JP2002358172A - Image processing method and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture processing method and system for performing prescribed print according to an image file. SOLUTION: In this system in which a plurality of personal computer 10 are connected to a digital image processor 20, the storage part of the personal computer 10 is provided with a folder in which an image file is stored, and the image file stored in the folder 11 is accessed from the digital image processor 20 through a network, and the image is set on a picture to be printed, and whether the set picture should be printed in an automatic mode or a manual mode is selected by a selection means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image processing method and an image processing system. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called minilab has been widely used as a system for easily performing photographic printing. Recent features of this type of minilab include the problems that the number of minilab stores is increasing, cost competition is intense, APS film processing is complicated, and processing of digital cameras takes time. As the environment surrounding minilabs becomes more severe, high-value-added photo services are required.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographic print service in a mini lab or the like requires a customer to bring a film to a mini lab, develop a film which has not been developed into a developed film, and leave a developed film as it is. The prints are executed through a film scanner and the resulting prints are provided to customers.

[0003]

In the above-described conventional photo print service, there are cases where only necessary files are selected and printed, and only those which match the width of a cassette in which photosensitive paper is set are printed. It is very troublesome to select and print these for each image file.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image processing method and an image processing system capable of performing a predetermined print in accordance with an image file.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage section of the personal computer, and an image file is provided. Is stored, and the image file stored in the folder is set as a screen for accessing the digital image processing apparatus via a network to print an image, and the set screen is printed in an auto mode or in a manual mode. It is characterized by selecting whether to print.

With this configuration, it is possible to perform a predetermined print according to the image file. (2) The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the selection is set on the personal computer side.

With this configuration, the personal computer can set the selection between auto and manual.
convenient. (3) In the system according to the third aspect of the present invention, in a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer to store image files, and the image files are stored in the folders. Means for setting a screen for printing an image by accessing the image file from the digital image processing apparatus via a network, and selecting whether to print in the auto mode or the manual mode on the set screen. It is characterized by having.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to select whether to perform printing in the automatic mode or in the manual mode by the selection means, and it is possible to perform efficient printing.

(4) The invention according to claim 4, wherein the personal computer and the digital image processing apparatus are LA
It is characterized by being connected via N. According to this structure, a plurality of personal computers and the digital image processing apparatus are connected to each other via the LAN, so that image data can be easily transferred.

(5) In the invention according to claim 5, when the set screen cannot be recorded in the size set in the file, the print setting is performed in the manual mode, and the paper of the image processing apparatus is set. Is switched to be notified.

With this configuration, printing can be performed.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, an example applied to a photographic image will be described as a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a personal computer is abbreviated as a personal computer. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a plurality of personal computers (EXPC). Although only two units # 1 and # 2 are shown in the figure, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of personal computers can be used. In the personal computer 10, reference numeral 11 denotes a folder for storing image files, and reference numeral 12 denotes a LAN (local area network) for connecting to another personal computer and the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20.
And can be connected to other devices via the hub 1.

Reference numeral 13 denotes an operation unit for inputting various information connected to the personal computer 10. As the operation unit 13, for example, a keyboard or a mouse is used. In the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20, reference numeral 21 denotes a LAN, which is connected to the personal computer 10 via the hub 1. The LAN configured in this manner is referred to as LAN1 here. 22
Denotes a personal computer (PC) connected to the LAN 1 and 23 denotes a folder for storing various information connected to the personal computer 22. In the personal computer, there is provided a selection means for selecting a printer between automatic and manual.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a second L provided on the personal computer 22.
AN (LAN2) and 25 are digital image acquisition units connected to LAN2. The digital image acquisition unit 25 includes a film scanner, a digital camera, a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a ZIP
Is connected or a print is input. The digital image acquisition unit 25 is connected to these devices and acquires image information as a digital image. 26 is a printer for printing photographs, and 26a is a controller for controlling the printer. The personal computer 22, the digital image acquisition unit 25, and the printer 26 are interconnected by a second LAN, LAN2. The present invention will be described using the system configured as described above.

Since the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 has the digital image acquisition section 25, a digital image can be obtained from various devices described below. Negative film development and various prints Additional prints from negative and reversal films Print from originals Print from digital cameras Print from image data stored on various media such as FD, MO, CD-ROM, ZIP and more By connecting to a personal computer via a network, the following services become possible. (A) Editing print of albums, greeting cards, etc. (b) Media writing service from photographic images to CD-ROM or FD (c) Function as network printer The customer stores image files in his / her personal computer 10. Specifically, it is stored in the folder 11 of its own personal computer. A conventional image file format is AJPEG. “A” is the file name, “JP”
G "is the extension. Other extensions are BM
A format such as P (bitmap) or TIFF can be used.

