JP2004328438A - Image output device, program, recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image print system that provides music content during a print waiting time.
An image output apparatus (101) displays a music selection screen (700) on a monitor screen (201) according to print order contents (number of prints, fee, etc.) during printing of a printed matter. The selected music is played from the speaker 211. Further, the image output apparatus 101 downloads the streaming music to the recording medium 123 by the download button 706 according to the contents of the print order (the number of prints, the fee, etc.), and the favorite music by the my melody registration button 704. Is registered, and at the next use, the registered music is reproduced by the My Melody reproduction button 705.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image output device capable of synthesizing, editing, and printing an image photographed by a digital camera, an image read by a scanner, image data recorded on a recording medium brought, an image previously stored in the device, and the like. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Images taken with a digital camera or the like can be printed at home using a personal computer, a printer, or the like, instead of having to bring a film to a photo shop for printing as in the related art. In addition, a photograph that has already been printed can be read by a scanner or the like, and additional printing, enlargement, and the like can be performed.
[0003]
However, while there is a demand to process captured images more beautifully and with various ingenuity, electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers, printers, and scanners have made rapid progress, and new products with high performance have been developed one after another. Since it is sold, it is difficult for an individual to always create the highest quality prints, and there is a limit to the number of sub-images such as frame images to be combined with a captured image that can be used by the individual.
[0004]
Therefore, a digital photo print device, which is an image output device that can be installed in a relatively small space, is installed in a store such as a camera store, and a recording medium on which an image is recorded or a photo that has already been printed is used. There is a method of printing by combining and carrying a frame image or the like (see a digital photo print system, for example, [Patent Document 1] and [Non-Patent Document 1]).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-46324 (Pg. 18, paragraph number [0145], FIGS. 5 to 10)
[Non-patent document 1]
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., "Recommendation for Digital Camera Print", [online], [searched on December 1, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. Digimates. com / susume / index. html>
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the printing process requires various processes such as a process related to a printer device, a process of loading image data, a process of transferring image data, and thus has a problem that a considerable processing time is required. When a large amount of printout is performed from a recording medium or the like on which an image photographed in the above is recorded, there is a problem that a user has to wait for a long time until printing is completed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image printing system that provides music content during a print waiting time.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input unit for inputting image data, a printing unit for printing the image data, and a music providing unit for providing music during a printing process of the printing unit. And an image output device.
[0009]
It is preferable that the music data include registration means for registering the music data by inputting a personal identification number, and reproducing means for reproducing the registered music data by inputting the personal identification number at the next use. .
Preferably, the music is automatically selected in accordance with the content of the printed matter.
In addition, the input unit may include a recording medium reading unit that reads the image data from a recording medium, a document reading unit that scans a document to obtain the image data, and an imaging unit that obtains the image data by capturing a subject. It is desirable to be either.
Further, it is desirable to further include an image processing means for processing an image by using at least one of the input image data and the image data held in advance to create another new image data.
Further, it is desirable to further include a billing unit for billing.
[0010]
The “recording medium” is a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), an SD card, a memory stick, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, a CD-ROM, or the like.
The “print content” is at least one of the number of prints, print type, print fee, and the like.
[0011]
In the first invention, image data is input, the image data is printed, and music is provided during the printing process.
[0012]
A second invention is an image input unit for inputting image data, a printing unit for printing the image data, a download unit for downloading music data of music flowing during a printing process of the printing unit to a recording medium, An image output device comprising:
[0013]
In the second invention, image data is input, the image data is printed, and music data of music played during the printing process is downloaded to a recording medium.
[0014]
A third invention is a program that functions as the image output device according to the first invention or the second invention.
A fourth invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing the computer to function as the image output device according to the first invention or the second invention is recorded.
[0015]
The above-described program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image printing system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0017]
First, the configuration of an image printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image printing system 100.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is an example of an image printing system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image printing system 100 is realized by an image output device 101 and the like.
The image output device 101 includes an image data reading / writing unit 111, an image editing / synthesizing unit 112, a material database (material DB) 113, a printing unit 114, an order content inputting unit 115, a charging unit 116, a music content providing unit 117, and the like. .
[0019]
The image data read / write unit 111 captures an image of the subject 121 with an imaging device such as a digital camera, reads a document 122 with a document reading device such as a scanner device, or reads a document 122 from a recording medium 123 in which image data is recorded in advance. To obtain image data. Further, the image data read / write unit 111 can also record the image data created by the image output device 101 on the recording medium 123.
The recording medium 123 is, for example, a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), an SD card, a memory stick, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, a CD-ROM, or the like.
[0020]
The image editing / synthesizing unit 112 synthesizes one or more input or selected image data by performing processing such as graffiti or stamping, clipping image data, scaling, pasting the cut image to another image, and the like. It comprises interactive interface means for interactively performing editing and the like and an image processing program. As the image data to be processed or edited, material image data, frame image data, and the like existing in the material database 113 can be used.
[0021]
The printing means 114 is a high-resolution color printer. Any method such as a sublimation type or an ink jet type is applicable. The printed matter 124 is an identification photograph obtained by imaging printed out, a photograph based on a digital camera image, a seal print, a postcard, or the like.
[0022]
The user selects the order contents to be output as required by the order contents input means 115. Items to be selected include selection of print mode (such as whether to perform normal output of actual image data, index print output, postcard print, seal print, ID photo print, etc.). In the case of normal output of actual image data, etc., display thumbnail images and specify which image to print when multiple frames of image data are input (in the case of outputting a digital camera image) Monitor display of thumbnail images and image selection), designation of the number of prints and print size, and the like. Note that the user can specify one or more pieces of image data to perform processing, composition, and editing before outputting the image.
[0023]
As the order content input means 115, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, or various pointers such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The charging unit 116 enables each function of the image output apparatus 101 according to the amount of money input in advance.
[0024]
The music content providing means 117 displays music titles of the music content, and plays music from a speaker or the like. In addition, the music data of the flowing music content is downloaded (held) to the recording medium 123 possessed by the user. Music data of music content is stored in a hard disk or the like in advance.
[0025]
Next, an external configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image output device 101.
[0026]
A monitor screen 201 such as a monitor with a touch panel is arranged on the front of the upper part of the image output device 101. The monitor screen 201 has a function as a display unit that displays an operation guide, an operation status, a read image, an edited image, and the like.
[0027]
A media insertion slot 202 is provided on the side of the monitor screen 201. A scanner surface 203 that reads an image of a printed matter and converts it into digital data is installed in a horizontal portion that separates the upper portion and the lower portion. A lens window 204 for capturing an image of a subject with an imaging device such as a digital camera is provided on the monitor screen 201. The media insertion port 202, the scanner surface 203, and the lens window 204 constitute a part of the image data reading / writing unit 111.
[0028]
The media insertion slot 202 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, etc.), and floppy (registered trademark). A disk insertion slot, a CD-ROM insertion slot, a PC card insertion slot, a smart media insertion slot, a CompactFlash (registered trademark) insertion slot, and the like are arranged in a group.
[0029]
The main body of each read / write device is installed in the housing of the image output device 101 corresponding to the insertion opening of each of the recording media. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be removed until the collection of the fee is completed.
[0030]
In the lower part of the image output device 101, a charge slot (coin slot 205, bill slot 206), return lever 207, return slot 208, receipt outlet 209, printed material outlet 210, speaker 211, and maintenance key 212 are provided. , A door open / close key 213 and the like.
[0031]
The charge slot (coin slot 205, bill insertion slot 206), return lever 207, return slot 208, and receipt outlet 209 constitute a part of the billing means 116.
The customer pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 205 or inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 206. If there is a change, the change is released from the return port 208 and can be received. When the order is canceled or when the coin is jammed, the coin is released from the return port 208 by turning the coin return lever 207, so that the coin can be received.
After the fee is collected, a receipt on which the collected amount and the order details are printed is released from the receipt outlet 209.
[0032]
The print outlet 210 constitutes a part of the printing unit 114. After instructing execution of printing by touching a touch panel button or the like, the user receives the print 124 released from the print outlet 210.
The speaker 211 reproduces sound, BGM, sound effects, and the like during standby and operation.
[0033]
The maintenance key 212 is a key for switching between a normal operation mode in which a user can be accepted and a management mode in which the administrator performs setting and maintenance of the image printing system.
[0034]
Although not clearly recognizable from the external appearance, the housing of the post-type image output apparatus 101 includes a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the post-type image output apparatus 101, and performs voltage conversion. A power supply box, an uninterruptible power supply for preventing damage to the CPU and the hard disk of the control unit at the time of power failure, and the like are installed.
[0035]
Next, a schematic configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 101.
[0036]
The image output device 101 includes a control unit 301, a hard disk 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), a digital camera 305, a scanner 306, various media read / write units 307 (1-n), The shutter 308 (1 to n), the monitor 309 (with a touch panel), the coin mech 310, the bill validator 311, the receipt journal processing unit 312, the printer 313, the sound source unit 314, and the like are connected via the bus 316.
[0037]
The control unit 301 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls driving of each device connected via the bus 316 according to a program stored in a hard disk 302 as a large-capacity storage medium.
[0038]
The hard disk 302 is input as a part of the image editing / synthesizing unit 112 in addition to a program for controlling the driving of each component, for example, a reading / writing program corresponding to each recording medium 123, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging program, and the like. Or an image processing program for editing and processing the selected image, an image processing program for creating thinned data and creating index data, and displaying an interactive menu on the monitor 309 as a part of the order content input means 115 and printing means A program for setting print conditions for 114 and instructing a print start, a material database 113 storing image data such as a frame used for image synthesis, a background image, a line drawing illustration image for coloring, and music. Music data provided by the content providing means 117, Content recognizing program of the image data is stored.
[0039]
Each of these program codes is read out by the control unit 301 as needed, transferred to the RAM, read out by the CPU, and executed as various means.
[0040]
The input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) upgrades programs and information stored in the ROM of the control unit 301 and the hard disk 302, or sets operation settings and device settings of the image printing system. When the main unit is switched to the management mode by the maintenance key, a CD-ROM for upgrading is inserted into the input / output unit 303, and data is rewritten or setting data is input. Make settings.
[0041]
The digital camera 305, the scanner 306, and the various media read / write units 307 (1 to n) correspond to the image data read / write unit 111.
The shutter 308 is provided in the recording medium insertion opening, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion opening to prevent the recording medium from being taken out during the reading process or to prevent the recording medium from being taken out until the charging process is completed. be able to.
[0042]
By selecting and touching the touch panel button displayed on the monitor 309 according to the operation guide displayed on the monitor 309, the process from selection of the print mode and reading of the original image data to processing, synthesis and editing, and output of the print 124 are performed. A series of operations can be performed.
[0043]
The coin mech 310, the bill validator 311, and the receipt journal processing unit 312 correspond to the billing unit 116, and accept coin insertion and bill insertion, and issue a receipt.
The printer 313 corresponds to the printing unit 114, and performs print output processing of an image.
The sound source unit 314 is a part that plays music or the like (BGM) from the speaker 211 while the image printing system 100 is operating, and plays music stored in the hard disk 302. Further, as described later, the music data is stored in a recording medium (CD, MD, etc.) brought by the user.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image output apparatus 101.
[0045]
The control unit 301 of the image output apparatus 101 displays a menu screen indicating the contents, procedure, guidance, and the like of the service on the monitor screen 201 of the monitor 309, and allows the user to select a function. (Step 401).
[0046]
The control unit 301 acquires image data via any of the various media 307, the scanner 306, the digital camera 305, and the like (step 402). When inputting image data, the user selects a method such as reading from the recording medium 123, reading from a scanner, or imaging an object by an imaging device (such as a digital camera).
[0047]
The control unit 301 (image processing program) performs image processing, editing, composition, and the like based on the user's instruction (step 403). Image processing, editing, and composition include, for example, composition of input image data, frame images, existing images, and the like, paint color, character input, movement, enlargement / reduction, postcard data creation, and the like.
[0048]
The control unit 301 performs a billing process and a receipt issuing process according to the user's order contents (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.) (step 404).
