U.S. patent application number 10/842734 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-11 for image printing and filing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Haneda, Norihisa, Ito, Atsushi.
Application Number | 20040223168 10/842734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 14794780 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040223168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haneda, Norihisa ; et
al. |
November 11, 2004 |
Image printing and filing system
Abstract
An image printing apparatus comprises a digital medium reading
device reading digital image data recorded on a digital medium, an
image printer printing an image represented by the digital image
data read by the digital medium reading device, and a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for
print service charge, said charging information relating to image
print processing executed in the image printer. The charging
information printer issues an slip carrying thereon the charging
information. The customer is correctly charged for the service
performed by the image printing apparatus on the basis of the
charging information appearing on the slip.
Inventors: |
Haneda, Norihisa;
(Asaka-shi, JP) ; Ito, Atsushi; (Asaka-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
14794780 |
Appl. No.: |
10/842734 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10842734 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
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08839361 |
Apr 18, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.1 ;
358/1.18; 358/1.2; 358/1.9; 705/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00161 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101; H04N 1/00424 20130101; H04N 1/00132 20130101;
H04N 1/00411 20130101; G06Q 20/209 20130101; H04N 1/00143 20130101;
H04N 1/34 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; H04N 1/00167 20130101;
H04N 1/00188 20130101; H04N 1/00135 20130101; H04N 1/00416
20130101; H04N 1/00466 20130101; H04N 1/00413 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.1 ;
358/001.2; 705/024; 358/001.9; 358/001.18 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00; G06F
017/60; G06K 015/02; G06F 003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 1996 |
JP |
8-120778 |
Claims
1. A self-service image filing system, comprising: an image filing
apparatus including, a visible image medium reading device reading
a visible image appearing on a visible image medium and outputting
digital image data representing the visible image; a display device
displaying a pre-established sequence of screens including a
digital output medium selection screen for guiding selection of a
digital output medium from a plurality of digital output media, and
at least one thumbnail image selection screen for guiding selection
of a thumbnail image from a plurality of thumbnail images; an input
device used to select a digital output medium from the digital
output medium selection screen followed by a thumbnail image from
the thumbnail image selection screens displayed on said display
device; and a digital medium recording device recording digital
image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail image on the
digital output medium selected by said input device, the digital
image data representing the visible image and outputted from said
visible image medium reading device.
2. The image filing system according to claim 1 further comprising:
an image processor executing image treatment processing including
at least one of enlarging, reducing, compressing, rotating,
synthesizing to a template image and color conversion of the image
represented by the digital image data outputted from said visible
image medium reading device, wherein said digital medium recording
device records the digital image data representing the image
processed by said image processor.
3. The image filing system according to claim 15 wherein the
information printed by said charging information printer includes
at least one of a date, a service name, a kind of the visible image
medium, a number of frames and a service number.
4. (canceled)
5. The image filing system according to claim 1 wherein, said
display device further displays a frame-number input screen.
6. (canceled)
7. A self-service image filing system, comprising: an image filing
apparatus including, a visible image medium reading device reading
a visible image appearing on a visible image medium and outputting
digital image data representing the visible image; a display device
displaying a pre-established sequence of screens including a
digital output medium selection screen for guiding selection of a
digital output medium from a plurality of digital output media, and
thumbnail images produced based on lower resolution digital image
data for guiding selection of an image to be recorded; an input
device used to select a digital output medium from the digital
output medium selection screen followed by the thumbnail image from
the thumbnail images to be recorded among the reduced images
displayed on said display device; and a digital medium recording
device recording on a selected digital medium higher resolution
digital image data corresponding to the image selected by said
input device and outputted from said visible image medium reading
device in response to the image being selected by said input
device.
8. A self-service image printing and filing apparatus comprising: a
display device displaying a pre-established sequence of screens
including, a service selection screen for guiding selection of a
service by a user from among at least an image printing service and
an image filing service; at least one template kind selection
screen for guiding selection of a template kind, and at least one
decoration option screen for guiding selection of decoration
options; an input device used to select a service displayed on said
display device; an input medium reading device reading an image
selected by a user from an input medium comprising one or more
images to output an image signal representing the read image; when
the image printing service is selected, said input device is used
to select a template kind from the template kind selection screens
followed by decoration options from the decoration option screens,
and creating digital image data based on the image signal outputted
from said input medium reading device, said selected template kind
and said selected decoration options; an image printer, activated
when the image printing service is selected using said input
device, printing an image produced based on the digital image data;
and a digital medium recording device, activated when the image
filing service is selected in said input device, recording on a
digital medium the digital image data.
9. The image printing device and filing apparatus according to
claim 8 wherein said input medium reading device includes, a
digital medium reading device reading digital image data recorded
on a digital medium which serves as the input medium and outputting
the image signal representing the read digital image data, and a
visible image medium reading device reading a visible image
appearing on a visible image medium which serves as the input
medium and outputting the signal representing the read visible
image.
10. The image printing and filing apparatus according to claim 8
further comprising: a charging information printer printing
information necessary for a print service charge or a filing
service charge, said information relating to image print processing
executed in said image printer or record processing executed in
said digital medium recording device.
11. A self-service image printing system, comprising: an image
printing apparatus including, a display device displaying a
pre-established sequence of screens including, an input medium
selection screen for guiding selection of a type of visible image
medium from among a plurality of visible image medium types, at
least one template kind selection screen for guiding selection of a
template kind, and at least one decoration option screen for
guiding selection of decoration options; an input device used to
select a visible image medium type displayed on said display
device; a visible image medium reading device reading a visible
image appearing on the visible image medium of the type selected by
said input device and outputting an image signal representing the
read visible image; said input device used to select a template
kind from the template kind selection screens followed by
decoration options from decoration option screens, and creating a
digital image based on the image signal outputted from said visible
image medium reading device, said selected template kind, and said
selected decoration options; and an image printer printing an image
produced based on the digital image.
12. A self-service image printing system, comprising: an image
printing apparatus including, a display device displaying a
pre-established sequence of screens including, an input medium
selection screen for guiding selection of a type of digital input
medium from among a plurality of digital medium types, at least one
template kind selection screen for guiding selection of a template
kind, and at least one decoration option screen for guiding
selection of decoration options; an input device used to select a
digital image medium type displayed on said display device; a
digital input medium reading device reading digital image data
recorded on a digital input medium of the type selected by said
input device and outputting an image signal representing the read
digital image data; said input device used to select a template
kind from the template kind selection screens followed by
decoration options from decoration option screens, and creating a
digital image based on the image signal outputted from the digital
input medium reading device, said selected template kind, and said
selected decoration options; and an image printer printing an image
produced based on the digital image.
13. A self-service image filing system, comprising: an image filing
apparatus including, a visible image medium reading device scanning
a visible image appearing on a visible image medium; a display
device displaying a pre-established sequence including, an output
medium selection screen for guiding selection of a kind of output
medium from among a plurality of kinds of output media, and a
thumbnail image selection screen for guiding selection of a
thumbnail image from a plurality of thumbnail images prescanned
from an input visible image medium; an input device used to select
a kind of output medium from the output medium selection screen
followed by a thumbnail image from said thumbnail selection screen;
and a digital medium recording device recording digital image data
obtained from the input visible image medium corresponding to the
selected image on the selected kind of output medium, wherein
digital image data of higher resolution than an associated
thumbnail image is obtained from said visible image medium reading
device in response to the image being selected by said input
device.
14. A self-service image filing system, comprising: an image filing
apparatus including, a visible image medium reading device reading
a visible image selected by a user from a visible image medium and
outputting digital image data representing the visible image; a
display device displaying a pre-established sequence of screens
including a digital output medium selection screen for guiding
selection of a digital output medium from a plurality of digital
output media, and at least one thumbnail image selection screen for
guiding selection of a thumbnail image from a plurality of
thumbnail images; an input device used to select a digital output
medium from the digital output medium selection screen followed by
a thumbnail image from the thumbnail image selection screen
displayed on said display device; and a digital medium recording
device recording digital image data corresponding to the selected
thumbnail image on the digital output medium selected by said input
device, the digital image data representing the visible image and
outputted from said visible image medium reading device.
15. The image filing system of claim 1, further comprising: a
charging information confirming apparatus, said image filing
apparatus and said charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other; a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for a
recording service charge, said charging information relating to the
recording executed in said digital medium recording device; and a
charging information transmitting device sending the charging
information to said charging information confirming apparatus, said
charging information confirming apparatus including, a charging
information receiving device receiving the charging information
sent from said charging information transmitting device; and a
display device displaying the charging information received by said
charging information receiving device, wherein the displayed
charging information is visually compared to the printed charging
information in order to confirm the charging information.
16. The image filing system of claim 7, further comprising: a
charging information confirming apparatus, said image filing
apparatus and said charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other; a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for a
recording service charge, said charging information relating to the
recording executed in said digital medium recording device; and a
charging information transmitting device sending the charging
information to said charging information confirming apparatus, said
charging information confirming apparatus including, a charging
information receiving device receiving the charging information
sent from said charging information transmitting device; and a
display device displaying the charging information received by said
charging information receiving device, wherein the displayed
charging information is visually compared to the printing charging
information in order to confirm the charging information.
17. The image printing system of claim 11 further comprising: a
charging information confirming apparatus, said image printing
apparatus and said charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other; a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for a
print service charge, said charging information relating to image
print processing executed in said image printer; and a charging
information transmitting device sending the charging information to
said charging confirming apparatus, said charging information
confirming apparatus including, a charging information receiving
device receiving the charging information sent from said charging
information transmitting device; and a display device displaying
the charging information received by said charging information
receiving device, wherein the displayed charging information is
visually compared to the printed charging information in order to
confirm the charging information.
