JPH06314321A - Image data base system, control ledger and editing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the burden of jobs for reading and input of the file name, etc., of the image pointed in a format in an image data base system. CONSTITUTION:A sample of the image stored in a magneto-optical disk 14 is printed on a control ledger and also a bar code showing the file name of the image is added. Then a designer retrieves a necessary image while observing the printed image sample and produced format to show the placement of the image. Then the designer sticks a seal containing a printed bar code on the format. A bar code reader 16 reads the bar code and a layout scanner 12 reads the image data corresponding to the bar code out of the disk 14. Then the read image data are automatically layed out based on the layout data generated based on the format. The input of the file name of the image pointed in the format is carried out by the reader 16. Therefore the time and the labor needed for such an input job can be reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image database system, and more particularly to an image database system which searches for an image using a bar code or the like and lays out the image to perform plate making or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image database system equipped with a layout scanner or the like has been increasingly used in work such as plate making for printed matter. This image database system handles images represented by digital data and is composed of a CPU, a display, a color scanner, and the like. In such a conventional image database system, as shown in FIG.
Work such as plate making was performed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the designer creates a design drawing of a printed matter called a format (designated paper) (step S80).
1). In this format, a frame showing the arrangement of photographs and the like, the number of a photograph original, the designation of colors, the designation of characters, etc. are roughly drawn on one sheet of paper. The number of the photographic manuscript, for example, indicates the file name of the image data stored in the image database system, and this file name is represented by several digits of alphanumeric characters. Then, based on this appearance, the operator or the like creates a layout designation sheet called a block copy (step S802). In this block copy, the photograph position and the like are drawn more accurately. The operator inputs the coordinates and the like (arrangement information) of the frame written on the block into the image database system (step S803). The image database system generates layout data representing data such as input coordinates.

After this, the operator gives a predetermined command to the image database system. Then, the image database system reads the layout information (step S804) and displays a layout image representing a frame or the like on the display. The operator uses a digitizer or the like to instruct the image database system about a predetermined frame of the layout image on the display. Then, the operator reads the file name of the image corresponding to the designated frame from the format and inputs this file name into the image database system (step S805). Then, the image database system reads the image data of this file name from the magneto-optical disk (image storage means) and displays the image based on this image data on the display. The operator confirms whether this image is the image to be searched and inputs a predetermined command into the image database system. After that, the operator trims unnecessary portions of the displayed image to generate desired image data. An image based on this image data is fitted into the frame of the layout image.

If the image is to be fitted in another frame (NO in step S807), the process returns to step S804, and the processes of steps S804 to 807 are repeated. In this way, a plurality of images are laid out on the layout image according to the appearance. When all the processes are finished (step S807), a stencil film for proof printing or printing is output based on the layout data indicating the coordinates of the image and the like.

[0006]

However, in the conventional image database system, the file name of the image written in the format is manually input to the image database system by the operator. For this reason, such a work requires a very long time, and there is a problem that an input error of the file name occurs. further,
The operator was checking the correctness of the input file name while looking at the image contents displayed on the display,
It took a longer time to input the image file name. As a result, the image database system occupies a long time, and the image database system cannot be effectively used.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the time required for the operation of reading and inputting the file name of an image instructed in a format in an image database system and reducing the labor required for the operation. And

[0008]

According to the image database system of the present invention, the image layout information is input in accordance with the editing designation sheet indicating the layout of the image and having a symbol corresponding to the image. Arrangement information input means,
A reading means for reading the symbol attached to the designated editing paper,
An image storage unit that stores image data representing an image, image data corresponding to the symbol read by the reading unit is read from the image storage unit, and an image based on the image data is displayed according to the arrangement information input by the arrangement information input unit. And an editing means for arranging.

The management ledger according to the invention described in claim 2 is
An image representing the image data stored in the image storage means according to claim 1 is drawn, and a symbol corresponding to the image data and attached to the editing designation sheet according to claim 1 is drawn. A member is provided.

In the editing method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the arrangement of the images is drawn on the editing designation paper, and the symbol member corresponding to the image is attached to the editing designation paper among the symbol members provided in the management ledger. The reading means reads the symbol of the read symbol member, and an image corresponding to the read symbol is arranged based on the arrangement of the images drawn on the editing-designated paper.

[0011]

In the image database system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the designer or the like draws the layout of the image on the editing designation sheet and attaches a symbol corresponding to the image to the editing designation sheet. The operator or the like inputs the arrangement information of the image shown on the editing designation sheet into the arrangement information input means. The reading means reads a symbol (for example, a bar code) attached to the edit designation paper. The editing means reads the image data corresponding to the read symbol from the image storage means. Then, the editing means arranges the image based on the image data according to the image arrangement information.

