CN1499888A - Mobile terminal device, image printing device, and image communication management server - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile terminal device capable of re-editing on the receiving side when receiving and transmitting an image obtained by synthesizing an original image such as a photo image using an editing image. When sending an image obtained by compositing one or more editing images from an original image to the outside, transmit the above-mentioned original image data and a composite image representing information related to the one or more editing images that were synthesized from the original image data.

Description

Mobile terminal device, image printing device, and image communication management server

technical field

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device, an image printing device, an image communication management server, and the like that receive and transmit image data that is edited by adding arbitrary characters, graphics, etc. to photographic images.

Background technique

In the prior art, for example, it is very popular to install self-adhesive photo vending machines in entertainment places such as game centers. The self-adhesive photo vending machines take pictures of users and synthesize the photos with background images and the like. , and print out the sticker photo. In addition, self-adhesive photo vending machines that allow users to add arbitrary text, graphics, and other images to captured images with an attached touch pen have been widely used.

On the other hand, mobile phones are now widely used, and these mobile phones are equipped with e-mail sending and receiving functions, Internet connection functions, etc. in addition to normal call functions. In addition, there have been mobile phones equipped with CCD image sensors and CMOS image sensors so far, and simple photographing can be performed with mobile phones. Using such a mobile phone, a method of attaching and sending image data of an image captured by an image sensor provided therein to an e-mail is widely used.

Furthermore, in the mobile phone, a function of performing the same processing as the image editing processing of the above-mentioned self-adhesive photo vending machine on the photographed image is realized. With this function, it is possible to perform processing such as synthesizing a photo frame image selected from a plurality of photo frame images, or pasting a stamp image selected from a plurality of stamp images on a photo image taken by a mobile phone. anywhere on the photo image. That is, the photographing process and image editing process performed in the existing self-adhesive photo vending machine can be easily realized by using the above-mentioned mobile phone.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-197038 (published on July 12, 2002)

Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-148839 (published on May 29, 2001)

Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-82779 (published on March 22, 2002)

Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-218176 (published on August 10, 2001)

Patent Document 5: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-78011 (published on March 23, 2001)

Contents of the invention

As described above, it is conceivable to perform composite processing of frame images, stamp images, etc. on photographic images in the mobile phone, and transmit the composite image to other mobile phones or computers using the data communication function. However, when a composite image is transmitted as image data, the received composite image cannot be separated into an original photograph image, a frame image, a stamp image, and the like on the receiving side. Therefore, for example, on the receiving side, a re-editing operation such as replacing a frame image or a stamp image cannot be performed.

The present invention is generally made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal device capable of re-editing on the receiving side when receiving and transmitting an image in which an original image such as a photo image has been synthesized using an editing image. , image printing device and image communication management server, etc.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the mobile terminal device of the present invention is a mobile terminal device having a data communication function, and is characterized in that it has: an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; a part for storing synthesized image data representing information related to one or more editing images synthesized from the above-mentioned original image; In the case of a post-image image, the above-mentioned original image data and the above-mentioned synthesized image data are transmitted independently.

In the above configuration, an original image composed of a photo image or the like synthesized by one or more editing images is separated into original image data and synthesized image data, and stored. In this way, when an image obtained by combining an editing image with an original image is transmitted to the outside, the original image data and the synthesized image data can be independently transmitted.

Among them, the synthesized image data indicates information on one or more editing images synthesized from the original image. That is, by combining the original image data with the combined image data, it is possible to restore an image obtained by combining the editing image with the original image.

In this way, by transmitting the original image data and the synthesized image data independently, the image synthesized by combining these images can be restored on the receiving side, and only the original image data can be extracted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect of performing a re-editing operation that only a specific image for editing can be deleted from, for example, images to be synthesized on the receiving side, and then another image for editing can be synthesized.

In addition, the mobile terminal device of the present invention further includes an editing image storage unit for storing a plurality of the editing images in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, and the editing images stored in the editing image storage unit are distributed respectively. The image ID for editing, and the composite image data use the image ID for editing to specify the composite image data for editing.

In the above configuration, the combined image data uses the editing image ID to specify the combined editing image data. Wherein, if the same image data for editing is also managed on the receiving side using the same image ID for editing, the image data for editing can be identified on the receiving side based on the received image ID for editing. The synthesized images are restored in the same state. That is, it is not necessary to include the editing image data itself in the transmitted combined image data, and only the editing image ID with a smaller data amount may be included. Therefore, the amount of data at the time of communication can be reduced, thereby achieving the effects of reducing communication costs and reducing communication time.

In addition, in the mobile terminal device of the present invention, in the above configuration, the composite image data includes vector data associated with the editing image data.

According to the above configuration, since the composite image data includes the vector data associated with the editing image data, for example, by using the vector data as the position information when compositing the corresponding editing image with the original image, the editing image can be arranged. Composite at the proper position of the original image. In addition, if the information on the direction when the editing image is combined is included as, for example, vector data, the direction when the editing image is combined can be specified.

In addition, the mobile terminal device of the present invention further includes an editing processing unit for reading original image data from the original image data storage unit and performing editing processing on the original image data using the editing image.

According to this configuration, since the above-mentioned editing processing unit is provided in the mobile terminal device, the user can externally send an image obtained by combining the original image and the editing image through the mobile terminal device.

Furthermore, the image communication program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-mentioned processing of the mobile terminal device of the present invention.

By installing the above-mentioned program in the computer system, the functions of the above-mentioned mobile terminal device can be realized.

In addition, the image printing device of the present invention has: a communication processing unit for performing data communication with the outside; an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; a composite image storage unit for storing composite image data, the composite image The data represents information on one or more editing images synthesized from the original image. The print processing unit prints an image obtained by combining the original image data and the editing image data on a printing medium. This image printing apparatus receives the original image data and the synthesized image data from the outside by using the communication processing unit while making them independent.

In the above configuration, the original image data and the synthesized image data are received from the outside in a state of being independent, and an image obtained by combining the original image data and the editing image data is printed.

Among them, the synthesized image data indicates information on one or more editing images synthesized from the original image. That is, by combining the original image data and the synthesized image data, it is possible to restore an image in which an editing image is synthesized from the original image.

In this way, by independently receiving original image data and synthesized image data, it is possible to restore an image synthesized by combining these images and extract only the original image data. Therefore, it is possible to perform a process such as deleting only a specific image for editing from the images to be synthesized and then compositing another image for editing, recombining, returning the compositing operation to the previous step, etc. Re-edited image.

In addition, the image printing apparatus of the present invention further includes an editing image storage unit for storing a plurality of the editing images, and the editing images stored in the editing image storage unit are allocated for editing. Using the image ID, and the composite image data using the above-mentioned editing image ID, the composited editing image data is specified.