18. The image printing system of claim 12 further comprising: a
charging information confirming apparatus, said image printing
apparatus and said charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other; a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for a
print service charge, said charging information relating to image
print processing executed in said image printer; and a charging
information transmitting device sending the charging information to
said charging confirming apparatus, said charging information
confirming apparatus including, a charging information receiving
device receiving the charging information sent from said charging
information transmitting device; and a display device displaying
the charging information received by said charging information
receiving device, wherein the displayed charging information is
visually compared to the printed charging information in order to
confirm the charging information.
19. The image filing system of claim 13, further comprising: a
charging information confirming apparatus, said image filing
apparatus and said charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other; a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for a
recording service charge, said charging information relating to the
recording executed in said digital medium recording device; and a
charging information transmitting device sending the charging
information to said charging information confirming apparatus, said
charging information confirming apparatus including, a charging
information receiving device receiving the charging information
sent from said charging information transmitting device; and a
display device displaying the charging information received by said
charging information receiving device, wherein the displayed
charging information is visually compared to the printed charging
information in order to confirm the charging information.
20. The image filing system of claim 14, further comprising: a
charging information confirming apparatus, said image filing
apparatus and said charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other; a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for a
recording service charge, said charging information relating to the
recording executed in said digital medium recording device; and a
charging information transmitting device sending the charging
information to said charging information confirming apparatus, said
charging information confirming apparatus including, a charging
information receiving device receiving the charging information
sent from said charging information transmitting device; and a
display device displaying the charging information received by said
charging information receiving device, wherein the displayed
charging information is visually compared to the printed charging
information in order to confirm the charging information.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system
for printing an image represented by digital image data recorded on
a digital medium, an apparatus and a system for printing an image
appearing on a visible image medium upon reading the image and
executing image processing such as enlargement of the image, and an
apparatus and a system for recording on a digital medium image data
representing an image appearing on a visible image medium.
[0003] The digital medium means a medium on which digital image
data representing an image is or can be recorded, for example, a
magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk or a memory
card. The visible image medium means a medium on which an image
capable of being seen by a human is displayed, for example, a
picture, a film (including both a negative film and a positive
film) or a poster.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The digitization of a variety of information and the
preservation of such information by recording it on various
recording media have been realized by the popularization of
computers and devices that utilize them. Image information is no
exception. There is growing need for a system capable of reading,
by way of a scanner, images that appear on visible image media such
as photographic films, photographs, printed matters and the like,
converting the read images to digital image data and recording
these data on a digital medium such as a magnetic disk, a system
capable of reading digital image data recorded on a digital medium
and outputting images represented by the read digital image data as
visible image media. Further it is desired to realize a system
capable of reading images appearing on a visible image media,
subjecting the read images to image treatment processing such as
enlargement, reduction, rotation, inlaying to template images,
color conversion and so on, and printing the processed images.
[0006] Such possible or expected systems would be or might be
operated by an expert. On the other hand, however, it is also
desirable that the users or customers themselves operate the system
to create or modify images, print the images or record the image
data on a digital medium. In order to realize such utilization of
the systems, the above systems would be placed in various places
such as a convenience store, a photography shop, etc., to allow the
users or customers to operate the system.
[0007] A problem would arise how the users or customers are charged
for the services offered to them in utilizing the above system and
how the service charges (fees) are collected in a case where the
users or customers themselves operate the system. Since the unit
charge for use of the system would be relatively high, an unmanned
fee collecting apparatus is not preferable to be set in view of
security. It would be required to allow a clerk of a store to
charge for the service offered by the system upon knowing how the
system is utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the invention is to allow a clerk of a store to
realize the state of customers' use of an image printing or filing
apparatus or system and to charge correctly.
[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an image
printing apparatus or system in which digital image data recorded
on a digital medium are read and an image represented by the
digital image data is printed.
[0010] An image printing apparatus according to the first aspect of
the present invention comprises a digital medium reading device
reading digital image data recorded on a digital medium, an image
printer printing an image represented by the digital image data
read by the digital medium reading device, and a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for
print service charge, the charging information relating to image
print processing executed in the image printer.
[0011] The charging information includes such items as a date, a
service name, a kind of the digital medium, a number of prints and
a service number.
[0012] The charging information including information necessary for
image print service charge is printed and a slip carrying the
charging information thereon is issued. The customer utilizing the
image printing apparatus receives or picks up the issued slip
carrying the charging information thereon and shows it to or hands
it over to the clerk of the store, who can understand the contents
of the operations by the customer or the contents of services the
customer is offered. Thus the clerk of the store can correctly
charge the customer for the print image services that the image
printing apparatus performs.
[0013] The charging information may further include information
relating to cancellation of the image print processing by the image
printer when the image print processing by the image printer is
cancelled.
[0014] The clerk of the store can know the image print service has
been cancelled and judge whether the customer should be charged or
not.
[0015] An image printing system according to the first aspect of
the present invention comprises the above mentioned image printing
apparatus and a charging information confirming apparatus. The
image printing apparatus and the charging information confirming
apparatus are connected so as to communicate with each other.
[0016] The image printing apparatus further comprises a charging
information transmitting device sending the charging information to
the charging information confirming apparatus.
[0017] The charging information confirming apparatus comprises a
charging information receiving device receiving the charging
information sent from the charging information transmitting device,
and a display device displaying the charging information received
by the charging information receiving device.
[0018] The charging information confirming apparatus can be
realized by an electronic cash register.
[0019] The charging information generated in the image printing
apparatus is, on one hand, printed on a slip and, on the other
hand, transmitted to the charging information confirming apparatus
to be displayed on the display device, which, in general, is placed
near the cashier. The clerk of the store (cashier) can realize the
contents of the image print services and know the information
necessary to charge for the image print services by merely seeing
the display screen. Further the clerk can compare the charging
information on the issued slip with the charging information
displayed on the display device to confirm that the customer taking
the slip is one who has to be charged.
[0020] Preferably, the image printing apparatus further comprises
an image processor executing image treatment processing including
at least one of enlarging, reducing, compressing, rotating,
synthesizing to a template image and color conversion of the image
represented by the digital image data read by the digital medium
reading device. The image printer prints the image processed by the
image processor. The image print service is enhanced by this image
treatment processing.
[0021] The charging information may further include information
concerning the contents of the image treatment processing or a form
of print.
[0022] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an image
printing apparatus or system in which a visible image appearing on
a visible image medium is read and the read visible image is
printed.
[0023] An image printing apparatus according to the second aspect
of the present invention comprises a visible image medium reading
device reading a visible image appearing on a visible image medium
and outputting a signal representing the read visible image, an
image printer printing an image represented by the signal outputted
from the visible image medium reading device, and a charging
information printer printing charging information necessary for
print service charge, the charging information relating to image
print processing executed in the image printer.
[0024] The clerk of the store can correctly charge the customer for
the image print service based on the printed charging
information.
[0025] The image printing apparatus may further comprises an image
processor executing image treatment processing including at least
one of enlarging, reducing, compressing, rotating, synthesizing to
a template image and color conversion of the image represented by
the signal outputted by the visible image medium reading device,
wherein said image printer prints the image processed by said image
processor. The print service is further enhanced.
[0026] The charging information includes a date, a service name, a
kind of the visible image medium, a form of print, a number of
prints and a service number, for example.
[0027] The charging information may further include information
relating to cancellation of the image print processing by the image
printer when the image print processing by the image printer is
cancelled.
[0028] The clerk judges whether or not the customer cancelling the
service should be charged or not.
[0029] An image printing system according to the second aspect of
the present invention comprises the above image printing apparatus
and a charging information confirming apparatus. The image printing
apparatus and the charging information confirming apparatus are
connected so as to communicate with each other.
[0030] The image printing apparatus further comprises a charging
information transmitting device sending the charging information to
said charging information confirming apparatus.
[0031] The charging information confirming apparatus comprises a
charging information receiving device receiving the charging
information sent from the charging information transmitting device,
and a display device displaying the charging information received
by the charging information receiving device. The charging
information confirming apparatus may be an electronic cash
register.
[0032] The charging information generated in the image printing
apparatus is transmitted to the charging information confirming
apparatus to be displayed on the display device. The clerk of the
store can realize the contents of the image print services and know
the information necessary to charge for the image print services by
merely seeing the display screen.
[0033] A third aspect of the present invention relates to an image
filing apparatus or system in which a visible image appearing on a
visible image medium is read and digital image data representing
the read visible image are produced to be recorded on a digital
medium.
[0034] An image filing apparatus according to the third aspect of
the present invention comprises a visible image medium reading
device reading a visible image appearing on a visible image medium
and outputting digital image data representing the read visible
image, a digital medium recording device recording on a digital
medium the digital image data representing the visible image and
outputted from the visible image medium reading device, and a
charging information printer printing charging information
necessary for record service charge, the charging information
relating to record processing executed in the digital medium
recording device.
[0035] The charging information includes such items as a date, a
service name, a kind of the visible image medium, a number of
frames and a service number.
[0036] The charging information including information necessary for
record service charge is printed and a slip carrying the charging
information thereon is issued. The customer utilizing the image
filing apparatus receives or takes up the issued slip carrying the
charging information thereon and shows it to or hands it over to
the clerk of the store, who can understand the contents of the
operations by the customer or the contents of services the customer
is offered. Thus, the clerk of the store can correctly charge the
customer for the record services the image filing apparatus
performs.
[0037] The charging information includes information relating to
cancellation of the record processing by the digital medium
recording device when the record processing by the digital medium
recording device is cancelled.
[0038] The clerk of the store can know the record service has been
cancelled and judge whether the customer should be charged.
[0039] An image filing system according to the third aspect of the
present invention comprises the above image filing apparatus and a
charging information confirming apparatus, the image filng
apparatus and the charging information confirming apparatus being
connected so as to communicate with each other.
[0040] The image filing apparatus further comprises a charging
information transmitting device sending the charging information to
the charging information confirming apparatus.
[0041] The charging information confirming apparatus comprises a
charging information receiving device receiving the charging
information sent from the charging information transmitting device,
and a display device displaying the charging information received
by the charging information receiving device.
[0042] The charging information confirming apparatus may be an
electronic cash register.
[0043] The charging information generated in the image filing
apparatus is, on one hand, printed on a slip and, on the other
hand, transmitted to the charging information confirming apparatus
to be displayed on the display device, which, in general, is placed
near the cashier. The clerk of the store (cashier) can realize the
contents of the digital image data record services and know the
information necessary to charge for the record service by merely
seeing the display screen. Further the clerk can compares the
charging information on the issued slip with the charging
information displayed on the display device to confirm that the
customer taking the slip in one who has to be charged.
[0044] Preferably the image filing apparatus further comprises an
image processor executing image treatment processing including at
least one of enlarging, reducing, compressing, rotating,
synthesizing to a template image and color conversion of the image
represented by the digital image data outputted from the visible
image medium reading device. The digital medium recording device
records the digital image data representing the image processed by
the image processor.
[0045] The digital image data record service is enhanced by this
image treatment processing.
[0046] The charging information may further include information
concerning the contents of the image treatment processing.
[0047] The foregoing and other object, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a new (APS) photographic film having an
information recording portion;
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates the format of data recorded on an
information recording portion;
[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates part of a camera capable of handling a
new (APS) photographic film having an information recording
portion;
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates the construction of a film scanner;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical
construction of an image filing and printing apparatus;
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates the file structure of a hard disk
included in the image filing and printing apparatus;
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates the contents of a template image data
storage area;
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates the contents of a mask image data storage
area;
[0056] FIG. 9a illustrates an example of a template image, FIG. 9b
illustrates an example of a mask image, and FIG. 9c illustrates an
example of synthesis information;
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between the position of
a synthesis definition range as well as a title synthesis position
and a template image;
[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates the relationship between the position of
a synthesis definition range as well as a title synthesis position
and a template image;
[0059] FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining image
synthesis;
[0060] FIG. 13 is a plane view of a convenience store where the
image filing and printing apparatus is placed;
[0061] FIGS. 14 to 18 are flow charts showing the procedure for
processing in the image filing and printing apparatus;
[0062] FIGS. 19 to 33 illustrate examples of display screens
appearing on the screen of a display device in the image filing and
printing apparatus;
[0063] FIG. 34a to 34e illustrate examples of printed slip;
[0064] FIG. 35 is a plane view of a convenience store where an
on-line image filing and printing apparatus is disposed;
[0065] FIGS. 36 and 37 are flow charts showing the procedure for
processing in the image filing and printing apparatus according to
another embodiment;
[0066] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing
in an electronic cash register; and
[0067] FIGS. 39a and 39b illustrate examples of display screens
appearing on the screen of a display device of the electronic cash
register.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0068] (1) Photographic Film with Information Recording Portion
[0069] A photographic film of a conventional type (a so-called 35
mm film) is a 12-exposure, 24-exposure or 36-exposure roll of film.
This photographic film is cut to a length for six frames after
development, and is generally housed in a sheath to be stored.
Merely an image of a photographed subject and its frame number are
recorded on the photographic film of a conventional type.
Information relating to the image of the subject (for example,
information briefly expressing the image, date of photographing,
and shutter speed) other than the frame number are not recorded.
Therefore, the information relating to the subject image other than
the frame number must be written into the sheath, or noted on
another paper. A photographic film of a new type has been
developed. Information relating to a subject image, for example,
information briefly expressing the image, date of photographing and
shutter speed which cannot be recorded on the conventional
photographic film can be recorded on the new type (Advanced Photo
System=APS) photographic film. In an image filing and printing
apparatus according to the present embodiment, description is made
of a case where the new type photographic film is used. It goes
without saying that the photographic film of a conventional type, a
picture and the like can be used in the image filing and printing
apparatus.
[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates a photographic film of a new type, that
is, an APS film with an information recording portion.
[0071] A new photographic film 1 has its terminal fixed to a spool
rotatably provided in a cartridge (Patrone) 5. FIG. 1 illustrates a
state where the photographic film 1 is drawn out of the cartridge
5.
[0072] Some perforations 2a (or one or a plurality of notches) for
engaging the photographic film 1 with a part of a photographic film
winding shaft of a camera are formed in the distal end of the
photographic film 1.
[0073] There are areas 4 on which an image is recorded on the whole
of the photographic film 1 excluding the both end portions having a
suitable length (this area is formed by photographing, which is
indicated by a one-dot and dash line for convenience of
illustration in FIG. 1). Further, an optical information recording
area 6 in a long narrow strip shape is provided on one face of the
film 1 below each of the image recording areas 4 (this area 6 is
formed by exposure and development, which is also indicated by a
one-dot and dash line for convenience of illustration in FIG.
1).
[0074] Magnetic information recording areas (portions) 3b and 3d in
a long narrow strip shape are provided on the other face of the
film 1 on both (upper and lower) sides of each of the image
recording areas 4. The one magnetic information recording area 3d
is overlapped with the optical information recording area 6 via a
base of the film 1. One perforation (or two or more perforations)
2b is formed in correspondence to each of the image recording areas
4 between the other information recording areas 3b. The perforation
2b is used for mainly putting the image recording area 4 at an
image formation position in the camera.
[0075] Magnetic information recording areas 3a and 3c are also
provided on the other face of the film 1 in the end of the
photographic film 1 on both sides thereof.
[0076] The magnetic information recording portions 3a, 3b, 3c and
3d are magnetic recording layers generally formed by applying a
transparent magnetic material on a film. The magnetic information
recording areas 3a and 3b provided on one side of the photographic
film 1 are generally used in a laboratory. The magnetic information
recording areas 3c and 3d provided on the other side of the
photographic film 1 are generally used for recording information
(data) in response to entry by a user or automatically by the
camera. The optical information recording areas 6 are generally
used in order for a manufacturer to record information.
[0077] The magnetic information recording areas (reader information
recording areas) 3a and 3c in the distal end are used for recording
information (film information) relating to one roll of film 1. The
magnetic information recording areas (frame information recording
areas) 3b and 3d provided in correspondence to each of the image
recording areas 4 are used for recording information (frame
information) relating to an image recorded on the area 4. The
optical information recording areas 6 are for recording information
such as a manufacturer code and a frame number.
[0078] As an example, comprehensive information relating to the
whole of an image picked up using the photographic film is recorded
on the reader information recording area 3c which is utilized by
the user. This information is referred to as IX1.
[0079] Examples of the information recorded on the frame
information recording area 3d which is utilized by the user include
title information entered into the camera by the user (a title is
one for briefly expressing an image, for example, "picture of
flower", "picture of animal", "picture of children, or "travel"),
and information automatically recorded by the camera (for example,
shutter speed used when an image for its frame is picked up). The
information are referred to as information IX2. Only the
information entered by the user may be taken as IX2.
[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates a data arrangement (a data format) in the
magnetic information recording areas 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d of the
photographic film. The data format is applied to both the
information IX1 and IX2, and includes SS, VER, ID, LNG, DATA, LCR
and ES.
[0081] SS is an abbreviation for "Start Sentinal", and is a code
representing the start of a data string. VER represents the version
of a recording format (a standard). ID represents the type of
information to be recorded (IX1, IX2, etc.). LNG represents the
length of succeeding data (DATA). DATA is data representing
information which desires to be recorded or should be recorded. LCR
is a CRC check code. ES is an abbreviation for "End Sentinal", and
is a code representing the end of the data string.
[0082] One or a plurality of data strings of such a format are
provided in each of the magnetic information recording areas 3a,
3b, 3c and 3d. For example, a data string representing data entered
by the user and a data string representing data written by the
camera are recorded on the frame information recording area 3d. A
plurality of identical data strings are recorded in parallel on the
magnetic information recording area as required in order to
increase reliability.
[0083] (2) Camera for Photographic Film with Information Recording
Portion
[0084] A part of the construction of a camera capable of handling
such a photographic film with an information recording portion is
illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the construction relating to
recording on the magnetic information recording areas 3a, 3b, 3c
and 3d of the photographic film is mainly illustrated, and the
construction of an imaging optical system or the like is
omitted.
[0085] The cartridge 5 is rotatably supported on a fork (not shown)
in the camera. The distal end of the photographic film 1 drawn out
of the cartridge 5 is wound around a photographic film winding
shaft 16. A photoelectric sensor 12 for sensing the perforation 2b
is provided, and its sensing signal is fed to a controller 10. The
controller 10 drives a motor 14 to rotate the winding shaft 16 so
that the photographic film 1 is successively wound up, and
positions the photographic film 1 for each photographing so that
the image recording area 4 is in the image formation position on
the basis of the sensing signal of the photoelectric sensor 12.
[0086] A magnetic head 11 for recording information on the magnetic
information recording areas 3c and 3d for the user is provided on a
travel path of the magnetic information recording portions 3c and
3d. In the process of winding (traveling) of the photographic film
1, information entered from an input device 15 or information
produced by the controller 10 are magnetically recorded on the
magnetic recording areas 3c and 3d by the magnetic head 11 through
a head driving circuit 13 under the control of the controller
10.
[0087] The input device 15 is for entering numerals and characters.
For example, the input device 15 includes numeric keys, alphabet
keys, and the like. The input device 15 includes a display device
as required, and keyed information is displayed on the display
device. In order to decrease the number of keys, the input device
15 can be also so constructed that a character displayed every time
one key is pressed is changed, and the user can select displayed
characters.
[0088] (3) Film Scanner
[0089] FIG. 4 illustrates, in simplified form, the construction of
a film scanner for reading images and magnetic information that
have been recorded on the new photographic film 1.
[0090] The new photographic film 1 is pulled from the cartridge 5
and is would up on a take-up shaft 24 for the photographic film.
The new photographic film 1 is conveyed at a prescribed speed by a
film feeding mechanism (not shown).
[0091] Light from a light source 21 irradiates the conveyed new
photographic film 1. Light representing an image appearing in an
image recording area of the new photographic film 1 forms an image
on a CCD line sensor 23 via a lens system 22. The CCD line sensor
23 includes a number (e.g., 2048) of photoelectric transducers
arrayed in a direction which perpendicularly intersects the
longitudinal direction of the new photographic film 1. Video
signals are sent from the CCD line sensor 23 to an image processor
26 line by line as the new photographic film 1 is fed. When the new
photographic film 1 is fed by a length equal to one image recording
area, one frame of image data is obtained (for example, image data
having a resolution of 2048.times.3072 pixels is obtained when the
film is fed at the finest pitch).
[0092] The image processor 26 comprises a signal processing circuit
(inclusive of circuits selected from among a white balance circuit,
gamma correction circuit and negative/positive reversal circuit,
etc., as required) for processing a video signal (or digital image
data converted by an A/D converter circuit) obtained from the CCD
line sensor 23. Digital image data obtained when the new
photographic film 1 has been fed by the finest or smallest pitch
are referred to as original digital image data. The original image
data are applied to an image memory 35, described later.
[0093] The original image data are for prints. So-called
"high-vision" (high-definition) image data are obtained by reducing
the original digital image data to 1/2 in the vertical direction
and 1/2 in the horizontal direction. Standard image data are
obtained by further reducing these high-definition image data to
1/2 in the longitudinal direction and 1/2 in the horizontal
direction. Thumbnail image data are obtained by further reducing
these standard image data to 1/8 in the vertical direction and 1/8
in the horizontal direction. The reduction of the image is carried
out by executing subsampling processing or by executing averaging
processing in units of a plurality of adjacent pixels. The
reduction processing is executed by an enlarging/reducing circuit
44, described later. Image data having a different resolution can
also be obtained by changing the pitch at which the new
photographic film 1 is fed in the film scanner.
[0094] The film scanner shown in FIG. 4 has a magnetic head 25
provided in the conveyance path of the new photographic film 1 at a
position traversed by the magnetic information recording areas 3c,
3d of the film. The magnetic head 25 reads the information
magnetically recorded on the information recording areas 3c, 3d and
sends the resulting read signals to a magnetic reading circuit 27
as the new photographic film 1 is being fed. A magnetic reading
circuit 27 applies the required processing (demodulation, encoding,
etc.) to the read signals and then applies the processed results to
the MPU 30, described later.
[0095] (4) Image Filing and Printing Apparatus
[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates the electrical configuration of an image
filing and printing apparatus (image filing/printing
apparatus).
[0097] This image filing/printing apparatus would be installed at a
variety of locations, examples of which are a film developing
establishment (store), photography shop, department store,
convenience store and other types of stores and shops. The image
filing/printing apparatus generally is operated by the customer
(user). At locations such as a film developing store where an
operator is always present, the image filing/printing apparatus
would be operated in its entirety by the operator.
[0098] The media handled by this image filing/printing apparatus
are classified broadly into two types. The first is the media which
represent images visually, such as photographic film, photographs
printed on photographic printing paper and printed matter (posters
and calendars having photographs thereon, etc.). These types of
media are referred to as visible image media. The second is media
for recording (or storing) digital data representing images, such
as optical disks, magneto-optical disks, magnetic disks and memory
cards. These type of media are referred to as digital media.
[0099] The image file printing apparatus has mainly two functions:
a photo-joy print service (image synthesis processing) and a
digital output service (image conversion processing).
[0100] In the photo-joy print service, both a visible image medium
and a digital medium are used as an input medium. A print, a memory
card, a magneto-optic disk, or a magnetic disk is used as an output
medium. In the photo-joy print service, an image recorded on the
input medium is subjected to image treatment processing such as
enlarging, reducing, rotating, synthesizing on a template image,
color conversion processing and so on, to be outputted.
[0101] In the digital output service, a visible image medium is
used as an input medium. A digital medium is used as an output
medium. In the digital output service, an image expressed on the
visible image medium is read, is converted into digital image data
representing the read image, and is recorded on the digital
medium.
[0102] The operations of the whole of the image file printing
apparatus are supervised by the MPU 30.
[0103] The image filing/printing apparatus includes a display
device 33 displaying a synthesized image and other information, an
interface 34 for the display device 33 (a video interface), a touch
panel 32 disposed on a display screen of the display device 33 and
receiving a command by the user, a touch panel interface 31, an
image memory 35 temporarily storing image data, an SCSI (Small
Computer System Interface) 36, a printer 37, a floppy disk drive 39
for a magnetic disk, a hard disk drive 40, a magneto-optic disk
drive 46 and a memory card reader 47. The image filing/printing
apparatus further has a scanner 42 reading an image expressed on a
new type photographic film, a conventional type photographic film
or a photograph (in a case where the new type photographic film is
the input medium, the scanner 42 may have the arrangement shown in
FIG. 4), a scanner interface 43, an enlarging/reducing circuit 44
for enlarging and reducing an image represented by the image data,
and a RAM 45 for temporarily storing data.
[0104] Moreover, the image filing/printing apparatus comprises a
slip printer 48 printing on a slip information relating to contents
of the service performed using the image filing/printing apparatus
(whether the service is photo-joy print service or digital output
service, what kinds of image treatment processing is executed, the
number of prints, etc.), and a modem 49 for transmitting data
representing the contests of the service.
[0105] The user performs operations for the photo-joy print service
or the digital output service in accordance with indications on the
display device 33. Specifically, a touch panel 32 is formed on the
display screen of the display device 33. The touch panel 32 is
connected to the MPU 30 through the interface 31. A guidance
(comprising illustrations, sentences, etc.) for guiding the
operations and one or a plurality of sections to be touched are
displayed on the display screen of the display device 33. The
function of a key (including numerical values) is displayed in each
of the sections. Consequently, function keys and numeric keys are
realized. An input signal representing the position of the section
which the operator or the user touches by his or her finger is fed
to the MPU 30. The user selects the type of processing (service)
(the photo-joy print service or the digital output service),
designates the input medium, and designates a frame to be recorded
or printed on the output medium and performs other entry utilizing
the touch panel.
[0106] The scanner 42 reads images represented on the new type
photographic film, the conventional type photographic film, or
reflective originals such as photographs, printed matters, etc. and
outputs image data representing the images, which may be
constructed by combination of some kinds of scanner. The scanner 42
includes the structure of the film scanner shown in FIG. 4. The
scanner 42 is connected to the MPU 30 via the scanner interface 43.
If the scanner 42 is a scanner for the conventional type
photographic film, the scanner 42 would include a light source, an
image sensing optical system, a line sensor (or two-dimensional
image sensing device), a mechanism for transporting the film or
line sensor, a signal processing circuit and an A/D converter
circuit, etc. A flat-bed scanner may serve as a scanner for
reflective originals. The flat-bed scanner is equipped with a flat
bed. A reflective original is placed upon the flat bed. Light from
the light source is projected upon the reflective original and
light reflected from the reflective original enters the line sensor
or two-dimensional image sensing device. A video signal outputted
by the line sensor or image sensing device is subjected to
prescribed processing and then outputted as digital image data.
[0107] The RAN 45 temporarily stores data. The image memory 35
stores image data read by the scanner 42, the drive 39, 40 or 46
for disks, or the memory card reader 47. The enlarging/reducing
circuit 44 enlarges or reduces an image represented by image data.
The enlarging/reducing circuit 44 also executes compression and
decompression (expansion) processing of the image data.
[0108] The hard disk drive 40 writes data to a hard disk and reads
out data that have been recorded on the hard disk.
[0109] The floppy disk drive 39, magneto-optical disk drive 46 or
memory card reader 47 writes data inclusive of image data to a
floppy disk, magneto-optical disk or memory card, respectively,
serving as output media, reads data from the floppy disk,
magneto-optical disk or memory card, or rewrites the data.
[0110] The printer 37 prints images represented by image data
applied thereto.
[0111] (5) File Structure of Hard Disk
[0112] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a file structure (a data structure)
of a hard disk included in the image filing/printing apparatus.
This illustrates not the physical structure but the logical file
structure. Various data shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 may be not a
continuous gathered state but a dispersed state. When there are a
plurality of hard disks on the image synthesizer, all data shown in
FIGS. 6 to 8 need not exist on one hard disk. The data may be
recorded in a dispersed manner on the plurality of hard disks.
[0113] The hard disk includes a directory management area where all
the data stored in the hard disk are managed, an OS recording area
on which an OS (Operating System) is recorded, an application
software recording area on which software for a photo-joy print
service and a digital output service is recorded, a template data
recording area on which template image data representing a template
image which is a background image of a subject image to be
synthesized is recorded, a mask data recording area on which mask
image data representing a mask image for defining a synthesis
position and a synthesis area of the subject image to be
synthesized on the template image is recorded, a synthesis
information recording area storing synthesis information utilized
for image synthesis, and an unused area.
[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates the details of the template data
recording area.
[0115] Template image data includes template image data for image
display used when a composite image displayed on the display screen
of the display device 33 is produced, and template image data for
printing used when the composite image is printed using the printer
37 and having higher resolution than that of the template image
data for image display. Therefore, the template data recording area
includes a template image data recording area for image display and
a template image data recording area for printing. The template
image data for image display and the template image data for
printing are respectively stored in the template image data
recording area for image display and the template image data
recording area for printing.
[0116] In the image filing/printing apparatus according to the
present invention, one kind of template image is selected among a
plurality kinds of template images. A subject image is synthesized
on the selected template image. Therefore, each of the template
image data recording area for image display and the template image
data recording area for printing is further divided into recording
areas depending on the kind of template image (for example, a
template image data recording area for decoration image display, a
template image data recording area for photo frame image display,
etc.). Template image data corresponding to the kind of template is
stored in each of the areas.
[0117] Furthermore, the same kind of template includes a plurality
of types of templates. For example, a decoration template includes
types depending on the number of subject images and whether the
subject images are displayed longitudinally or laterally (type 1,
type 2, etc.). Template image data is stored for each type.
[0118] Further in the image filing/printing apparatus according to
the present invention, the same type of template further includes a
plurality of different decoration types. For example, when the type
of template is a decoration template, and subject images of three
frames are laterally arranged, there are different decoration types
(for example, a decoration for a wedding ceremony, a decoration for
an entrance ceremony, etc.). Template image data is stored for each
decoration type.
[0119] Consequently, a template is defined by the kind, type and
decoration type.
[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates the details of the mask data recording
area.
[0121] The mask image data are classified into kinds, types and
decoration types respectively corresponding to the kinds, the types
and the decoration types of the template image data, and there are
provided areas on which the respective data are to be recorded.
[0122] The template image data and the mask image data are
respectively recorded on the template data recording area and the
mask data recording area in the form of bit map data upon being
compressed.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 6 again, the directory management area
stores a pass to each of the template image data for image display
(a pass is information required for a computer to access a storage
location storing each data), a pass to each of the template image
data for printing, a pass to each of the mask image data for image
display, a pass to each of the mask image data for printing, and
the other data. The respective image data can be accessed by
referring to the passes stored in the directory management
area.
[0124] The synthesis information recording area stores information
utilized for image synthesis. Examples of the synthesis information
include the number of synthesized images, positional information of
a synthesized image area, the number of titles, a title synthesis
position, the typeface name of a title font, the title font size,
the title font color, and the title layout.
[0125] The number of synthesized images represents the number of
subject images to be synthesized on a template image. The
positional information of the synthesized image area represents the
position and the size of the synthesis definition range which
define the size required for the subject image to be synthesized on
the template image (as described in detail later). The number of
titles represents, when titles are added to the template image as
described later, the number of the titles. The title synthesis
position represents, when a title is added to the template image,
the position where the title is started (as described in detail
later). The typeface name of a title font indicates whether the
title is Roman, Gothic, italics or the like. The title font size
represents the size of a font used for the title. The title font
color represents a color of the title. The title layout indicates
whether the title is put to the left side, centered or put to the
right side.
[0126] Such synthesis information is stored as code data on the
synthesis information recording area in correspondence to the
template image data finally defined in terms of the combinations of
kind, type and decoration type.
[0127] FIG. 9a illustrates an example of a template image. FIG. 9b
illustrates an example of a mask image. FIG. 19c illustrates an
example of synthesis information. Template image data representing
such template image as illustrated is stored in the template data
recording area, mask image data representing such mask image as
illustrated is stored in the mask data recording area, and data
representing such synthesis information as illustrated is stored in
the synthesis information recording area.
[0128] FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the positional
information of the synthesized image area and the information of
the title synthesis position which are included in the synthesis
information. The positional information of the synthesized image
area and the information of the title synthesis position
respectively include the start position and the size of a synthesis
definition range S.sub.yn (n denotes the number of the synthesis
definition range, 1 to 3 in an example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11).
The start position is indicated by coordinates (xsf, ysf) (f also
denotes the number of the synthesis definition range, 1 to 3 in the
example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) at the upper left corner of the
synthesis definition range S.sub.yn in a case where the upper left
corner of the template image is taken as the origin (0, 0).
Further, the size of the synthesis definition range S.sub.yn is
indicated in such a way that the length in the horizontal direction
is represented by xnf, and the length in the vertical direction is
represented by ynf (f denotes the number of the synthesis
definition range).
[0129] If the size of a subject image to be synthesized on the
template image is smaller than the size of the corresponding
synthesis definition range, a white edge or a black edge appears on
a composite image. When the size of the subject image is smaller
than the size of the synthesis definition range, therefore, the
fact is notified. Therefore, a white edge or a black edge can be
prevented from being formed on the composite image when the size of
the subject image to be synthesized on the template image is
smaller than the size of the synthesis definition range.
[0130] (6) Image Synthesis
[0131] FIG. 12 illustrates in perspective the relationship among a
template image, a mask image, a subject image to be synthesized,
and a composite image in order to explain image synthesis
processing.
[0132] In the image synthesis, the template image is selected, and
template image data representing the selected template image is
read out from the hard disk. Further, mask image data corresponding
to the selected template image data is read out from the hard disk.
Subject image data representing the subject image to be synthesized
is read out from the visible image medium or the digital medium
which is brought by the user.
[0133] When the subject image to be synthesized and the mask image
are overlapped with each other, the subject image in a portion
corresponding to a synthesis area portion A.sub.W (other than a
mask portion A.sub.M indicated by hatching) is synthesized
(overlaid) on the template image, to produce the composite image.
The subject image in a portion corresponding to the mask portion
A.sub.M is not synthesized on the template image. The positional
relationship between the synthesis area portion A.sub.W of the mask
image and the subject image to be synthesized is adjusted by the
user operating the image filing/printing apparatus.
[0134] (7) Disposition of Image Filing/Printing Apparatus
[0135] FIG. 13 shows a plane view of a convenience store where an
image filing/printing apparatus is arranged.
[0136] The image filing/printing apparatus is not always disposed
at a place where a clerk of the store can view due to a limited
size of the store. In general, locations for foods, groceries,
drinks, stationery and magazines to be placed, which need large
areas, are first determined, then the image filing/printing
apparatus is disposed at a remaining area.
[0137] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the image filing/printing
apparatus 200 is placed near the entrance of the convenience store
(the image filing/printing apparatus 200 and an Electronic Cash
Register (ECR) 210 are not connected to each other. However, as
shown in FIG. 35, the image filing/printing apparatus 200 and the
ECR 210 may be connected on line to each other). The clerk of the
store operates the ECR 210 to register sales, but does not see the
customer using the image filing/printing apparatus 200, so that he
or she cannot realize the contents of the service offered to the
customer by the image filing/printing apparatus 200. The image
filing/printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment
issues a slip carrying information printed thereon and relating to
the contents of the service that the customer has received using
the image filing/printing apparatus 200. The customer shows or
hands the printed slip over the clerk of the store. The clerk can
know the contents of the service the image filing/printing
apparatus 200 offers to the customer, and can charge the customer
for the service to receive the corresponding amount of money and to
register the sales in the ECR 210.
[0138] (8) Various Processing in Image Filing/Printing
Apparatus
[0139] FIGS. 14 to 18 are flow charts showing the procedure for
various processing including a photo-joy print service, a digital
output service and the like in the image filing/printing apparatus
200. The details of such services are described in the U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/736,727. FIGS. 19 to 33 illustrate examples
of displays appearing on the screen of the display device 33 of the
image filing/printing apparatus 200. Data causing the displays on
the screen of the display device 33 are stored in the application
software recording area so long as it is not emphatically
mentioned. FIGS. 34a to 34e show examples of slip issued by the
slip printer 48.
[0140] {circle over (1)} Initialization and Service Selection
[0141] In the initial state, a start screen as shown in FIG. 19 is
displayed on the display device 33 (step 122). The start screen
includes sections A.sub.S1 to A.sub.S5. When the finger of the
maintenance man touches the section A.sub.S1 the program proceeds
to various service processing (a photo-joy print service, a digital
output service, etc.) as described later. When the finger of the
maintenance man touches the section A.sub.S2, the program proceeds
to various maintenance processing such as adjustment of the color
of an image displayed on the display device 33. When the finger of
the maintenance man touches the section A.sub.S3, the program
proceeds to identification number setting processing. When the
finger of the maintenance man touches the section A.sub.S4, the
program proceeds to OS menu display. When the finger of the
maintenance man touches the section A.sub.S5, the program proceeds
to service management processing such as totalization of the
executed service and display thereof.
[0142] When the finger of the maintenance man touches the section
A.sub.S1 (step 123, YES in step 124), a general service screen
shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display device 33 (step
125).
[0143] The general service screen includes a section A.sub.08
touched by the finger of the maintenance man (or the operator or
the clerk of the store) when the processing is started in the image
filing/printing apparatus and a section A.sub.09 touched by the
finger of the maintenance man (or the operator or the clerk of the
store) when the processing is terminated. When the section A.sub.08
is touched by the finger of the maintenance man (or the operator or
the clerk of the store), a service selection screen as shown in
FIG. 21 is displayed (YES in step 126, step 128). If the section
Aog is touched, the service will be terminated (NO in the step 126,
YES in step 127).