In this way, the symbol attached to the editing designation sheet is read by the reading means, and the image data corresponding to this symbol is read from the image storage means. That is, the operation of inputting an image instruction (for example, inputting a file name of image data) based on the edit designation sheet is performed by the reading unit. Therefore, it is possible to perform the work in a short time and accurately as compared with the case where the operator performs the work of inputting the instruction of the image. Further, since the occupation time of the image database system can be shortened, the image database system can be effectively used.

In the management ledger according to the second aspect of the present invention, an image sample of the image data stored in the image storage means is attached. Therefore, the designer or the like can confirm the content of the image without accessing the image database system by referring to the image displayed in the management ledger when creating the edit designation sheet. That is,
Even a designer who cannot directly access the image database system due to geographical reasons can confirm the image of the image data stored in the image storage means.

In the editing method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the designer or the like draws the layout of the image on the designated editing paper. Then, the designer or the like searches the management ledger for a symbol member corresponding to the image, and attaches this symbol member to the editing designation sheet. The reading means reads the symbol member attached to the editing designation sheet. An image corresponding to the read symbol is arranged based on the arrangement of the images drawn on the designated editing paper.

As described above, since the reading means reads the symbol member attached to the edit-designated sheet, the work can be performed accurately in a short time, compared with the case where the operator reads the image designated on the edit-designated sheet. Is possible.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image database system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image database system has a function of outputting a plate-making film after electronically performing work such as plate making and plate making based on the appearance of a rough design of a printed matter. In this figure, a color scanner 11 reads a document image such as a photograph and outputs image data composed of digital data of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan and black. The magneto-optical disk 14 (image storage means) stores the image data input from the color scanner 11.

The digitizer 15 (arrangement information input means) is provided with a tablet or the like, and the coordinate data is output to the layout scanner when the operator points one point on the tablet. This digitizer 15
Is layout data (placement information) that represents the frame of a photographic image
Is used when generating. The barcode reader 16 (reading means) has a function of optically reading the barcode on the sticker attached to the appearance. Since the bar code has a code for parity check, the bar code reader 16 never causes a reading error.

The layout scanner 12 (editing means) is C
It has a PU or the like and has a function of electronically performing plate collection, image search, image processing, and the like in a printed matter. The layout scanner 12 reads out predetermined image data and the like from the magneto-optical disk 14 according to the read bar code. Then, this image data is laid out according to the layout data,
The layout image data is generated.
The output scanner 13 outputs a film for plate making according to the layout image data thus collected. The display 17 displays an image based on each of image data, layout data, layout image data, etc. on a CRT.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a management ledger used in this image database system. Images 3A to 3E representing the contents of the image data stored in the magneto-optical disk 14 are printed in color on the management ledger 30. Note that a hard copy of the images 3A to 3E may be attached to the management ledger instead of being printed in color. Image 3A
A plurality of stickers 30A (symbol members) having a bar code printed on the surface are attached to the side of. An adhesive is applied to the back surface of these seals 30A,
After peeling A from the management ledger, it can be reattached to a format or the like. The barcode on the sticker 30A is
For example, it has information such as the type of image and the product number of the product shown in the image.

Similarly, a seal 3 is provided beside the images 3B to 3E.
0B to 3E are attached. Bar codes corresponding to image data representing images 3B to 3E are printed on the stickers 30B to 30E. Further, a bar code sample is printed below each of the images 3A to 3E on the management ledger 30.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the format 40. This format 40 is created by a designer or the like and shows the design of a printed matter on a sheet. Image 40 is displayed in format 40.
Frames 40A to 40D showing the arrangement position of E and its size
Is drawn. The operator searches the management ledger 30 for the images 3A to 3E to be fitted in the frames 40A to 40E. The images 3A to 3E printed on the management ledger
The seals 30A to 30E on the side of are attached to the frames 40A to 40E. A rough figure or the like for designating the angle of magnification or the like may be drawn in the frames 40A to 40D.

The processing in the image database system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

First, the designer has the appearance 40 shown in FIG.
Is created (step S701). As described above, on this format 40, frames 40A to 40E showing the arrangement and size of the image are drawn, and the seals 30A to 30E with bar codes are attached inside the frames 40A to 40E. There is. Then, based on the format 40, the operator or the like creates a layout designation sheet called a block copy (step S702). In this block copy, frames 40A to 40E are accurately drawn. The operator is the frame 4 drawn in the artwork
The coordinates of 0A to 40E are input to the layout scanner 12 using the digitizer 15 (step S703).

Further, the operator calculates the magnification, the tilt angle, etc. of the images 30A to 30E to be fitted into the frames 40A to 40E and inputs them to the layout scanner 12 (step S704). The layout scanner 12 generates layout data representing data such as the input magnification, tilt angle, and image coordinates, and writes the layout data on the magneto-optical disk 14.

