JP4368590B2 - Printing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing system including a camera-equipped communication apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a server, and more particularly to a printing system that reduces the load on the printing apparatus due to print output conditions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There has been proposed an image processing system in which image data taken by a photographing device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone is transmitted directly or indirectly to a printing device via a communication line and printed out on a recording medium (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a large-scale server for an unspecified number of users, and once the image data taken by the user is transmitted to the server, the printing apparatus passes through the server. More output.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-55607 (pages 6-7, FIG. 10)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if an image processing function for print output, such as enlargement / reduction of image data or composition, is added to the printing apparatus, the memory capacity of the control unit of the printing apparatus must be increased, which increases the cost of the printing apparatus. It was.
[0006]
Further, the operation time of the printing apparatus is increased, for example, it takes time to call the program stored in the memory of the printing apparatus control unit.
[0007]
Further, since image processing for print output is not performed until the user starts an operation on the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus occupation time for one user becomes long, and the use rotation efficiency of the printing apparatus is deteriorated.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The inventors of the present invention provide the server with an image processing function, thereby reducing the load on the control unit of the printing apparatus by reducing the functions of the printing apparatus and shortening the operation time of the user on the printing apparatus. Thus, it is possible to provide a printing system with high use rotation efficiency, which reduces the occupation of the printing apparatus and allows other users to use the printing apparatus without waiting.
[0009]
The present invention includes a camera-equipped communication device including a photographing unit and a communication unit, an input unit, a display unit, and a print unit, and is connected to a network for inputting image information to the input unit and outputting the image information onto a recording medium. A printing system, a communication device with a camera, and a server having communication means for communicating with the printing device, the server being the communication device with a camera From Captured image information And image information Conditions regarding size, layout, or number of prints when printing Receive The server But From the communication device with the camera, print conditions of the image information Recieved If the server Image information Process the image from the camera-equipped communication device based on the print conditions, issue an order reception ID, and send the processed image processed based on these print conditions and the order reception ID to the camera-equipped communication device ,place When the processed image and the order reception ID can be confirmed, and communication is performed between the printing apparatus and the server via the order reception ID, the print image is set based on the print condition set in the setting unit. A printing system is characterized in that the image information is output from a printing apparatus.
[0010]
The present invention is the printing system, wherein the printing apparatus is an ID photo photographing apparatus.
[0011]
In the present invention, the server has a plurality of pieces of layout information when the image information is output onto a recording medium, and the setting unit selects arbitrary information from the plurality of layout information and puts it on the recording medium. This print system is characterized in that output conditions are set.
[0012]
In the present invention, the order reception ID has a check digit, and when the order reception ID and an output instruction are input to the printing apparatus, the order reception ID and the information of the output instruction are received from the printing apparatus. The printing system may be configured to check the contents of the check digit by a check unit provided in the printing apparatus before being transmitted to the server.
[0013]
The print system according to the present invention is characterized in that the order reception ID includes an issue date or fee information.
[0014]
The present invention is the printing system, wherein the order reception ID is composed of numerals, alphabetic characters, or a barcode.
[0015]
According to the present invention, a reading device is provided in the printing device, and the order reception ID displayed on the display unit of the communication device with a camera or a mobile phone is directly read by the reading device, and image data corresponding to the order reception ID Is downloaded to the display unit or the printing unit of the printing apparatus.
[0016]
According to the present invention, an infrared communication device is provided in the printing device, and image data corresponding to the order reception ID transmitted from the communication device with a camera or a mobile phone having an infrared communication function is transmitted to the infrared of the printing device. The printing system is downloaded to the display unit or the printing unit via a communication device.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, this printing system is an ID photograph photographing device 100 that also serves as a printing device, a server 200, and a mobile phone with an electronic camera that is a communication device with a camera (hereinafter also simply referred to as a camera-equipped mobile phone). ) 300 or the like.
[0020]
The camera-equipped mobile phone 300 includes a photographing function, a function of transmitting and receiving photographed image information (hereinafter also referred to as image data) to and from the server 200, and an image photograph device that stores image data temporarily stored in the server 200. 100 has a communication function capable of communicating a print condition setting and image processing command for output from the server 100 to the server, and a display function for displaying characters and image data communicated from the server 200. The breakdown of the print condition setting and image processing here is the setting of image data size, enlargement / reduction, composition with other image data, creation of a layout combining a plurality of image data, and setting of the number of prints, Etc.
[0021]
The configurations and operations of the server 200 and the ID photograph apparatus 100 will be described in detail later.
