated telephone having a completely different design from the conventional one. Industrial applicability

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention provides a device for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device, a recording medium for supplying data to the device, a network system for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device, and a data distribution system for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device. It is realized as a system for creating a decorative seal for network servers and small information devices, and is suitable for use in creating a seal for decorating the housing of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and PHS. It is.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A computer having an auxiliary storage device, and a printing device with a cutting function connected to the computer, wherein the printing device outputs image data from the computer to seal a picture represented by the data. Printing on a sheet, and outputting shape data from a computer to insert a cut line of the shape represented by the data into the sheet;

In the auxiliary storage device of the computer,

Numerous image data representing various pictures,

A large number of shape data corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of the housings of various types of small electronic devices, respectively,

Arbitrarily selecting one of three patterns and one model from the various patterns and the various models; and the image data corresponding to the selected pattern and the model corresponding to the selected model. A program executable by the computer, comprising: a step of outputting shape data to the printing device;

Is stored;

Equipment for making decorative seals for small electronic devices.

2. The image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of bitmap data. The number of horizontal dots of the bitmap data is the number of dots in the shape represented by each shape data. And the number of dots in the vertical direction of the bitmap data is larger than the product of the largest vertical width of the shape represented by each shape data and the image resolution. The apparatus for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 1, which is large.

3. The computer for a small electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the computer includes a display device for displaying an output image formed by drawing an outline corresponding to the selected model on the selected picture. Equipment for making decorative seals.

4. A large number of low-resolution image data representing the same picture as each image data is stored in an auxiliary storage device of a computer, and the low-resolution image data is used for displaying an output image on a display device. Equipment for making decorative seals for small electronic devices as described in item 3.

5. The computer includes an input device for setting a correction amount of the drawing position of the outline with respect to the pattern when the output image is displayed on the display device, and based on the correction value set by the input device. 4. The apparatus for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the corrected shape data is output to a printing device after correcting the selected shape data.

6. A computer having an auxiliary storage device, and a printing device connected to the computer, wherein the printing device seals a pattern represented by the data by inputting bitmap data in a predetermined format. It is printed on a sheet.

In the storage device of the computer,

Numerous image data representing various pictures,

Arbitrarily selecting one pattern and one type from the various patterns and various types; and forming image data corresponding to the selected pattern and shape data corresponding to the selected type. Generating an output image in which a cutout line is drawn on a selected picture based on the selected image, and generating bitmap data conforming to the input format of the printing apparatus from the output image. Outputting the generated bitmap data to the printing device; and a program executable by the computer, comprising:

Equipment for making decorative seals for small electronic devices.

7. The apparatus for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the computer includes a display device that displays the output image.

8. A large number of low-resolution image data representing the same picture as each image data are stored in a storage device of a computer, and the low-resolution image data is used for displaying an output image on a display device. Equipment for making decorative seals for small electronic devices as described.

9. A computer provided with an auxiliary storage device, and a cutting device connected to the computer, wherein the cutting device outputs shape data from the computer to cut the cut line having the shape represented by the data. Put in a sheet;

In the auxiliary storage device of the computer,

A program executable by the computer, comprising: arbitrarily selecting one type from the various types; and outputting the shape data corresponding to the selected type to the force setting device. When,

Is stored;

Equipment for making decorative seals for small electronic devices.

10. Many image data representing various patterns,

A large number of shape data describing shapes corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices;

One image and one image are arbitrarily selected from the many images and many images, and the image data corresponding to the selected image and the shape data corresponding to the selected image are transmitted to a computer. A computer-executable program for outputting to a connected printing device;

Is a computer-readable recording medium.

11. The recording medium according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of image data and the plurality of shape data are recorded as separate files each of which can be identified by a file name.

12. The image data is composed of bit map data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of bit map data, and the number of horizontal dots of the bit map data is represented by each shape data. The number of vertical dots of the bitmap data is larger than the product of the largest horizontal width of the shape and the image resolution, and the largest vertical width of the shape represented by each shape data and the image resolution 10. The recording medium according to claim 10, wherein the recording medium is larger than the product of:

13 3. A large number of high-resolution image data representing various patterns, a large number of low-resolution image data representing the same pattern as each high-resolution image data, and the size and shape of the housing of various types of small electronic devices. A number of corresponding shape data and a computer-executable program are recorded in a computer-readable manner,

The program comprises: a step of arbitrarily selecting one pattern and one model from the plurality of patterns and the plurality of models; and a low-resolution image data corresponding to the selected pattern and a shape corresponding to the selected model. Displaying an output image based on the data on a display device connected to the computer; outputting high-resolution image data corresponding to the selected picture to a printing device connected to the computer; Outputting shape data corresponding to the model to a printing device connected to the computer.

Computer readable recording medium.

1 4. The high-resolution image data, the low-resolution image data, and the numerous shape data are recorded as separate files that can be identified by file names, and represent the same pattern. A database file that associates each file name of image data is recorded. 14. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, wherein

15. The high-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of bitmap data, and the number of horizontal dots of the bitmap data is one of the shapes represented by each shape data. The number of dots in the vertical direction of the bitmap data is larger than the product of the largest horizontal width and the image resolution, and the product of the largest vertical width of the shape represented by each shape data and the image resolution. The low-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of bitmap data, and the number of horizontal dots of the low-resolution image data is less than 640. 13. The computer-readable record according to claim 13, wherein the number of dots in the vertical direction is not more than 480. Recording medium.

16. Many high-resolution image data files representing various patterns, many low-resolution image data files representing the same pattern as each high-resolution image data, and high-resolution image data of the same pattern A computer-readable database file that describes the association between the file and the low-resolution image data file, and a number of shape data files that correspond to the dimensions and shapes of various types of small electronic device housings, respectively. A recorded recording medium.