After that, the operator inputs a predetermined command into the image database system. The image database system reads the layout data from the magneto-optical disk 14 (step S705). Then, the layout image 60 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 17. The layout image 60 is composed of line drawings such as frames 60A to 60E. The operator uses the digitizer 15 or the like to display the frame 60 displayed on the display 17.
Layout scanner 1 by selecting any of A to 60E
Instruct 2. For example, it is assumed that the frame 60D is designated.
The operator inputs the barcode attached in the frame 40D corresponding to the frame 60D displayed on the display 17 to the layout scanner 12 using the barcode reader 16 (step S706).

Then, the layout scanner 12 decodes this bar code to generate data representing the file name of the image data. The layout scanner 12 reads the image data D (not shown) corresponding to this file name from the magneto-optical disk 2 (step S707). The image database system performs a predetermined process on the image data D according to the magnification and inclination angle data of the layout data. That is, the image based on the image data D is enlarged / reduced, and the image data D is processed so that the image is inclined by a predetermined angle.

Further, the layout scanner 12 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the image data D is simply trimmed so that the center position of the image 3D based on the image data D matches the center position in the frame 40D (step S70).
8). Then, the layout scanner 12 uses this image 3D
Is fitted into the frame 40D of the layout image 60 (step S709). In this way, the frame 60D in the layout image 60 displayed on the display 17 is displayed.
The image 3D is automatically laid out.

Then, the operator judges whether all the barcodes on the format 40 have been read (step S710). At this time, the seals 30A to 30C and 30E
Since the above bar code has not been read, step S
Returning to 706, the processes of steps S706 to S710 are repeated until all the barcodes on the appearance are read.
In this way, the frames 60A to 60 of the layout image 60
Images 3A to 3E and the like are automatically laid out on E and the like.

Then, the trimming of the images 3A to 3E, which is simply performed in step S708, is corrected (step S711). If the trimming work is completed for all the images 3A to 3E (step S712)
YES), the plate scanner film for calibration is output from the output scanner 13 based on the layout data (step S713). Then, proof printing is performed using the outputted plate-making film.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the barcode attached to the format 40 includes information such as the file name of the image data. Then, this bar code is input to the layout scanner 12 by the bar code reader 16. Therefore, as compared with the case where the operator manually inputs the file name written on the format 40, the time and labor required for the operation such as inputting the file name can be shortened. Further, since the occupation time of the image database system is shortened, the image database system can be operated efficiently.

Further, the designer or the like can confirm the content of the image without accessing the image database system by referring to the image 3A or the like printed on the management ledger 30 when creating the format 40. That is, even a designer who cannot directly access the image database system can utilize the database. The management ledger 30 can also be used as a color sample of the image of the printed matter.

In this embodiment, not only the information of the file name of the image data is given to the bar code,
Information such as image magnification, tilt angle, and trimming position can also be given. Further, the code is not limited to the bar code, and a code such as a Carla code may be used and a character such as an alphabet may be automatically recognized. Further, instead of using these optically readable figures, it is possible to use a sticker on which a predetermined magnetic pattern is recorded. Alternatively, the barcode reader 16 may be attached to a layout data input device such as the digitizer 15 and the like, and the file name of the image data may be designated at the same time when the layout data is input.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the image database system, the input operation of the file name of the image instructed in the format is correctly performed, and the time and labor required for the operation are shortened. can do. Further, the designer or the like can confirm the image contents on the database by using the management ledger without accessing the image database system.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image database system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a management ledger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a format according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image trimming position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a layout image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in the image database system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing in the image database system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing in a conventional image database system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Layout Scanner (Editing Means) 15 Digitizer (Arrangement Information Input Means) 16 Bar Code Reader (Reading Means) 30 Management Ledger 30A to 30E Stickers (Symbol Members) 40 Format (Editing Designation Paper)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A layout information input means for inputting the layout information of the image and a symbol attached to the editing designation sheet according to the editing designation sheet showing the placement of the image and having a symbol corresponding to the image. A reading unit for reading, an image storage unit for storing image data representing an image, image data corresponding to the symbol read by the reading unit is read from the image storage unit, and the image is read according to the arrangement information input by the arrangement information input unit. An image database system comprising: an editing unit that arranges an image based on the data. 2. An image representing the image data stored in the image storage means according to claim 1 is drawn, and a symbol corresponding to the image data and attached to the edit designation sheet according to claim 1. A management ledger characterized by having a symbol member on which is drawn. 3. The arrangement of images is drawn on an edit-designated sheet, and a symbol member corresponding to the image is attached to the edit-designated sheet among the symbol members provided in the management ledger, and the reading means reads the symbol of the attached symbol member. An editing method characterized by arranging an image corresponding to a read symbol and a read symbol based on an arrangement of images drawn on an edit designation paper.