The customer stores various image files in the folder 11 of the personal computer 10. As an image file,
Importing from a digital camera (not shown), importing from a film scanner, or the like is possible. In this case, the operator operates the operation unit 13 to input print conditions and the like for each image file.

Here, it is assumed that the image stored in the folder 11 needs to be printed. On the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 side, the operator accesses the folder 11 of the personal computer 10 so that the image file can be viewed. Digital photograph image processing device 20 and personal computer 1
The operator of the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 can refer to the folder 11 of the personal computer 10 because it is connected to the 0 side by the LAN 1.

Next, the operator operates the personal computer 22 to change the screen to a screen immediately before printing. FIG. 2 shows a print screen. In the figure, 30 is a screen, 31 is a bar, 32 is an OK button, 33 is a return button, and 34 is an auto print button or a manual button. Reference numeral 35 denotes a display button for displaying the current state of the manual mode or the automatic mode. The bar 31 has an order number. , Status, type, PC name, customer name, telephone number, print size, number of prints, media, price, and index are displayed. By clicking these functions, the operator can set or view each function.

In the manual mode, 34 is a manual mode display and 35 is an auto print button. In the auto mode, 34 is an auto mode display and 35 is a manual print button.

Here, the operator can set the automatic mode by clicking the auto print button 34, and can set the manual mode by clicking the manual print button. Here, the manual mode is a mode in which only necessary files are selected and printed, and the auto mode is a mode in which only images having a size matching the width of the cassette are sequentially selected and printed.

Clicking the auto print button 34 sets the mode to the manual mode, and clicking the OK button 32 causes the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 to operate the personal computer 1
The image file stored in the folder 11 is read out, and only necessary files are selected and printed by the printer 26. Specifically, it is conceivable that the operator decides whether or not to print for each image file. In the case of the auto mode, the personal computer 22 of the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 recognizes the width of the photosensitive paper set in the cassette, and sequentially prints only those which match the image to be printed.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to select whether to perform printing in the automatic mode or in the manual mode by the selecting means, and it is possible to perform efficient printing.

Also, according to the present invention, L
Since the personal computer 10 and the digital photographic image processing apparatus 20 are connected by the AN, image data can be easily transferred.

In the case of the automatic mode, an image corresponding to the size of the paper loaded in the photographic image processing apparatus 20 is output. In the manual, when a sheet corresponding to a desired size is not loaded, an operator is warned of a sheet exchange (for example, a warning sound) to urge the exchange.

Next, the operation of the system of the present invention will be described. 3 to 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the center and a plurality of shops are connected via the Internet. The shop is provided with a server as a reception machine. The customer goes to the shop and orders the print.

The customer reorders prints (S1).
At this time, it is checked whether a bar code is attached to the print or the negative bag (S2). If no bar code is attached, the process proceeds to step S4.

On the other hand, the customer brings a film into the system of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a system) (S3). Then, the customer writes the order details on the order slip (S4). If the film or the negative bag has a bar code in step S2, the order contents are read manually or by a bar code reader, and the process proceeds to step S5 (S6).

In step S5, the operator inputs order information (S5). Here, as order information,
For example, there are a customer's name, telephone number, date, address, film type, print type, number of prints, frame number, and the like. Next, the server generates an order ID, customer login information, and creates an order folder (S7). As described above, the extension of the order file is “O”.
RD "is set.

Next, the server checks whether to print only the brought-in film or to upload image data to the center (S8). When not uploading, the server prints without uploading, prints three order ID stickers (tags), sticks one on the film, sticks one on the negative bag, and sends the remaining one to the customer. Hand over (S9). Then, step S13
Proceed to.

In step S8, when uploading image data, the server prints a print order ID. Then, one of the three stickers is affixed to a film, and the other is affixed to a negative bag and a bill (S10). The operator gives the customer the tag with the order ID (S
11). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23. Alternatively, the server sends the customer information to the center as the latest account (S1).
2).

Next, the operator develops the film (S13). Next, the operator selects a folder that matches the order ID (S14). Specifically, the order folder of the shop server is searched. When searching for a folder, there are an automatic recognition method of reading the number with a barcode reader, and a manual method of selecting a folder matching the film number.

Next, the system scans the film,
Print. At this time, the order ID is printed on the back of the photograph. Then, the image file is stored in the sub personal computer (PC) (S15). Storing the image file in the sub personal computer involves storing the image file in the temporary storage unit for the time being, since the additional printing process may occur. In this case, processing such as changing the name of the folder is performed.

