Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPECIFICATION
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
EDITED IMAGE PRINTING SYSTEM AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system and image
communication method wherein an image editing apparatus,
an image server and a printer server are capable of
communicating with one another. The present invention
relates further to the image editing apparatus, image
server and printer server that construct this system,
and to a recording medium for the communication of image
data.
Description of the Related Art
The development of personal computers has made it
possible for a user to input images to his or her own
computer, perform image editing using a plurality of
images and produce one desired frame of an image. In a
case where one frame of the edited image is printed, the
usual practice is to employ a printer located in the
user's own home.
The printer at the user's home, however, generally
is inexpensive and therefore the image quality of the
edited image printed often is not good. In order to
obtain a high-quality print image, the medium (a floppy
disk or the like) on which the image data representing
the edited image has been recorded must be taken to a
processing laboratory having a special-purpose printing
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ap~~aratus and the image must be printed at the
1 aboratory .
Depending upon the user, going to a processing
lar>oratory to obtain a high-quality edited image may be
too troublesome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to so arrange
it that a high-quality edited image can be printed
comparatively simply.
The present invention provides an edited image
printing method in an image communication system in
which an image server, an image editing apparatus and a
printer server are capable of communicating with one
another.
The image editing apparatus generates an edited
image of one frame using image data representing images
of at least two frames and transmits information, which
relates to generation of the edited image, to the image
server.
The image server generates edited image data, which
represents the edited image, based upon the information
relating to generation of the edited image transmitted
from the image editing apparatus, and transmits the
edited image data that has been generated to the printer
server.
The printer server prints the edited image using
they edited image data transmitted from the image server.
The present invention provides also an image
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communication system suited to implementation of the
edited image printing method mentioned above. The image
communication system is a system in which the image
server, the image editing apparatus and the printer
server are capable of communicating with one another.
The image editing apparatus has image editing means
for generating an edited image of one frame using image
data representing images of at least two frames, and
information transmitting means for transmitting, to the
image server, information relating to generation of the
edited image generated by the image editing means.
The image server has edited image data generating
means for generating edited image data, which represents
the edited image, based upon the information relating to
generation of the edited image transmitted from the
image editing apparatus, and edited image data
transmitting means for transmitting, to the printer
server, the edited image data generated by the edited
image data generating means.
The printer server has printing means for printing
the edited image using the edited image data transmitted
from the image server.
In accordance with the present invention, an edited
image is generated in the image editing apparatus, which
usually is located at the user's home. The information
relating to generation of the edited image is
transmitted from the image editing apparatus to the
image server.
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Edited image data representing the edited image is
generated in the image server based upon the information
relating to generation of the edited image transmitted
from the image editing apparatus, and the edited image
data is transmitted from the image server to the printer
server.
The edited image represented by the edited image
data transmitted from the image server is printed by the
printer server.
The printer server has a printing apparatus capable
of high-quality printing, and printing of the edited
image is carried out using this printing apparatus.
The edited image printed at the printer server
would be delivered to the user of the image editing
apparatus by cash on delivery (C.O.D.) mail, by way of
example. The user of the image editing apparatus need
not. go to a processing laboratory but can acquire a
high-quality edited image (the product) while remaining
at home.
Several methods for generating the edited image are
available. These will now be described.
A first method can be applied when image data
representing images of a plurality of frames has been
stored in the image server. The method includes
transmitting image data, which represents images of at
least two fraunes from among the images of the plurality
of frames, from the image server to the image editing
apparatus based upon a transmission command from the
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image editing apparatus, and generating the
aforementioned edited image of one frame in the image
editing apparatus using image data representing the
images of at least two frames transmitted from the image
server.
In this case, the image editing apparatus transmits
image identification information for specifying the
image data and information relating to editing of the
edited image to the image server.
Image data corresponding to the images of at least
two frames stored at the image server is retrieved in
the image server based upon the image identification
information, and edited image data representing the
edited image is generated in the image server based upon
the retrieved image data and the information relating to
the editing of the edited image.
The image editing apparatus or image server may be
arranged independently in the image communication
system. Further, a recording medium on which a program
for operating the image editing apparatus and image
server in the manner set forth above has been recorded
may be created.
The image data representing the images of at least
two frames among the images of the plurality of frames
is transmitted from the image server to the image
editing apparatus based upon a transmission command from
the image editing apparatus.
The user generates the edited image of one frame
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using the image data that has been transmitted from the
image server. When the edited image is generated, the
image editing apparatus transmits information relating
to this editing and image identification information for
specifying the images used in generation of the edited
image to the image server.
On the basis of the image identification
information, image data representing the images used in
generation of the edited image is retrieved at the image
server. When this image data is retrieved, the image
server generates the edited image data based upon the
retrieved image data and the information relating to
editing.
The edited image data is supplied from the image
server to the printer server, which proceeds to print
the edited image.
A second method can be applied when first image
data used in image editing has been stored in the image
server and second image data used in image editing has
been stored in the image editing apparatus. The first
image data is transmitted from the image server to the
image editing apparatus based upon a transmission
command from the image editing apparatus, and an edited
image of one frame is generated in the image editing
apparatus using the first image data transmitted from
the image server and the second image data that has been
stored in the image editing apparatus.
Information relating to editing of the edited
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image, image identification information for specifying
the first image data and the second image data used in
the generation of the edited image are transmitted from
the image editing apparatus to the image server.
The first image data that has been stored in the
image server is retrieved at the image server based upon
the image identification information, and the image
server generates edited image data representing the
edited image based upon the first image data that has
been retrieved, the second image data that has been
transmitted from the image editing apparatus and the
information relating to generation of the edited image.
The image server or image editing apparatus
constructing the image editing system may each be
arranged independently. Further, a recording medium on
which a program for operating the image editing
apparatus and image server in the manner set forth above
has been recorded may be created.
The first image data is transmitted from the image
server to the image editing apparatus.
The image editing apparatus generates the edited
image using the first image data transmitted from the
image server and the second image data that has been
stored.
The information relating to generation of the
edited image, the image identification information for
specifying the first image data and the second image
data used in generation of the edited image are
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transmitted from the image editing apparatus to the
image server.
The first image data is retrieved in the image
server from the image identification information, and
the image server generates the edited image data from
the first image data that has been retrieved, the second
image data transmitted from the image editing apparatus
ands the information relating to generation of the edited
image.
The edited image data that has been generated is
transmitted to the printer server, which proceeds to
print the edited image.
Thus, the edited image can be generated using the
second image data that has been stored in the image
editing apparatus.
Since the edited image can be generated using image
data that has not been stored in the image server, an
edited image desired by the user of the image editing
ap~~aratus can be generated freely.
In this case also the user of the image editing
app>aratus can obtain a printed high-quality edited image
without going to a processing laboratory.
A third method can be applied when first image data
representing images of a plurality of frames has been
stared in the image server and second image data used in
image editing has been stored in the image editing
apparatus. Specific first image data, which represents
an image of at least one frame among the images of the
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plurality of frames, is transmitted from the image
server to the image editing apparatus, and the image
editing apparatus generates the edited image of one
frame using the specific first image data transmitted
from the image server and the second image data that has
been stored in the image editing apparatus.
Information relating to editing of the edited image
and image identification information for specifying the
specific first image data as well as the second image
data is transmitted from the image editing apparatus to
the image server.
On the basis of the image identification
information, the image server retrieves the specific
first image data and second image data from the image
data that has been stored in the image server, and the
image server generates edited image data representing
the edited image based upon the retrieved specific first
image data and second image data and the image
identification information.
The image server or image editing apparatus
constructing the image editing system may each be
arranged independently. Further, a recording medium on
which a program for operating the image editing
apparatus and image server in the manner set forth above
has been recorded may be created.
The specific first image data is transmitted from
the image server to the image editing apparatus. The
second image data has been stored in the image editing
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apparatus, which generates the edited image using the
specific first image data and second image data.
The image editing apparatus transmits the
information relating to generation of the edited image
and the image identification information to the image
server. The image server retrieves the specific first
image data and second image data based upon the image
identification information.
The edited image data is generated from the
specific first image data and second image data
retrieved and the information relating to generation of
ths~ edited image. The edited image data is transmitted
to the printer server, whereby the edited image is
printed.
Thus, the user of the image editing apparatus can
obtain a high-quality edited image without going to a
processing laboratory.
Since the second image data need not be transmitted
from the image editing apparatus to the image server,
the' time required for the transmission from the image
editing apparatus to the image server can be shortened.
A fourth method can be applied when image data
representing images of a plurality of mutually
corresponding frames have been stored in the image
server and image editing apparatus. The image editing
apparatus generates an edited image of one frame using
images of at least two frames from among a plurality of
images represented by the image data that has been
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stored in the image editing apparatus.
The image editing apparatus transmits information
relating to editing of the edited image and image
identification information, which is for specifying
images of at least two frames used in generation of the
edited image, to the image server.
On the basis of the image identification
information, the image server retrieves image data
representing images of at least two frames used in
generation of the edited image from image data that has
been stored in the image server, and the image server
generates the edited image from the retrieved image
data, which represents images corresponding to the
images of at least two frames, and the image
identification information.
The image editing apparatus and image server
constructing the image editing system may each be
arranged independently. Further, a recording medium on
which a program for operating the image editing
apparatus and image server in the manner set forth above
has been recorded may be created.
An edited image of one frame is generated using
image data representing images of at least two frames
stored in the image editing apparatus. The image
editing apparatus transmits the information relating to
generation of the edited image and the image
identification information to the image server. On the
basis of the image identification information, the image
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server retrieves the image data used in generation of
the edited image. The printer server prints the edited
ima~~e based upon the retrieved image data and the
information relating to generation of the edited image.
Thus, the user of the image editing apparatus can
obtain a printed, high-quality edited image without
going to a processing laboratory.
In this case, the edited image can be generated,
even in a case where the image server does not have the
desired image, using the images that have been stored in
the image editing apparatus. Moreover, since the
information relating to generation of the edited image
and the image identification information is transmitted
to the image server but image data is not, rapid
transmission is possible.
It is preferred that the image data for generation
of the edited image be reduced-image (thumbnail image)
data, which represents an image of reduced size, when
the image data for generation of the edited image is
transmitted from the image server to the image editing
apparatus in order to generate the edited image.
Further, the edited image data is generated in the
image server using printing image data having a
resolution higher than that of the thumbnail image data.
Since the image data transmitted to the image
editing apparatus is indicative of an image of reduced
size, the quantity of data is small and the data can be
transmitted rapidly. Since image data for printing
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having a resolution higher than that of the thumbnail
data is used as the image data for editing, the printing
of a high-quality edited image can be maintained.
It is preferred that the image data be transmitted
to the image editing apparatus upon transmitting an
authentication code from the image editing apparatus to
the image editing apparatus and determining, on the
basis of the authentication code, whether the
transmission of the image data is permitted. This makes
it possible for the image data to be used only by a
specific user.
In a case where there are a plurality of image
servers that are capable of communicating with the image
editing apparatus, retrieval processing would be
executed in the other image servers when image data has
not been retrieved by the above-described retrieval
processing.
In a case where the image data is such that payment
of a royalty is required, based upon a copyright, for
example, for use of the image data, it is determined
whether the image data retrieved by the retrieval
processing is indicative of an image requiring billing.
In case of image data requiring billing, information
relating to billing is related with the edited image
data and the information relating to billing is stored
in the image server and printer server. Since the
information relating to billing is related with the
edited image data, the user of the image editing
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apparatus can be notified that an image required billing
is used and that a charge is being billed in a case
where the edited image is printed and sent to the user
of i:he image editing apparatus.
There are instances where printing of an edited
ima<~e cannot be performed by the printer server owing to
a printer server malfunction. In such case information
rel<~ting to suspension of printing of the edited image
is t;.ransmitted to either or both of the image editing
apparatus and image server.
Either the user of the image editing apparatus or
the operator of the image server or both can be notified
of :suspension of printing. If necessary, printing may
be performed by another printer server and the use of
the image editing apparatus can be so informed.
In a case where printing of the edited image is
suspended, the information relating to billing that has
been stored in the image server and printer server is
deleted .
In a case where an edited image includes an image
requiring billing and the fee for this image has been
collected from the user of the image editing apparatus,
an indication to this effect is stored in the image
server and printer server. The information relating to
billing may be deleted.
By accepting a fee for using the image server,
information relating to such acceptance may be
transmitted from the image server to the printer server.
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As a result, the operator of the printer server is
capable of being notified that the operator of the image
server accepted the fee for use of the image server.
Further, by accepting a fee for using the printer
server, information relating to such acceptance may be
transmitted from the printer server to the image server.
As a result, the operator of the image server is capable
of being notified that the operator of the printer
server accepted the fee for use of the image server.
It is preferred that the information relating to
fees acceptance be transmitted upon being encrypted.
This makes it possible to prevent interception by
another party.
The image data may be stored on a portable storage
medium (a medium, such as a floppy disk or CD-ROM, that
may be freely carried about). In such case the image
data would be read out of the medium and stored in the
image editing apparatus. It is preferred that the image
data stored on the portable storage medium be thumbnail
image data representing images of reduced size. This
will make it possible to perform image editing using the
edited image data as is (i.e., without sub-sampling the
data). Since the quantity of data will be small, a
great deal of data can be stored on the portable storage
medium.