[0144] Three sections A.sub.10, A.sub.11 and A.sub.12 enclosed by
frames are displayed on the service selection screen. When the
section A.sub.11 out of the sections A.sub.10, A.sub.11 and
A.sub.12 is touched by the user (customer), the photo-joy print
service is started, whereby the screen of the display device 33 is
switched to an input medium selection screen as shown in FIG. 22
(step 129, step 51 in FIG. 15). The fact the photo-joy print
service has been selected is stored in the RAM 45 (step 130).
[0145] In FIG. 21, when the digital output service is desired to be
performed in the image filing/printing apparatus 300, the section
A.sub.12 is touched by the user (customer). In the case where the
section A.sub.12 is touched, the input medium selection screen as
shown in FIG. 22 is also displayed (step 81 in FIG. 17). The fact
that the digital output service has been selected is stored in the
RAM 45 (step 131). The section A.sub.10 is touched by the user when
the display is returned to the preceding screen.
[0146] {circle over (2)} Photo-Joy Print Service
[0147] The photo-joy print service is started when the section
A.sub.11 is touched in the service selection screen shown in FIG.
21.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 22, sections A.sub.21, A.sub.22, A.sub.23,
A.sub.24, A.sub.25 and A.sub.26 enclosed by frames are displayed on
an input medium selection screen. The section A.sub.21 is a section
touched by the user when the input medium is a new type (APS)
photographic film with an information recording portion, the
section A.sub.22 is a section touched by the user when the input
medium is a photographic film of a conventional type, the section
A.sub.23 is a section touched by the user when the input medium is
a reflective original, the section A.sub.24 is a section touched by
the user when the input medium is a magneto-optic disk, the section
A.sub.25 is a section touched by the user when the input medium is
a magnetic disk, and the section A.sub.26 is a section touched by
the user when the input medium is a memory card.
[0149] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the section conforming to
the input medium out of the sections A.sub.21 to A.sub.26 is
touched by the user (step 52). The input medium is mounted in one,
which is suitable for the input medium, of the scanner 42, the
floppy disk drive 39, the magneto-optic disk drive 46 and the
memory card reader 47. The data indicative of the kind of the
selected input medium is stored in the RAM 45 (step 53).
[0150] It is assumed herein that the APS (new type) photographic
film with an information recording portion is selected as the input
medium upon touching of the section A.sub.21 by the user (YES in
step 54). When the APS photographic film is selected as the input
medium, a guide for inserting the APS photographic film into the
image filing/printing apparatus is displayed on the display device
33 (step 55) and a door of a film accommodating portion of the
scanner 42 is opened (step 56). The user closes the door of the
scanner 42 by hand after insertion of the APS photographic film
into the scanner 42.
[0151] All images recorded on the APS photographic film mounted in
the film scanner 42 are read (step 57). Image data representing the
read image is thinned out in the enlarging and reducing circuit 44,
to obtain image data representing a reduced image. The image data
representing the reduced image is stored in the hard disk (the hard
disk drive 40).
[0152] When the APS film has been inserted into the scanner 42 (the
door has been closed), the display screen of the display device 33
is changed to a template kind selection screen shown in FIG. 23
(step 58). On the template kind selection screen, sections
A.sub.30, A.sub.31, A.sub.32, A.sub.33, A.sub.34, A.sub.35,
A.sub.36, A.sub.37, A.sub.38 and A.sub.39 are displayed. The
section A.sub.30 is a section touched by the user when printing is
done by a large index (the large index is for making a list of a
plurality of images recorded on the input medium). The section
A.sub.31 is a section touched by the user when printing is done by
a photo frame (the photo frame is for printing an image recorded on
the input medium like a picture fit in a photo frame). The section
A.sub.32 is a section touched by the user when printing is done by
a cover poster (the cover poster is for printing an image recorded
on the input medium like a magazine or a poster). The section
A.sub.33 is a section touched by the user when printing is done by
a calendar (the calendar is for printing an image recorded on the
input medium on a part of a calendar). The section A.sub.34 is a
section touched by the user when printing is done by a decoration
(the decoration is for extracting a part or the whole of an image
recorded on the input medium and for printing an image obtained by
decorating the extracted image). The section A.sub.35 is a section
touched by the user when printing is done by enlargement (the
enlargement is for enlarging an image recorded on the input
medium). The section A.sub.36 is a section touched by the user when
printing is done by art (the art is for artistically decorating an
image recorded on the input medium). The section A.sub.37 is a
section touched by the user when printing is done by multi-size
(the multi-size includes a plurality of identical subject images
which differ in size). The section A.sub.38 is a section touched by
the user when printing is done by digital direct (the digital
direct includes, when the input medium is a digital medium, an
image represented by image data directly read out from the digital
medium). The section A.sub.39 is a section touched by the user when
the kind of template must be explained.
[0153] It is assumed that the decoration is selected upon touching
of the section A.sub.34 by the user (YES in step 59). When a
section other than the section A.sub.34 is touched by the user, the
display of the display device 33 is switched in correspondence to
the touched section and the program proceeds to the corresponding
processing.
[0154] When the section A.sub.34 is touched by the user, the
display screen of the display device 33 is switched to a menu
explanation screen shown in FIG. 24 (step 60). An area A.sub.41,
and sections A.sub.42, A.sub.43 and A.sub.44 are displayed on the
menu explanation screen. A sentence for explaining what is a
template selected by the user and what subject image is suitably
synthesized on the template is displayed in the area A.sub.41 (the
sentence for explanation is not illustrated in FIG. 24). When the
number of sentences for explanation is large, all the sentences for
explanation for the selected template cannot be displayed in the
area A.sub.41. Therefore, it is the section A.sub.43 or A.sub.44
that is touched in order to scroll the screen and read the
sentences for explanation. When the section A.sub.42 is touched by
the user, the display screen of the display device 33 is returned
to the template kind selection screen shown in FIG. 42. When the
screen is scrolled to sentences for explanation on the final page,
a new section (not shown) is displayed. When the new section is
touched by the user, the display screen of the display device 33 is
switched to a template type selection screen shown in FIG. 25 (step
61).
[0155] Templates are of many kinds: a decoration, a calendar, and a
cover poster. One kind of template further includes many types of
templates. The template type selection screen shown in FIG. 25 is
displayed on the display device 33 when the type of template is
selected.
[0156] Sections A.sub.51, A.sub.52, A.sub.53, A.sub.54, A.sub.55,
A.sub.56 and A.sub.42 are displayed on the template type selection
screen. The section A.sub.51 is a section touched by the user when
images for three frames are vertically arranged on the template to
synthesize the images. The section A.sub.52 is a section touched by
the user when images for five frames are vertically arranged on the
template to synthesize the images. The section A.sub.53 is a
section touched by the user when images for eight frames are
vertically arranged on the template to synthesize the images. The
section A.sub.54 is a section touched by the user when images for
three frames are horizontally arranged on the template to
synthesize the images. The section A.sub.55 is a section touched by
the user when images for five frames are horizontally arranged on
the template to synthesize the images. The section A.sub.56 is a
section touched by the user when images for eight frames are
horizontally arranged on the template to synthesize the images.
When any one of the sections A.sub.51 to A.sub.56 is touched by the
user (step 62), the display screen of the display device 33 is
switched to a template decoration type selection screen shown in
FIG. 26 (step 63).
[0157] There are many types of templates (the number of frames
corresponding to images synthesized on the template and the
direction of the arrangement). One type of template further
includes template decoration types. The template decoration type
selection screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed on the display
device 33 when the decoration type is selected (step 63).
[0158] An area A.sub.60 and sections A.sub.10 and A.sub.13 are
displayed on the template decoration type selection screen. The
area A.sub.60 include a plurality of sections for selecting
decorations of the template. The user touches a section
representing a desired decoration out of the sections in the area
A.sub.60 (step 64).
[0159] A template used for image synthesis is specified by thus
selecting all the kind, the type and the decoration type of the
template. The data representing selected template kind, template
type and decoration type are also stored in the RAM 45 (step
65).
[0160] When the template to be used is specified, data enlargement
of template image data, selection of a subject image to be
synthesized on the template, inlaying of the subject image on a
template image, production of composite image data for printing are
carried out (step 66).
[0161] First, template image data for image display representing
the specified template image and template image data for printing
corresponding to the template image data for image display are
respectively read out from the hard disk. The template image data
for image display and the template image data for printing which
are read out are fed to the image memory 35, and are stored therein
once. The template image data for printing is read out from the
image memory 35, and is fed to the enlarging/reducing circuit 44.
Since the template image data for printing stored in the hard disk
is compressed, the data is expanded (decompressed) in the
enlarging/reducing circuit 44. The expanded template image data for
printing is fed to the image memory 35 again and is stored
therein.
[0162] Mask image data for image display and mask image data for
printing which respectively correspond to the template image data
for image display and the template image data for printing which
are read out from the hard disk are read out from the hard disk.
Since the mask image data for printing is also compressed, the data
is expanded in the enlarging/reducing circuit 44. The enlarged mask
image data for printing is also fed to the image memory 35 and is
stored therein once.
[0163] Furthermore, synthesis information corresponding to the
template image specified by the user is also read out from the hard
disk, and is stored once in the RAM 45.
