JP3719484B2 - Digital photo processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital photo processing system that creates a visible image by printing out digital image data converted from a frame image formed on a photographic film using a film scanner or the like, such as photographic paper or plain paper.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the case of such a digital photo processing system, digital image data converted from a frame image formed on a photographic film using a film scanner or the like can be sent anywhere and instantaneously using a communication line, Since they can be stored together in a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic disk, handling is completely different from conventional photographic film, and convenience and danger coexist.
[0003]
For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-269286, a frame image formed on a photographic film on the customer side is converted into digital image data, and the converted image data is printed on a photographic paper at a DP shop on the Internet. In order to cope with the danger that image data being transmitted is leaked to a third party when transmitting using the technique, a technique of encrypting the image data to be transmitted is disclosed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the danger of snooping in a networked DP system is that DP shop or third sector converts digital image data converted from frame images formed on photographic film, which further simplifies reordering in photographic prints. It becomes more obvious in the system of storage. Such a system is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-55834, but converts a plurality of frame images formed on a photographic film into digital image data and uniquely defines the digital image data. In order to specify, image search information including date, DP shop ID, storage device code, film ID, frame number, etc. is assigned to each digital image data, stored in a storage medium, and desired based on the image search information The digital image data corresponding to the image is searched and read out, and the finished print is output by the digital printer based on the image data.
[0005]
The danger is that a third party takes out from a storage medium storing image data of a large amount of photographs. In particular, if this storage medium is installed at a remote DP center and is accessed via a communication line such as the Internet, it is protected from criminal acts such as malicious hackers. Must-have.
In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to ensure security when digital image data from a photographic film is deposited at a DP shop in order to make it easier to order additional prints.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing unit that processes digital image data converted from a frame image formed on a photographic film deposited from a customer based on predetermined print processing conditions to create print data. And a digital photo processing system including a digital print unit that forms a visible image on an image recording medium using the print data and outputs a photographic print, and generates an image data specifying code for specifying the image data A code generation unit; an encryption key issuing unit that issues an encryption key; an encryption unit that encrypts the digital image data using the encryption key; and the encrypted image using the image data identification code as a search key. In order to give the customer the data storage unit for storing data and the encryption key together with the photo print, Record the encryption key on the photo print An encryption key output unit; an encryption key input unit that accepts the encryption key given to the customer from the customer; and an image extracted from the data storage unit based on the image data identification code during reprinting of the frame image This is solved by including a decryption unit that decrypts data using the encryption key received through the encryption key input unit.
[0007]
In this configuration, when the digital image data converted from the frame image of the photographic film deposited from the customer is stored in the data storage unit so as to be searchable, the digital image data is stored using the encryption key issued by the encryption key issuing unit. The encrypted key is encrypted by the encryption key output unit. Recorded on photo prints, to customers Passed. When the customer orders a reprinted print, the DP shop presents the frame number of the desired photographic film and the encryption key previously passed to the DP shop, and the DP shop specifies the image data identification code indicating the frame number of the desired photographic film. Is used as a search key to extract the corresponding digital image data from the data storage unit, and after decrypting the encrypted digital image data with the encryption key provided by the customer, the digital print unit converts the visible image into an image recording medium. Create it and give it to the customer as a finished print. The used digital image data must be re-encrypted, but the same encryption key may be used repeatedly. However, if security is important, it is preferable to issue and use a new encryption key. .
[0008]
As described above, in the digital photo processing system according to the present invention, the digital image data stored in the DP shop side is encrypted so as to be able to make a reprint order without film, so that it can be illegally extracted from the data storage unit. Even if it exists, the image cannot be viewed unless the encryption key is known, so the security is increased and the privacy of the customer can be protected.
[0009]
Book In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the encryption key output unit is Photo print It is configured as a printer that additionally records an encryption key. For example, Photo print When the encryption key is printed on the back side of the paper, the finished print and the encryption key are always integrated, so that the encryption key is not lost when ordering a new one.
[0010]
More preferably, this Photo print If the printer that records the encryption key additionally records the image data identification code on the image recording medium, this Photo print Just take it to the DP shop and you can place a reprint order.
[0011]
In addition, this Photo print The printer that records the encryption key in the printer has print processing conditions, density correction, gradation correction, color correction, etc. Photo print In addition, since the printing operation is performed under the same conditions as the previously performed printing, a visualized image having an equivalent image quality can be obtained.