It may be so arranged that data other than image
data requiring billing is stored on the portable storage
medium. Since image data other than image data
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requiring billing is the object of the retrieval
operation described above, it is unnecessary to judge
whether billing is required or not.
The image server and printer server may be made the
same apparatus in the described given above.
It can also be so arranged that when image data for
generating the edited image is generated by the user of
the image editing apparatus, the image data for
generating the edited image is stored in the image
server and the user of the generated image data for
generating the edited image is requested to pay a fee
for use.
In this case, the image data for generating the
edited image data and information relating to the charge
that corresponds to this image data for generating the
edited image are transmitted from the image editing
apparatus to the image server.
The image server stores the image data for
generating the edited image and the information relating
to billing that corresponds to this image data for
generating the edited image, and relates the
corresponding information relating to billing with the
edited image data owing to the fact that the edited
image data has been generated using the image data for
generating the edited image.
On the basis of the information relating to billing
that has been added onto the edited image data, a use
fee can be collected from the user of the image data for
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generating the edited image.
The information relating to billing corresponding
to the image data for generating the edited image may be
made capable of modification. In such case the modified
information relating to billing is related with the
edited image data.
The fee for use of the image data for generating
thE~ edited image can be modified in dependence upon the
mode of use of the image represented by the image data
fox- generating the edited image. For example, in a case
whE~re an image represented by the image data for
generating the edited image is utilized in an enlarged
state, a high user's fee is set. If the image is
utilized in a reduced state, a low user's fee is set.
The image data representing an image of one frame
from images of at least two frames may be template image
data representing the background of an image
constituting the edited image. This makes it possible
to edit images having various decorations. The user may
be billed in regard to template image data as well.
The image server may be adapted to count the number
of times the image data for generating the edited image
is used. The fee for using the image data far
generating the edited image, which fee is decided by the
information relating to billing that corresponds to
image data for generating the edited image, is set so as
to decrease as the number of times the image data is
used increases.
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This makes it possible to provide better service
for. users that make frequent use of the image data.
In a case where an individual who has generated the
image data for generating the edited image utilizes
self-generated image data for generating the edited
image, it is preferred that the image data for
generating the edited image be free of charge even if it
is the object of billing. In a case where an individual
who is capable of using, free of charge, the image data
for generating the edited image has been decided in
advance and this individual has generated edited image
dat:a using the image data for generating the edited
image, the operation for relating the corresponding
information relating to billing with the edited image
data is stopped.
In a preferred embodiment, an authentication server
(authentication station) is provided, the authentication
server determines whether the image editing apparatus,
the image server and the printer server are legitimate
and enables communication among the image editing
apparatus, image server and printer server possible by
det:erinining that they are legitimate .
Thus, only a legitimate user is capable of
performing image editing. An individual having no right
to use the image editing apparatus, image server and
printer server can be prevented for using them.
The image editing apparatus and printer server may
be made the same apparatus. In such case the user can
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perform printing at home if the image editing apparatus
is provided in the user's home.
It is preferred that limitation data that limits
the number of times an edited image represented by the
edited image data is printed be added onto the edited
image data, and it is preferred that the printer server
allow printing of the edited image up to the number of
times which is the limit set by the limitation data.
This makes it possible to prevent the edited image from
being printed an unlimited number of times. This is
especially useful when an image that is the object of
billing is utilized as the edited image.
It is preferred that data relating to the status of
generation of the edited image data in the image server
be transmitted from the image server to the image
editing apparatus.
By virtue of the fact that the image editing
apparatus receives the data relating to status of
generation, the user of the image editing apparatus is
capable of being notified (by a display on a screen or
by output of audio) of the status of generation.
The edited image data generated by the image server
may be transmitted to the image editing apparatus. The
image editing apparatus displays and prints the image
represented by the received edited image data, as
required.
The edited image data may be transmitted to the
image editing apparatus which has transmitted the
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editing information etc. to the image server so that the
image server generates the edited image, as well as to
other image editing apparatuses.
Further, a format of the generated edited image
data may be converted to a different format (to
PostScript, HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), PDF
(Portable Document Format) and the like) in the image
server. The possibility in which the user can obtain
(the image editing apparatus of the user accesses the
image server to obtain the edited image data and
displays the edited image on the display unit or prints
the edited image by the printer to enable the user to
see the edited image) the edited image represented by
the edited image data becomes high.
The edited image data which has been subjected to
format conversion may be transmitted to the image
editing apparatus. In this case, it becomes possible
that an image format is designated in the image editing
apparatus and that the format of the edited image data
is converted to the designated format in the image
server.
Further, according to the present invention, an
image communication system in which an image editing
apparatus and printer server are capable of
communicating with each other is characterized in that
image data representing images of a plurality of frames
is stored in the image editing apparatus, an edited
image of one frame is generated using image data
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representing images of at least two frames from among
the stored image data, edited image data representing
the generated edited image is transmitted to the printer
server, and the printer server prints the edited image
using the edited image data that has been transmitted.
The present invention provides also an edited image
printing system suited to the edited image printing
method described above.
More specifically, the present invention provides
an image communication system in which an image editing
apparatus, which has image data storage means in which
image data representing images of a plurality of frames
has been stored, and a printer server are capable of
communicating with each other, wherein the image editing
apparatus has image editing means for generating an
edited image of one frame using image data representing
images of at least two frames from among the image data
that has been stored in the image data storage means,
and edited image data transmitting means for
transmitting the edited image data, which represents the
edited image generated by the image editing means, to
the printer server, and the printer server has printing
means for printing the edited image using the edited
image data that has been transmitted.
The image editing apparatus and printer server
constructing the edited image printing system may each
be arranged independently. Further, a recording medium
on which a program for operating the image editing
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apparatus and image server in the manner set forth above
has been recorded may be created.
In accordance with the present invention, the
edited image data is created using the image data that
has been stored in the image server. The edited image
data that has been created is transmitted from the image
editing apparatus to the printer server. The edited
image is printed by the printer server.
Thus, in this aspect of the invention as well, the
user of the image editing apparatus can obtain a high-
quality, printed edited image without going to a
processing laboratory.
In a case where the image data has been stored on a
portable storage medium, it is possible to store the
image data in the image editing apparatus by reading the
image data out of the medium. In this case also the
image data that has been stored on the portable storage
medium preferably is reduced-image data.
Other features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters designate
thE~ same or similar parts throughout the figures
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall
configuration of an image communication system;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical
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configuration of an image editing apparatus;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of an image server;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of a printer server;
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing folders generated by a
main server;
Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of a
free image;
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a
copyright-protected image;
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a
personal image;
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an
edited image;
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a
reduced-image (thumbnail image) file;
Figs. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing an example of
an image file for printing purposes;
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an
edited image file;
Figs. 15 to 19 are diagrams showing an example of
utilization of an image communication system;
Figs. 20 to 25 are flowcharts illustrating image
read-in processing;
Figs. 26 and 27 are diagrams illustrating an
example of a display on a screen;
Figs. 28 to 36 are flowcharts illustrating image
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editing processing and image output processing;
Figs. 37 and 38 are diagrams illustrating an
example of a display on a screen;
Fig. 39 is a diagram showing an example of editing
information;
Figs. 40 and 41 are flowcharts of authentication
processing;
Fig. 42 to 45 are flowcharts of processing for
accepting order information and editing images;
Fig. 46 is a flowchart of server-to-server
communication processing;
Figs. 47 and 48 are flowcharts of printing
processing;
Fig. 49 is a flowchart of printing end processing;
Figs. 50 to 52 are diagrams showing an example of a
display screen on a display unit of the image editing
apparatus;
Fig. 53 is a diagram showing an overview of a
billing processing procedure;
Figs. 54a - 54c are diagrams illustrating billing
management files;
Fig. 55 is a diagram showing a billing management
file;
Figs. 56a and 56b illustrate component images;
Fig. 57 is a diagram illustrating a template image;
Fig. 58 is a diagram showing an example of an image
that has been stored in an image editing apparatus;
Fig. 59 is a diagram showing an example of an
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edited image;
Fig. 60 is a flowchart of processing for billing
for registration of component images;
Fig. 61 is a diagram showing a component image
registration file;
Figs. 62a, 62b and 62c are diagrams showing
component image files;
Fig. 63 is a flowchart illustrating template image
generation processing;
Figs. 64and 65 are flowcharts of processing for
billing for registration of a template image;
Fig. 66 is a diagram showing a template image
registration file;
Figs. 67a - 67c are diagrams illustrating template
files;
Fig. 68 is a flowchart illustrating image editing
processing;
Figs. 69 to 72 are flowcharts illustrating
processing for billing for printing of an edited image;
Fig. 73 illustrates a printing fee discount table;
Fig. 74 illustrates an editing fee discount table;
Fig. 75 illustrates a paper cost discount table;
Fig. 76 illustrates a service category table;
Fig. 77 is a diagram showing the content of a
database;
Fig. 78 is a diagram illustrating processing for
accepting payment;
Fig. 79 is a diagram illustrating processing
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executed at occurrence of cancellation;
Fig. 80 is a diagram illustrating an authentication
procedure;
Fig. 81 is a diagram showing an example of a case
where the image editing apparatus and printer server are
installed at the same location;
Fig. 82 is a diagram showing a file of copyright-
protected images used;
Fig. 83 is a diagram showing a copyright-protected
image use list file;
Fig. 84 is a diagram showing an example of a case
where the image editing apparatus and printer server are
installed at the same location; and
Fig. 85 is a diagram showing an edited image file
for printing.
Fig. 86 is a flowchart illustrating printing a
edited image in the image editing apparatus.
Figs. 87 and 88 are diagrams showing an example of
a screen displayed on a display unit of the image
editing apparatus.
Figs. 89 to 93 are flowcharts illustrating printing
a edited image in the image editing apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(1) Configuration of image communication system
Fig. 1 illustrates the overall configuration of an
image communication system embodying the present
invention.
The image communication system comprises a
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plurality of image editing apparatus 1 (only one of
which is illustrated in Fig. 1), a main server 30, an
image server 31 and a printer server 32 interconnected
via a network so as to be capable of communicating with
one another. (Though the main server 30 and image
server 31 are the same, here they have different names
and reference characters for reasons of convenience in
terms of the description.)
In accordance with this image communication system,
the user of the image editing apparatus 1 generates an
edited image of one frame using a plurality of images
and information relating to the edited image is
transmitted to the main server 30, whereupon the edited
image is printed by the printer server 32. The edited
image that has been printed is delivered to the user of
the image editing apparatus 1 by mail. The information
relating to the edited image includes information
relating to the positions of the images constituting the
edited image, image data representing the edited image,
etc. The details will become clear in the description
that follows. -
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the image editing apparatus 1. The
image editing apparatus 1 usually is located in the
user's home.
The overall operation of the image editing
apparatus 1 is supervised by a CPU 2.
The image editing apparatus 1 includes a ROM 3, a
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RAM 4 for temporarily storing data, a VR,P.M 12 for
temporarily storing data representing an image displayed
on a display unit 14 in order that image editing may be
performed, and a memory controller 15 for controlling
readout of data from the ROM 3 as well as writing and
reading of data to and from the RAM 4 and VRAM 12.
Image data read out of the VRAM 12 is applied to a DA
converter 13, whereby the image data is converted to an
analog image signal so that an image is displayed on the
display unit 14.
A bus controller 5, the main controller 15 and a
timer are connected to the image editing apparatus 1.
A system I/O controller 6 is connected to the image
editing apparatus 1. Connected to the system I/O
controller 6 are a keyboard 7 and mouse 8 for accepting
operation commands from the user of the image editing
apparatus 1, a CD-ROM drive 9 for reading image data, an
FD (floppy disk) drive 10 and a modem 11 for connecting
to the network.
An external I/O controller 18 is connected to the
image editing apparatus 1. A flatbed scanner 21, a film
scanner 22, a digital still-video camera 23 and an HD
(hard disk) drive 24 are connected to the external I/O
controller 18. An operating program is stored on a hard
disk (not shown) to and from which data can be freely
written and read by the HD drive 24. (The operating
program is installed in the image editing apparatus 1
and stored on the hard disk by loading a CD-ROM storing
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the program into the CD-ROM drive 9, described later,
and reading the CD-ROM.) Prescribed processing,
described later, is executed by the image editing
apparatus 1 by reading the operating program stored on
the hard disk.
A printer 20 for printing images and a printer
control circuit 19 for controlling the printer 20 are
connected to the image editing apparatus 1.
The user uses the image editing apparatus 1 to edit
a desired image. The image editing processing will be
described later in greater detail.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the
electrical configuration of the main server 30.
Components in Fig. 3 identical with those shown in Fig.2
are designated by like reference characters and need not
be described again. The image server 31 also has a
construction identical with that of the main server 30.
The operating program of the main server 30 (image
server 31) is installed in the main server 30 (image
server 31) and stored on the hard disk by loading a CD-
ROM storing the program into the CD-ROM drive 9 and
reading the CD-ROM.
A high-speed film scanner 25 is connected to the
external I/O controller 18 included in the main server
30. Further, various files and folders, etc., are
stored on a hard disk subjected to data read/write by
the HD drive 24 connected to the external I/O controller
18.
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Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the
electrical configuration of the printer server 32.
Components in Fig. 4 identical with those shown in Fig.
2 are designated by like reference characters and need
not be described again. The operating program of the
printer server 32 is installed in the printer server 32
and stored on the hard disk by loading a CD-ROM storing
the program into the CD-ROM drive 9 and reading the CD-
ROM.
The printer server 32 has a laboratory digital
printer 26 that is connected to the printer control
circuit 19. The laboratory digital printer 26 is a
printer capable of high-quality printing and prints an
image that has been edited by the user.
(2) Arrangement of various files
Fig. 5 illustrates the arrangement of various files
and folders that have been stored on the hard disk
connected to the main server 30. It goes without saying
that the hard disk connected to the image server 31 also
has a similar arrangement of files and folders.
An editing information management file manages an
image editing ID issued in regard to editing information
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1.
The printing information management file manages
printing information relating to edited image data
transmitted from the main server 30 to the printer
server 32. The printing information includes an image
editing ID, an image file name of edited image data that
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is transmitted to the printer server 32, and the name of
the printer server that is the destination of the
transmission. The printing information is written in
when the edited image data is transmitted to the printer
server 32 and is deleted based upon notification of end
of printing from the printer server 32.
A stock image registration table stores the file
names of image data stored in a stock image folder,
described later, of the main server 30. By verifying a
file name that has been stored in the stock image
registration table, it is possible to ascertain whether
image data having the file name is present in the main
server 30. In a case where there is an image upload
from the image editing apparatus 1 or another image
server 31, the file name of the image data is stored in
the stock image registration table.
An order folder manages an edited image management
folder that is for generating an edited image.
The edited image management folder is a folder for
managing the image editing operation. The edited image
management folder is generated when the image editing ID
has been issued. After the edited image data has been
transmitted to the printer server 32, the reading of
data out of the edited image management folder is
inhibited in order to protect copyright-protected images
and personal images. The edited image management folder
also is deleted based upon notification of end of
printing from the printer server 32.
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The edited image management folder includes an
editing information file, an upload image management
file, a transfer request information management file and
images for editing.
The editing information file stores editing
information, which is transmitted from the image editing
apparatus 1, in correspondence with an image used in
generating an edited image.
The upload image management file stores the file
name of image data uploaded from the image editing
apparatus 1. When image data designated by the editing
information transmitted from the image editing apparatus
1 has not been stored in any image server, the file name
of this image data is stored in the file in order to
allow the user of the image editing apparatus 1 to
upload this image data.
The transfer request information management file
manages information issuing an image data transfer
request to the image editing apparatus 1 or another
image server 31. The transfer request information
management file includes a file name of image data for
which a transfer request has been issued, the quantity
of image data, an in-transit flag indicating whether the
transfer of the image data is finished, and a timer name
of a timer started at the beginning of a transfer
request.
The image file for editing purposes stores a large
quantity of editing image data used to print an edited
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image.
The stock image folder holds image data that has
been stored in the image server. The stock image folder
holds a free image folder, a copyright-protected image
folder and a personal image folder.
Free images, namely images that any user can use
free of charge (see Figs. 6 and 7), are stored in the
free image folder. Printing image data (an image file
for printing purposes) used in printing of an edited
image and reduced image data (a reduced image file)
which the user employs to generate an edited image in
the image editing apparatus 1 are stored, in
corresponding form, in the free image folder.
Image data representing copyright-protected images
the use whereof requires billing is stored in the
copyright-protected image folder.
Data representing personal images only a specific
user is allowed to use by authentication is stored in
the personal image folder.
Image data for printing and reduced image data are
stored in correspondence in both the copyright-protected
image folder and personal image folder.
An authentication code for authorizing use of a
personal image stored in the personal image folder is
stored in the authentication table.
By way of example, an edited image shown in Fig. 10
is generated in the image editing apparatus 1 using
images shown in Figs. 6 through 9.
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Fig. 11 illustrates the file structure of the
reduced image file.
The reduced image file includes a header,
information (data length, path to reduced image data,
etc.) relating to image attributes, an URL ID, image
attributes (distinction among free images, copyright-
protected images and persanal images), the size of image
data for printing, and reduced image data.
Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate the file structures of
image files for printing.
Fig. 12 shows the file structure of a printing
image file of free images and personal images, and Fig.
13 shows the file structure of a printing image file for
copyright-protected images.
As shown in Fig. 12, the printing image file of
free images and personal images includes a header,
information (data length, path to reduced image data,
etc.) relating to image attributes, and image data for
printing.
As shown in Fig. 13, the information relating to
image attributes in the case of a copyright-protected
image includes, in addition to the data length and path
to reduced image data, etc., the name of the
transmitting server, the name of the printer server of
destination of the edited image data, a billing
management number, an image file name managed by the
transmitting server, the number of prints ordered, the
unit price per print and the total price.
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A printing image file and its corresponding reduced
image file are mapped by the UR.L ID.
Fig. 14 illustrates the file structure of the
edited image file.
The edited image file includes attribute
information relating to image attributes and edited
image data. The tag information relating to image
attributes includes data length, path to edited image
data, the name of the transmitting server, the name of
the printer server of destination of the edited image
data, a billing management number, an image file name
managed by the transmitting server, the number of prints
ordered, the unit price per print, the total price and
the name, zip code, address, telephone number, FAX
number and e-mail address of the ordering individual.
(3) Examples of utilization of image communication
system
Figs. 15 through 19 illustrate examples in which
the image communication system of this embodiment is
utilized. Data sent and received in the image
communication system is temporarily stored in the RAM 4
of each unit or server and, when necessary, is stored on
a hard disk.
In Fig. 15, reduced image data representing images
of reduced size stored in the main server 30 and image
server 31 is downloaded to the image editing apparatus
1. The latter performs image editing using the reduced
images represented by the reduced image data that has
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been downloaded.
In this case, in order to perform image editing,
the user of the image editing apparatus 1 requests the
main server 30 and image server 31 to transfer image
data representing desired images. Upon receiving the
transfer request from the image editing apparatus 1, the
main server 30 and image server 31 send the image
editing apparatus 1 the reduced image data of the image
data that conforms to the transfer request.
The image editing apparatus 1 performs an image
editing operation using the reduced image data
transmitted from the main server 30 and image server 31.
When image editing by the user ends, the editing
information for generating an edited image is
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30. At this time the image data is
transmitted to the main server 30.
Upon receiving the editing information from the
image editing apparatus 1, the main server 30, based
upon the editing information received, generates edited
image data representing the edited image. When image
data necessary for generating the edited image data has
not been stored in the main server 30, the latter
communicates with another image server 31 and the image
data is downloaded to the main server 30.
When the edited image data has been generated, this
data is transmitted to the printer server 32 and is
printed out thereby. The edited image that has been
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printed is mailed to the user of the image editing
apparatus 1.
In Fig. 16, reduced image data representing images
of reduced size stored in the main server 30 and image
server 31 is downloaded to the image editing apparatus
1. The latter performs image editing using the reduced
images represented by the reduced image data that has
been downloaded as well as an image for printing
represented by the printing image data that has been
stored in the image editing apparatus 1.
In this case also reduced image data is downloaded
from the main server 30 and image server 31 to the image
editing apparatus 1. The image editing apparatus 1
performs an image editing operation using the reduced
images represented by the downloaded reduced image data
and the stored image for printing. If necessary, the
CPU 2 executes processing for reducing the quantity of
printing image data to that of the reduced image data.
When image editing by the user ends, the editing
information and the printing image data stored in the
image editing apparatus 1 used in image editing are
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30.
The main server 30 generates edited image data from
the transmitted editing information and printing image
data. The edited image data that has been generated is
transmitted to the printer server 32, which proceeds to
print the edited image.
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In Fig. 17, reduced image data that has been stored
in the main server 30 and image server 31 is downloaded
to the image editing apparatus 1. The latter performs
image editing using the reduced images represented by
the reduced image data that has been downloaded as well
as reduced images that have been stored in the image
editing apparatus 1.
Reduced image data read from a floppy disk is
stored in the image editing apparatus 1.
When the user of the image editing apparatus 1
performs image editing using the downloaded reduced
images and the stored reduced images, the editing
information is transmitted from the image editing
apparatus 1 to the main server 30. Image data is not
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30.
On the basis of the editing information, the main
server 30 retrieves printing image data used in
generating an edited image. Edited image data is
generated from the retrieved printing image data and
editing information. The edited image data that has
been generated is transmitted to the printer server 32.
The latter prints the edited image.
Fig. 18 shows an example in which edited image data
is generated in the image editing apparatus 1.
In this example, printing image data and reduced
image data read from a floppy disk have been stored in
the image editing apparatus 1.
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An edited image is generated using printing images
represented by printing image data of a plurality of
frames stored in the image editing apparatus 1. The
edited image data representing the edited image that has
been generated is transmitted from the image editing
apparatus 1 to the printer server 32.
The printer server 32 prints the edited image using
the edited image data that has been received.
Fig. 19 shows an example in which an edited image
is generated using thumbnail images represented by
thumbnail image data that has been stored in the image
editing apparatus 1.
Here the user performs image editing using reduced
images represented by reduced image data (read from a
floppy disk or the like) that has been stored in the
image editing apparatus 1. Editing information is
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30. On the basis of the editing
information, the main server 30 retrieves printing image
data that is for use in generating the edited image.
Edited image data is generated from the printing image
data that has been retrieved and it transmitted to the
printer server 32. The latter prints the edited image.
(4) Processing for reading in image in image
editing apparatus
Figs. 20 through 25 are flowcharts illustrating the
procedure of processing for reading in an image. This
processing is executed in accordance with the operating
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program installed in the image editing apparatus 1.
Figs. 26 and 27 are diagrams illustrating examples of
screens displayed on the display unit 14 of the image
editing apparatus 1 in image read-in processing.
First, it is determined whether an image is to be
read in from a server (the main server 30 or image
server 31) or from a driver (the CD-ROM drive 9 or FD
drive 10) (step 41). The user already knows whether the
image to be read in from the server is a copyright-
protected image, free image or personal image and
decides the type of image to be read from the server
(step 42). In a case where the image to be read in is a
copyright-protected image or free image, the application
name of the software that controls the operation of the
image editing apparatus 1 and the version name of this
application are transmitted to the main server 30 (step
43).
A response from the main server 30 is awaited. If
there is no response within a fixed period of time, it
is judged that there is no response and an error is
displayed on the display unit 14 (step 44; "YES" at step
45; step 51).
If a response is received from the main server 30
within the fixed period of time ("NO" at step 45}, then
the main server 30 determines whether access to a
copyright-protected image is permitted (step 46). More
specifically, on the basis of the application name that
has been transmitted to the main server 30, it is
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determined whether the operating software of the image
editing apparatus 1 is capable of freely storing, in
readable fashion, the image data of a copyright-
protected image downloaded from the main server 30. If
the image data of the copyright-protected image cannot
be freely stored in readable fashion, use of the
copyright-protected image without permission can be
prevented. Accordingly, access to the copyright-
protected image is permitted ("YES" at step 46). If
access is permitted, the URL of the copyright-protected
image folder is acquired (step 47). As a result, an
image selection screen, on which images represented by
the reduced image data that has been stored in the
copyright-protected image folder having the URL are
displayed, is displayed on the display unit 14 of the
image editing apparatus 1 (step 60), as shown in Fig.
27.
If access to a copyright-protected image is refused
by the main server 30 ("NO" at step 46), then it is
determined whether an image attempting to be accessed by
the user is a free image (step 48). If the image is a
free image, the URL of the free image folder is acquired
(step 49). As a result, the image selection screen is
displayed on the display unit 14 (step 60). If the
image which the user is attempting to access is not a
free image, it is judged that authorization is not
allowed and an error is displayed (step 50).
If an image about to be downloaded from the main
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server 30 is a personal image (step 42), an
authentication code input screen shown in Fig. 26 is
displayed on the display unit 14 (step 52).
As shown in Fig. 26, the authentication code input
screen has areas A1, A2, S3 and A4.
The area A1 displays an e-mail address entered by
the user, and the area A2 displays an authentication
code entered by the user. The area A3 is clicked by the
user when the entered e-mail address or authentication
code is correct. The area A4 is clicked by the user in
order to cancel the entered e-mail address or
authentication code when the address or code is
incorrect.
With reference again to Fig. 22, the authentication
code is entered by the user (step 53) and the entered
authentication code is uploaded to the main server 30
(step 54).
A response from the main server 30 is awaited. If
there is no response within a fixed period of time, it
is judged that there is no response and an error is
displayed on the display unit 14 (step 55; "YES" at step
56; step 59). If a response is received from the main
server 30, then it is determined whether access to a
personal image is allowed.
If the authentication code entered by the user is
not listed in the authentication table of the main
server 30, then authorization is denied and this is
displayed on the display unit 14 ("NO" at step 57; step
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58).
When the selection screen shown in Fig. 27 is
displayed, an image to be downloaded to the image
editing apparatus 1 is selected by the user (steps 60,
61). The image selection screen includes areas A5, A6,
A7 and A8, as shown in Fig. 27.
The area A5 displays images represented by the
image data that has been recorded in the free image
folder, copyright-protected image folder or personal
image folder. If the user clicks an image displayed in
area A5, this image is selected and the selected image
is displayed in area A6. The area A7 is clicked when
data representing a selected image is to be downloaded.