[0164] An image selection screen (see, for example, FIG. 32) is
then displayed on the display device 33. Reduced images represented
by reduced image data which are read out from the APS photographic
film brought by the user (which have been already stored in the
hard disk as described above) are displayed in the image selection
screen. When the user touches the desired reduced images out of the
reduced images displayed in the screen, images to be synthesized on
the template image are selected. Since the number of subject images
which can be synthesized on the template image is predetermined in
accordance with the type of template, the user can select the
subject images, the number of which corresponds to the type.
[0165] When the selection of the subject images to be synthesized
by the user has been completed, the display screen of the display
device 33 is switched to an inlaying screen. The template image and
a subject images to be synthesized on the template image both of
which have been selected by the user are displayed in the inlaying
screen. The user specifies a subject image and a position of the
synthesis area on the template image. The subject image specified
by the user is displayed in the specified synthesis area on the
template image. The user adjust the size, the position and
inclination (rotation) of the subject image. The information
relating to the designation of the position, the adjustment of the
size, the adjustment of the angle (the angle of rotation) and the
alignment which are carried out are stored in the RAM 45 in
correspondence to the selected and specified image. The above
operation and processing are repeated as necessary, when a
plurality of subject images are to be synthesized on the template
image. As described in the foregoing, the image synthesis on the
display screen of the display device 33 is completed.
[0166] In the image synthesis for printing, subject images selected
in the image synthesis on the display screen of the display device
33 out of images recorded on the APS photographic film brought by
the user are read from the APS photographic film by the scanner 42,
and image data representing the images are stored in the image
memory 35. IX information recorded on the APS photographic film is
used in order to determine which image should be read.
[0167] The size of the subject image represented by the image data
stored in the image memory 35 does not generally coincide with the
size of the template image represented by the template image data
for printing. Therefore, the subject image is re-sized based on the
information relating to the adjustment of the size and the
adjustment of the angle (the angle of rotation) obtained in the
image synthesis on the display screen of the display device 33 so
that the size thereof coincides with the size of the template image
for printing.
[0168] The range of an image to be synthesized on the template
image is then determined by referring to the information relating
to the adjustment of the size and the adjustment of the angle (the
angle of rotation) obtained in the image synthesis on the display
screen of the display device 33 or a synthesis definition range. A
portion of the range of the subject image to be synthesized (the
synthesis definition range) is extracted. Image synthesis
processing is performed on the basis of the designation of the
position and the information relating to the alignment which are
obtained in the image synthesis on the display screen of the
display device 33. When there is a plurality of subject images to
be synthesized, the above processing is repeated. Thus the
synthesized composite image data for printing is obtained and is
stored in the image memory 35.
[0169] When the image synthesis is terminated on the display screen
of the display device 33 (when the processing in the step 66 is
terminated), a screen for confirming whether or not characters
should be inserted into a composite image is displayed on the
display device 33 (step 67). When characters are added (YES in step
68), keys of hiragana and katakana (Japanese), alphabets, signs,
etc. are displayed on the display screen of the display device 33
(step 69). The user can add characters to the composite image by
touching the keys displayed on the display screen of the display
device 33.
[0170] When entry of characters into the composite image is
terminated or no entry of characters is required, a printing
confirmation screen shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the display
device 33 (step 70). The composite image is included in this
printing confirmation screen. The section A.sub.13 is touched upon
confirmation by the user. When the user does not want to print the
composite image displayed on the display screen of the display
device 33, he or she touches the section A.sub.10, whereby the
display screen of the display device 33 is returned to the
preceding screen. When the section A.sub.13 is touched by the user,
the display screen of the display device 33 is switched to a
number-of-prints confirmation screen shown in FIG. 28 (step
71).
[0171] Sections A.sub.10, A.sub.13, A.sub.61 and A.sub.81 and an
area A.sub.80 are displayed on the number-of-prints confirmation
screen. Numeric keys 0 to 9 are displayed in the area A.sub.80.
When the numeric keys are touched by the user, the number of prints
is entered. The entered number of prints is displayed in the
section A.sub.81. When the user erroneously enters the number of
prints, the number of prints is entered again upon touching the
section A.sub.61. The data indicating the number of prints entered
by the user is stored in the RAM 45 (step 72). When the number of
prints is determined, the section A.sub.13 is touched by the user.
When the section A.sub.13 is touched, the display screen of the
display device 33 is switched to an on-printing display screen
shown in FIG. 29 (step 73).
[0172] An area A.sub.86 and sections A.sub.83, A.sub.84 and
A.sub.85 are displayed on the on-printing display screen. A simple
animation (not illustrated) is displayed in the area A.sub.86
during printing. In order to stop printing, the section A.sub.83 is
touched by the user. When a template is changed to do another
printing, the section A.sub.84 is touched by the user. When the
printing is ended, the section A.sub.85 is touched by the user.
[0173] While the on-printing display screen appears on the display
device 33, the printer 37 prints the composite image using the
composite image data already created and stored in the image memory
35 (step 74). At the time of the printing, the template image data
for printing and the mask image data for printing which have high
resolution are used, whereby a high-quality composite image can be
printed. Data representing the composite image may be stored in the
hard disk, the floppy disk, or the like. Consequently, the data
representing the composite image is read out again, whereby the
composite image can be obtained again relatively simply.
[0174] Further, while the image printing is being executed, the
contents of the services set by the user and performed by the image
filing/printing apparatus are printed on a slip on the basis of the
data stored in the RAM 45 to be issued by the slip printer 48 (step
77).
[0175] FIGS. 34a to 34d show examples of issued slips carrying
thereon information representing the contents of services. FIGS.
34a and 34b are examples of slips issued in a case of a photo-joy
print service, whereas FIGS. 34c and 34d are examples of slips
issued in a case of a digital output service. FIG. 34e shows an
examples of a slip issued when the service is cancelled.
[0176] What is printed on the slip are the date utilizing the image
filing/printing apparatus, service name, kind of input medium, type
if required, number of services, and service No. The "service name"
represents the photo-joy print service (indicated by "P") or the
digital output service (indicated by "D"), and the kind of template
used. The "input medium" indicates what kind of input medium is
inserted in or mounted on the image filing/printing apparatus. The
"type" indicates the decoration type of the used template. The
"number of services" means the number of prints in a case of the
photo-joy print service, and the number of frames read from the
input medium in a case of the digital output service. The "service
No." comprises a service number incremented for each execution of
service and a number of re-issue of the slip.
[0177] The contents of the service offered to the customer (user)
can be identified by the service No. The clerk of the store can
also see the number of slip re-issue.
[0178] When the section A.sub.85 is touched by the user, the
display screen of the display device 33 is changed to a print
ending screen shown in FIG. 30 (step 78).
[0179] Sections A.sub.76 and A.sub.77 are displayed on the print
ending screen. The section A.sub.76 is a section touched by the
user when printing is to be ended, and the section A.sub.77 is a
section touched by the user when the printing is continued. When
the section A.sub.76 is touched (NO in step 79), the display screen
of the display device 33 is switched to a guide screen indicating
that an APS photographic film inserted in the image filing/printing
apparatus is to be taken out (step 80). When the APS photographic
film is taken out from the image filing/printing apparatus, the
display screen of the display device 33 is returned to the general
service screen shown in FIG. 20 (step 125 in FIG. 14). When the
section A.sub.77 is touched (YES in step 79), the display screen of
the display device 33 is switched to the template kind selection
screen shown in FIG. 23 (step 58 in FIG. 15). Consequently, the
user can select a template again and do printing.
[0180] While the on-printing display screen shown in FIG. 29 is
displayed, if the section A.sub.83 is touched by the user (YES in
step 75), the data stored in the RAM 45 is read out, and a slip as
shown in FIG. 34e is printed and issued by the slip printer 48
(step 76). The slip shows the date when the image filing/printing
apparatus is used and that the service has been cancelled.
[0181] As mentioned above, the issued slip is shown to the clerk of
the store by the user or handed over to the clerk of the store from
the user, so that the clerk knows what is performed by the image
filing/printing apparatus and can charge the user for the service
based on the information carried on the slip.
[0182] In the above photo-joy print service processing of the
present invention, of course, a magneto-optic disk, a magnetic disk
or a memory card may be selected as an input medium (step 52 in
FIG. 15 and FIG. 22). The image data representing an image produced
by synthesizing the subject image to the template image may be
recorded on a digital medium such as a magneto-optic disk, a
magnetic disk and a memory card. Further if the section A.sub.38 is
touched when the template kind selection screen shown in FIG. 23 is
displayed (step 58 in FIG. 15), the program proceeds to the digital
direct processing, in which a digital medium such as a
magneto-optic disk, a magnetic disk or a memory card is selected as
an input medium, an image represented by image data recorded on the
digital medium is printed.
[0183] In the above example of the photo-joy print service,
although the decoration is selected as a kind of the template (step
59 in FIG. 15 and FIG. 23), the printing of a composite image or
the recording of the image data on the digital medium will be
similarly executed even when other template is selected. Color
conversion from a color image to a monochrome image, rotation of an
image and so on may be performed in addition to image synthesis to
the template image. These image processing may be performed under
the control of the MPU 30. Enlargement or reduction of an image, or
expansion or compression of image data may be executed by the
enlarging/reducing circuit 44.
[0184] {circle over (3)} Digital Output Service
[0185] In the service selection screen shown in FIG. 21, when the
section A.sub.12 is touched, the digital output service starts (NO
in step 129 of FIG. 14) and an input medium selection screen shown
in FIG. 22 appears on the screen of the display device 33 (step 81
in FIG. 17).