[0012]
in this way, Photo print If an encryption key is additionally recorded on the Photo print If the reader is configured as a reading device that automatically reads the encryption key recorded in (1), it is possible to avoid an undesirable action in terms of security, such as a customer writing the encryption key on an order form or verbally communicating it when ordering a new one.
[0013]
As yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data storage unit is constructed in a server system, and the digital print unit and the image processing unit are respectively distributed in a plurality as clients for the server system, Some of the server system and the client are connected by a computer network. Such a configuration is advantageous in a DP shop that is made into a chain store. Since the data storage unit is provided in the server system provided in the headquarters, even if the customer makes a reprint order without film at any DP shop under the affiliate, simply presenting the encryption key and the image data specifying code, In a preferred form, it is printed on an image recording medium such as an index sheet or each print, so that the corresponding encrypted digital image data is sent via a communication line, and this is transmitted with an encryption key. By decoding, a visualized image can be created in the digital print unit. That is, the image data is encrypted at the time of storage in the server system and at the time of data transfer to the DP shop as a client, so that the security is high.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A silver salt photograph digital printer as an example of a digital photograph processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of this silver salt photographic digital printer. This silver salt photographic digital printer is obtained by a film scanner 3 for obtaining a frame image of a photographic film (hereinafter simply referred to as a film) 1 developed by a film developing machine (not shown) as digital image data. A controller 5 that processes digital image data to create print data, a digital print unit 4 that exposes an image corresponding to a frame image on the photographic paper 2 based on the print data, and a development process for the exposed photographic paper 2 And a development processing unit 6 for performing the above processing. The photographic paper 2 developed by the development processing unit 6 is discharged as a finished print through a drying process.
[0015]
The film scanner 3 includes an illumination optical system 31, an imaging optical system 32, and a photoelectric conversion unit 33 using a CCD sensor as main components. The controller 5 is connected to a monitor 5a for displaying various processing information and a console 5b for inputting various processing commands. As an engine of the digital print unit 4, a liquid crystal shutter system, a laser exposure system, a CRT system, a fluorescent beam system, and the like are known. Here, a line exposure type fluorescent print head 40 using a fluorescent beam system is used. ing. Reference numeral 30 is a film transport mechanism for transporting the film 1 to the film scanner 3, and reference numeral 40 is a photographic paper transport mechanism for pulling out the photographic paper 2 from the paper magazine 2 a and feeding it to the digital print section 4 and the development processing section 6. Yes, both transport mechanisms are controlled by the controller 5. The photographic paper 2 drawn out from the paper magazine 2a is cut by a cutter (not shown) before or after the development process, and is in the form of a finished print in which one frame image is output. In FIG. 9, an image data specifying code and print processing information, which will be described later, and an encryption key used for encrypting digital image data obtained from the frame image are printed on the back surface of the photographic paper 2. It is a printing printer.
[0016]
Next, the configuration of the film scanner 3 and the digital print unit 4 will be described in detail using the block diagram of FIG.
First, the film scanner 3 is described. The illumination optical system 31 includes a halogen lamp 31a as a white light source, a dimming filter 31b, a mirror tunnel 31c, and the like, and adjusts the color distribution and intensity distribution of the light beam from the light source. The frame image of film 1 is irradiated. The imaging optical system 32 that processes the transmitted light beam from the film 2 includes a sub-scanning oscillating mirror 32a, a lens unit 32b, and a prism 32c that splits the light beam that has passed through the lens unit in three directions. Has been. The reflecting surface of the oscillating mirror 32a is supported so as to be tiltable, and when the reflecting surface is tilted by the oscillating motor 32d, the frame image of the film 1 is moved in the sub-scanning direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the film at a predetermined scanning speed. Scanned. The photoelectric conversion unit 33 that photoelectrically converts the light beam guided by the imaging optical system 32 into a charge image as a slit image includes a CCD sensor unit 33a, a sample hold (S / H) circuit 33b, an A / D converter 33c, and a sensor. It is composed of a drive circuit 33d and the like. The CCD sensor unit 33a is composed of three CCD sensors for separately receiving the three light beams dispersed by the prism 32c. Each CCD sensor is a line sensor in which a large number (for example, 5000) of CCD elements are arranged in the main scanning direction, that is, in the width direction of the film 1, and the sensor drive circuit 33d controls the charge accumulation operation and the charge accumulation time. Is done. On the imaging surface of each CCD sensor, color filters that allow only the blue, red, and green components of the light beam to pass are provided, and only the blue, red, and green components are photoelectrically converted, respectively. The sample hold circuit 33b samples and holds each pixel signal output from each CCD sensor to generate an image signal in which each pixel signal is continuous, and the A / D converter 33c constitutes the image signal. Each pixel signal is converted into a digital signal having a predetermined number of bits (for example, 12 bits).
[0017]
The film transport mechanism 30 sends the frame image of the film 1 to be scanned to the scan position. For positioning at that time, a punch hole corresponding to the center of the screen provided in advance is usually used. When there is no punch hole, the screen center can be obtained using a screen detection sensor (not shown). Since such a screen detection technique is well known in the field of photographic printing, its description is omitted here. The film transport mechanism 30 is controlled by a film transport controller 51 (see FIG. 4) built in the controller.
[0018]
When the frame image of the film 1 is positioned at a predetermined scan position, the frame image reading process is started. The projected light image of the frame image is sequentially read by the CCD sensor unit 33a in the form of being divided into a plurality of slit images by changing the tilt angle of the swing mirror 32a at a predetermined timing from the start position by the swing motor 32d. It is done. That is, each CCD sensor is operated by the sensor drive circuit 33d based on the control signal from the film scanner control unit 52 (see FIG. 4) built in the controller 5, and the imaging operation and the image are synchronized with the sub-scanning timing. A signal read operation is performed, whereby the frame image is photoelectrically converted into an image signal of R, G, and B color components and sent to the controller 5 as raw digital image data.
[0019]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluorescent print head 40 of the digital print unit 4 is a phosphor element in which a lens and a color filter are mounted on a phosphor whose light emission is controlled by adjusting a grid voltage. Are arranged in the main scanning direction (width direction of the photographic paper) to form a linear array, a red light emission block 41 (with a red filter), a green light emission block 42 (with a green filter), and a blue light emission block 43 (blue filter). It is made up of those equipped with. Further, a reciprocating mechanism 44 is also provided for scanning the fluorescent print head 40 in the conveying direction of the photographic paper 2.
[0020]
The reciprocating mechanism 44 is attached to a base 45 that is only partially shown in FIG. 3, and its basic components are guide members 44 a provided at both ends of the fluorescent print head 40, The guide rail 44b inserted into the guide hole provided in the guide member 44a, the wire fastener 44c provided in one guide member 44a, the wire 44d fixed to the wire fastener 44c at the end, and the wire 44d are wound around. And a sprocket 44e disposed at both ends of the base 45, and a pulse motor 44f that rotates one sprocket 44e under the control of the controller 5. The rotation of the pulse motor 44f moves the fluorescent print head 40 along the guide rail 44b through the movement of the wire 44d. The photographic paper 2 transported to the exposure position by the photographic paper transport mechanism 40 is exposed to an image by the linked control of the fluorescent print head 40 and the reciprocating mechanism 44. These controls are built in the controller 5. This is performed by the photographic paper conveyance control unit 53 and the digital print control unit 54 (see FIG. 4).
[0021]
The controller 5 is composed of a microcomputer system comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / F circuit, etc. as a core member, and various functions necessary for this silver halide photographic printer are realized by hardware and / or software. Yes. In order to perform functions related to the present invention, the controller 5 includes, in addition to the film conveyance control unit 51, the film scanner control unit 52, the photographic paper conveyance control unit 53, and the digital print control unit 54 described above, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the image processing unit 55, the working memory 55a, the code generation unit 56, the print processing condition determination unit 57, the print processing information generation unit 58, the print print control unit 59, the encryption key issue unit 61, the encryption unit 62, A decryption unit 63, a data management unit 71, and a data storage unit 72 are constructed. An optical sensor 7 for detecting a film number attached to the film 1, a bar code reader 8 for detecting a bar code representing a DX code or a frame number recorded on the film 1, and a back surface of the finished print A detection signal from the OCR reader 10 that reads the printed image data identification code, print processing information, and encryption key is sent to a predetermined processing function unit via the input / output interface 50.