Next, if necessary, the print is reprinted (S16). The reprinting is performed for frame shift, color adjustment, and the like. The reprinting method includes a case in which a film is reloaded and a case in which an image file is read. At the same time as the rewriting, the image file in the temporary storage unit is overwritten.
When the reprinting is completed, the operator confirms that the printing has been performed by the system, and uploads the image file stored in the sub personal computer to the system folder (S17).

Next, it is checked whether or not the film scan has been completed (S18). As a method of terminating the film scan, there are a manual operation using a button and a case where a barcode is read to terminate. In any case, the end of the process is notified by renaming the extension of the order file name. If the film scan is not completed, check at 5 minute intervals. Next, the server stores the scanned image together with the order ID in the system folder (S19). These scanned images are transferred to the center server using, for example, the Internet. Or C
Write the image to a D-ROM or the like.

Next, the server logs in on the date when the order is completed (S20). The customer then collects the images on the Internet or uses the order ID for payment (S
21). Next, the server retrieves the date (S2
2).

In step S11, when the operator gives the customer a tag with an order ID, the customer
Log on to the (center server) (S23). Customers,
To view the scanned image, the order ID written on the tag received in step S11 is input (S24). Next, it is checked whether the customer already has an account (registration number) (S25). If not, it is checked whether the customer wants a new account (S26).

In step S26, if a new account is desired, the customer inputs an e-mail (S27). Next, an account and a password are assigned from the system (S28). The customer transfers the image file to his / her own album (S29). The same applies to the case where the user has an account in step S25. Next, the server deletes the unwanted photo from the temporary file (S30). The same applies when a new account is not desired in step S26. Next, selection of an image file is continued for a print order (S3).
1). Next, the process proceeds to step S33.

The customer logs on to the center server and selects a print image (S32). Next, the customer selects a mailing or pick-up location (S33). The center service browses the shop location (S34). Next, a fee is paid by credit and an order is issued (S3).
5). Next, order information is received from the center server (S37). Then, the order is received and the print is prepared or supplied (S38). Next, the customer brings the order ID and picks up a print at a predetermined place (photoshop) (S39).

In step S36, when an order is issued from the system to the shop server, the print server of the system receives an order from the center server (S4).
0). Next, the print server extracts an image file from the order URL (S41). Then, the print server sends the order and receives a confirmation message (S4).
2). The print server logs in to the order and generates a print order (S43).

Next, the print server issues a message indicating that printing is in progress to the center server (S44). Next, it is checked whether the printing is completed (S45).
If the printing is not completed, it is checked every 5 minutes to see if the printing is completed. If the printing is completed, the print server collects the order from the center server and sends a message (S46).

The shop operator uses the order ID to check the status and login (S4)
7). Next, it is checked whether the order has been received (S48). If not, check if it has been collected daily. If so, the print server closes the order status and sends a pickup message to the system (S49).

In the above-described embodiment, a photographic image processing method and a photographic image processing system have been described as examples of image processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of image processing such as medical and The same can be applied to image processing in the printing field.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to perform a predetermined print according to an image file.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is convenient for the personal computer to select between automatic and manual. (3) According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to select whether to perform printing in the automatic mode or in the manual mode by the selecting means, and it is possible to perform efficient printing.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected via a LAN, so that image data can be easily transferred. (5) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, printing can be performed by switching the paper of the image processing apparatus.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing method and an image processing system capable of performing a predetermined print according to an image file.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a print screen.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 hub 10 personal computer 11 folder 12 LAN 13 operation unit 20 digital photographic image processing device 21 LAN 22 personal computer 23 folder 24 LAN 25 digital image acquisition unit 26 printer 26a controller

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ06 HL01 HN05 HN09 HN10 HN16 HQ06 HQ17 5B021 AA01 BB02 EE01 KK02 PP04 5C052 AA12 DD04 FA03 FA06 FA07 FC06 5C062 AA05 AA14 AA04 AB20 AB23 AB38 AB

Claims (5)

[Claims] In a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage unit of the personal computer to store image files, and the image files stored in the folders are transferred to a network. An image which is set by printing from a digital image processing apparatus via an electronic image processing apparatus through an automatic mode or a manual mode on the set screen. Processing method. 2. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the selection is set on the personal computer side. 3. In a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a digital image processing apparatus are connected, a folder is provided in a storage section of the personal computer to store image files, and the image files stored in the folders are transferred to a network. A screen for printing an image by accessing from the digital image processing apparatus via the digital image processing apparatus, and selecting means for selecting whether to print in the auto mode or the manual mode for the set screen. Image processing system. 4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the personal computer and the digital image processing device are connected via a LAN. 5. When the set screen cannot be recorded at the size set in the file, print setting is performed in the manual mode, and a notification is made to switch the paper of the image processing apparatus. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein