KR20000054449A - The method for online image processing and the system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a system for processing an image through the Internet online. The present invention provides an electronic album type image center to store, view, modify, and store an image file wherever a user can access online. It is to provide a service method and system that can transmit and input / output.

When users want to view photos, videos, etc. again, modify, transfer and input / output pictures and videos, they can make a database of photos or videos in the online image center and store them as albums. Easily find and edit photos or videos output on video output devices such as monitors without the hassle of searching, so that they can be easily stored, modified or organized, and images can be stored permanently without any color change. There is an advantage to I / O.

In addition, by connecting the unmanned digital video system online, the user can input / output and process the image taken by the unmanned digital video system in real time, and keep the image permanently. By setting up an account in Google and managing the image material, the image material can be made available to the consumer online, eliminating the need for the consumer to visit the photo studio.

Description

Image processing method and system through internet online {THE METHOD FOR ONLINE IMAGE PROCESSING AND THE SYSTEM THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an input / output and processing method of an image through the Internet online, and conventionally, a consumer, a business operator such as a photo shop, an image or video production company, an image capturing means, and the like are offline. In the above configuration, in order to actually implement the image acquired by the image capturing means, the consumer had to request a company such as a photo studio, and the company such as the photo studio again requested a photo phenomenon or image editing to the image or video production company. . The image or video production company develops and edits a photo or video received from a business company such as a photo shop, and delivers the result to a business company such as the photo shop, and a business center such as a photo shop receives the result received from the image or video company. It was supposed to provide.

In the above process, it is not easy to correct the developed photo, and there is a hassle that a consumer needs to visit a business office such as a photo shop and acquire a photo. The photographs are stored in a book-type album, and over time the colors and materials change, making it impossible to permanently preserve and retain the original image characteristics. In addition, booklet albums were difficult to store as the number of photos increased, the number, volume, and weight of the albums increased.

In the case of a video, the recorded video is stored in a videotape, etc., which is not easy to modify, and there is a limited amount of video that can be stored on a single videotape. This increase has made storage difficult.

In the following description, the image includes all pictures, still images, and video images, and the user is not only a user of a personal computer (PC), a photo studio, etc., but also a user of an unmanned digital video system. Includes all objects that can use the image center.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to an input / output and processing method of an image through the Internet online for solving the above problems.

It is an object of the present invention to allow a user to register an account with an image center online so that the user can be allocated and store his / her space in the image center's image database server to store and manage image data. Provides a service for viewing, processing, storing, transmitting and inputting / outputting desired image files, and providing a service method and system for transmitting images according to a desired output location, output time, and output method for outputting images. to provide. If you look more closely at this,

First, it enables users to manage images online so that users can view, process, save, transmit and input / output their images anytime and anywhere through a terminal such as a personal PC, an unmanned digital video system, or a photo studio. do.

Second, in the image center, image files are managed as a database for systematic management, improving security and preservation.

Third, when the user wants to process in the image center, the image center outputs a high quality image through image correction according to the image center and delivers the image to the user.

Fourth, the image center manages images systematically and efficiently by storing image files in the form of electronic albums, and provides public and private services to open and view them to others, and users can view them in the form of electronic albums. .

Fifth, in image output, it is possible to output the image through the output system connected online, including the image output unit of the unmanned digital imaging system, and to operators such as photo studios through the chain-type output system connected online Printouts can be sent remotely or sent through a transport service. An individual user can receive printouts through a terminal, mail, or short-range printout system including a personal PC connected online.

1 is a block diagram for realizing an image processing method via the Internet.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing an image through an internet online of an individual or a business operator.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing an image through the Internet online of an unmanned digital imaging system.

4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image database.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

10: Image Center 11: Image Database Server

12: WEB server 13: image correction client

20: unmanned digital video system 21: video recording unit

22: control unit 23: image output unit

24: storage medium reading unit 30: terminal, such as a personal PC

40: terminal of operators such as photo studio

In order to achieve the above objects, the method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a user connecting to the server; Selecting a predetermined image file from a database file of the server or an image file outside of the database; Inputting processing information and output information of the selected image file and transmitting the processed information and the selected image file to the server; Processing the selected image according to the input processing information; And transmitting the image file according to the input output information.

In addition, another method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: acquiring an image through an image capturing unit or a storage medium reader in an unmanned digital imaging system connected to a server; A user selecting a predetermined image file from a database file of the server or an external image file; Inputting processing information and output information of the selected image file and transmitting the processed information and the selected image file to the server; Processing the selected image according to the input processing information; And transmitting the image file according to the input output information. The method may further include outputting the processed image file from the unmanned imaging system.

In addition, the output information may include an output location and an output time, and the two methods according to the present invention may include the steps of a user viewing an image file (processed in an electronic album format) stored in the database. It may further include.

The system according to the present invention includes (a1) an image output unit for outputting an image, (b1) an image photographing unit for inputting an image, (c1) a storage medium reader for reading a storage medium, and (d1) the image. An unmanned digital imaging system including an output unit, an image capturing unit, and a control unit for controlling a storage medium reader; And (a2) a database server for storing image data, (b2) an image correction client for correcting an image, and (c2) controlling the database server and an image correction client and controlling the unmanned digital imaging system and the Internet. It includes an image center that includes a connected WEB server. In the above, it may further include a business terminal, such as a personal PC and a photo shop, connected via the WEB server and the Internet. The image capturing unit may include a camera for capturing a regular image and a video camera for capturing a video. The storage medium reader may include a storage medium of various memory cards such as a floppy disk, a CD, a ZIP disk, and a PCMCIA. And a readout reader, wherein the image output unit is configured to record image data on a high-resolution photo print output for photo output, or a storage medium such as a floppy disk, a recording CD, a ZIP disk, various memory cards, or the like. Driver for video recording, or VCR for video recording.

A system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

The terminal 30 such as a personal PC, the image center 10 for processing, storing and transmitting images, the operator 40 such as a photo studio and the unmanned digital imaging system 20 for inputting / outputting images are online. Is connected. The image center 10, the image database server 11 for storing the image file, and confirms the ID and password of the user, and displays the menu screen and the image in the form of album to display the user input / output and processing information The WEB server 12 for processing and the image processing client 13 for processing an image according to the user's image processing information input to the WEB server 12 are connected and configured. The database configuration managed by the image database server 11 is shown in FIG. The database configuration is exemplary and may be modified according to other additional service provision (for example, when providing a photo output wireless notification service, the user's wireless terminal number, etc.). The image processing client 13 is an image correction expert who processes an image using an automatic conversion program or an correction program for automatically converting the image. The image processed by the image processing client 13 is stored in the image database server according to the user's selection.

The unmanned digital imaging system 20 includes an image capturing unit 21 for capturing an image, a storage medium reader 24 for receiving an image file from a storage medium, and a method for controlling transmission or reception of a captured image or a received image. The controller 22 and the image output unit 23 for outputting the image are connected to each other. The image capturing unit 21 may capture a still image and a video. In addition, the image capturing unit 21 may include a camera for capturing a regular image and a video camera for capturing a video.

The storage medium reader 24 is a reader capable of reading storage media such as floppy disks, CDs, ZIP disks, and various memory cards such as PCMCIA, and can be configured with a combination of readers suitable for the respective storage media. The image output unit 23 for outputting an image records image data in a high resolution (for example, 300 dpi) photo printing machine for printing a photo or a storage medium such as a floppy disk, a recording CD, a ZIP disk, or the like. Driver for video recording, or VCR for video recording.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. For reference, the dotted line shown in the drawings is an optional step and may be omitted in some cases.

When an individual user enters information such as a user ID and a password through a terminal such as a personal PC 30 or a business operator 40 such as a photo shop online to access the homepage of the image center 10, the web server 12 ) Checks whether the user is a subscribed user by comparing the user ID and password input to the database 40 (S11). If it is confirmed that the user is the correct user, the user in the WEB server 12 can browse the image files stored in the image database 40 in the form of an album (S12). The viewing step may be omitted. The user selects a predetermined image file from a database file stored in the database or an external file (for example, an image file stored in the user's PC) not stored in the database of the server (S13). At this time, the WEB server checks whether the selected predetermined image file is an image file stored in the database 40 (S14), and when the external image file is not stored in the database 40, the WEB server selects the selected predetermined image file. It is transmitted and stored in the database 40 (S15). The transmitted original image file is stored in the original image storage area 401 of the database 40. In this case, the user may designate whether the original image file is disclosed or not, and data about whether the original image file is disclosed may be stored in the database 40. For example, when the user 'aaa' of FIG. 4 designates whether or not to disclose the original image file # 1 as '0', other users except the user 'aaa' and the administrator cannot view the original image file # 1. And processing information 402 such as whether or not to be processed and processing method, and output information 402 'such as output time, output location, number of copies, output size, output color, and resolution for the selected image file selected by the user. Transmits the information to the WEB server, the WEB server stores the information in the database 40 (S16), and the WEB server determines whether to process the selected image file according to the information on whether or not the user transmits the processed image file ( S17) If the user wants to process (for example, the user 'ccc' selects whether to process, the selection is stored as '1' in the database 40) and the selected predetermined through the image correction client 13 The image file is processed according to the information about the processing method input by the user (S18). Optionally, the processed image may be displayed on the user's screen (S19). When the user wants to reprocess the image (S20), the user inputs the machining information again (S21) and processes the image again (S18). If the user selects to store the processed modified image data by determining whether to store the processed image in the database server according to the information on whether to save the processed image (S22) and then modify the processed image file in the database 40. The image is stored in the image storage area 403 (S23), and is not stored when the user does not select the save. If the user does not select whether or not to process the selected image file, the above-described storage and processing of the processed image file (S18, S19, S20, S21, S22, S23) are omitted. In addition, the image which has passed through the above steps is transmitted or outputted by the WEB server to a predetermined output unit according to the output information 402 '(S24) input by the user, and the output information 402 input by the user. According to '), a method of downloading and storing or outputting to a terminal such as a personal PC, a method of transmitting or outputting an image file to a business operator such as a photo studio, and a method of transmitting and outputting an image file to a digital unmanned video system, etc. have. The digital unmanned imaging system includes, for example, an image output unit [23] having a resolution of 300 dpi or higher, so that a very fine photograph can be output. The fact that a digital unmanned imaging system having such an image output unit can be used as a photo output unit by a user may be very attractive to individual users who do not own expensive output equipment.

In the above process, when the user selects an external image file, the external image file includes an image stored or displayed on another website online as well as a storage device such as a memory card or diskette of a digital camcorder or a digital camera. do. In addition, operators such as photo shops may digitize and transmit analog photographs or images taken in the photo shops. In the image center, the image may be processed according to the processing information 402 input by the user, and the still image or the moving image may be processed. When the user applies for processing a predetermined model, image form, or emotion expression, the image center may process the image. Therefore, the user can manage the image on the homepage of the image center by processing the image using an automatic conversion program of the image correction client, or by manually processing the image by an image correction expert using the correction program. Image correction by an image correction expert may be made offline. Image correction by image correction specialists incurs a time delay (for example, about 10 minutes) according to manual work time, so that the user inputs an image in an unmanned digital imaging system, selects whether to process it, and then inputs the image. When output is desired in the digital imaging system, an image may be output after a time according to the manual work time (for example, about 10 minutes) has elapsed. The homepage of the image center can display image files stored in the image database server in the form of albums, but images can be stored in menus or subjects according to the storage contents information (49). By displaying the processing information 402, the output information 402 'and the like, the user can easily view the images while easily inputting the processing information 402, the output information 402', etc. of the selected image. In outputting an image, a user can select an output time and an output location, and the image file can be stored in a terminal such as a personal PC or output on a predetermined terminal. In addition, it can also output a video, and can also be sent to operators such as photo shops so that users can obtain or view images anytime, anywhere, and can also receive by email.

For example, when the output time stored in the output information area 402 of the user 'aaa' is June 1, 2000 and the output location is 'aaa@yahoo.co.kr', the processed image for the ID photo The data is sent to the email address 'aaa@yahoo.co.kr', the output location of your choice.

In the homepage of the image center, if a user wants to publish image files stored in an image database server, the user can select whether to publish the image data (for example, the visibility field of FIG. 4), and publish the image for others to view. It is possible to make public and private image data included in your account.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention using an unmanned digital imaging system is as follows.

As described above, when the user is connected to the server through the user's confirmation in the digital unmanned video system (S31), the image data or the storage medium (floppy disk, ZIP) captured by the image capturing unit 21 of the unmanned digital video system (S31). Drives, and various memory cards such as PCMCIA, etc.) are transferred to the server and stored in the original image storage area 401 of the database 40 (S32). The user selects a predetermined image file while viewing the image data stored in the image database 40 of the image center (S33), and then processes information 402 such as whether the selected image file is processed and a processing method, And outputting information 402 'such as an output time, an output place, an output number, an output size, an output color, and a resolution to the WEB server, the WEB server stores the information in the database 40 (S34). .