In the above configuration, the combined image data uses the editing image ID to specify the combined editing image data. However, if the same editing image data is also managed on the sending side using the same editing image ID, the editing image data can be identified based on the received editing image ID, thereby enabling the same state as that on the sending side. Restore the composited image below. That is, it is not necessary to include the editing image data itself in the received combined image data, and only the editing image ID with a smaller data amount may be included. Therefore, the amount of data at the time of communication can be reduced, thereby achieving the effects of reducing communication costs and reducing communication time.

Furthermore, in the image printing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the composite image data may include vector data associated with the editing image data.

According to the above configuration, since the composite image data includes the vector data associated with the editing image data, for example, by using the vector data as the position information when compositing the corresponding editing image with the original image, the editing image can be arranged. Composite at the proper position of the original image. In addition, if the information on the direction when the editing image is combined is included as, for example, vector data, the direction when the editing image is combined can be specified.

In addition, the image printing apparatus of the present invention further includes an editing processing unit for reading original image data from the original image data storage unit and performing editing processing on the original image data using the editing image.

With this configuration, since the above-mentioned editing processing unit is provided in the image printing apparatus, the user can re-edit the image after combining the original image and the editing image, that is, delete only a specific edit from the combined image, for example. Use the image, and then composite another image for editing.

Furthermore, in the image printing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the editing image data corresponding to the editing image ID included in the composite image data received from outside is not stored in the editing image. In the case of the storage unit, the editing image data is downloaded from an external image communication management server that manages the editing image data.

With the above configuration, for example, if there is newly generated image data for editing in the image communication management server, when the image printing apparatus needs to use the new image data for editing, the image for editing can be obtained from the image communication management server. data. Therefore, even when the image data for editing is sequentially updated, the image printing apparatus can reliably update the image data for editing.

Furthermore, the image printing program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the processing of the image printing apparatus of the present invention described above.

By installing (reading and executing) the above-mentioned program in the computer system, the functions of the above-mentioned image printing apparatus can be realized.

In addition, the image communication management server of the present invention is an image communication management server connected to a communication network, and has: a communication processing unit for performing data communication with the outside; an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; and The synthesized image storage unit stores synthesized image data indicating information on one or more editing images synthesized from the original image. The image communication management server receives the above-mentioned original image data and the above-mentioned synthesized image data from the above-mentioned mobile terminal device of the present invention and specifies the user ID of the mobile terminal device or the user of the mobile terminal device, and transmits the above-mentioned image communication information to the mobile terminal device of the present invention. The printing device transmits the original image data, the composite image data, the user ID, and image data for editing included in the composite image data.

In the above configuration, the original image data, composite image data, and user ID are received from the mobile terminal device, and the original image data, composite image data, user ID, and editing image data included in the composite image data are transmitted to the image printing device. .

Wherein, for example, when the combined image data is identified by the editing image ID to identify the combined editing image data, the mobile terminal device does not need to transmit the editing image data itself, so the amount of data transmitted by the mobile terminal device can be reduced. . Therefore, the communication cost can be reduced, and the communication time of the mobile terminal device with a relatively slow communication speed can be reduced.

In addition, the communication with the image printing device can be designed as a fast, fixed-rate communication line, so the advantage of sending the image data for editing itself is small as described above. Also, as described above, the image data for editing can be transmitted from the image communication management server to the image printing device, whereby image data for editing that has not yet been stored in the image printing device can be used, for example, in newly generated image data for editing.

Furthermore, the image communication program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described processing of the image communication management server of the present invention.

By installing the above-mentioned program in the computer system, the function of the above-mentioned image communication management server can be realized.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how image data is transmitted from a mobile phone to a photo image editing and printing device via a management server in a photo image communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Edit the flow chart of the processing flow in the printing device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photo image communication system described above.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the above mobile phone.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photo image editing and printing apparatus described above.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the above-mentioned management server.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of editing processing by the mobile phone.

7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the mobile phone, the management server, and the photo image editing and printing device in the method of directly transmitting image data from the mobile phone to the photo image editing and printing device.

8( a ) to ( e ) are diagrams showing screen examples displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 1 during the image data transmission process.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the photo image editing and printing apparatus when the telephone number of the mobile phone is used as the user ID.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image selection screen when the photo image editing and printing apparatus performs editing processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen when the photo image editing and printing apparatus performs editing processing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the processing for setting the number of divisions is performed in the photo image editing and printing apparatus.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a screen when the photo image editing and printing apparatus performs division number setting processing.

Detailed ways

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 .

(System Components)

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photo image communication system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the photo image communication system is composed of mobile phones (mobile terminal devices) 1..., photo image editing and printing devices (image printing devices) 2..., and a management server (image communication management server) 3.

The mobile phone 1 corresponds to, for example, a mobile phone or a PHS (registered trademark), and has a wireless communication function and a data communication function. In addition, the mobile phone 1 has an image sensor including a CCD-type imaging element, a CMOS-type imaging element, etc., and has a photographing function. Furthermore, the mobile phone 1 also has an editing function for synthesizing a picture frame image, a stamp image, etc., with a photo image taken by itself or a photo image received from outside.

In this embodiment, a mobile phone is used as a mobile communication terminal, but it is not limited to this, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) terminal or a portable computer may also be used. In addition, as described above, the mobile phone 1 has a photo shooting function, but it may not have a photo shooting function, and a photo image may be taken in from outside and edited.

The photo image editing and printing device 2 has the following functions, namely: the function of taking pictures of the user (photographing function); Photo writing arbitrary text or graphics, etc.; and the function of printing the edited image (printing function). The photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 may not have the above-mentioned photographing function, but may only have an editing function and a printing function. The photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 can be installed in places such as entertainment places such as game centers or convenience stores, for example.

The management server 3 is a server computer that collectively manages the photographic image communication system of this embodiment. The management server 3, which will be described in detail later, stores information related to the user or the mobile phone 1 used by the user and information related to the photo image editing and printing device 2 . Image data for editing to be used.

In the photo image communication system described above, examples of the data communication method between the mobile phone 1 and the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 include methods using wireless communication such as infrared communication and short-range wireless communication, and methods via recording media such as memory cards. A method of transferring data, a method of directly connecting the mobile phone 1 and the photo image editing and printing device 2 with a dedicated cable, and a method of using a public network such as the Internet. In addition, examples of a data communication method between the mobile phone 1 and the management server 3 include a communication method via a public telephone line such as a mobile phone network and/or the Internet. In addition, examples of data communication methods between the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 and the management server 3 include a communication method via the Internet, a communication method using a dedicated line, and the like.

(Structure of mobile phone)

The structure of the mobile phone 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG.

The communication interface 4 functions as an interface when the mobile phone 1 performs wireless communication, and is composed of an antenna, a decoder, an encoder, and the like. Through the communication interface 4, communication signals and data communication signals are received and sent to and from the outside.

The user interface 5 is an interface for the user of the mobile phone 1 to operate the mobile phone 1, and is composed of various buttons and the like. By means of the user interface 5 , the user can input instructions on call processing, data communication processing, photographing processing, image processing, and the like.

The call processing unit 6 performs processing for realizing the call function of the mobile phone 1 . The call processing unit 6 provides the user with a call signal received from the external telephone via the communication interface 4 as voice, and transmits the user's voice to the external telephone.

The data communication processing unit 7 performs processing for realizing the data communication function of the mobile phone 1 . The data communication processing unit 7 provides, for example, an e-mail sending and receiving function, an Internet connection function, and the like to the user via the communication interface 4 .

The photographing processing unit 18 performs processing for realizing the photographing function of the mobile phone 1 . The imaging processing unit 18 has a CCD-type or CMOS-type imaging element, and performs generation processing of captured image data and processing of storing the generated captured image data in the storage unit 9 in accordance with a user's imaging instruction.

The editing processing unit 8 performs processing for realizing the image editing function of the mobile phone 1 . The editing processing unit 8 performs compositing processing of editing image data, such as frame images, stamp images, drawn images, and character images, on photographic images captured by the photographing processing unit 18 or photographic images received from outside. This synthesizing process is performed in accordance with an input instruction from the user via the user interface 5 .

The storage unit 9 has an image data storage unit 10 and an editing image storage unit 11 . Although not shown in the figure, the storage unit 9 stores various programs executed in the mobile phone 1, telephone book data, personal management data, mail data, communication data, and other various items stored in a normal mobile phone. data. The storage unit 9 is constituted by, for example, a nonvolatile recording medium such as flash EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory).

The image data storage unit 10 is composed of an original image data storage unit 12 and a synthesized image storage unit 13 . The original image data storage unit 12 stores original photographic image data that has not been edited, for example, captured image data captured by the photographing processing unit 18 , photographic image data received from outside through communication, and the like. The original image data stored in the original image data storage unit 12 is assigned an ID number (original image ID). As the data format of the original image data, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format is used.

The composite image storage unit 13 stores composite image data edited by the editing processing unit 8 . The synthesized image data here is composed of the ID number (original image ID) of the original image data as the basis, the ID number (editing image ID) of the edited image to be synthesized, and vector data indicating the position, direction, and the like. That is, the synthesized image data is not an image data format, but text data composed of ID numbers and vector data.

As the format of the vector data, IJES, STEP, DXF, etc. widely used in CAD and the like can be used. In addition, the composite image data may include data added to the vector data and indicating the processing order of each editing image. As a result, re-editing processing can be performed even if the composition processing sequence is returned to one step. In addition, data indicating positional information, overall size, direction, angle, line type, line width, color, transparency, etc. related to the editing image ID may be included in the composite image data. When data indicating transparency is included, the transparency state of the editing image can be changed by changing the synthesis ratio with the original image during transparent synthesis.

The editing image storage unit 11 is composed of a frame image storage unit 14 , a stamp image storage unit 15 , a drawing image storage unit 16 , and a character image storage unit 17 . The frame image storage unit 14 stores various types of frame images that decorate a frame portion of a photograph image. The stamp image storage unit 15 stores various kinds of stamp images used when pasting an image of a specific design on an arbitrary position of a photo image. The drawn image storage unit 16 stores various kinds of drawn images used when drawing a line of a specific design or the like on an arbitrary position of a photo image. The character image storage unit 17 stores multiple types of character images used when drawing characters composed of a specific font on an arbitrary position of a photo image. These storage units store ID numbers (image IDs for editing) corresponding to the respective types of stored images together with the images. As the data format of the editing image stored in the editing image storage unit 11, for example, a transparent GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format is used.

(Structure of Photo Image Editing and Printing Device)

Referring to FIG. 4 , the configuration of the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 4 , photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 is composed of user interface 21 , communication interface 22 , photographing processing unit 23 , editing processing unit 24 , printing processing unit 25 , call processing unit 26 and storage unit 27 . This photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 collects a fee from the user as a customer, and performs the following processes, that is, the user's photo shooting process, editing processing such as graphics with doodle processing added, and printing of the edited photo image. The processing is a process of writing arbitrary characters, graphics, etc. into the photographed photograph. In addition, the editing process described above can be performed not only on the photographic image captured by the photographic image editing and printing device 2 but also on the photographic image transmitted from the mobile phone 1 .

In the present embodiment, the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2 includes the above-mentioned imaging processing unit 23 , but it may not include the imaging processing unit 23 and may perform only editing processing and printing processing.

The user interface 21 is an interface for a user using the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 to operate the apparatus. Examples of the user interface 21 include a display with a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)), various buttons, and the like. Through the user interface 21, the user inputs instructions for photographing processing and editing processing.

The photographing processing unit 23 performs photographing processing of a user who is a customer. The imaging processing unit 23 has, for example, a CCD-type image sensor as an imaging unit, and executes a process of generating captured image data and storing the generated captured image data in the storage unit 27 in accordance with a user's imaging instruction.

The editing processing unit 24 performs editing processing, such as adding doodling processing to the photographed image captured by the imaging processing unit 23 and/or the photo image transmitted from the mobile phone 1, etc. Processing of writing photo images. When performing editing processing, the original photo image to be edited is displayed on the display of the user interface 21, and various operation buttons necessary for editing processing are displayed, and the editing processing unit 24 performs image synthesis processing based on the user's editing processing input. .

The print processing unit 25 prints out the composite image edited and processed by the editing processing unit 24 on a printing medium. The print processing unit 25 performs data conversion processing for converting composite image data into an output format of the printer, and also performs output processing from the printer. As the printer, a sublimation type printer is used, but not limited thereto, and a laser printer, an inkjet printer, or the like may be used.

The communication interface 22 functions as an interface when the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 communicates. The function of the communication interface 22 varies depending on the actual situation, but examples thereof include a modem, a LAN interface, an infrared interface, a short-range wireless interface, a serial interface, and a memory card driver.

The call processing unit 26 executes communication processing of the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 . Examples of this communication process include sending and receiving image data, sending and receiving image data for editing, sending and receiving an image ID for editing and a user ID, and the like.

The storage unit 27 has an image data storage unit 28 and an editing image storage unit 29 . Although not shown, the storage unit 27 stores various data such as various programs executed in the photo image editing and printing device 2 and various data stored in a normal photo image editing and printing device 2 . The storage unit 27 is constituted by, for example, a nonvolatile recording medium such as a hard disk drive and a working memory such as DRAM.

The image data storage unit 28 is composed of an original image data storage unit 30 and a synthesized image storage unit 31 . The original image data storage unit 30 stores original photographic image data not subjected to editing processing, for example, captured image data captured by the imaging processing unit 23 , photographic image data transmitted from the mobile phone 1 through communication, and the like. The original image data stored in the original image data storage unit 30 is assigned an ID number (original image ID). As the data format of the original image data, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format is used.

The composite image storage unit 31 stores composite image data edited by the editing processing unit 24 and composite image data transmitted from the mobile phone 1 . The synthesized image data here is composed of the ID number (original image ID) of the original image data as the basis, the ID number (editing image ID) of the edited image to be synthesized, and vector data indicating the position, direction, and the like. That is, the synthesized image data is not an image data format, but text data composed of ID numbers and vector data.