[0186] When one of the input media is selected by the user in
accordance with the input medium selection screen (step 82), data
representing the selected kind of input medium is stored in the RAM
45 (step 82), and the display screen on the display device 33
changes over to an output medium selection screen shown in FIG. 31
(step 84). Five areas A.sub.91, A.sub.92, A.sub.93, A.sub.94 and
A.sub.95 surrounded by frames are displayed on the output medium
selection screen. The area A.sub.91 is touched by the user when the
output medium is the floppy disk, the area A.sub.92 when the output
medium is the magneto-optical disk, the area A.sub.93 when the
output medium is the optical disk, the area A.sub.94 when the
output medium is the high-density magnetic disk, and area A.sub.95
when the output medium is of another type. The user touches the
area that conforms to the output medium taken by the user (step
85). Whichever of the floppy disk drive 39 or optical disk drive 46
suits the output medium is selected and the output medium is loaded
in the selected device by the user. Data indicative of the selected
kind of the output medium is stored in the RAM 45 (step 86).
[0187] When the selection using the output medium selection screen
is finished, the display screen on the display device 33 changes
over to a frame-number input screen similar to the number-of-prints
confirmation screen shown in FIG. 28, which includes sections
corresponding to the sections A.sub.10, A.sub.13, A.sub.61 and
A.sub.81 in FIG. 28 and an area corresponding to the area A.sub.80
in FIG. 28.
[0188] By touching the numeric keypad on the screen contained in
the area corresponding to the area A.sub.80, the user enters the
number of frames of subject images represented by the image data to
be recorded on the output medium (step 88). The data indicating the
entered number of frames are stored in the RAM 45 (step 89). The
entered number of frames is displayed in the section corresponding
to the section A.sub.81. The remaining capacity of the output
medium set in the image filing/printing apparatus is calculated and
it is determined whether a data capacity required for the image
data representing the subject images of the entered number of
frames remains (step 90). If capacity for storing the image data
representing the images of the number of frames entered on the
frame-number input screen does not remain on the output medium that
has been set in the image filing/printing apparatus, a command
calling for the user to revise the entry of the number of frames is
displayed on the display device 33 (NO in step 90).
[0189] If there is enough storage capacity remaining on the output
medium (YES in step 97), then all of the images that appear on the
input medium are prescanned by the scanner 42 and thumbnail image
data representing thumbnail images of these images are obtained.
The thumbnail image data are applied to the display device 33,
where the thumbnail images are displayed in columns, as shown in
FIG. 32 (step 91).
[0190] The screen showing the columns of thumbnail images in FIG.
32 includes an area A.sub.46 which, by being touched by the user,
effects a return to the preceding page, and an area A.sub.47 which,
by being touched by the user, turns the page to the next page. The
desired thumbnail image is searched by touching the area A.sub.46
or A.sub.47.
[0191] It is determined whether the input medium is the APS
photographic film (step 92). If the input medium is the APS
photographic film (YES in step 92), then the IX information that
has been recorded on the information recording area 3a, 3b, 3c and
3d of the APS photographic film is read (step 93 of FIG. 18).
During the reading of the IX information, a screen representing
this fact is displayed on the display device 33 (step 94). Since
the user must spend time waiting during the reading of the IX
information, a simple animation or the like may be displayed on the
display screen of the display device 33. Furthermore, it is
determined whether the read IX information includes title
information (step 95). If the read IX information includes title
information (YES in step 95), then this title information is stored
temporarily in the RAM 45 (step 96). If the read IX information
does not include title information (NO in step 95), then the
processing of step 96 is skipped.
[0192] If the input medium is not the APS film, the processings of
step 93 to step 96 are skipped (NO in step 92).
[0193] Next, while observing the columns of displayed thumbnail
images shown in FIG. 32, the user selects a subject image that will
be recorded on the output medium (step 97). This selection is
carried out by the user's touching the thumbnail image being
displayed on the display screen of the display device 33. The image
on the input medium corresponding to the thumbnail image touched by
the user undergoes main scanning, so that the original image data
thereof are obtained. The fact that the image is being acquired is
displayed on the display screen of the display device 33 in the
manner shown in FIG. 33 during the reading of the image (step 98).
It is of course permissible to display a simple animation at this
time.
[0194] While the fact that the image is being acquired is displayed
on the display device 33, the contents of the service the user has
set and the image filing/printing apparatus has performed are
printed on the slip and the slip is issued by the slip printer 48
(step 99). In a case of the digital output service, as shown in
FIGS. 34c and 34d, a mark "D" is printed on the slip at the item of
the service name. The service name "Optical Disk/Normal" shown in
FIG. 34c means that the output medium is an optical disk and the
data compression ratio is standard one. The service name
"FD/Economy" shown in FIG. 34d means that the output medium is a
floppy disk and the data compression ratio is high.
[0195] The original digital image data obtained by the main
scanning in the scanner 42 of the subject image appearing on the
input medium, which is for printing, are temporarily stored in the
image memory 35 (step 100). The original digital image data are
subjected to data compression in the enlarging/reducing circuit 44
(step 101). The high-definition image data, the standard image data
and thumbnail image data are also produced by reducing the original
image data for printing. The original digital image data and other
type of image data derived from the original image data are
recorded on the output medium. Of course, only the original image
data for printing may be recorded on the output medium. When the
processing for recording the image data on the output medium has
been completed, the display device 33 notifies the fact on its
screen. If the user touches a certain section appearing on the
display screen notifying the fact that recording of the image data
on the output medium has been completed, the screen switches to the
general service screen shown in FIG. 20.
[0196] The user can cancel or stop the service during the digital
output service processing. The section Agg appearing on the image
acquisition screen shown in FIG. 33 is touched (YES in step 103),
the acquisition of the image data is stopped. The slip printer 48
prints and issues a slip showing that the service has been
cancelled as shown in FIG. 34e.
[0197] As described above, in the digital output service processing
too, the data stored in the RAM 45 during the processing are read
out therefrom and the slip printer 48 prints and issues a slip
indicating the contents of the service or a slip indicating the
cancellation of the service based on the read-out data. The clerk
of the convenience store sees the issued slip which the user
(customer) hands over to the clerk and understands the contents of
the service offered to the customer and charges the customer for
the service.
[0198] (9) Other Embodiments
[0199] FIG. 35 is a plane view of a convenience store where the
image filing/printing apparatus 200 is disposed.
[0200] The image filing/printing apparatus 200 is connected on-line
to ECRs 210 also disposed in the convenience store. The ECR
(electronic cash register) 210 includes a CPU, a display device, a
memory, a printer, a modem and so on, so that data can be
transmitted from the image filing/printing apparatus 200 to the ECR
210.
[0201] FIG. 36 is a flow-chart showing a part of the photo-joy
print service processing and corresponding to a part of the
processing shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 36, the same processings as
those in FIG. 16 are indicated by the same reference numerals and
the description thereof is omitted.
[0202] As mentioned above, data stored in the RAM 45 in the course
of service processing and relating to the service performed by the
apparatus 200 are read out to be printed on the slip by the slip
printer 48. The data stored in the RAM 45 and representing the
contents of the service to be printed are also read out therefrom
to be transmitted to the ECR 210 from the modem 49 of the image
filing/printing apparatus 200 (steps 76A and 77A).
[0203] FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing a part of the digital output
service and corresponding to a part of the processing shown in FIG.
18. The same reference numerals are added to the same processings
of FIG. 37 as those in FIG. 18, and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0204] In the digital output service, data showing the service
contents which are printed on the slip by the slip printer 48 are
also read out from the RAM 45 and are transmitted to the ECR 210
(steps 99A and 104A).
[0205] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure in
the ECR 210.
[0206] When the data indicating the contents printed on the slip
and transmitted from the image filing/printing apparatus 200 are
received by the ECR 210 (YES in step 105), the received data are
temporarily stored in a memory of the ECR 210 (step 106). In
response thereto, the fact that the data relating to the service
contents have been received is displayed on the display device of
the ECR 210 as shown in FIG. 39a (step 107). In this time, the
service contents are not displayed. The registration processing in
the ECR 210 is continued, but the display of items relating to
sales to be registered, such as IDs of goods, prices of goods,
total amount etc., does not vanish. The indication relating to the
fact that the data of the service contents have been received
vanishes from the display screen, when a predetermined time has
elapsed (YES in step 108 and step 109).
[0207] The customer (user) takes the slip issued by the image
filing/printing apparatus 200 and carrying thereon information
relating to the service contents and shows the slip to the clerk,
who then inputs a read command and the service No. printed on the
slip into the ECR 210. In response to the read command and the
service No., the data stored in the memory of the ECR 210 and
representing the service contents including the same service No. as
the input service No. are read out from the memory (step 110) and
the read data, which are just the data transmitted from the image
filing/printing apparatus 200 to the ECR 210 are displayed on the
display device of the ECR 210 shown in FIG. 39b (step 111). The
displayed data also vanish from the display screen when a
predetermined time has elapsed (steps 112, 113).
[0208] The clerk of the convenience store can collate the service
contents printed on the slip which is taken by the customer with
the service contents displayed on the display device of the ECR
210.
[0209] In above embodiment, the image filing/printing apparatus is
placed at the convenience store, but the apparatus may be placed at
any other location in a state that the apparatus issues the
slip.
[0210] The data indicative of the service contents transmitted from
the image filing/printing apparatus 200 may be sent to a computer
disposed in the head office of the convenience store using an ISDN
terminal unit 220. The head office can collectively manage the
services performed in a plurality of image filing/printing
apparatuses placed at the convenience stores.
[0211] It goes without saying that some record (log) of the service
contents performed by the image printing/filing apparatus is saved
in the hard disk, printed on a journal or transmitted to a central
computer for each day, week or month.
[0212] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
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