[0022]
The image processing unit 55 converts the digital image data sent from the photoelectric conversion unit 33 of the film scanner 3 to the working memory 55a, for example, on the mounted digital print unit 4 under the conditions determined by the print processing condition determination unit 57. Processing is performed based on an image processing algorithm so as to obtain an optimum density, gradation, color balance, and sharpness value, and print data to be given to the digital print control unit 54 is generated. The determination of the print processing conditions is usually performed automatically, but a simulated image of the print output is displayed on the monitor 5a from the acquired digital image data, and the operator manually performs various operations using the console 5b. Correction can be performed.
[0023]
The code generation unit 56 uses the detection signal sent from the optical sensor 7 and the barcode reader 8 and the customer number obtained via the accepting device 5c to specify an image data identification code consisting of customer ID + DP shop ID + film ID + frame ID. Is generated. As is apparent from the constituent elements, this image data specifying code is uniquely linked to digital image data based on the frame image of the film 1 acquired through the film scanner 3. The digital image data corresponding to is encrypted and stored in the data storage unit 72 under the management of the data management unit 71 using this image data identification code as a search key.
[0024]
The image data identification code is also sent to the print / print control unit 59 so that the print printer 9 prints it on the back surface of the photographic paper 2 on which the corresponding frame image is printed. As a result, when it is necessary to reprint a certain print later, it is only necessary to take the print to the DP shop. When the OCR reader 10 of the receiving device 5c reads the image data identification code printed on the print of the DP shop, the data management unit 71 extracts desired image data from the read image data identification code.
[0025]
The print processing information generation unit 58 generates print processing information by combining the print processing conditions determined by the above-described print processing condition determination unit 57 with the model ID of the digital output unit 4 that performs the print output as necessary. By using this information, when there are multiple models, it is possible to know what type of model was used and under what print conditions the digital image data of the frame image was visualized. ing. This print processing information can also be stored in the data storage unit 72 using the above-described image data identification code as a search key. A schematic diagram of the link relationship between digital image data and print processing information using such a data specifying code is shown in FIG. The print processing information may not be stored in the data storage unit 72 but may be printed on the back surface of the photographic paper 2 on which the corresponding frame image is printed together with the image data identification code.
[0026]
The encryption key issuing unit 61 creates an encryption key for encrypting the image data sent to the working memory 55a before storing it in the data storage unit 72. This encryption key is issued for each order. Various encryption methods are known. Among them, common key cryptosystems such as DES (Data Encryption Standard) and FEAL (Fast Encipherment Algolithm) are suitable for ease of handling. A conversion algorithm may be used. The present invention is not limited to a particular encryption algorithm.
[0027]
When the encryption unit 62 encrypts the image data using the issued encryption key, the encrypted data is stored in the data storage unit 72 using the image data identification code as a search key.
In this embodiment, a print printer 9 is assigned as an encryption key output unit for recording on some medium in order to give the customer the encryption key used for encrypting the image data. That is, the encryption key used for encryption is sent to the print / print control unit 59, and is printed on the back surface of the photographic paper 2 together with the image data identification code and possibly print processing information. FIG. 6 shows an example of the encryption key, the image data identification code, and the print processing information printed on the back surface of the finished print. This printed symbol is read by the OCR reader 10 at the time of reprinting order. Therefore, in this embodiment, the OCR reader 10 is assigned as the encryption key input unit.
[0028]
The decryption unit 63 decrypts the encrypted image data extracted from the data storage unit 72 by the image data identification code using the encryption key read by the OCR reader 10 as the encryption key input unit at the time of reprinting order. , Expanded in the work memory 55a. Using this image data and print processing information, it is possible to create a print that is substantially the same as the presented print.
[0029]
Hereinafter, simultaneous printing and reprinting in the digital photo processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The digital photo processing system here is not a stand-alone form as described above, but a silver salt photo digital printer as described above is arranged at each DP shop that has become a chain store, and is located at the headquarters of the chain store. A server / client system in which each of the installed servers is provided with a data storage unit 72 as a database managed by an image data identification code is connected via a network.