Similar to the above, as the format of the vector data, IJES, STEP, DXF, etc. widely used in CAD and the like can be used. In addition, the composite image data may include data added to the vector data and indicating the processing order of each editing image. As a result, re-editing processing can be performed even if the composition processing sequence is returned to one step. In addition, data indicating positional information, overall size, direction, angle, line type, line width, color, transparency, etc. related to the editing image ID may be included in the composite image data. When data indicating transparency is included, the transparency state of the editing image can be changed by changing the synthesis ratio with the original image during transparent synthesis.

The editing image storage unit 29 is composed of a frame image storage unit 32 , a stamp image storage unit 33 , a drawing image storage unit 34 , and a character image storage unit 35 . The frame image storage unit 32 stores various types of frame images that decorate a frame portion of a photograph image. The stamp image storage unit 33 stores various kinds of stamp images used when pasting an image of a specific design on an arbitrary position of a photo image. The drawn image storage unit 34 stores various kinds of drawn images used when drawing a line of a specific design or the like on an arbitrary position of a photo image. The character image storage unit 35 stores multiple types of character images used when drawing characters made of a specific font on an arbitrary position of a photo image. These storage units store ID numbers (image IDs for editing) corresponding to the respective types of stored images together with the images. As the data format of the editing image stored in the editing image storage unit 29, for example, a transparent GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format is used.

(Configuration of management server)

The configuration of the management server 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the management server 3 is composed of a communication interface 41 , a data communication processing unit 42 and a storage unit 43 . The management server 3 is constituted by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) based server computer.

The communication interface 41 has a function as an interface when the management server 3 communicates, and is constituted by a communication interface normally provided by a server computer connected to a network.

The data communication processing unit 42 executes various communication processes of the management server 3 . Examples of this communication processing include sending and receiving image data, sending and receiving editing image data, sending and receiving editing image IDs and user IDs, sending and receiving user information, sending and receiving photo image editing and printing device information, and the like.

The storage unit 43 has an image data storage unit 44 , an editing image storage unit 45 , a user database 46 , and a device database 47 . Although not shown in the figure, the storage unit 43 stores various data stored in a normal server computer, such as various programs executed by the management server 3 and various data. The storage unit 43 is constituted by, for example, a nonvolatile recording medium such as a hard disk drive and a working memory such as DRAM.

The image data storage unit 44 is composed of an original image data storage unit 48 and a synthesized image storage unit 49 . The original image data storage unit 48 temporarily stores the original image data transmitted from the mobile phone 1 . The original image data stored in the original image data storage unit 48 is assigned an ID number (original image ID). As the data format of the original image data, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format is used.

The synthesized image storage unit 49 temporarily stores synthesized image data transmitted from the mobile phone 1 . The synthesized image data here is composed of the ID number (original image ID) of the original image data as the basis, the ID number (editing image ID) of the edited image to be synthesized, and vector data indicating the position, direction, and the like. That is, the synthesized image data is not an image data format, but text data composed of ID numbers and vector data.

The editing image storage unit 45 is composed of a frame image storage unit 50 , a stamp image storage unit 51 , a drawing image storage unit 52 , and a character image storage unit 53 . The frame image storage unit 50 stores various types of frame images as prototypes. The stamp image storage unit 51 stores various types of stamp images as prototypes. The drawn image storage unit 52 stores various kinds of drawn images as prototypes. The character image storage unit 53 stores a plurality of types of character images as prototypes. These storage units store ID numbers (image IDs for editing) corresponding to the respective types of stored images together with the images. As the data format of the editing image stored in the editing image storage unit 45, for example, a transparent GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format is used.

The editing image storage unit 45 stores original images of various editing images used in the photo image communication system of this embodiment. That is, for example, when creating a newly designed editing image, it is first stored in the editing image storage unit 45 of the management server 3, and then the mobile phone 1 and the photo image editing and printing device 2 access the management server 3, By downloading newly added editing images, the editing images stored in this unit are updated.

The user database 46 is a database of users who use the photo image communication system. Specifically, as a database, the name of the user, the telephone number of the mobile phone used by the user, the unique mobile phone ID assigned to the mobile phone, and the like are stored.

The device database 47 is a database related to the photo image editing and printing device 2 included in this photo image communication system. Specifically, as a database, the installation area, installation management store name, device ID, IP (Internet Protocol) address, and the like of each photo image editing and printing device 2 are stored.

In the editing image storage unit 11 of the mobile phone 1, the editing image storage unit 29 of the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2, and the editing image storage unit 45 of the management server 3, the same editing image IDs are stored. The editorial image represents the same image in principle. As a result, the same image can be identified in any of the mobile phone 1 , photo-image editing and printing apparatus 2 , and management server 3 as long as the editing image ID is identified.

However, even if it is an editing image with the same editing image ID, the image stored in the mobile phone 1, the image stored in the management server 3, and the photo image editing and printing device 2 do not necessarily have to be completely the same image, and it is possible to identify Differences in degree of imagery of the same design are allowed. That is, since it is limited by the display performance and storage capacity of the mobile phone 1, there is no need to store image data for editing with a large amount of data, but a large amount of data can be stored in the management server 3 and the photo image editing and printing device 2. (high resolution) image data for editing, and use this image to perform editing processing and printing processing.

Therefore, in the mobile phone 1, more images can be stored with less storage capacity, and in the photo image editing and printing device 2, when editing and printing, it can be performed at a higher cost than the mobile phone 1. Editing and printing at the same resolution.

(editing process in mobile phone)

Next, the editing process in the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of editing processing in the mobile phone 1 . First, the user of the mobile phone 1 starts editing processing by selecting editing processing from the menu screen (step 1 (hereinafter referred to as S1 )). Then, the user selects desired processing contents from the edit processing menu (S2). In the present embodiment, as menus of editing processing, there are image frame composition processing, stamp composition processing, drawing composition processing, and character composition processing. These editing processing contents are performed by the editing processing unit 8 according to user's instruction input.

In S2, if the photo frame composition processing (S3) is selected, firstly, in S4, a photo image to be composed is selected. Among them, one or more original images stored in the original image data storage unit 12 are displayed on the display screen of the user interface 5, and one original image is selected by the user. The original image may be an image captured by the imaging processing unit 18 or an image downloaded from outside.

When the photo selection is completed, the selection of the frame image to be synthesized next is performed (S5). Here, one or more frame images stored in the frame image storage unit 14 are displayed on the display screen of the user interface 5, and an arbitrary one of the frame images is selected by the user.

When the selection of the photo frame is completed, the composite image after the selected photo frame image is composited with the selected original image on the display screen (S6). Then, composite image data composed of a combination of the original image ID of the selected original image and the frame image ID of the selected frame image is stored in the composite image storage unit 13 (S7).