[0022]
Since the user prints image data captured by the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 using the ID photo photographing apparatus 100, the user accesses the server 200 from the camera-equipped cellular phone 300 to transmit the image data and complete the image. Therefore, if necessary, print conditions such as size setting, enlargement / reduction, composition, layout, and number of prints are set, and the data is transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 processes and completes the image in the server 200, issues an order reception ID corresponding to the completed image, and transmits it to the camera-equipped mobile phone 300.
[0023]
If the user has received the order reception ID from the server 200 to the camera-equipped mobile phone 300, the user enters the ID photo taking apparatus 100 and inputs the order reception ID to output image data (printout). )can do.
[0024]
Further, in this print system, in addition to the image data photographed by the camera-equipped mobile phone 300, the face image information photographed by the ID photograph photographing device 100 is sent to the server 200 via the PHS communication network or the Internet line and stored and stored. It is also possible to do.
[0025]
As described above, according to the present invention, image data captured by the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 is stored and stored in the server 200 without being stored or stored in the ID photo shooting apparatus 100, so that the user's privacy can be protected. it can.
[0026]
If necessary, the user can access the server 200 using the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 to use the image data with the order ID that has been captured and stored in the past, and the image data and the newly captured image can be used. A plurality of image data can be laid out and combined by combining the data. It is also possible to store fixed image data in the memory unit of the server 200 in advance and combine it with the captured image data.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the server according to the present invention.
The server 200 includes a server transmission / reception unit 210, a data compression / decompression unit 220, a memory unit 230, an image processing unit 240, an order reception ID issuing unit 250, a server control unit 260, and the like.
[0028]
The function of each unit in the server 200 will be described below.
The server transmission / reception unit 210 receives the image data and the print condition data transmitted from the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 and sends them to the server control unit 260. The data compression / decompression unit 220 compresses and decompresses image data according to a command from the server control unit 260. The memory unit 230 stores the image data in the memory unit 230 according to a command from the server control unit 260. The image processing unit 240 performs image processing such as size setting, enlargement / reduction, synthesis with other image data, creation of a layout, and the like according to a command from the server control unit 260. The order reception ID issuing unit 250 issues an order reception ID according to a command from the server control unit 260. The server control unit 260 controls operations of the server transmission / reception unit 210, the data compression / decompression unit 220, the memory unit 230, the image processing unit 240, and the order reception ID issuing unit 250.
[0029]
Next, the operation of each unit in the server 200 will be described below.
The image data and print condition data received by the server transmission / reception unit 210 are sent to the image processing unit 240 via the server control unit 260. In addition, if necessary, other captured image data and fixed image data stored in advance in the memory unit 230 are sent to the image processing unit 240 according to a command from the server control unit 260.
[0030]
The image processing unit 240 receives an instruction from the server control unit 260 and performs image processing of the sent image data, other captured image data, or fixed image data based on the sent print condition data. The image data that has undergone the image processing is sent to the data compression / decompression unit 220 via the server control unit 260 and compressed, and further sent to the memory unit 230 for storage. Further, the compressed image is transmitted to the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 via the server transmission / reception unit 210 in accordance with a command from the server control unit 260.
[0031]
On the other hand, the order reception ID issuing unit 250 receives image data corresponding to the print condition data via the server control unit 260, issues an order reception ID corresponding to the image data, and sends it to the server control unit 260. The server control unit 260 issues a command to the server transmission / reception unit 210 and transmits the order reception ID to the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 together with the compressed image. In addition, the server control unit 260 sends the order reception ID to the memory unit 230 for storage.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of image data and signal transmission / reception between the camera-equipped mobile phone and the server.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the user first accesses the server 200 using the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 (S1). Next, whether to print out the image data is selected using the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 (S2). When the print is output, the process proceeds to step S3. When the print is not output, the process proceeds to step S9. When printing out, image data and its print conditions are transmitted to the server 200 using the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 (S3). The server control unit 260 in the server 200 issues a command to the image processing unit 240 to perform image processing on the image data transmitted based on the print conditions, thereby completing the image, and the order reception ID issuing unit 250. And issues an order reception ID corresponding to the image, and transmits the image and the order reception ID corresponding to the image to the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 (S4). The server control unit 260 sends the completed image to the data compression / decompression unit 220 and compresses it. Further, the server control unit 260 takes out the compressed image from the data compression / decompression unit 220 and sends it to the memory unit 230 to store it together with the corresponding order reception ID. (S5). The user confirms the image received with the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 and the order reception ID. If there is no problem, the user receives it (S6), and proceeds to step S7. If there is a problem, the process returns to step S3 to reset the print conditions. The server control unit 260 stores the transmitted image and the order reception ID in the memory unit 230 (S7). In step S2, when the user does not want to print out the image data, the process proceeds to step S9. The server control unit 260 stores the image data in the memory unit 230 of the server (S8). The server control unit 260 issues a command to the order reception ID issuing unit 250 to issue an order reception ID corresponding to the image data to be stored, and transmits the order reception ID to the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 via the server transmission / reception unit 210. (S9).