[0030]
First, a customer goes to a nearby DP shop with film 1 that has been photographed and requests simultaneous printing. In the DP shop, after developing the film, each frame image formed on the film is scanned by the film scanner 3 to obtain digital image data. The acquired digital image data is subjected to appropriate image processing for printing, and the digital printing unit 4 exposes the photographic paper 2 to obtain a frame image visualized on the photographic paper 2 to be a finished print. . At the same time, the digital image data is encrypted with the encryption key issued for this simultaneous print order, and then chained from the communication port using a communication line such as the Internet under the management of the data management unit 71. It is transmitted to the server installed in the store headquarters. The encrypted image data sent to the server is stored in the data storage unit 72 as a large-capacity storage medium under the control of the data management unit 71. Since the image data is encrypted, the image data cannot be visualized without knowing the encryption key even if it is illegally taken out during transmission or during storage. If the customer who received the simultaneous prints prints out a specific print at a later date, it is only necessary to bring the print to be printed to the DP shop. In the DP shop that has received the reprint order, the controller 5 can acquire the print processing information, the image data specifying code as the search key, and the encryption key by reading the back side of the print to be reprinted with the OCR reader 10. it can. Based on the acquired image data specifying code, the data management unit 71 accesses a server at the remote headquarters, searches the data storage unit 72, extracts the target image data, and sends it. The sent encrypted image data is decrypted using the similarly obtained encryption key, and the photographic paper 2 is exposed by the digital printing unit 4 based on the obtained print processing information. Then, a finished print in which a visualized frame image is formed is created.
[0031]
Here, when the print processing information is stored in the data storage unit 72 together with the image data, it is not necessary to print the print processing information on the back side of the print.
If you consider that the print with the frame image that you want to reprint will be lost, record the encryption key or image data identification code on the back side of the print on the magnetic card or IC card that you give to the customer. Alternatively, it may be recorded on an index print or a negative sheet containing a film. In this case, according to the recording form, the form of the encryption key input part and the encryption key output part naturally changes as in a magnetic writer or a magnetic reader.
The important point of the present invention is that the digital image data obtained from the film is encrypted with an encryption key handed only to the customer so that even the DP shop side cannot visualize the image data safely. It is to be deposited. Within the framework of the invention, the above-described embodiment can be changed to various forms.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a silver salt photographic digital printer as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 Block diagram of film scanner and digital print unit
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a fluorescent print head.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the controller.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a link among an image data identification code, print processing information, and digital image data.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an image data identification code, print processing information, and an encryption key printed on the back side of a finished print.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of image encryption during simultaneous printing and reprinting in a networked digital photo processing system
[Explanation of symbols]
1 film
2 photographic paper (image recording medium)
3 Film scanner
4 Digital Print Department
5 Controller
5a monitor
5b console
6 Development processing section
9 Printer (Encryption key output part)
10 OCR reader (encryption key input part)
40 Fluorescent print head
31 Illumination optics
32 Imaging optical system
33 Photoelectric converter
55 Image processing section
56 Code generator
57 Print processing condition determination unit
58 Print processing information generation unit
59 Print Print Control Unit
61 Encryption key issuing part
62 Encryption part
63 Decryption unit
72 Data storage

Claims (7)

An image processing unit for processing digital image data converted from a frame image formed on a photographic film received from a customer based on predetermined print processing conditions to create print data, and a visible image using the print data In a digital photo processing system comprising a digital print unit that is formed on an image recording medium and outputs a photo print,
A code generation unit for generating an image data specifying code for specifying the image data;
An encryption key issuing unit for issuing an encryption key;
An encryption unit for encrypting the digital image data using the encryption key;
A data storage unit for storing the encrypted image data using the image data identification code as a search key;
An encryption key output unit for recording the encryption key on the photo print in order to give the encryption key to the customer together with the photo print;
An encryption key input unit for accepting the encryption key given to the customer from the customer;
And a decryption unit that decrypts the image data extracted from the data storage unit based on the image data identification code using the encryption key received through the encryption key input unit at the time of reprinting the frame image Photo processing system. The digital photo processing system according to claim 1, wherein the encryption key output unit is a printer that additionally records an encryption key on the photo print . 3. The digital photo processing system according to claim 2, wherein an encryption key obtained by encrypting the digital image data is recorded on a back surface of the photo print on which a visible image based on the digital image data is formed. 4. The digital photo processing system according to claim 2, wherein the printer records the image data specifying code in addition to the photo print . 5. The digital photo processing system according to claim 4, wherein the printer records the print processing conditions in addition to the photo print . 4. The digital photo processing system according to claim 2, wherein the encryption key input unit is a reading device that reads an encryption key recorded on the photo print . The data storage unit is built in a server system, and a plurality of the digital print unit and image processing unit are distributed as clients for the server system, and the server system and the client are connected by a computer network. The digital photo processing system according to claim 1, wherein the digital photo processing system is provided.

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