17. A server having an auxiliary storage device, and a client connected to the server so as to be capable of two-way communication,

In the auxiliary storage device of the server, a large number of high-resolution image data representing various patterns and a large number of shape data corresponding to the dimensions and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices are stored. Yes,

A process for delivering the image data and the shape data to the client is performed on the server,

By outputting image data from the client to the client, a picture represented by the data is printed on a seal sheet. A printing device with a force-fitting function for outputting a shape data from the client to insert a score line of the shape represented by the data into the sheet, and

On the client, one pattern and one model are arbitrarily selected from the various patterns and various models, and the high-resolution image data corresponding to the selected pattern and the selected model are selected. And a process for outputting the shape data to be performed to the printing device is executed.

Network system for creating decorative seals for small electronic devices.

18. High-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of the bitmap data. The number of horizontal dots of the bitmap data is determined by the shape represented by each shape data. And the number of dots in the vertical direction of the bitmap data is greater than the product of the largest vertical width and the image resolution of the shape represented by each shape data. The network system for producing a small electronic device decorative seal according to claim 17, which is larger than the product.

19. The small electronic device decoration according to claim 17, wherein the client is provided with a display device that displays an output image formed by drawing an outline corresponding to the selected model on the selected picture. Network system for creating seals.

20. A large number of low-resolution image data representing the same pattern as each high-resolution image data is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the server. When displaying the output image on the display device of the client, the low-resolution image data is displayed. 10. The network system for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the network is used.

21. The large number of low-resolution image data are distributed from the server to the client periodically or at the request of the client in a lump. When displaying the output image on the client display device, 21. The network system for creating a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 20, wherein the low-resolution image data stored in the auxiliary storage device of the electronic device is used.

22. The small electronic device decoration according to claim 21, wherein the high-resolution image data corresponding to the pattern selected by the request from the client is delivered from the server to the client after the selection of the pattern and model is completed. Network system for creating seals.

23. The client is provided with an input device for setting the correction amount of the drawing position of the outline with respect to the pattern when the output image is displayed on the display device, and based on the correction value set by the input device. 10. The network system for creating a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the corrected shape data is output to a printing device after correcting the selected shape data.

24. A server having an auxiliary storage device, and a client connected to the server so as to be capable of two-way communication,

In the auxiliary storage device of the server, a large number of shape data respectively corresponding to dimensions and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices are stored. On the server, the shape data is stored for the client. The process to deliver is running,

The client is connected to a cutting device that outputs shape data from the client to insert a cut line having a shape represented by the data into a seal sheet,

On the client, a process is executed for arbitrarily selecting one of the various types and outputting shape data corresponding to the selected type to the force-setting device.

Network system for creating decorative seals for small electronic devices.

2 5. A client to which a printing device for creating a decorative sticker for a small electronic device is connected, the server being connected to enable two-way communication, A large number of high-resolution image data representing various patterns, a large number of low-resolution image data representing the same pattern as each high-resolution image data, and sizes and shapes of housings of various types of small electronic devices. Along with an auxiliary storage device that stores a large number of shape data and charging information data for each client,

In the server's central processing unit,

In response to a request from the client, the high-resolution image data selected by the client, the low-resolution image data selected by the client, and the shape data selected by the client are distributed,

Process is running for

The high-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of the bitmap data. The number of horizontal dots of the low-resolution image data is determined by the shape of each shape data. The number of vertical dots of the high-resolution image data is larger than the product of the largest width of the image and the image resolution of the high-resolution image data. Larger than the product of the large vertical width and the image resolution of the high-resolution image data,

The low-resolution image data is composed of bitmap data composed of a large number of vertical and horizontal dots or compressed data of the bitmap data. The number of horizontal dots of the low-resolution image data is less than 640 The number of dots in the direction is less than 480

Network server for data distribution of small electronic device decoration stickers.

26. A server that periodically receives data on the shape and pattern of the housing of a small electronic device, and a client that regularly receives the data. The client supplies data on the shape of the housing of the small electronic device and picture data to a printer and a cutter in the client, so that a cut line corresponding to the shape of the housing of the specified small electronic device is formed. In addition, a system for producing a decorative seal for small electronic devices, which produces a pasting sticker for the above-mentioned packaging decoration of a designated picture.

27. The small electronic device is a mobile telephone device having at least a dial button, a liquid crystal display, a microphone, and a high-speed speaker, and data on a shape of the small electronic device housing is data on an outer shape of the housing. Button position and shape data, display unit position and shape data, microphone position and shape data, speaker position and shape data, and other holes need to be formed in the housing surface 27. The system for producing a decorative seal for a small electronic device according to claim 26, wherein the system includes data on a position and a shape of a part having a shape.

2 8. An image data storing various pattern data for decorating the housing of the small electronic device. An outline data file storing data relating to various shapes of the housing.

By outputting the data on the selected shape and the selected pattern data to the printer / cutter, the housing of the specified pattern with a cut line of the shape adapted to the housing of the specified small electronic device A program file for creating a decorative sticker,

Is a computer-readable recording medium.

29. The small electronic device is a mobile telephone device having at least a dial button, a liquid crystal display, a microphone, and a high-speed speaker, and data on a shape of the small electronic device housing is data on an outer shape of the housing. Button position and shape data; display unit position and shape data; microphone position and shape data; speaker position and shape data; 29. The recording medium according to claim 28, wherein the recording medium includes data of a position and a shape of a portion where a hole needs to be formed on the jing surface.