The area A8 is clicked to cancel the data.
When an image is selected, data representing the
file name of the image data representing this image is
transmitted to the main server 30 and the image data
that has been stored in the main server 30 is downloaded
to the image editing apparatus 1 at step 62 in Fig. 23.
Processing for retrieving the image data in the main
server 30 will be described in detail later.
If there is no response from the main server 30
within a fixed period of time, it is judged that there
is no response and an error is displayed on the display
unit 14 ("YES" at step 63; step 71). If a read-in error
occurs, a display to this effect is presented on the
display unit 14 and the image data undergoing
downloading is deleted. As a result, processing for
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reading in the image data ends temporarily ("YES" at
step 64; steps 68, 69, 70). If necessary, the main
server 30 would be accessed again.
If downloading of image data ends without a read-in
error, then the image data is registered in the image
list ("YES" at step 65; steps 66, 67). This image list
is used in image editing in the image editing apparatus
in a manner described later.
In a case where image data is to be read in from a
driver, the format of image data representing the image
to be read in is checked at step 72 in Fig. 24, this
image data being among the image data recorded on the
medium loaded in the driver. If the format is not one
that makes it possible to read in this image data ("NO"
at step 73), a display to this effect is presented on
the display unit 14 (step 75). If the format is one
that makes it possible to read in this image data ("YES"
at step 73), then it is determined whether this image
data is reduced image data (step 74).
If the data is not reduced image data ("NO" at step
74), this image data is judged to be high-quality image
data for printing purposes, which data is of large
quantity. This data is read (step 80). If a read-in
error occurs while reading in of the image data is in
progress, a display to this effect is presented ("YES"
at steps 81, 82; step 83).
The image data that has been read in is registered
in the image list in order to generate an edited image
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(steps 84, 85).
If the image data that has been stored on the
medium is reduced image data ("YES" at step 74), it is
determined whether this reduced image data has an
assigned URL ID (step 77). If there is no URL ID, then
the reduced image data is read in as is (step 80). If
an URL ID has been assigned (step 77), a verification
message indicating whether or not printing image data
corresponding to the reduced image data read from the
medium has been stored is transmitted to the server
designated by this URL ID (step 78). If a response is
not received from the server in a fixed period of time,
an error display is presented (step 97).
If there is no printing image data that corresponds
to the reduced image data ("NO" at step 87), it is
judged that the reduced image data is not supported and
the reduced image is displayed (step 96). If image data
for printing is present, then this printing image data
is transmitted from the server and is registered in the
image list of the image editing apparatus 1 (steps 88 -
92). If a read-in error occurs when printing image data
is being downloaded from the server, an error display is
presented and printing image data that was in the
process of being downloaded is deleted (steps 93 - 95).
An image list for generating an edited image is
generated in the RAM 4 of the image editing apparatus 1
based upon the image read-in processing described above.
Fig. 28 through 36 are flowcharts illustrating the
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procedure of image editing processing and image output
processing executed by the image editing apparatus 1.
This processing also is executed in accordance with the
operating program installed in the image editing
apparatus 1. Figs. 37 and 38 are diagrams illustrating
examples of screens displayed on the display unit 14.
Fig.39 is diagram illustrating examples of editing
information transmitted from the image editing apparatus
1 to the main server 30.
A screen illustrated in Fig. 37 is displayed on the
display unit 14 of the image editing apparatus 1 in
image editing and output processing. This screen
includes areas A10, All, A12, A13 and A14.
The area A10 is an editing area in which an edited
image (see Fig. 10) is displayed. The area All is a
control panel in which partitions for applying
instructions for generating an edited image appear. The
area A12 is an image list display area in which images
(e. g. images shown in Fig. 6 through 9) that have been
registered in the image list are displayed. The area
A13 is an area for outputting results of editing.
Editing information for generating an edited image is
output by clicking on this area. Clicking the area A14
ends the image editing and output processing.
In image editing and output processing, checking of
the image list is carried out first (step 103). If the
image list is checked and is found to exist, the image
data that has been registered in the image list is read
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in and the images are displayed in the image list
display area at steps 140 - 143 in Fig. 33.
Next, when an image is to be edited, the editing
area is clicked by the user (steps 101, 110). This
establishes an image editing mode.
When image editing is performed, an image being
displayed in the image list display area A12 is dragged
to a desired position in the editing area by the user
(step 111). If necessary, the user employs the control
panel area All to command, say, adjustment of the sizes
of the images constituting the edited image. If
adjusting of the position, size, etc., of the edited
image is finished, the image selection operation is
canceled ("YES" at steps 112, 113, 114). If adjustment
has not ended, then the painting of the editing area is
updated in accordance with a command from the control
panel (step 116).
When image editing ends, clicking the area for
outputting the results of editing causes a transition to
processing for outputting these results (step 102).
Processing for outputting results of editing
includes a case in which output is delivered to a server
and a case in which output is delivered to a medium,
such as a disk, or to a printer.
In case of output to a server (step 106), editing
information is subjected to a format conversion in such
a manner that the information can be transmitted from
the image editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30
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(step 117). As shown in Fig. 39, the editing
information includes order information, type of
printing, file name, URL ID, image attribute, file size,
plotting order and plotting signal. The editing
information is generated by reading information (see
Fig. 11) accompanying data representing an image
selected in the image editing mode. When the format
conversion ends, an order input screen of the kind shown
in Fig. 38 is displayed on the display unit 14.
As shown in Fig. 38, the order input screen
includes areas A21, A22, A23 and A24. The user enters
order information while observing the data input screen.
The order information includes personal information and
number of prints ordered. The personal information
consists of the name (and the transcription thereof in
kana), zip code, address, telephone number, FAX number
and e-mail address of the orderer (user), namely the
individual ordering printing of the edited image. When
this personal information is entered, it is displayed in
area A21. When the number of ordered prints is entered,
the number is displayed in area A22. If the entered
personal information and number of ordered prints are
correct, area A23 is clicked. If the entered personal
information or number of ordered prints is incorrect,
the area A24 is clicked.
When order information is thus entered by the user
at step 119 in Fig. 30, the user applies a print command
to the image editing apparatus 1 (step 120). The print
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information that has undergone the format conversion is
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30 in response to the print command. It
goes without saying that the order information entered
by the user also undergoes a format conversion.
If there is no upload image data from the user,
then the program returns to the processing of step 105,
106 or 107.
If there is upload image data from the user ("YES"
at step 122), an upload request from the main server 30
is awaited for a fixed period of time (step 123). If
there is no upload request from the main server 30
within the fixed period of time, then it is construed
that there is no answer from the server and an error
display is presented ("YES" at step 124; step 130).
If image data having the file name of an image
included in the editing information transmitted from the
image editing apparatus 1 has not been stored in the
main server 30 or in another image server 31, then it is
judged that the user will upload image data that has
been stored in his or her own image editing apparatus 1,
cause the main server 30 to generate an edited image
using this image data and cause the printer server 32 to
print the edited image. Accordingly, an upload request
is output from the main server 30 to the image editing
apparatus 1. If the upload request is received from the
main server 30 within the fixed period of time ("NO" at
step 124), then the upload destination folder and a list
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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(upload list) of image data to be uploaded are
transmitted from the main server 30 to the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 125).
The image editing apparatus 1 compares the upload
list transmitted from the main server 30 and the file
name of the image data to be transmitted to the main
server 30 (step 126). If the result of the comparison
is agreement ("NO" at step 127), then the image data
specified by the upload list is transmitted from the
image editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30 (step
128). In case of non-agreement ("YES" at step 127), a
collation error is displayed on the display unit 14
(step 129). If the collation error occurs, then the
image data would be uploaded again as necessary.
In a case where image data representing an edited
image is saved on a disk or the edited image is printed
using the printer of the image editing apparatus (step
107), first an area for the purpose of outputting the
image data is acquired in the RAM 4 of the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 131). Next, it is determined, based
upon the image attributes accompanying the reduced image
data, whether even one copyright-protected image is
included among the images constituting the edited image
(step 132; see Fig. ll).
If a copyright-protected image is not included
("NO" at step 133), the edited image is stored in the
area of RAM 4 (step 134). If a copyright-protected
image is not included in the edited image, the user can
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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save or print the edited data freely.
If all image data representing the images
constituting the edited image are to be stored in the
RAM 4 in order to output the image, then it is
determined, based upon a command from the user, whether
the edited image is to be printed using the printer 20
or saved on a disk. If neither is specified, a print
selection error is displayed on the display unit 14
(step 138).
In a case where the edited image is printed using
the printer 20 ("YES" at step 136), the temporarily
stored edited image data is read out of the RAM 4 and
output to the printer 20 (step 146). If all of the
edited image data has been output from the RAM 4 to the
printer 20 normally, a display to this effect is
presented on the display unit 14 (steps 147 - 149). If
an error occurs in the output of the edited image from
the RAM 4 to the printer 20, then print error is
displayed on the display unit 14 (step 150). In such
case printing would be executed again as necessary.
In a case where the edited image data is saved to
disk ("YES" at step 137), the format of the edited image
data is converted by the CPU 2 in order that it can be
saved to the disk (step 151). If necessary, the edited
image data is subjected to compression processing along
with the format conversion processing.
If saving of the edited image data to the disk ends
normally, then a display to this effect is presented on
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the display unit 14 (steps 153, 154). If an error
occurs in the saving of the image data to the disk, then
a write error message is displayed on the display unit
14 (step 155).
When all processing for image editing and image
output ends, the end area A14 is clicked by the user.
In response to the clicking operation, all of the image
data and editing information stored temporarily in the
RAM 4 is erased (steps 144, 145). Since copyright-
protected image data is erased by this operation, the
user can be prevented from using the copyright-protected
image freely.
(5) Authentication processing in main server
Figs. 40 and 41 are flowcharts illustrating the
procedure of authentication processing executed in the
main server 30. This processing is executed in
accordance with the operating program that has been
installed in the main server 30.
This authentication processing includes personal-
image authentication carried out when personal image
data is downloaded from the main server 30, and stock-
image authentication carried out when copyright-
protected image data or free image data is downloaded
from the main server 30.
Execution of the authentication processing
procedure is started by receiving editing information
from the image editing apparatus 1 and detecting a
request for access to a free image folder, copyright-
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protected image folder or personal image folder (step
161). An authentication request from the image editing
apparatus 1 is awaited for. a fixed period of time. If
the fixed period of time elapses, data representing
denial of access is transmitted to the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 162, "YES" at steps 163, step 170).
If there is an authentication request within the
fixed period of time, then it is determined whether the
authentication is personal-image authentication (step
164). In case of personal-image authentication, receipt
of an authentication code from the user of the image
editing apparatus 1 is awaited (step 165). If the
authentication code is received from the user within the
fixed period of time, then the authentication code
transmitted from the user and the authentication codes
that have been stored in the main server 30 are compared
(steps 166, 167). If the compared codes agree ("YES" at
step 168), the URL of the personal image folder is
transmitted to the user of the image editing apparatus 1
(step 169). Since the user thus obtains the URL of the
personal image folder, the user can access this folder
and can download the personal image data that has been
stored in the personal image folder.
In a case where an authentication code is not
transmitted from the user within the fixed period of
time or the comparison with the authentication code
stored in the authentication table results in non-
agreement, then data representing access denial is
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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communicated to the user (step 170).
In case of authentication of a stock image ("YES"
at step 171), then it is determined whether image data
for which downloading has been requested by the user is
copyright-protected image (step 172). If a copyright-
protected image has not been requested ("NO" at step
172), then the request is judged to be one for
downloading free image data. Since free image data is
allowed to be used freely by all users, data
representing access permission and the URL of the free
image data are transmitted to the user.
If the image data for. which downloading has been
requested is copyright-protected image data, it is
determined, on the basis of the application name and
version transmitted from the user and the application
name that has been stored in an application
authentication table, whether the application software
of the image editing apparatus 1 is capable of storing,
in freely readable fashion, the copyright-protected
image data downloaded as set forth above (step 173).
If, on the basis of the application authentication
table, it is determined that the image editing apparatus
1 is being operated by application software which allows
downloading of copyright-protected image data ("YES" at
step 174), data indicating access permission and the URL
name of the copyright-protected image folder are
transmitted to the user. As a result, the user is
capable of downloading copyright-protected image data.
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If the application software of the image editing
apparatus 1 does not allow downloading of copyright-
protected image data, then data representing access
denial is transmitted from the main server 30 to the
image editing apparatus 1 (step 176).
(6) Processing for receiving editing information
and processing for editing images
Figs. 42 through 45 are flowcharts illustrating the
procedure of processing for receiving editing
information transmitted from the image editing apparatus
1 and processing for editing images based upon the
editing information. This processing is executed in
accordance with the operating program that has been
installed in the main server 30.
The processing is started by receiving the editing
information from the image editing apparatus 1 (steps
181, 182).
When the editing information is received from the
image editing apparatus 1, a management ID is issued in
conformity with the editing information and the ID is
registered in the editing information management file
(step 183). Next, the edited image folder specified by
the issued management ID is generated in order to
generate the edited image data (step 184).