On the other hand, if stamp synthesis processing (S8) is selected in S2, first, a photo image to be synthesized is selected in S9. This photo selection process is the same as the process in S4 described above.

When the selection of photos is completed, the selection of the stamp image to be synthesized is next performed ( S10 ). Among them, one or more stamp images stored in the stamp image storage unit 15 are displayed on the display screen of the user interface 5, and an arbitrary stamp image is selected by the user.

When the selection of the stamp is completed, an input is next made at which position of the photo image the selected stamp is to be pasted ( S11 ). This input can be performed using, for example, a four-way button included in the mobile phone 1 . Among them, similar to the positioning, the size and angle (rotation) of the pasted stamp can be changed. Thereby, the stamp can be pasted in a state according to the user's preference.

When the designation of the stamp position is completed, a composite image in which the selected stamp image is pasted at the designated position relative to the selected original image is displayed on the display screen (S12). Then, synthesized image data composed of a combination of the original image ID of the selected original image, the stamp image ID of the selected stamp image, and position data indicating the stamp position is stored in the synthesized image storage unit 13 (S13).

On the other hand, if drawing composition processing is selected in S2 (S14), first, a photographic image to be composed is selected in S15. This photo selection process is the same as the process in S4 described above.

When the selection of the photo is completed, the selection of the type of design to be drawn is next performed. Here, it is assumed that, for example, line drawing is used as a drawn image, and examples of the selected type include line design and the like. Here, one or more drawn images stored in the drawn image storage unit 16 are displayed on the display screen of the user interface 5, and the user selects any one drawn image among them.

When the selection of the type of the drawn image is completed, next, an input is performed at which position of the photograph image the selected drawn image is to be drawn (S17). In the case of line input, for example, the drawing position can be specified by specifying the start position and end position of the line. This input can be performed using, for example, a four-way button included in the mobile phone 1 .

When the designation of the drawing position is completed, a composite image in which the selected drawing image is drawn at the designated position with respect to the selected original image is displayed on the display screen (S18). Then, composite image data composed of a combination of the original image ID of the selected original image, the drawn image ID of the selected drawn image, and the position data indicating the drawing position of the drawn image is stored in the combined image storage unit 13 (S19). middle.

On the other hand, if character synthesis processing (S20) is selected in S2, first, a photographic image to be synthesized is selected in S21. This photo selection process is the same as the process in S4 described above.

When the photo selection is completed, next, a character type is selected for character input (S22). On the display screen of the user interface 5, one or more character images (fonts) stored in the character image storage unit 17 are displayed, and the user selects an arbitrary character type from among them.

When the selection of the character type is completed, the character input is performed next (S23). This character input is performed using a character input function normally provided in the mobile phone 1 .

When the character input is completed, designation is next performed at which position of the photo image the character image is to be composited (S24). This input can be performed using, for example, a four-way button included in the mobile phone 1 .

When the designation of the character position is completed, a synthesized image in which the selected character image is synthesized at the designated position with respect to the selected original image is displayed on the display screen (S25). Then, synthesized image data composed of a combination of the original image ID of the selected original image, the character type ID of the selected character type, data representing characters, and position data representing the drawing position of the character image is stored in the synthesized image storage unit. 13 (S26).

As described above, after the photo frame composition processing, stamp composition processing, drawing composition processing, and character composition processing are completed, an inquiry is made in S27 whether to end the editing process. However, when the user selects to continue the editing process ("No" in S27), it returns to the step of S2, and returns to the selection screen of the processing content of the editing process. However, when another editing process is continued on the original image on which the specific editing process has been performed, data indicating the content of the editing process is sequentially added to the synthesized image data. On the other hand, when the user selects to end the editing process (YES in S27), the editing process is ended (S28).

As a method of implementing the above-mentioned editing process in the mobile phone 1, a method in which an applet for performing the processing is preinstalled in the mobile phone 1 and a method in which it is implemented on a website are conceivable. However, if the method implemented on the website is adopted, the packet communication fee will be incurred every time data is sent and received, so the method of processing using the applet is advantageous in terms of cost and has the advantage of shortening the processing time.

The above-mentioned applets represent small-scale application programs, and examples thereof include Java (registered trademark) applets described in the Java (registered trademark) language, and the like.

(communication processing)

Next, a method of communicating image data between the mobile phone 1 and the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the photo image captured by the mobile phone 1 and the synthesized image obtained by editing the photo image using the editing function of the mobile phone 1 can be sent from the mobile phone 1 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus. 2 send. In addition, photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 can be used to edit a photo image or composite image sent from mobile phone 1 and print the image.

The system has the following two advantages. ① By performing editing processing in the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2, more detailed editing processing that is impossible in the mobile phone 1 can be performed. ② Photo images taken by the mobile phone 1 or photo images stored in the mobile phone 1 can be printed in the form of, for example, self-adhesive photos.

In this embodiment, two methods are conceivable as a method of transmitting image data from the mobile phone 1 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2, ① a method via the management server 3, and ② a method of direct transmission.

(communication method 1)

First, a method of transmitting image data from the mobile phone 1 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 via the management server 3 will be described. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the mobile phone 1 , the management server 3 , and the photo image editing and printing device 2 of the first communication method. In FIG. 1 , S31 to S34 show processing in the mobile phone 1, S35 to S37 show processing in the management server 3, and S38 to S42 show processing in the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2. deal with.

First, the image data transmission process is started in the mobile phone 1 (S31). The user of the mobile phone 1 is located near a specific photo image editing and printing device 2 , and performs editing processing and/or printing processing with the nearby photo image editing and printing device 2 .

8( a ) to ( e ) show screen examples displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 1 during the image data transmission process. When the user selects the image data transmission processing menu from the menu screen of the mobile phone 1, the screen shown in FIG. 8(a) is displayed on the display screen. When "image confirmation" is selected on this screen, the image selection screen shown in FIG. 8(b) is displayed.

On this image selection screen, the saved photo images stored in the image data storage unit 10 of the mobile phone 1 are displayed as thumbnails. When the stored photo images cannot be fully displayed on one page, thumbnail images are displayed on multiple pages. The photo images shown here are edited images. For example, the original image is the same photo image, but different images such as frame images are displayed as different images. The user selects an image to transmit from among these photo images (S32). A function to enlarge and display the selected image can be set, so that the selected image can be checked in detail.

When an image to be transmitted is selected, a transmission destination selection screen shown in FIG. 8( c ) is displayed next. On this screen, an image to be transmitted is displayed, and a list of photo image editing and printing devices 2 (in the example of the screen, a doodling station) is displayed. In the example screen shown in FIG. 8( c ), a list of convenience stores (convenience stores in the example screen) provided with graffiti stations is displayed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a method may be adopted in which a region is first selected, then a store is selected, and then a specific photo image editing and printing device 2 in the store may be selected. The user selects the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 to be sent from the list of these sending destinations (S33).