The processing and transmission or output step of the selected image (hereinafter ⓐ or less) is the same as that of the step S17 of the above-described embodiment. In the step S33, the step of viewing the video image data can be omitted.

Images captured by the unmanned digital imaging system can be sent to the image center and processed and processed for real-time image output. As described above, when the image is processed by an image correction expert, a time delay (eg, 10 minutes) may occur depending on the processing time. And in real-time output, the user can select the output time, output location, number of prints, output size, output color, and resolution, and the output is a terminal such as personal PC, operators such as photo studio or unmanned output system. Includes transmission and output through.

The implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be partially added or omitted if necessary, and the terminal such as a personal PC, an operator such as an unmanned digital imaging system, a photo studio, and an image center are online with each other. By connecting the image to the operators such as unmanned digital video system and photo studio through a terminal such as a personal PC, it can be output.And the video of the unmanned digital video system can also be transmitted to operators such as personal PC or terminal In addition, operators such as photo shops can build images online so that images can be transferred to terminals such as personal PCs or unmanned digital video systems, and operators such as photo shops and unmanned digital video systems can easily utilize images.

As described above, the present invention provides the following effects by providing an image processing method and system through the Internet online.

First, since image files can be stored and managed on an image database server in an image center online, users can view and process their image files anytime, anywhere through operators such as personal PCs, unmanned digital video systems, or photo studios. Can store, transmit and input / output.

Second, by storing and managing image files as a database in an online image center, it is not only systematic but also excellent in security and preservation.

Third, when the user wants the output from the image center, the image center can easily obtain a high quality image by mailing the user to the user with the high quality output.

Fourth, the WEB server of the image center can be easily selected and managed by the user by displaying the image files in the form of albums, and provide public and private services so that others can view the images online.

Fifth, in the input / output of images, both still images and videos can be inputted / outputted through the image output unit of an unmanned digital imaging system connected online. Remote output through the system or high-quality output from the image center can be sent or received through the transport service. The individual user can access the terminal's online terminal and the image of a short distance unmanned digital video system. The image can be obtained through the output unit, and can also be obtained through a transportation service.

Sixth, the image file selected by the user may be processed in accordance with the processing information input by the user through the image correction client in the image center, thereby improving the quality of the image emphasizing the artistic and emotional characteristics.

Seventh, in an unmanned digital video system that emphasizes rapid processing, real-time images can be viewed, processed, stored, transmitted, and outputted online, thereby maintaining rapidity.

Eighth, when choosing to transfer image files to the image center online, you can select a memory card such as a digital camera, a storage device such as a general diskette or a hard disk, or all image files stored or displayed online. .

Claims (10)

A user connecting to a server; Selecting a predetermined image file from a database file of the server or an image file outside of the database; Inputting processing information and output information of the selected image file and transmitting the processed information and the selected image file to the server; Processing the selected image according to the input processing information; And transmitting the image file in accordance with the inputted output information. Acquiring an image through an image capturing unit or a storage medium reader in an unmanned digital imaging system connected to a server; A user selecting a predetermined image file from a database file of the server or an external image file; Inputting processing information and output information of the selected image file and transmitting the processed information and the selected image file to the server; Processing the selected image according to the input processing information; And transmitting the image file in accordance with the inputted output information. The image processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output information includes an output location and an output time. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of the user browsing the image file stored in the database. The image processing method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of outputting the processed image file in the unmanned imaging system. (a1) an image output unit for outputting an image, (b1) an image capture unit for inputting an image, (c1) a storage medium reader for reading a storage medium, and (d1) the image output unit, an image capture unit, An unattended digital imaging system including a control unit for controlling a storage medium reader; And (a2) a database server storing image data, (b2) an image correction client for correcting an image, and (c2) controlling the database server and an image correction client and connected to the unmanned digital imaging system via the Internet. An image processing system via the Internet online, comprising an image center including a WEB server. The method of claim 6, And an operator terminal such as a personal PC and a photo studio connected to the WEB server through the Internet. The method of claim 6, The image photographing unit includes a camera for capturing a regular image and a video camera for capturing a video. The method of claim 6, The storage medium reader includes a reader capable of reading storage media such as floppy disks, CDs, ZIP disks, and various memory cards such as PCMCIA. The method of claim 6, The image output unit may include a driver for recording image data on a storage medium such as a high resolution digital photo printing output for photograph output, or various memory cards such as a floppy disk, a recording CD, a ZIP disk, a PCMCIA, or a moving picture recording. And a VCR for the image processing system via the Internet online.