Next, it is determined whether the URL of an image
constituting the received edited image is included in
the received editing information.
If the URL of the image is included in the received
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editing information ("YES" at step 186), it is judged
whether the image data representing this image has been
stored in the main server 30 or image server 31, and a
stock image registration table is verified (step 187).
If the URL of an image recorded in the received editing
information has been stored in the stock image
registration table ("YES" at step 188), then the
particular folder in which the URL of this image and the
image data have been stored in stored in the image
information storage file (step 206). If the URL of the
image has not been stored in the editing information,
then the image data constituting the edited image cannot
be retrieved by the main server 30. This means that the
edited image of the user cannot be generated unless the
image data representing this image is transmitted from
the image editing apparatus 1. Accordingly, the file
name of this image is stored in the upload image
management file (step 189) and in the transfer request
information management file (step 190).
In a case where the URL of an image constituting
the edited image is located in the editing information
but is not located in the stock image registration table
of the main server 30, it is conceivable that the image
data representing this image has been stored in another
image server 31. The main server 30, therefore, directs
an inquiry to the other image server 31 to inquire as to
whether image data having the URL of this image has been
stored there (step 191).
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On the basis of the stock image registration table
possessed by the other image server 31, this other image
server 31 determines whether the image data inquired
about has been stored.
On the basis of reply data from the other image
server 31, the main server 30 verifies whether the image
data has been stored in the other image server 31 (steps
192, 193, 194). If the image data has not been stored
in the other image server 31, an edited image cannot be
generated based upon the editing information transmitted
from the user. An error display, therefore, is
presented on the display unit 14 of the main server 30
(step 202). Data indicating that the edited image
cannot be generated and that processing terminated
abnormally is transmitted to the user (step 203). Since
the edited image cannot be generated, the edited image
management folder is deleted (steps 204, 205).
In a case where image data not present in the main
server 30 is that of an image constituting an edited
image and has been stored in the other image server 31
("YES" at step 194), the image attribute of the image
stored in the editing information is verified (step
195). In a case where the image attribute is indicative
of a free image ("YES" at step 196), the image data of
the image that has been stored in the other image server
31 is transmitted to the main server 30 and is stored in
the free image folder (step 197). The storage of the
image information is accompanied by storage of the file
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name of the image data in the stock image registration
table (step 198). In a case where the image attribute
is not indicative of a free image (meaning that the
image is a copyright-protected image or personal image)
("NO" at step 196), management will be too complicated
if the same image data is stored in a plurality of image
servers 31. Accordingly, the image data is stored in
the edited image management folder that will be deleted
subsequently (step 201).
When storage of the image data in the free image
folder or edited image management folder begins, a timer
starts keeping time (step 199) and the file name of the
image data is stored in the transfer request information
management file (step 200). Furthermore, the particular
folder in which the image data has been stored is stored
in the editing information storage file (step 206).
At the end of verification, in regard to all images
constituting the edited image that has been stored in
the editing information, as to whether the image data
representing these images is located in the main server
or in the other image server 31 or is to be
downloaded from the image editing apparatus 1 (step
207), the file name of image data to be uploaded by the
user based upon the data that has been stored in the
25 upload image management file is transmitted to the image
editing apparatus 1 (step 208). In addition, an upload
timer starts keeping time (step 209).
Next, data representing the editing information
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 is stored
in the editing information management file (step 210).
Reference is had to the transfer request
information management file and the image data received
by the main server 30 is verified as well as the image
size (steps 211, 212). If the image data received by
the main server 30 is not indicative of the verified
image size, first it is determined whether reception of
image data is in progress ("NO" at step 213; steps 216,
217). If reception of image data does not end upon
elapse of a fixed period of time ("YES" at step 217),
processing ends via an error step (step 218). If it is
judged, based upon the image size thereof, that
reception of the image data has been completed, then an
in-transit flag in the transfer request information
management file is cleared (step 214).
If it is determined by referring to the transfer
request information management file that all image data
to be received has been received by the main server 30,
then timekeeping by all timers of the main server 30 is
stopped ("YES" at step 215; step 220).
The transfer request information management table
is referred to again to check for in-transit flags (step
221).
If there is even one in-transit flag, an error
determination is made and this is transmitted to the
image editing apparatus 1. Further, since generation of
the edited image desired by the user is not possible,
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the editing information management folder is deleted
(steps 229 - 232). If there is not a single in-transit
flag in the transfer request information management
file, it is construed that all image data to be
transferred from the image editing apparatus 1 or other
image server 31 has been received. As a result,
generation of the edited image becomes possible.
In order to generate the edited image, reference is
had to the edited image management file and edited image
data is generated based upon editing information that
has been stored in the edited image management file and
data representing where the image data representing the
edited image data has been stored (steps 224, 225). If
the edited image data has been generated, it is stored
temporarily in the RAM 4.
In order to prevent edited image data from being
generated again, the reading in of data managed by the
edited information management file is inhibited (step
226). The edited image data that has been generated is
applied to the display unit 14. The operator of the
main server 30 observes the edited image to verify the
same (step 227). If the edited image is being
displayed, then the printer server 32 best suited to the
printing of the edited image is selected based upon the
type of printing included in the editing information
(step 233).
In order to print the edited image, the edited
image data is generated again (step 234) and is
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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transmitted to the printer server 32 that has been
selected (step 235). The edited image data is registered
in a transmission management file (step 236).
(7) Server-to-server communication processing
Fig. 46 is a flowchart illustrating processing for
communication between the main server 30 and image
server 31.
In a case where image data representing an image
constituting an edited image is not present in the main
server 30, the main server 30 sends an inquiry to the
image server 31 in the manner described above. The
processing of Fig. 46 is started by this inquiry. When
they other image server 31 receives a confirmation
request from the main server 30 (steps 240, 241), the
file name of image data for which confirmation of the
presence thereof has been requested is received by the
image server 31 (step 242). The image server 31
confirms whether the received file name of the image
data has been stored in the stock image registration
table (step 243). If the file name has been stored in
they stock image registration table, a message to this
effect is transmitted to the main server 30 that issued
the confirmation request and the image data having this
fi7.e name is transmitted to the main server 30 as well
(st:eps 245, 246). If the file name has not been stored
in the stock image registration table, then a message to
this effect is transmitted to the main server 30 that
is:~ued the confirmation request (steps 245, 244).
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(8) Printing processing by printer server
Figs. 47 and 48 are flowcharts illustrating the
procedure of processing for printing an edited image in
the printer server 32. This processing is executed in
accordance with the operating program that has been
installed in the printer server 32.
This processing starts in response to receipt of
edited image data transmitted from the main server 30.
A print image file (not shown) is generated in response
to receipt of the edited image data.
When the edited image data is transmitted from the
main server 30 (steps 261, 262), the printer server 32
verifies the transmitting server name and transmission
destination server name included in tag information
relating to image attributes and accompanying the edited
image data. If both are verified, then the edited image
represented by the edited image data and an order form
are printed by the digital printer 26 for the processing
laboratory (step 269). The order form is printed based
upon storage of the image tag information accompanying
the edited image data.
When the edited image is printed, the operator of
the printer server 32 checks to see whether the edited
image has been printed normally (step 270). If printing
has been performed correctly, the printed matter is
packaged by the operator of the printer server 32 and is
sent to the user of the image editing apparatus 1 by
C.C~.D. (steps 272 - 274). As a result, the print image
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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file storing the edited image data is deleted (step
275).
If the server name of the transmitting server
cannot be verified in print processing, an error message
is displayed and the print image file is deleted (steps
265, 266). In a case where it is judged that the
transmitting server name or printed edited image is
abnormal, an error display is presented and data
representing abnormal termination is transmitted along
with the edited image data (steps 276, 277).
(9) Processing for ending printing by server
Fig. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a processing
procedure executed by the server 30 or 31 in a case
where the printing of an edited image has been completed
in the printer server 32. This processing also is
executed in accordance with the operating program that
has been installed in the server 30 or 31.
The processing starts in response to receipt of
data representing notification of end of printing of the
edited image from the printer server 32.
When data representing end of printing is received
from the printer server 32 (steps 250, 251), it is
determined whether an error has occurred in printing
(step 252). If an error has not occurred, data
representing the fact that printing was performed
normally is transmitted to the image editing apparatus 1
(step 253). As a result, the user of the image editing
apparatus 1 can be notified of the fact that the edited
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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image will be mailed at a later date. If an error has
occurred, data representing the fact is transmitted to
they image editing apparatus 1 (step 254). As a result,
they user of the image editing apparatus 1 would edit the
image again as necessary and transmit the edited image
information to the main server 30.
Next, the edited image management folder is deleted
and information relating to the edited image is deleted
from the transmission management file (step 256).
(10) Processing for verifying status of edited
image generation
In a case where the image editing apparatus 1 has
ordered the main server 30 to print an edited image in
they manner described above, the user of the image
editing apparatus 1 can be notified of the edited status
of the edited image in the main server 30 and the
printing status of the edited image in the printer
server 32.
If, in a case where the user of the image editing
apparatus 1 has been notified of editing status and
printing status of the edited image, editing information
is transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30, data representing acceptance of the
editing information and a characteristic verification ID
are transmitted from the main server 30, which has
received the editing information, to the image editing
ap~~aratus 1 that has transmitted the editing
information.
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When the editing status and printing status are to
be verified, the user of the image editing apparatus 1
sends the transmitted verification ID to the main server
30. Upon receiving the verification ID transmitted from
the image editing apparatus 1, the main server 30 sends
the image editing apparatus 1 status data indicating the
editing status and printing status. Upon receiving the
status data, the image editing apparatus 1 displays the
editing status and printing status of the edited image
on the display unit 14 based upon the status data. By
observing the display on the display unit 14 of the
image editing apparatus 1, the user of the image editing
apparatus 1 can be notified of the editing status and
printing status of the edited image.
Figs. 50 through 52 illustrate examples of the
editing status and printing status of the edited image
in the main server 30, these screens being displayed on
the: display unit 14 of the image editing apparatus 1.
If the status cannot be displayed on one screen, the
screen is scrolled.
Fig. 50 shows an example of a screen displayed on
they display unit 14 of the image editing apparatus 1
ba~~ed upon status data transmitted from the main server
to the image editing apparatus 1 in a case where the
25 verification ID has been transmitted from the image
editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30 in order that
the user of the image editing apparatus 1 may inquire
about the status of printing after an order to print an
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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edited image has been received. It is possible for this
screen to be displayed by accessing the top page of a
website on the Internet.
Icons I1 representing status in a straightfonaard
manner are displayed on the screen in such a manner that
status can be understood at a glance. The icons I1
indicate a plurality of conditions depending upon the
particular state. The icon corresponding to the current
status is clearly displayed in such a manner that it can
be distinguished from other icons. This arrangement
makes it possible for the user of the image editing
apparatus 1 to immediately comprehend the currently
prevailing status. The content of an order placed by
the user also is displayed on the screen (in a display
area I2). Since the content of an order is displayed,
the user can immediately confirm the same. Since it is
assumed here that the user will go to pick up an edited
image that has been printed, the name of the store at
which the image should be picked up also is displayed.
The age and gender of the user are displayed as well.
By clicking an area I3, the user restores the basic
screen.
Fig. 51 shows an example of a screen displayed on
the display unit 14 of the image editing apparatus 1
when the verification ID is transmitted from the user of
the image editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30 in a
case where an edited image has been generated by the
main server 30.
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In this case an icon among the icons I1 that
indicates verification of a finished product is clearly
displayed so as to distinguish it from the other icons.
The edited image is displayed in area I4. By observing
the edited image, the user is capable of determining
whether the desired edited image has been obtained. If
the user verifies that the desired edited image has been
obtained, the user clicks an area I6. As a result,
printing of the edited image is executed. When the
edited image desired by the user has not been obtained,
an .area I5 is clicked by the user, whereby the order is
canceled.
Fig. 52 shows an example of a screen displayed on
the display unit 14 of the image editing apparatus 1
when the verification ID is transmitted from the user of
the image editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30 in a
case where printing of the edited image has been
completed and the printed edited image has been
dispatched to a store specified by the user.
An icon among the icons I1 that indicates that the
edited image is to be picked up at a store is clearly
displayed so as to distinguish it from the other icons.
Information indicating the store at which the edited
image is to be picked up is displayed in an area I7.
The user of the image editing apparatus 1 can receive
the printed edited image by going to the store
indicated.
(11) Processing for billing of copyright-protected
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images
(a) Overview
Billing processing for a case where a copyright-
protected image is being utilized as an edited image
will now be described.
Fig. 53 illustrates the overall flow of processing
in the image communication system in a case where
billing processing is carried out. Figs. 54 A - C
illustrate examples of files generated in the main
server 30 and image server 31, and Fig. 55 shows an
example of a file generated in the printer server 32.
If billing processing is executed, three billing
files are generated in the main server 30 and image
server 31 in the manner illustrated in Figs. 54 A - C.
The first billing file shown in Fig. 54a is referred to
in a case where edited image data is generated using
copyright-protected image data that has been stored in
they server's own copyright-protected image folder. The
second billing file shown in Fig. 54b is referred to in
order to perform management in a case where edited image
data is generated using copyright-protected image data
that has been stored in the copyright-protected image
folder of another server. The third billing file shown
in Fig. 54c is referred to in order to perform
management when copyright-protected image was used as
edited image data transmitted to the printer server 32.