After the transmission destination is selected, the transmission confirmation screen shown in FIG. 8( d ) is displayed next. The image to be sent is displayed on this screen, and the information of the sending destination is also displayed. Among them, if you want to change the image, you can select "Change Image", and if you want to change the delivery destination, you can select "Change Store", so that the delivery content can be changed. After confirming the content of transmission, "OK" is selected, and transmission is performed (S34).

Through this sending process, the user ID, original image data, and synthesized image data are sent to the management server 3 . The user ID is an ID that can identify the user of the mobile phone 1, and is registered in the user database 46 of the management server 3 in advance. This user ID may be registered in the mobile phone 1 in advance, or may be input by the user at the time of transmission. In addition, the ID for specifying the mobile phone 1 may be, for example, the phone number of the mobile phone 1 .

The original image data corresponds to the original image of the image selected in S32 , that is, original image data that has not been edited, and is stored in the original image data storage unit 12 . That is, the original image data is transmitted as image data in JPEG format, for example. An original image ID is recorded in the transmitted original image data.

The synthesized image data is composed of an original image ID, an ID number (editing image ID) of a synthesized editing image, and vector data indicating a position, direction, etc., and is stored in the synthesized image storage unit 13 . That is, the synthesized image data is not an image data format, but text data composed of ID numbers and vector data.

When the management server 3 receives the user ID, original image data, and synthesized image data from the mobile phone 1 (S35), it first confirms the user ID and checks whether the user is registered in the user database 46 or not. If it is a logged-in user, then the combined image data is checked next, and the corresponding editing image data is retrieved from the data stored in the editing image storage unit 45 according to the editing image ID contained therein (S36), and Extract it. Then, the user ID, the original image data, the combined image data, and the image data for editing are transmitted to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 of the specified transmission destination (S37). Among them, when it is confirmed that the photo image editing and printing device 2 has indeed completed the data reception (S38), the message is sent to the mobile phone 1, and the display screen of the mobile phone 1 displays the transmission shown in FIG. 8(e). Complete the confirmation screen.

In the sending process of S37, it can be confirmed whether the image data for editing to be sent has been stored in the image storage unit 29 for editing of the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2, and the image data for editing can be sent only when it is determined that the image data for editing has not been stored. . That is, only the editing image data not stored in the editing image storage unit 29 of the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 can be transmitted from the management server 3 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 . Thus, the amount of data to be transmitted can be kept to a minimum. In addition, by performing such processing, the editing image data newly added to the editing image storage unit 45 of the management server 3 can be reliably transmitted to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 when necessary.

The user of the mobile phone 1 confirms that the image data has been transmitted to the photo image editing and printing device 2 nearby, and then inputs an instruction to the photo image editing and printing device 2 to edit the transmitted image data. The photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2 performs identity verification processing to confirm whether the received image data is image data sent by a user requesting editing processing at present (S39). This identification process is performed by, for example, inputting a user ID and checking whether or not it matches the user ID included in the received data. FIG. 9 shows an example of a display screen of the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 when the telephone number of the mobile phone 1 is used as the user ID. On this screen, the user performs identity verification processing by inputting the telephone number of the mobile phone 1 of the user.

After the identity confirmation process is completed, the edit process starts. The editing process mentioned here is the editing process performed in a normal photo image editing and printing apparatus. Specifically, first, an image to be edited is selected through an image selection screen as shown in FIG. 10 , for example. In this image selection screen, in addition to the images transmitted from the mobile phone 1 , photographs taken by the photographic image editing and printing device 2 before the images are transmitted from the mobile phone 1 may be included.

After the image to be edited is selected, editing processing such as adding an image with graffiti processing, which is a process of writing arbitrary characters or graphics into a photo, is performed next through the editing screen shown in FIG. 11 , for example. In the center of the editing screen, an image to be edited is displayed, and on the right side of the editing screen, a list of editable images is displayed. In addition, buttons such as brush, stamp, frame, background brush, brightness adjustment, etc. are displayed on the upper left side of the editing screen, and by selecting one of them, desired editing processing is performed. In addition, buttons such as eraser, background eraser, and scribble eraser are displayed on the lower left side of the editing screen, and buttons such as eraser, background eraser, and scribble eraser are displayed, and one of them is selected to perform desired erasing processing. However, as described above, since the original image data and the synthesized image data are sent to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 in a state where the original image data and the composite image data are separated, even if it is an image that has been edited in the mobile phone 1, it can be erased only. Processing other than images for editing.

After the editing process is completed, the division number setting process (S41) is performed next. The division number setting process is a process for setting how to divide the printing medium at the time of printing to print an image. The usual screen for setting the number of divisions is shown in Figure 12. On this number-of-division setting screen, divided images of 8 divisions, 18 divisions, 30 divisions, and mixed divisions are displayed, and the user can select any one of them.

However, when an image received from the mobile phone 1 is included in the image to be printed, a screen for setting the number of divisions as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, for example. On the number-of-division setting screen, only divided images of 30 divisions and mixed divisions are displayed. The reason for this is as follows. Generally, the number of pixels (resolution) of the image data transmitted from the mobile phone 1 is smaller than that of the image data captured by the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2, for example. Therefore, if the image transmitted from the mobile phone 1 is printed on a printing medium in a large size, the roughness of the pixels will be conspicuous, and the printing quality will appear to be poor. Therefore, when an image received from the mobile phone 1 is included in the image to be printed, the size of the image when printing is controlled so that only the image not larger than a predetermined size (the degree to which roughness of the image cannot be seen) can be selected. Split state so that the above problems can be avoided. For example, in the mixed division of FIG. 13 , control is performed so that the image received from the mobile phone 1 is printed only in the area divided into smaller sizes.

As described above, after the division number setting process is completed, the printing process is performed accordingly (S42). Accordingly, the photo image stored in the mobile phone 1 can be edited in the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 and then printed out.

(communication method 2)

Hereinafter, a method of directly transmitting image data from the mobile phone 1 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the mobile phone 1 , the management server 3 , and the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 of the second communication method. In FIG. 7 , S51-S53 show the processing in the mobile phone 1, S57-S59 show the processing in the management server 3, S54-S56, S60-S63 show the processing in photo image editing and printing. Processing in device 2.

In this communication method, image data is directly transmitted from the mobile phone 1 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2. As the data communication method, as described above, a method using wireless communication such as infrared communication and short-range wireless communication can be considered. , a method of transferring data through a recording medium such as a memory card, a method of directly connecting the mobile phone 1 and photo image editing and printing device 2 with a dedicated cable, and a method of using a public network such as the Internet.

First, in S51, the user selects the image data transmission processing menu from the menu screen of the mobile phone 1, thereby starting the image data transmission processing. Then in S52 the image to be sent is selected. This image selection process is performed by the same method as that described in Communication Method 2 above.