[0049]
The control unit 301 (image processing program) performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, and text / logo composition (step 405), and stores the image-processed image data in the hard disk 302 (step 406). The image data is transferred to the printer device in the output enabled state, and a print processing process for performing a print output process is started (step 407).
[0050]
Until the printing output by the printing process is completed (No in Step 409), the control unit 301 provides the music content according to the contents of the print order (the number of prints, the printing fee, etc.) via the sound source unit 314 (Step 409). 408). For example, when printing 20 sheets, the control unit 301 plays music selected by the user from several types of music (tunes) from the speaker 211 during printing of 20 sheets of printed matter.
[0051]
When the operation of the image printing system 100 is continued (No in Step 410), the control unit 301 repeats the processing from Step 401 to Step 409.
[0052]
Next, the music content providing process according to the print order in step 408 will be described in detail.
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the music content providing processing according to the print order contents.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 301 does not provide the music content according to the print order contents (the number of prints, the print fee, and the like) (No in step 501), the process proceeds to step 409.
For example, when the number of prints is 1 to 5, the service level is set to 0, and no music is provided during printing of the printed matter.
[0054]
The control unit 301 provides the music content in accordance with the print order contents (the number of prints, the print fee, etc.) (Yes in step 501), but if the music (tune) cannot be selected in accordance with the print order contents (step 502). No), the determined music title is displayed on the monitor screen 201 of the monitor 309, the corresponding music data is read from the hard disk 302, played from the sound source unit 314 (step 503), and the process proceeds to step 409.
For example, when the number of prints is 6 to 10, the service level is set to 1 and a fixed music is played from the speaker 211 during the printing of the printed matter.
[0055]
If the music (tune) can be selected (Yes in step 502) and the music cannot be automatically selected based on the content of the printed matter (No in step 504), the control unit 301 displays the music selection screen 700 on the monitor screen 201 of the monitor 309. When the user selects the music piece 708 and presses the enter button 707 (step 506), the control unit 301 reads out the music data corresponding to the selected music piece 708 from the hard disk 302 and displays the music data. It flows from the unit 314 (step 507).
[0056]
FIG. 7 shows a music selection screen 700. As shown in FIG. 7, the music selection screen 700 includes a print order content 701, a fee 702, a service level 703 corresponding to the print order content, a my melody registration button 704, a my melody playback button 705, and a download button 706. , A set button 707, a plurality of selectable music pieces 708, and the like. If the user likes the music being played, the My Melody Registration button 704 inputs a personal identification number from the touch panel of the monitor 309 and registers it on the hard disk 302. The My Melody Play button 705 plays the music registered by the My Melody Registration button 704 by inputting a password from the touch panel of the monitor 309. The download button 706 downloads (holds) to the recording medium 123 possessed through various media 307 if the user likes the music being played.
For example, when the number of prints is 11 to 20, the service level is 703: 2, a plurality of types of music 708 are displayed, and the music of the selected music 708 is played from the speaker 211.
[0057]
If the music can be automatically selected based on the content of the printed material (Yes in step 504), the control unit 301 (image data content recognition program) performs a content recognition process on the image data of the printed material being printed (step 508). .
[0058]
As a result of the content recognition processing, when no feature is found in the printed matter (image data) (No in step 509), the control unit 301 proceeds to step 505, displays the music selection screen 700 on the monitor screen 201, and The process shifts to the process of playing the selected music from the music 708.
As a result of the content recognition processing, if the printed matter (image data) has any characteristic (Yes in step 509), the control unit 301 selects music corresponding to the characteristic (step 510), and automatically displays music on the monitor screen 201. The selection screen 800 is displayed (Step 511). The control unit 301 reads the music data of the selected music from the hard disk 302, and the music flows from the sound source unit 314 (step 512).
[0059]
FIG. 8 shows a music automatic selection screen 800. As shown in FIG. 8, the automatic music selection screen 800 includes print quantity 701, fee 702, service level 703 according to the print order, my melody registration button 704, my melody play button 705, and download button as print order details. 706, a decision button 707, a music piece 708, and the like.