The first billing file includes the transmission
destination server name, image file name, unit fee
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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billed per copyright-protected image, number of prints,
total billed price, billing management number, receipt
number, a receipt completed flag and a cancel flag.
The second billing file includes the transmitting
server name, customer information and a payment-made
flag instead of the transmission destination server
name, receipt number and receipt completed flag of the
first billing file. The third billing file has the same
structure as that of the first billing file.
As shown in Fig. 55, customer information and a
payment-made flag are stored in the billing file of the
printer server 32 instead of the receipt number and
receipt completed flag of the first billing file.
If the edited image data that has been generated by
the editing information transmitted from the image
editing apparatus 1 does not use copyright-protected
image data, the following processing is executed if it
is not impossible.
Upon receiving the editing information transmitted
from the image editing apparatus 1, the main server 30
determines whether a request for a copyright-protected
image is included in this editing information. If there
is a request for a copyright-protected image, it is
determined, based upon the URL, whether the image data
representing the copyright-protected image has been
stored in the main server's own copyright-protected
image folder or in the copyright-protected image folder
of the other image server 31. If the image data has
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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been stored in the server's own copyright-protected
image folder, then the billing management number is
issued and the transmitting server name, image file
name, billed unit price, number of prints, total billed
price, billing management number and customer
information are stored in the second billing file. If
the image data has been stored in the copyright-
protected image folder of the other image server 31,
then the billing management number and receipt number
are transmitted to the other image server 31. Upon
receiving the billing management number and receipt
number, the other image server 31 stores the
transmission destination server name, image file name,
billed unit fee per copyright-protected image, number of
prints and total billed fee in the first billing file.
When copyright-protected image data is transmitted
from the other image server 31 to the main server 30 in
a case where copyright-protected image data requested by
the image editing apparatus 1 has been stored in the
copyright-protected image folder of the other image
server 31, the transmission destination server name,
image file name, billed unit fee, total billed fee and
billing management number are stored as the tag
inf~orrnation accompanying this copyright-protected image
data. The main server 30 checks this tag information to
determine whether the image data has arrived at its own
location.
Upon receiving the image data transmitted from the
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other image server 31, the main server 30 checks the tag
information that has been stored in the received image
data and reads the information relating to billing. The
information relating to billing that has been read is
stared in the second billing file.
When the edited image data is generated in the
manner described above, the main server 30 stores the
information relating to billing for the copyright-
protected image used in generation of the edited image
data in the third billing file. It goes without saying
that if the copyright-protected image that has been
stored in the main server 30 is used, then information
relating to billing regarding this copyright-protected
image data also is stored.
The information relating to billing is stored in
the tag information accompanying the edited image data
generated in the main server 30 and is transmitted to
the main server 30.
Upon receiving the edited image data, the main
server 30 reads the information relating to billing from
the tag information accompanying the edited image data
and stores the information relating to billing in the
third billing file.
(b) Details of billing processing
The details of billing in a case where an image is
edited and the edited image is printed will now be
described.
Figs. 56a and 56b illustrate examples of component
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images which constitute an edited image stored in the
main server 30, and Fig. 57 shows an example of a
template image serving as the background of the
component images. Here the component images and
template image are copyright-protected images for which
payment is billed. To facilitate understanding,
however, these images will be referred to as component
images and as a template image, respectively. Fig. 58
shows an example of a component image that has been
stored in the image editing apparatus 1, and Fig. 59
shows an edited image. A case in which the image shown
in h"igs. 59 - 58 is utilized to print the edited image
shown in Fig. 59 will be described.
The component images and the template image are
generated by a user capable of accessing the main server
30. The generated component images and template image
are registered (stored) in the main server 30. A
registration fee is required if component images and a
template image are registered in the main server 30.
Further, in a case where an image has been registered, a
fee for designing the image is paid to the individual
that created the images. The user of the registered
image is required to pay a fee for use as well.
(i) Processing for billing for registration of
component images
A user is billed in a case where a created
component image is registered in the main server 30 in
the manner described above. Fig. 60 is a flowchart
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illustrating the procedure of billing processing in a
case where a component image is registered in the main
server 30.
Component images for printing of the kind shown in
Fig. 56 A or B are created by the user. The image
editing apparatus 1 of the user who has created a
component image and the main server 30 are connected and
a request for transmission of the component image is
sent to the main server 30. The image data representing
the generated component image is transmitted from the
image editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30 (step
261). The component image data is transmitted by a
component image registration file shown in Fig. 61. The
component image registration file includes a header,
which indicates that the file is the component image
registration file, the ID of the component image
copyright holder, an ID list of IDs of individuals
capable of using the component image free of charge, a
design fee required at the time of editing desired by
the creator of the component image, a design fee
required at the time of printing, an editing use fee, a
printing use fee and high-quality component image data
used for printing.
When component image data that has been transmitted
from the image editing apparatus 1 is received by the
main server 30, the component image, which is
represented by the component image data, is displayed on
the display unit of the main server 30. The operator of
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the main server 30 observes the component image
displayed on the display unit of the main server 30 to
make sure that the component image data has not been
destroyed ( step 271 ) .
If the component image has been destroyed ("NO" at
step 272), the main server 30 sends the image editing
apparatus 1 data indicating suspension registration of
the component image (step 273). Upon receiving the data
indicating suspension of registration ("YES" at step
262), the image editing apparatus 1 displays a message
to t:his effect on the display unit 14 of the image
editing apparatus 1 and executes prescribed processing,
e.g., re-registration.
If the component image has not been destroyed
("YES" at step 272), then reference is had to the design
fee and use fee included in the component image
registration file and the design fee and use fee for
this component image are decided. The decided design
fee and use fee and the component image registration fee
are transmitted from the main server 30 to the image
edii:ing apparatus 1 (step 274). There is also a care
where the decided design fee and use fee is a fee set by
the user, and there are instances where these fees are
revised.
If the user of the image editing apparatus 1 does
not acknowledge the design fee and use fee transmitted
frorn the main server 30 ("NO" at step 263), data
ind_Lcating suspension of registration of the component
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image is transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1
to i~he main server 30 (step 264). In response to
receipt of the registration suspension data transmitted
from the image editing apparatus 1, the main server 30
terminates image editing processing ("YES" at step 275).
If the user of the image editing apparatus 1 agrees
to the design fee and use fee transmitted from the main
server 30 ("YES" at step 263), data indicating agreement
is transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30 (step 265), whereupon the main server 30
issues a component ID specific to this component image
data (step 276).
Next, editing component image data used in editing
thumbnail image data for selecting editing and component
image data is generated from the component image data
for printing transmitted from the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 277). when the editing component
image data and thumbnail image data is generated, a
printing component image file illustrated in Fig. 62 A
is generated based upon the component image data
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1.
Further, an editing component image file shown in Fig.
62 13 is generated based upon the editing component image
data, and a thumbnail image file shown in Fig. 62 C is
generated based upon the thumbnail image data. Each of
these files includes a header, a component image ID, a
copyright holder ID and image data.
The printing component image file, editing
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component image file and thumbnail component image file
thus generated are stored in a hard disk (database)
connected to the main server 30 (step 278; see Fig. 77).
When registration of the image files in the data
base of the main server 30 is completed, notification of
completion of registration is transmitted from the main
server 30 to the image editing apparatus 1 and the user
who generated the component image data is billed for the
component image registration fee (step 279).
In response to being billed for the component image
registration fee by the main server 30, the user of the
image editing apparatus 1 pays the registration fee
(step 266).
(ii) Processing for generating template image
Fig. 63 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure
of processing for generating a template image.
A template image can be generated using component
images. In a case where a component image is used to
generate a template image, the image editing apparatus 1
which generates the template image and the main server
communicate with each other.
First, a request for transmission of thumbnail-
component images is sent from the image editing
apparatus 1 to the main server 30 (step 281).
25 Upon receiving the thumbnail-component image
transmission request, the main server 30 searches its
database and transmits the thumbnail-component images to
the image editing apparatus 1 (step 291).
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Upon receiving the thumbnail-component image data
transmitted from the main server 30, the image editing
apparatus 1 displays the thumbnail-component images,
which are represented by the thumbnail-component image
data, as a list on the display unit 14 of the image
editing apparatus 1. The user of the image editing
apparatus 1 selects a component image, used in
generation of the template image, from the list of
thumbnail-component images displayed on the display unit
14 (step 282).
Whether the user of the image editing apparatus 1
possesses a selected component image is judged based
upon the component ID that corresponds to this component
image (step 283).
If the user of the image editing apparatus 1
possesses the selected component image ("YES" at step
283), the image data representing the component image is
read in to the image editing apparatus 1 (step 284). If
the user of the image editing apparatus 1 does not
possess the selected component image ("NO" at step 283),
a request for transmission of editing component image
data corresponding to this component image is
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 to the
main server 30 (step 285). The processing of steps 282
through 285 is repeated for all component images used in
the template image (step 286).
Upon receiving the request for transmission of a
component image from the image editing apparatus 1, the
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main server 30 determines, in accordance with a list of
IDs of individuals permitted free use of component
images, whether the user of the component image is
allowed to use it free of charge (step 292).
If the user of the component image is an individual
permitted to use the component image free of charge
("YES" at step 292), editing component image data
corresponding to this component image is transmitted
from the main server 30 to the image editing apparatus 1
(step 293).
If the user of the component image is not permitted
to 'use it free of charge ("NO" at step 292), the
component image editing use fee and editing design fee
are read out of the database (step 294). The individual
who generated this component image is paid the design
fee in accordance with the design fee that has been read
out (step 295).
The number of times the user who requested
transmission of the component image employed this
component image is checked (step 296). The component
image editing use fee and the component image printing
use fee decline in dependence upon the number of times
the component image is used. In this embodiment, the
greater the number of times a component image is used,
the higher the discount on the component image editing
use fee, as illustrated by the editing fee discount
table shown in Fig. 74.
If this is the first time for a user to use the
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component image ("YES" at step 297), then user data is
registered anew (step 298). If this is not the first
time for a user to use the component image, then the
discount is retrieved from the number of times the user
used the component image and from the editing fee
discount table shown in Fig. 74 (step 299).
In either case, the use fee for the user employing
the component image is calculated (step 300) and the
number of times the user used the component image is
incremented (step 301).
The data of the editing component image that
corresponds to the component image requested by the user
is transmitted from the main server 30 to the image
editing apparatus 1 (step 293).
When the data of the editing component images is
obtained, layout of the template image is performed.
When the template image is generated, a layout fee
regarding the template image is set (step 287).
If the template image is generated, processing for
registering the template image is executed next.
(iii) Processing for billing for registration of
template images
Figs. 64 and 65 are flowcharts illustrating
processing for registering a template image.
When a template image is registered in the main
server 30, a design fee and use fee (referred to as
"special fees") are set also in regard to the component
images constituting the template image. This differs
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from the case in which a component image is registered
in the main server 30. Special fees are set by the user
and ultimately are decided in communication with the
mai server 30.
When a template image is registered in the main
server 30, a template image registration file shown in
Fig. 66 is transmitted from the image editing apparatus
1 to the main server 30 (step 311). Unlike the
component image file, the template file includes, in
regard to the component images constituting the template
image, an editing design fee (a special design fee at
time of editing) in regard to the component images
constituting the template image, a printing design fee
(a special design fee at time of printing), an editing
use fee (a special use fee at the time of editing) and a
printing use fee (a special use fee at the time of
printing), these fees corresponding to the component
images constituting the template image.
When the template image file is transmitted to the
main server 30, the content of the file is checked (step
321). If the result of checking shows that the image
data has been destroyed, this fact is transmitted to the
image editing apparatus 1 ("NO" at step 322; step 323).
The image editing apparatus 1 executes predetermined
processing in dependence upon suspension of registration
(step 312). If the result of checking shows that the
image data has not been destroyed ("YES" at step 322),
then a component image constituting the template image
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is retrieved (step 324).
It is determined whether the creator of the
template image is an individual permitted to use the
retrieved component image free of charge (step 325).
If the individual is one not permitted to use the
component image free of charge ("NO" at step 325), then
the special fee included in the template image file is
transmitted to the user who created the component image
(step 326). When the user who created the component
image does not agree to the special fee transmitted from
the main server 30 ("NO" at step 327), a new special fee
is set by the user who created the component image (step
328). When the user who created component image agrees
to the special fee ("YES" at step 327), the processing
of step 328 is skipped. The processing of steps 324 -
239 is repeated in regard to all component images
constituting the template image.
The editing design fee, printing design fee,
editing use fee and printing use fee of the template
image are decided by referring to the special fee that
has been decided and the editing design fee, printing
design fee, editing use fee and printing use fee decided
by the user who generated the template image (step 330).
When the fees that have been decided are transmitted to
the image editing apparatus 1 which generated the
template image and the user who generated the template
image agrees to the fees, a template image ID is issued
("YES" at step 313; steps 315, 332). If the user does
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not agree to the fee, then registration of the template
image is suspended ("NO" at step 313; steps 314, 331).