Then, in S53, the original image data and composite image data of the selected image are transmitted. Here, in the case of performing data communication using the above-mentioned wireless communication method, a process of establishing a communication state between the mobile phone 1 and the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 is performed, and then communication is performed. In the case of the method via the recording medium, the original image data and composite image data of the selected image are recorded in the recording medium, and then the recording medium is taken out from the mobile phone 1 and inserted into the photo image editing and printing device 2. In the media reader, the data is transferred thereby. In the case of the method of connecting with a dedicated cable, the dedicated cable is connected to the mobile phone 1, and data transmission is performed when the communication becomes possible. In the case of using the Internet, the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) address assigned to the photo image editing and printing device 2 is displayed on the display screen of the photo image editing and printing device 2, and the user utilizes the Internet connection function of the mobile phone 1, Data communication is performed by accessing this address.

As described above, after the original image data and composite image data are transmitted from the mobile phone 1 to the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2, the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2 performs receiving processing (S54) and checks the received data. Then, the editing image ID is checked from the received composite image data, and it is determined whether editing image data corresponding to the ID is stored in the editing image storage unit 29 of the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2 (S55).

In S55, if the determination is "No", that is, when it is determined that the editing image data corresponding to the ID is not stored in the editing image storage unit 29 of the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2, the photographic image editing and printing apparatus 2 accesses The management server 3 transmits a request signal for editing image data corresponding to the ID (S56).

After receiving the request signal (S57), the management server 3 searches the editing image storage unit 45 of the management server 3 based on the ID (S58), and extracts corresponding editing image data. Then, it transmits to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 requesting the editing image data (S59). Then, the photo image receives editing image data from the management server 3 (S60), confirms whether all editing image data included in the combined image data received from the mobile phone 1 is complete, and then starts the editing process of S61.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in S55, that is, if it is determined that the editing image data corresponding to the ID is stored in the editing image storage unit 29 of the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2, the process of S61 is directly started. Edit processing.

Subsequent editing processing in S61, number-of-division setting processing in S62, and printing processing in S63 are performed in the same manner as the editing processing, number-of-division setting processing, and printing processing in communication method 1 described above.

In the above description, an example of editing a photo image as a still image was shown, but the still image may be a single-frame image extracted from moving image data, for example. In addition, editing processing such as frame images can be performed on moving pictures, and moving pictures themselves can be received and transmitted. Also, the editing image may be a moving image.

In addition, in the above description, an example was shown in which image data (original image data and synthesized image data) is transmitted from the mobile phone 1 to the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2, but it is also possible to transmit the image data from the photo image editing and printing apparatus 2 to the mobile phone. The image data may be transmitted between the portable telephones 1 , and the image data may be transmitted between the mobile telephones 1 .

As described above, the mobile terminal device as the mobile phone 1 of the present embodiment is a mobile terminal device having a data communication function, and has: an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; and The composite image storage unit stores composite image data indicating information on one or more editing images composited from the original image. When an image obtained by synthesizing one or more editing images from the original image is transmitted externally using the data communication function, the original image data and the synthesized image data are independently transmitted.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the mobile terminal device further includes a photographing processing unit having an imaging element for photographing photographs, and the mobile terminal device uses the photographic image photographed by the photographing processing unit as original image data. It is stored in the above-mentioned original image data storage unit.

With the above configuration, it is possible to perform editing processing on the photo image captured by the imaging processing unit. Therefore, it is possible to perform photographing processing and editing processing performed in an existing self-adhesive photo vending machine in the mobile terminal device.

In addition, the image printing device as the photo image editing and printing device 2 of this embodiment includes: a communication processing unit for performing data communication with the outside; an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; storing synthesized image data, the synthesized image data representing information related to one or more editing images synthesized from the original image; the print processing unit printing the image after combining the original image data and the editing image data on on print media. The original image data and the synthesized image data are received from the outside in an independent state by the communication processing unit.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the image printing device further includes a photographing processing unit having an imaging element for photographing photographs, and the mobile terminal device stores the photographic image photographed by the photographing processing unit as original image data. Stored in the above-mentioned original image data storage unit.

With the above configuration, it is possible to perform editing processing on the photo image captured by the imaging processing unit. Therefore, it is possible to print both the photographic image received from the outside and the photographic image captured by the image printing device on the same printing medium.

As described above, the mobile terminal device of the present invention has: an original image data storage unit storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; Information about one or more editing images for which images are combined. When an image obtained by synthesizing one or more editing images from the original image is transmitted externally using the data communication function, the original image data and the synthesized image data are independently transmitted.

Thereby, an image synthesized by combining these images can be restored on the receiving side, and only original image data can be extracted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect of performing a re-editing operation that only a specific image for editing can be deleted from, for example, images to be synthesized on the receiving side, and then another image for editing can be synthesized.

In addition, the mobile terminal device of the present invention further includes an editing image storage unit for storing a plurality of the editing images, the editing images stored in the editing image storage unit are respectively assigned an editing image ID, and the above-mentioned In the combined image data, the edited image data to be combined is specified using the above-mentioned editing image ID.

Thus, in addition to obtaining the above-mentioned effects, it is not necessary to include the editing image data itself in the transmitted composite image data, and only the editing image ID with a smaller data amount may be included. Therefore, the amount of data at the time of communication can be reduced, thereby achieving the effects of reducing communication costs and reducing communication time.

Furthermore, the mobile terminal device of the present invention may be configured such that the composite image data includes vector data associated with the editing image data.

Thus, on the basis of obtaining the above-mentioned effect, by using, for example, vector data as the data indicating the position information when the corresponding editing image is combined with the original image, it is possible to arrange the editing image at an appropriate position of the original image and combine it. Effect.

In addition, the mobile terminal device of the present invention further includes an editing processing unit that reads out original image data from the original image data storage unit, and performs editing processing on the original image data using the editing image.

As a result, in addition to the aforementioned effects, the user can transmit an image obtained by combining the original image and the editing image to the outside through the mobile terminal device.

Furthermore, the image communication program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-mentioned processing of the mobile terminal device of the present invention.

Thus, by installing the above-mentioned program in the computer system, the effect of realizing the functions of the above-mentioned mobile terminal device can be obtained.

In addition, the image printing device of the present invention has: a communication processing unit for performing data communication with the outside; an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; a composite image storage unit for storing composite image data, the composite image The data represents information on one or more editing images synthesized from the original image; and a print processing unit prints an image obtained by combining the original image data and the editing image data on a printing medium. The image printing apparatus receives the original image data and the synthesized image data independently from the outside by using the communication processing unit.

In this way, by receiving the original image data and the combined image data in an independent state, it is possible to restore a composite image by combining them, and to extract only the original image data. Therefore, it is possible to perform re-editing processing such as deleting only a specific editing image from synthesized images, synthesizing another editing image, and printing the re-edited image.

In addition, the image printing apparatus of the present invention further includes an editing image storage unit for storing a plurality of the editing images, the editing images stored in the editing image storage unit are respectively assigned editing image IDs, and the composite In the image data, the image data for editing to be synthesized is specified using the image ID for editing.