For example, when the number of prints is 30 or more, the service level is set to 703: 4, and when a photograph centering on a child is printed, the music of Disney is automatically selected (for example, the music 708: “small world”). , The music 708 is displayed, and the music is played.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the user selects the download button 706 and the download function is valid according to the contents of the print order (Yes in step 601), the control unit 301 is stored in the hard disk 302, The flowed music data is downloaded (held) to the recording medium 123 possessed by the user via various media 307 (step 602).
For example, in the case of a service level 703: 3 where the number of prints is 21 to 30, the download is possible free of charge, and if the music being played is liked, the download button 706 is pressed to download the music data to the recording medium 123. (Hold.
[0061]
When the user selects the My melody registration button 704 and the My melody registration function is valid according to the contents of the print order (Yes in step 603), the control unit 301 displays the My melody registration screen 900 on the monitor screen 201. (Step 604).
[0062]
FIG. 9 shows a my melody registration screen 900. The my melody registration screen 900 includes a music piece 708 of the played music, an input field for a password 901, a numeric keypad 902, an enter button 703, and the like.
The user inputs the personal identification number 901 using the numeric keypad 902, and the control unit 301 registers (holds) the music data of the music piece 708 on the hard disk 302 (step 605).
For example, if the service level is 703: 4 where the number of prints is 30 or more, registration of the melody is enabled, and if the user likes the music being played, the user presses the registration button 704 and inputs a personal identification number, and the personal melody is entered. You can register.
[0063]
If the user selects the My Melody Playback button 705 when he / she wants to view the registered music the last time he / she has used it and the My Melody Playback function is enabled according to the print order (Yes in step 606), the control unit 301 Displays a My Melody playback screen (not shown) on the monitor screen 211 in the same format as the My Melody registration screen 800 (Step 607).
The user inputs the personal identification number 901 at the time of registration using the numeric keypad 902, and the control unit 301 reads out the music data of the corresponding music piece 708 from the hard disk 302 and reproduces it (step 608).
For example, when the service level 703: 2 or more with 11 or more prints, the My Melody playback is enabled, the My Melody Registration button 704 is pressed, and the password is input to play the registered My Melody music. You can watch it again.
[0064]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image output apparatus 101 outputs the music content to the user's waiting time generated during the printing process according to the print order content (the number of prints, the fee, etc.). If you like the music that you play, you can download the corresponding music data to the recording medium owned by the user, enter your password, register your personal melody, and play my melody, In the waiting time during the printing process, it is possible to provide the user with comfort and to provide fun other than printing.
[0065]
The preferred embodiments of the image printing system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image print system that provides music content during a print waiting time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image printing system 100. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an image output device 101. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output device 101. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the music content providing process of the image output device 101. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the music content providing process of the image output device 101. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a music selection screen 700. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an automatic music selection screen 800. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a my melody registration screen 900.
100 image printing system 101 image output device 111 image data reading / writing means 112 image editing / synthesizing means 113 material database 114 printing means 115 printing order contents Input means 116 Billing means 117 Music content providing means

Claims (12)

Image input means for inputting image data,
Printing means for printing the image data,
Music providing means for providing music during the printing process of the printing means;
An image output device comprising: Image input means for inputting image data,
Printing means for printing the image data,
Downloading means for downloading music data of music flowing during the printing process of the printing means to a recording medium;
An image output device comprising: 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the music according to a print content of the printing unit. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the download unit downloads the music data according to a print content of the printing unit. The image print system according to claim 3, wherein the print content is at least one of a number of prints, a print type, a fee, and the like. 6. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the music is automatically selected in accordance with the content of a printed matter. Registration means for registering the music data by inputting a password,
The image output according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: reproducing means for reproducing the registered music data by inputting the password at the next use. apparatus. 8. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit for performing charging. The input unit may be any one of a recording medium reading unit that reads the image data from a recording medium, a document reading unit that scans a document to obtain the image data, and an imaging unit that obtains the image data by capturing a subject. 9. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an image processing unit configured to process an image using at least one of the input image data and the image data stored in advance to create another new image data. Item 10. The image output device according to any one of Items 9 to 9. A program for causing a computer to function as the image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the image output device according to claim 1 is recorded.

Images