A printing template image file, editing template
image file and thumbnail template image file shown in
Figs. 67a, 67b and 67c, respectively, are generated and
registered in the database of the main server 30 (steps
333, 334). A header, template ID, copyright holder ID
and number of component images used are stored in the
printing template image file, editing template image
file and thumbnail template image file. A component
image ID and layout information are stored in the
printing template file in correspondence with the number
of component images used. A template image is
reproduced based upon the component ID and layout
information. Thumbnail image data is stored in the
thumbnail template image file. The thumbnail template
image is reproduced by reading out the thumbnail image
data.
(iv) Processing for billing for image editing
20 Fig. 68 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure
of billing processing when image editing is performed.
Image editing involves executing image editing
processing at one's own image editing apparatus 1 using
component images that have been registered with the main
server 30. Accordingly, billing processing when image
editing is performed is substantially the same as the
billing processing procedure executed at the time of
template creation shown in Fig. 63. Processing steps in
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Fig. 68 identical with those shown in Fig. 63 are
designated by like step numbers and need not be
described again.
When all component images constituting a template
image are read in the image editing apparatus 1 in
accordance with the template billing processing shown in
Fig. 63, layout of the template image is performed and
the layout fee is set (step 287). With the image
editing billing processing shown in Fig. 68, however,
image editing processing is carried out by combining a
template image or component images transmitted from the
main server 30 with a user image that has already been
stored in one's own image editing apparatus 1 (step
288).
(v) Processing for billing for printing of edited
image
Figs. 69 through 72 are flowcharts illustrating a
processing procedure for billing in a case where an
editing image is printed.
First, the printing fee is initialized (step 340).
Next, it is determined whether an edited image is to be
printed utilizing a template image already registered in
the main server 30 (step 341).
When the edited image is to be printed using a
template image already registered in the main server 30
("YES" at step 341), the fee in a case where printing is
performed using the template image is calculated (steps
342 through 351).
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First, it is determined whether the individual who
ordered printing of the edited image is one permitted to
use the template image free of charge (step 342). If
the individual is one permitted to use the edited image
free of charge ("YES" at step 342), then no fee is
charged for use of the template image. If the
individual is not one permitted to use the edited image
free of charge ("NO" at step 342), then the fee to use
the template image and the design fee are calculated in
dependence upon the number of prints ordered (step 343).
The calculated design fee is paid by the operator of the
main server 30 to the creator of the template image
(step 345).
The number of times the user attempting to print
the edited image has used this template image is
retrieved from the database and checked (step 346).
In a case where this is the first time to use the
template image, the data relating to the individual who
ordered the printing of the edited image is registered
anew in a manner similar to that performed when an image
is edited (step 350).
If the template image data has already been
utilized ("NO" at step 347), then the number of times it
has been used is read out of the database. The fee for
printing processing declines as the number of times the
same template image is used increases in a manner to
similar to that of image editing, as illustrated in Fig.
73. Reference is had to a printing fee discount table
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shown in Fig. 73 and the discount is retrieved based
upon the number of times the template image was used
(step 348). The use fee per print of the template image
is decided using the retrieved discount (step 349). The
use fee that has been decided is multiplied by the
number of prints and the use fee of the template image
is decided in a case where printing is performed
utilizing this template image (step 351). The number of
times the template image was used is incremented.
when the fee for using the template image is
calculated, the next step is to calculate the fee for
using the component images constituting the template
image (steps 352 through 363 in Fig. 70).
First, a component image constituting the template
image is retrieved by the main server 30 (step 352).
The fee is calculated for each retrieved component image
in the same manner that the fee for the template image
was calculated above. That is, it is determined whether
the orderer is an individual permitted to use the
component image free of charge. If the orderer is not
such an individual, then the design fee for the
component image is paid to the user who created this
component image (steps 354, 355).
The number of times this component image has been
used is retrieved and the component image use fee for
each frame is decided in dependence upon the frequency
or use. The decided component image use fee for each
frame is multiplied by the number of prints and the fee
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for use of the component image constituting the template
image is decided (steps 361 - 363)
When a template image registered in the main server
30 :is not used, the fee regarding the component image
used in printing is calculated (steps 364 - 375 in Fig.
71).
The calculation of the fee regarding the component
image is performed in the same manner as the above-
described calculation of the fee for the template image
and the calculation for the fee of a component image
constituting the template image.
First, the component image is retrieved by the main
server 30 (step 364). It is determined, for each
retrieved component image, whether the orderer of
printing is an individual allowed to make free use of
the component image. If the orderer is not such an
individual, then the design fee is paid to the creator
of this component image (steps 366, 367). The number of
times the component image has been used is checked and
the use fee for one frame of the component image is
calculated in dependence upon the number of times (steps
369 - 373). The calculated fee for one frame is
multiplied by the number of prints and the fee for the
component image in case of printing is calculated (step
374).
When the use fee for printing of the template image
and component image constituting the template image or
the use fee for printing the component image is
CA 02229828 1998-02-18
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calculated, the cost of the paper is calculated.
Fig. 75 illustrates a paper cost discount table.
The paper cost is decided for each type of paper and the
paper cost corresponding to the type of paper specified
by the ordered is read out (step 376).
The fee for the type of service, such as how
printing is to be performed, is decided.
Fig. 76 illustrates a table of costs for various
services. The cost is decided for each type of printing
service and the corresponding cost is read out of the
table (step 377).
The fee for use of the image, the paper cost and
the cost of the printing service thus calculated are
added together to calculate the final printing fee (step
379). The orderer of printing is invoiced for the final
printing fee.
(12) Processing for receipt of payment
Processing for receipt of payment will be described
next.
When a printed article, namely an edited image
printed by the printer server 32, is received by C.O.D.
post, as shown in Fig. 78, the payment is sent to the
operator of the printer server 32. The payment includes
the printing fee, the fee for using the image
communication system and the fee billed for a copyright-
protected image. Processing is the same even in a case
where the printed article is accepted at a store instead
of by C.O.D. post.
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The operator of the printer server 32 collects the
printing fee and sends the remainder of the payment to
the operator of the main server 30. At this time the
payment-made flag in the billing management file of the
printer server 32 is checked.
Upon receiving the payment, the operator of the
main server 30 collects the fee for using the main
server 30 and the fee for using the copyright-protected
image and sends the remainder of the payment to the
other image server 31. At this time the payment-made
flag of the second billing management file of main
server 30 is checked. Further, the receipt information
(the encrypted receipt number, image file name, unit
billed fee, total billed fee, date and billed customer
name) is transmitted to the printer server 32. The
receipt number is encrypted in order to prevent forgery.
Upon receiving payment, the operator of the image
server 31 collects the fee for using the copyright
image. In addition, the receipt completed flag in the
first image billing file of the image server 31 is
checked. Receipt information which includes the
encrypted receipt number, image file name, billed unit
fee, total billed fee and date is transmitted from the
image server 31 to the printer server 32. As a result,
the operator of the printer server 32 is capable of
confirming the fact that the operators of all servers
have received the fees. The printer server 32 may
notify other servers of the fact that payment has been
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received.
(13) Processing when printing is canceled
Processing by the printer server 32 in a case where
printing of an edited image is canceled will now be
described.
In a case where a malfunction occurs at the printer
server 32 and an edited image cannot be printed as a
consequence, a cancellation flag in the billing
management file of the printer server 32 is checked (see
Fig. 79~. In addition, the main server 30 is notified
of cancellation. Upon receiving notification of
cancellation, the main server 30 checks the cancellation
flag of the second billing management file of the main
server 30. The image server 31 is notified of
cancellation as well. Upon receiving notification of
cancellation, the image server 31 checks the
cancellation flag of the first image billing file.
Upon receiving notification of cancellation, the
main server 30 and image server 31 send the printer
server 32 cancellation notification mail which includes
the encrypted receipt number, image file name, date and
billed customer name. Further, the main server 30 sends
the image editing apparatus 1 cancellation mail which
includes the receipt number, billed customer name, image
file name, cancellation name and date. As a result, the
user of the image editing apparatus 1 is capable of
giving notification of the fact that printing of the
edited image has been canceled, as well as the reason
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for cancellation.
(14) Authentication processing
In the embodiment described above, the image
editing apparatus 1, main server 30 and image server 31
execute processing for sending and receiving image data
to and from each other without executing authentication
processing. However, data can be sent and received upon
utilizing an authentication station to verify, by an
electronic signature, whether an individual is
authorized to send and receive data.
Fig. 80 illustrates a procedure in a case where
data is sent and received between the image editing
apparatus 1 and the main server 30 utilizing an
authentication station.
An authentication station 35 is provided in
addition to the image editing apparatus 1 and main
server 30. The image server 31 and printer server 32
are not shown in Fig. 80.
In order to request authentication, the user of the
image editing apparatus 1 and the operator of the main
server 30 each transmit the public key of the requester
and the requester name to the authentication station 35.
In this case a public key KO1 and name (ID) of the image
editing apparatus 1 are transmitted from the image
editing apparatus 1 to the authentication station 35,
and a public key K02 and name (ID) of the main server 30
are transmitted from the main server 30 to the
authentication station 35.
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If the authentication station 35 confirms that the
image editing apparatus 1 and main server 30 are
legitimate, then the authentication station 35 generates
an authentication form obtained by encrypting the
received public key KO1 and name of the image editing
apparatus 1 by a private key KSO of the authentication
station. Similarly, the authentication station 35
generates an authentication form obtained by encrypting
a received public key K02 and name of the main server 30
by the private key KSO of the authentication station.
A public key K00 of the authentication station is
encrypted by the public key KO1 of the image editing
apparatus 1, and the encrypted public key K00 of the
authentication station and authentication form are
transmitted to the image editing apparatus 1. The
encrypted public key K00 of the authentication station
encrypted can be decrypted in the image editing
apparatus 1 using a private key KS1 of the image editing
apparatus 1. The public key K00 of the authentication
station is encrypted by the public key K02 of the main
server 30, and the encrypted public key K00 of the
authentication station and authentication form are
transmitted to the main server 30. The encrypted public
key K00 of the authentication station can be decrypted
in the main server 30 using a private key KS2 of the
main server 30.
When the authentication form is received by the
image editing apparatus 1, the latter encrypts order
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information by the private key KS1 of the image editing
apparatus 1 and transmits the encrypted order
information and the authentication form of the image
editing apparatus 1 to the main server 30.
Upon receiving the data transmitted from the image
editing apparatus 1, the main server 30 decrypts the
authentication form of the image editing apparatus 1 by
the public key K00 of the authentication station. As a
result, the main server 30 obtains the public key KO1 of
the image editing apparatus 1 and the information
relating to the image editing apparatus 1. Further, the
main server 30 decrypts the editing information, which
has been transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1
and encrypted, by the decrypted public key KO1 of the
image editing apparatus 1 to obtain the editing
information and information relating to the image
editing apparatus 1. It is determined whether the two
items of information relating to the image editing
apparatus 1 thus obtained agree. If the two items of
information agree, this means that the image editing
apparatus 1 is legitimate, it is judged that the order
is legitimate and the edited image is printed. This
makes it possible to prevent illegitimate ordering of
printed images.
An arrangement may be adopted in which legitimate
invoicing of payment is judged in similar fashion in a
case where information relating to billing has been
authenticated.
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(15) Example of application of image printing
system
An example has been described in which the image
editing apparatus 1 and printer server 32 are installed
at different locations. However, the image editing
apparatus 1 and printer server 32 may be placed at the
same location (in the user's home). Further, the image
editing apparatus 1 and printer server 32 may be
constituted by a single apparatus.
A case in which an edited image to be printed is
generated by the image editing apparatus 1 will be
described first.
Fig. 81 illustrates the manner in which data
communication is carried out among the image editing
apparatus 1, main server 30, image server 31 and printer
server 32.
An edited image is generated from a plurality of
images and edited image data representing the edited
image is transmitted from the main server 30 to the
printer server 32, which is at the same location as that
of the image editing apparatus 1. The printer server 32
prints the edited image from the edited image data.
When the edited image is printed by the printer
server 32, the editing information of the printed edited
image and the data representing the number of prints are
transmitted from the printer server 32 to the main
server 30.
When the editing information of the printed edited
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image and the number of prints are received, a file of
copyright-protected images used is generated by the main
server 30 from the received data, as shown in Fig. 82.
A header indicative of the file of copyright-
s protected images used, the file name of the copyright-
protected images, the server name (URL) managing the
copyright-protected images, the server name (URL)
managing the editing information and the number of times
printing is performed are stored in the file of
copyright-protected images used.
On the basis of the editing information transmitted
from the printer server 32, it is determined whether the
printed edited image includes a copyright-protected
image being managed by a server (here assumed to be the
image server 31) other than the main server 30. When a
copyright-protected image being managed by the image
server 31 is included in the printed edited image, the
file of copyright-protected images used is transmitted
to the image server 31.
On the basis of the file of copyright-protected
images used transmitted from the main server 30, the
image server 31 charges the main server 30 for the fee
for use of the copyright-protected image.
The fee for using a copyright-protected image
managed by the image server 31 and the fee for using a
copyright-protected image managed by the main server 30
are transmitted from the main server 30 to the printer
server 32.
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Upon being charged for use of a copyright-protected
image, the user of the printer server 32 (who is also
the user of the image editing apparatus 1) pays the
operator of the main server 30 the fee for using the
copyright-protected image.