Thus, in addition to obtaining the above-mentioned effects, it is not necessary to include the editing image data itself in the transmitted composite image data, and only the editing image ID with a smaller data amount may be included. Therefore, the amount of data at the time of communication can be reduced, thereby obtaining the effects of reducing communication costs on the sending side and reducing communication time.

Furthermore, the image printing apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that the composite image data includes vector data associated with the editing image data.

Thus, on the basis of obtaining the above-mentioned effect, by using, for example, vector data as the data indicating the position information when the corresponding editing image is combined with the original image, it is possible to arrange the editing image at an appropriate position of the original image and combine it. Effect.

Furthermore, the image printing apparatus of the present invention further includes an editing processing unit for reading original image data from the original image data storage unit, and performing editing processing on the original image data using the editing image.

In this way, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, the following effect can be obtained, that is, the re-editing operation can be performed on the image obtained by combining the received original image data and editing image data, that is, only a specific image can be deleted from the synthesized image, for example. editorial image, and composite another editorial image.

Furthermore, the image printing apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that, when the editing image data corresponding to the editing image ID included in the composite image data received from outside is not stored in the editing image storage unit, The editing image data is downloaded from an external image communication management server that manages the editing image data.

As a result, in addition to the aforementioned effects, the image printing apparatus can reliably update the editing image data when sequentially updating the editing image data.

Furthermore, the image printing program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the processing of the image printing apparatus of the present invention described above.

Thus, by installing the above-mentioned program in the computer system, the effect of realizing the functions of the above-mentioned image printing apparatus can be obtained.

In addition, the image communication management server of the present invention has: a communication processing unit for performing data communication with the outside; an original image data storage unit for storing original image data composed of photographic images and the like; and a combined image storage unit for storing combined image data, the The synthesized image data indicates information on one or more editing images synthesized from the above-mentioned original images. The image communication management server receives the above-mentioned original image data and the above-mentioned synthesized image data from the above-mentioned mobile terminal device of the present invention and specifies the user ID of the mobile terminal device or the user of the mobile terminal device, and transmits the above-mentioned image communication information to the mobile terminal device of the present invention. The printing device transmits the original image data, the composite image data, the user ID, and image data for editing included in the composite image data.

In this way, for example, when the combined image data is identified by the image ID for editing, the mobile terminal device does not need to transmit the image data for editing itself, so the data size of the data transmitted by the mobile terminal device can be reduced. quantity. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect that the communication fee can be reduced and the communication time of the mobile terminal device having a low communication speed can be reduced.

In addition, it is possible to obtain an effect that the image data for editing can be transmitted from the image communication management server to the image printing apparatus, whereby image data for editing that has not yet been stored in the image printing apparatus can be used in newly generated image data for editing, for example. .

Furthermore, the image communication management program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the processing of the image communication management server of the present invention described above.

Thereby, there can be obtained the effect that by installing the above-mentioned program in the computer system, the function of the above-mentioned image communication management server can be realized.

Claims (13)

1. mobile model terminal installation with data communication function is characterized in that having:

The original digital image data storage part, the original digital image data that storage is made of photograph image etc.; And

The composograph storage part, storage composograph data, this composograph data representation and the editor more than 1 that above-mentioned original image is synthesized be with the relevant information of image,

Utilizing above-mentioned data communication function to send when above-mentioned original image synthesized that editor is with the image behind the image more than 1, send above-mentioned original digital image data and above-mentioned composograph data respectively independently to the outside.

2. mobile model terminal installation according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Also have and be used to store a plurality of above-mentioned editors and use image storage part with the editor of images,

Be stored in above-mentioned editor and be assigned with editor with the editor in the image storage part respectively with image and use image I D, and above-mentioned composograph data utilize above-mentioned editor to determine that with image I D the editor who is synthesized uses view data.

3. mobile model terminal installation according to claim 1 and 2 is characterized in that, above-mentioned composograph data comprise with above-mentioned editor uses the corresponding related vector data of view data.

4. according to any described mobile model terminal installation of claim 1 to 3, it is characterized in that, also have editing and processing portion, from above-mentioned original digital image data storage part, read original digital image data, utilize above-mentioned editor this original digital image data to be carried out editing and processing with image.

5. an image communication program is characterized in that, makes the computer enforcement of rights require the processing of 1 to 4 any described mobile model terminal installation.

6. image-printing device is characterized in that having:

Communication process portion carries out data communication with the outside;

The original digital image data storage part, the original digital image data that storage is made of photograph image etc.;

The composograph storage part, storage composograph data, this composograph data representation and editing more than 1 that above-mentioned original image is synthesized with the relevant information of image; And

Printing treatment portion is printed on above-mentioned original digital image data and above-mentioned editor on the printed medium with the synthetic image afterwards of view data,

This image-printing device utilizes above-mentioned communication process portion, makes above-mentioned original digital image data and above-mentioned composograph data independently receive them from the outside under the state respectively.

7. image-printing device according to claim 6 is characterized in that,

Also have and be used to store a plurality of above-mentioned editors and use image storage part with the editor of images,

Be stored in above-mentioned editor and be assigned with editor with the editor in the image storage part respectively with image and use image I D, and above-mentioned composograph data utilize above-mentioned editor to determine that with image I D the editor who is synthesized uses view data.

8. according to claim 6 or 7 described image-printing devices, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned composograph data comprise with above-mentioned editor uses the corresponding related vector data of view data.

9. according to any described image-printing device of claim 6 to 8, it is characterized in that also having editing and processing portion, from above-mentioned original digital image data storage part, read original digital image data, utilize above-mentioned editor this original digital image data to be carried out editing and processing with image.

10. image-printing device according to claim 7, it is characterized in that, be not stored in above-mentioned editor with view data with under the situation of image storage part the editor corresponding with image I D, edit from management and download this editor with the external image communication management server of view data and use view data with being included in above-mentioned editor from the composograph data that the outside receives.

11. an image print routine is characterized in that, makes computer carry out the processing of aforesaid right requirement 6 to 10 any described image-printing devices.

12. an Image Communication management server that is connected with communication network is characterized in that having:

Communication process portion carries out data communication with the outside;

The original digital image data storage part, the original digital image data that storage is made of photograph image etc.; And

The composograph storage part, storage composograph data, this composograph data representation and editing more than 1 that above-mentioned original image is synthesized with the relevant information of image,

This Image Communication management server accessory rights requirement 1 to 4 any described mobile model terminal installation receives the user's of above-mentioned original digital image data and above-mentioned composograph data and definite this mobile model terminal installation or this mobile model terminal installation user ID, and

Send above-mentioned original digital image data, above-mentioned composograph data, above-mentioned user ID and the editor that is included in the above-mentioned composograph data uses view data to any described image-printing device of claim 6 to 10.

13. an Image Communication hypervisor is characterized in that, makes the computer enforcement of rights require the processing of 12 described Image Communication management servers.

Images