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ID photograph apparatus as an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. The ID photograph apparatus 100 is unattended and is mainly installed outdoors or in large buildings such as stations and supermarkets, and can obtain various ID photographs.
[0035]
The ID photograph apparatus 100 includes an apparatus entrance 101, a chair 102, a photographing unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a fee payment unit 140, a printing unit 150, a communication unit 160, an audio unit 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit. 190 and the like.
[0036]
The apparatus entrance 101 is an entrance for a user provided in the ID photo shooting apparatus 100, and the chair 102 is a chair on which the user sits for shooting.
[0037]
The photographing unit 110 includes a photographing camera 111, a main illumination unit 112a, auxiliary illumination units 112b and 112c, a photographing display window 113, a half mirror 114, and the like. The main illumination unit 112a and the auxiliary illumination units 112b and 112c illuminate the user. This is means for photographing the user's face through the photographing display window 113 by the photographing camera 111. As the photographing camera 111, a video camera, a digital camera, or the like can be used, and it is preferable to use a digital camera.
[0038]
The input means 120 is composed of a combination of an arrow key and a button, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, etc., and accepts a user, selects a service for printing out image data or taking a photo, selects a photo type, a password, And an ID number input function, and has both a reception function and an information input function.
[0039]
The display unit 130 is a display device using a CRT, a liquid crystal, or the like, and the display contents such as image data and various guidance displays displayed by the display unit 130 are bent by the half mirror 131, and the shooting position is displayed from the shooting display window 113. Confirmation display, temporary photographing face image confirmation display, various guidance displays, and the like. In addition, when printing image data sent from the storage unit 180, the user inputs an order acceptance ID so that one corresponding image data, an image obtained by laying out a plurality of image data, or a composite image is combined. An image is displayed on the photographing display window 113, and various guidance displays using characters are displayed so that the image can be confirmed.
[0040]
The fee payment unit 140 is a unit that can pay a fee from the fee payment port 141. For payment, in addition to coins and banknotes, for example, payment by a credit card, prepaid card, debit card, charging service using a mobile phone, etc. It is possible to receive payment with a money substitute.
[0041]
The print unit 150 is a unit that outputs image data prints to be printed in response to image data and print condition information sent to the storage unit 180, and a face image print based on the face image information from the photographing unit 110. A print image is taken out from the print outlet 151. Although the print outlet 151 is provided in the apparatus in the embodiment, it can also be provided outside the ID photograph apparatus 100.
[0042]
The communication unit 160 is a unit that wirelessly communicates with the server 200 from the antenna 161 and receives image data and print condition information transmitted from the server 200. The voice means 170 is a means for giving an operation procedure, cautions, and the like to the user from the speaker 171 by voice. The storage unit 180 is a unit that stores image data and print condition information received by the communication unit 160 from the server 200. The communication means 160 is not particularly limited, and a PHS, a mobile phone, a modem, or the like can be used. However, it is preferable to use a PHS or a mobile phone in terms of communication cost and communication speed, and most preferable to use a PHS. . It is possible to connect directly to the server using these communication means, but it is also possible to connect via the Internet or personal computer communication. Sending face image information directly to a server using a PHS or mobile phone is preferable because the risk of eavesdropping or modification of information is reduced.
[0043]
The control unit 190 is a unit that controls the operation of each part of the photographing unit 110, the input unit 120, the display unit 130, the fee payment unit 140, the printing unit 150, the communication unit 160, the audio unit 170, and the storage unit 180. is there.
[0044]
Next, the electrical configuration of the ID photo shooting apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ID photograph apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical block 500 includes a control unit 190, a photographing unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a fee payment unit 140, a printing unit 150, a communication unit 160, an audio unit 170, and a storage unit 180. Etc.
[0045]
The control unit 190 sequentially controls the ID photo shooting apparatus 100, and the shooting unit 110, the input unit 120, the display unit 130, the fee payment unit 140, the printing unit 150, the communication unit 160, the voice unit 170, and the storage unit 180. Control each block. The storage unit 180 also stores a control program for the control unit 190 to control each block.
[0046]
Next, main operations of the ID photo photographing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main operation of the ID photograph apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0047]
First, the user selects whether he wants a photography service or a print service for image data transmitted from the server 200, and inputs it using the input unit 120 (S51).
[0048]
If the user selects a photo shooting service, the process proceeds to step S52, where shooting conditions (color / monochrome classification, layout, size selection, etc.) are determined and input using the input means 120 in step S52. The fee notified by the display unit 130 or the voice unit 170 is paid using the fee payment unit 140 (S53). An excess or deficiency of charges is checked by the control means 190 (S54). When the charges are insufficient, the display means 130 or the voice means 170 notifies the user of the lack of charges, and the process returns to step S53. Pay the fee. A photograph is taken according to the guidance from the display means 130 or the voice means 170 (S55). A confirmation image is displayed on the display means 130 (S56). The photographed image is printed by the printing means 150 and discharged to the takeout port 151 (S57).
[0049]
When the user selects the image data print service, the process proceeds to step S58, and the order reception ID is input using the input unit 120 in step S58. The input order acceptance ID is checked by the control means 190 of the ID photo photographing apparatus 100 for errors (S59). If there is an error in the input order reception ID, the display means 130 or the voice means 170 notifies the user of an order reception ID input error, and the user returns to step S58 to input the order reception ID again. If there is no mistake in the input, the process proceeds to step S60, and the fee notified by the display unit 130 or the voice unit 170 is paid using the fee payment unit 140 (S60). The surplus or deficiency of the fee is checked by the control means 190 (S61). When the fee is insufficient, the user is notified of the deficiency, and the process returns to step S60, and the user pays the deficient fee. Image data corresponding to the order reception ID is displayed on the display unit 130 as a confirmation image (S62). The image data is printed by the printing means 150 and discharged to the takeout port 151 (S63).
[0050]
In this embodiment, in both photography and image data printing services, the procedure is to immediately print after confirming the image by the display means 130 after payment, but after confirming the image, the photograph is taken. The procedure may be such that it is possible to redo, reselect another image data, and synthesize the image and correct the layout.
[0051]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the order reception ID.
The order reception ID is issued from the order reception ID issuing unit 250 of the server 200 toward the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 after the user transmits image data and print conditions to the server 200. In the present embodiment, the order reception ID is formed by 8-digit numbers N1 to N8, and the first number N1 is used to distinguish vendors when there are a plurality of vendors (sellers) in the print system. In this case, a unique number corresponding to the print order is set as the number formed from the second digit number N2 to the seventh digit number N7, and the eighth digit number N8 is set as the check digit. The eighth digit number N8, which is a check digit, is a number for the control unit 190 of the ID photograph apparatus 100 to call and check a check program stored in the storage unit 180 in advance.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the check digit is as described below. For example, the eighth digit number N8 is assigned to the check digit, and the numbers from the first digit number N1 excluding this N8 to the seventh digit number N7 are calculated by a certain calculation formula, and the calculation result is checked. A check is made to see if it matches the digit number N8.
[0053]
Further, the order reception ID can have information on an issue date and an expiration date, or a usage fee.
[0054]
As a means for increasing the capacity of the order reception ID itself, it is also possible to use English letters or barcodes in addition to numbers. In this case, however, the above check digit cannot be applied to digits using English letters or barcodes.
[0055]
On the other hand, as another embodiment in which the user inputs the order reception ID from the input unit 120 of the ID photo photographing apparatus 100, there is a method of directly inputting using a display unit (not shown) of the camera-equipped mobile phone 300. In this method, it is necessary to provide a reading device (not shown) in addition to the numeric keypad and the touch panel in the input means shown in FIGS. The order reception ID is input by reading the order reception ID directly by bringing the display unit close to the reading device while the order reception ID is displayed on the display unit of the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 (a broken line in FIG. 1). ).
[0056]
Furthermore, as another embodiment in which the user inputs the order reception ID from the input unit 120 of the ID photograph apparatus 100, there is an input method using infrared communication. In this method, an infrared communication device is provided in the ID photo shooting apparatus 100, and the infrared communication function of the ID photo shooting apparatus 100 receives image data corresponding to the order reception ID from a communication apparatus with a camera or a mobile phone having an infrared communication function. Infrared is transmitted to the apparatus, and is downloaded to the display means 130 or the printing means 150 of the ID photograph apparatus 100.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
By providing a server having a large memory capacity with image processing functions such as enlargement / reduction or composition of image data, the functions of the printing apparatus (ID photo shooting apparatus) are reduced, and the control unit of the printing apparatus The memory capacity can be reduced, the cost of the printing apparatus can be reduced, the operation time of the printing apparatus is shortened, and the time for calling the program stored in the memory of the printing apparatus control unit is also shortened. .
[0058]
In addition, it is not necessary for the user to perform image processing such as enlargement / reduction or composition of image data from the printing apparatus, and a desired image can be obtained simply by inputting an order reception ID. The occupation time is shortened, the use rotation efficiency of the printing apparatus is improved, and the privacy of personal information is hardly infringed.
[0059]
Further, by providing a check digit in the order reception ID, it is possible to check an input error in a very short time.
[0060]
Further, by providing the order reception ID with the issue date and expiration date information, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the print system from having an excessive storage capacity and to speed up the collection of funds. Further, by providing usage fee information in the order reception ID, it is immediately determined that the user has entered the order reception ID into the ID photo shooting apparatus 100 and paid the fee. Transmission and reception can be prevented.
[0061]
Further, by using a method in which the order reception ID is directly read from the display unit of the camera-equipped mobile phone 300 close to the reading device of the ID photograph apparatus 100, the input operation can be further simplified and mistaken. Prevention can be achieved.
[0062]
Further, an infrared communication device is provided in the ID photo shooting apparatus 100, and image data corresponding to the order reception ID is transmitted to the ID photo shooting apparatus 100 by infrared from a communication device with a camera or a mobile phone having an infrared communication function. By using, there is an advantage that it is possible to input directly to the ID photo shooting apparatus 100 from a communication device with a camera or a mobile phone without using the input means 120 of the ID photo shooting apparatus 100.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a server according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of image data and signal transmission / reception between the camera-equipped mobile phone and the server.
FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ID photo photographing apparatus as an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ID photograph apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main operation of the ID photo shooting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an order reception ID.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Printing device (ID photo shooting device)
110 Photography means
120 input means
130 Display means
140 Fee payment means
150 printing means
160 Communication means
170 Voice Means
180 storage means
190 Control means
200 servers
210 Server transceiver
220 Data compression / decompression unit
230 Memory part
240 Image processing unit
250 Order acceptance ID issuing department
260 Server control unit
300 Mobile phone with camera

Claims (8)

A communication device with a camera comprising an imaging means and a communication means;
A network-connected printing apparatus that includes an input unit, a display unit, and a printing unit, and inputs image information to the input unit and outputs the image information on a recording medium;
A printing system including a server including a communication unit that performs communication between the communication device with a camera and the printing device,
The server receives image information taken from the camera-equipped communication device and print conditions relating to the size, layout, or number of prints when the image information is printed out,
The server, the printing condition of the image information, when receiving from the conditioned the camera communication device, the server with processing the image from the camera communication unit based on the print condition of the image information, by issuing the order reception ID , and send the processed image and order reception ID that has been processed on the basis of these print conditions to the camera with a communication device, and the processing-completed image, accepted ID and it becomes possible to confirm the order,
When communication is performed between the printing apparatus and the server via the order reception ID, the image information is output from the printing apparatus based on a printing condition set in a setting unit. To print system.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is an ID photo photographing apparatus.   The server has a plurality of layout information for outputting the image information on a recording medium, and the setting means selects arbitrary information from the plurality of layout information and sets an output condition on the recording medium. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print system is set.   The order reception ID has a check digit, and when the order reception ID and an output instruction are input to the printing apparatus, the order reception ID and the information of the output instruction are transmitted from the printing apparatus to the server. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the content of the check digit is checked by a check unit provided in the printing apparatus before the printing is performed.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the order reception ID includes an issue date or fee information.   The print system according to claim 1, wherein the order reception ID is configured by numbers, alphabetic characters, or a barcode.   A reading device is provided in the printing device, the order reception ID displayed on the display unit of the communication device with a camera or a mobile phone is directly read by the reading device, and image data corresponding to the order reception ID is read by the printing device. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print system is downloaded to the display unit or the print unit.   An infrared communication device is disposed in the printing apparatus, and image data corresponding to the order reception ID transmitted from the camera-equipped communication apparatus or mobile phone having an infrared communication function is transmitted via the infrared communication apparatus of the printing apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is downloaded to the display unit or the printing unit.

Images