The fee for using the copyright-protected image is
calculated in the following manner:
Fig. 83 shows a list file of copyright-protected
images used. This file is managed by the main server 30
and is generated for every copyright-protected image. A
header indicative of the file of copyright-protected
images used, the file name of the copyright-protected
images, the server name (URL) managing the file of
copyright-protected images and the fee for use are
stored in the file list of copyright-protected images
used.
If it is the copyright-protected image managed by
the main server 30,the use fee is recorded in the
copyright-protected image file, since the use fee is
recognized by the main server 30.
If an image is a copyright-protected image managed
by the image server 31, the file of copyright-protected
images used is transmitted from the main server 30 to
the image server 31, where the fee for use is
calculated. The calculated fee for use is transmitted
from the image server 31 to the main server 30.
When data representing the fee for using a
copyright-protected image is received from the image
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server 31, the fee represented by this data is written
in a use fee section of the file of copyright-protected
images used.
When all fees for using copyright-protected images
are obtained, the total sum is calculated by the main
server 30 and data representing the total sum calculated
is transmitted from the main server 30 to the printer
server 32.
Next, an explanation is given to a case where the
main server 30 generates the edited image, and an
editing image for printing, of which the number of
printing is restricted became of that the use fee is
received from the user of the printer server 32, is
transmitted to the printer server 32 from main server
30.
As shown in Fig. 84, the image editing apparatus 1
requests the main server 30 to generate an edited image
for printing purposes. The main server 30 responds to
the request by generating the edited image for printing.
The main server 30 calculates the fee for using a
copyright-protected image from the editing information
transmitted from the image editing apparatus 1 and the
number of prints.
When the fee for using the copyright-protected
image is calculated, the main server 30 charges the user
of the image editing apparatus 1 for the calculated use
fee. If the user of the image editing apparatus 1 pays
in response to being charged, an edited image file for
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printing shown in Fig. 85 is transmitted from the main
server 30 to the printer server 32.
The edited image file for printing includes a
header indicative of the edited image file for printing,
the fee for using a copyright-protected image, the
number of prints capable of being printed and edited
image data for printing.
The printer server 32 receives the edited image
file for printing, the latter reads in the edited image
data for printing contained in the edited image file for
printing and, whenever printing is performed, decrements
the number of prints, which are capable of being
printed, included in the edited image file for printing.
Printing of edited images represented by the edited
image data for printing is inhibited when the number of
prints capable of being printed reaches zero. The
number of times printing is performed by the printer
server 32 can be limited even though it is installed at
the same location as that of the image editing apparatus
1.
In the above application example, the edited image
is printed in the printer server 32. The main server 30
may transmit the edited image data generated therein to
the image editing appears 1, which may display and print
the edited image represented by the edited image data
transmitted from the main server 30. In this case, the
edited image data is registered in the main server 30,
and the registered edited image data is transmitted to
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the image editing apparatus 1. The image editing
apparatus 1 displays and prints the edited image
represented by the edited image data transmitted from
the main server 30. It goes without saying that the
edited image is only displayed but is not printed, or
the edited image is only printed but is not displayed.
The above processing or operation is referred to as
"obtaining" of the edited image in the image editing
apparatus by the user.
An user who registered the edited image in the main
server 30 can obtain not only the edited image
registered by himself or herself, but also edited images
which have been registered by other users. In a case
where obtaining is permitted, deletion of the edited
image data in the main server 30 is suspended. In a
case where obtaining is permitted, image editing
processing using the copyright-protected image is
prohibited.
Fig. 86 shows processing for printing the edited
image represented by the edited image data in the image
editing apparatus 1. Figs. 87 and 88 show examples of
screens appearing on the display unit 14 of the image
editing apparatus 1 when the processing shown in Fig. 86
is performed, and Figs. 89 thorough 93 are flow charts
illustrating the details of the processing shown in Fig.
86.
The image editing software installed in the image
editing apparatus 1 is started by the user (step 381).
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When the image editing software starts, a selection
window W1 for carrying out selection of registration or
obtaining shown in Figs. 87 and 88 appears on the
display screen of the display unit 14. The selection
window W1 includes an area which is clicked by the user
when the edited image is registered in the main server
30 and an area which is clicked by the user when the
edited image is obtained. In response to that one of
the areas is clicked by the user, processing for
registration of the edited image or processing for
obtaining of edited image is carried out in accordance
with the clicked area (step 381).
First, the registration processing will be
described. Here, the edited images are registered for
each category. When the edited image is registered, an
unique ID is assigned to the edited image data by the
main server 30 such that the same ID with that of other
edited image data is not assigned. The assigned unique
ID is recorded in a tag area of the edited image file.
With reference to mainly Figs. 87 and 89, in the
processing for registration of the edited image, a
category selection window W2 which shows categories
classifying the edited image is displayed on the display
screen of the display unit 14 of the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 401). It is assumed that
"INFORMATION", "BULLTIN BOARD", "SELF-INTRODUCTION" and
"TOPICS" are predetermined as categories. The user
watches the displayed categories and judges, to which
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category the edited image should belong. The category,
in which the edited image is to be registered, is
selected by clicking area of the category desired by the
user. (step 402). Here, it is assumed that "BULLTIN
BOARD" is selected as the desired category.
A transmission request for a list of template image
data registered in the selected category is generated in
response to the selection of the category by the user,
and the transmission request is transmitted to the main
server 30 from the image editing apparatus 1 (step 403).
When the main server 30 receives the transmission
request for the list of template image data from the
image editing apparatus 1 (step 410), a list of reduced-
image-file names of the templates which have been
registered in the category selected by user of the image
editing apparatus 1 is generated (step 411). The
reduced images of the templates, the names of which
appear in the generated list of the file names, are
retrieved, and data for displaying the multi-screen of
the retrieved template images is generated (step 412).
The generated data for displaying the list of the
template images is transmitted to the image editing
apparatus 1 from the main server 30. The template list
is displayed on the display screen of the display unit
14 of the image editing apparatus 1 based on the
received data for displaying the list of the template
images (step 404, an window W3)
The template list window W3 shows various editing
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template images corresponding to the category selected
by the user. The user selects a template image from
among the editing template images shown in the template
list window W3 by clicking the desired template image
(step 405).
When the template image desired by the user is
selected, data requesting the selected template image
data is transmitted to the main server 30 from the image
editing apparatus 1 (step 406). When the main server 30
receives the template image requesting data from the
image editing apparatus 1, editing template image data
of the requested template is searched in response to the
receipt. The found template image data is transmitted
to the image editing apparatus 1 from the main server 30
(step 413). The editing template image data transmitted
from the main server 30 is received in the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 406).
When the editing template image data is received,
the processing for editing image is carried out using
the editing template image represented by the editing
template image data, the free image or the like, as
described above (step 407). In the processing for
editing image, the editing window W4 is displayed on the
display screen of the display unit 14. In the
processing for editing image, the editing information is
also inputted. Here, the message put up to the bulletin
board is also inputted in addition to the editing
information (step 408). The individual information
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input window W5 is displayed on the display screen of
the display unit 14 for the input of the message.
When processing for editing image is completed, the
user image, the editing information and the message
necessary for generating the edited image data are
transmitted to the main server 30 from the image editing
apparatus 1 (step 409). At this time, a window W6
showing that data transmission is in process is
displayed.
The received image, the editing information,
individual information or the like are registered in the
main server 30 (step 414). Further, the edited image
data representing the edited image generated by the user
of the image editing apparatus 1 is generated from the
free image, the editing information and the message.
The generated edited image data is converted to
PostScript. Further, the generated edited image data is
also converted to HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language).
Furthermore, the generated edited image data is
converted to PDF (Portable Document Format). The
generated edited image data, in this way, is converted
to three different image formats and they are
registered. Further, a reduced image of the edited
image is generated (step 415). The window W7 showing
completion of registration is displayed on the display
unit 14 of the image editing apparatus 1.
The processing results of the processing for
generating of the edited image data, processing for
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converting to various image formats and processing for
generating the reduced image are transmitted to the
image editing apparatus 1 from the main server 30. The
user of the image editing apparatus 1 which has received
the processing results may performs again the processing
for editing image so as to complete the incomplete
processing, if necessary, upon checking the processing
results.
As described above the processing for registration
of the edited image is completed. Next, the processing
for obtaining will be explained (step 382).
With reference to mainly Fig. 88 and Figs. 91
through 93, when the obtaining area of the selection
window W1 is clicked by the user, an window W12 for
selecting an image format from among image formats which
are allowed to be obtained is displayed on the display
screen of the display unit 14 (Fig. 91, step 421). The
image format selection window W12 includes areas for
designating obtaining image formats. Included in the
window W12 are an area for obtaining image using a
browser dedicated to the display of the edited image, an
area for obtaining image using HTML format, an area for
obtaining image using PDF format and an area for
obtaining image using PostScript format. The obtaining
image format is selected by clicking the area desired by
the user from among the displayed above areas (Fig. 91,
step 422 ) .
Next, an obtaining category selection window W13 is
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displayed on the display screen of the display unit 14
(Fig. 91, step 423). The edited images which can be
obtained are classified under categories, the desired
category is selected by the user (Fig. 92, step 424).
The obtaining category selection window W13 shows areas
which indicate categories allowed to be obtained. An
area representing a desired category is clicked by the
user.
When the desired category is selected by the user,
processing thereafter will proceed to in accordance with
the selected image format. If the obtaining image is
that the format of which is the page description
language (i.e., PostScript and PDF) (Fig. 92, "YES" at
step 423), a list of file names of edited images which
are registered in the category selected by the user is
generated in the main server 30 (Fig. 93, step 441).
The data representing the file names appearing in the
generated list is transmitted to the image editing
apparatus 1 from the main server 30. The file names of
the selected category are displayed on a file name list
window W16 of the display unit 14 of the image editing
apparatus 14 (Fig. 92, step 432).
The edited image to be obtained is selected by
clicking a desired file name shown in the file name list
window W16 (Fig. 92, step 433). The data representing
the selected file name, as well as a transmitting
request, are transmitted to the main server 30 from the
image editing apparatus 1. When the data representing
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the file name and the transmitting request are received
by i:he main server 30, the edited image data (the edited
image data for printing) having the file name is
searched. The found edited image data is transmitted to
the image editing apparatus 1 from the main server 30
(Fig. 93, step 444).
The edited image data transmitted from the main
server 30 is recorded on the harddisk of the image
editing apparatus 1 by the HD drive 24 (Fig. 92, step
434). An image viewer software corresponding to the
selected obtaining image format is started, and the
edited image represented by the edited image data
recorded on the harddisk is displayed on the display
screen of the display unit 14 (Fig. 92, step 434, window
W17). For example, if page description language is
PostScript, a PostScript viewer is started, if the image
format is HTML, an web brawer is started. Further, the
edited image represented by the edited image data
recarded on the harddisk is printed by the printer 20
connected to the image editing apparatus 1, if required.
Next, it is assumed that an obtaining image format
selected by the user of the image editing apparatus 1 is
the image format other than the page description
language (i.e., HTML, or one which has not been
converted to any of the above formats) (Fig 92, "NO" at
step 425). In a case where the selected image format is
that other than page description language, the list of
the file names of the reduced images of the edited
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images registered in the selected category is generated
by the main server 30 (Fig. 93, step 443). The multi-
screen of the reduced images is generated from the image
data representing the reduced images, the image data
representing the mufti-screen is transmitted to the
image editing apparatus 1 from the main server 30.
When the image data representing the mufti-screen
is transmitted to the image editing apparatus 1, a
mufti-screen window W14 is displayed on the display unit
14 of the image editing apparatus 1 (Fig. 92, step 424).
When a desired reduced image displayed on the
window W14 is clicked by the user of the image editing
apparatus 1, the data representing the file name of the
selected edited image is transmitted to the main server
30 from the image editing apparatus 1 (Fig. 92, step
428).
When the data representing the file name of the
selected edited image is received by the main server 30,
the edited image data designated by the received data is
searched in the main server 30. If the edited image
data representing edited image selected by the user of
the image editing apparatus 1 is found, the edited image
data is transmitted to the image editing apparatus 1
from the main server 30 (Fig. 93, step 442).
The image editing apparatus 1 receives the edited
image data transmitted from the main server 30. It is
judged whether the format of the received image data is
HTMK or the other (which means that the image data is
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edited by the image editing software in the main server
30 but is not converted to any of above the three
formats (Fig. 92, step 429). If the image format is
based on the image format of the image editing software,
the edited image is displayed from the edited image data
received based on the editing image software dedicated
to the image editing apparatus (Fig. 92, step 430).
Further, the edited image is printed, if necessary. If
the format of the edited image data is the HTML format,
the edited image is displayed by the HTML format(Fig.
92, step 431). As a result, the edited image is
displayed on the screen of the display unit 14 (window
W15).
The edited image is registered not only in one
image format, but also in a plurality of types of image
formats (inclusive of one which is not converted to any
of the above three special formats). The possibility in
which the user can obtain the edited image becomes high.
Furthermore, the image editing apparatus 1
described above is normally placed in the user's house.
However, it may be disposed on streets, in front of
stores, in stores and the like.
As many apparently widely different embodiments of
the present invention can be made without departing from
the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited to the specific
embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended
claims.
