Patent Application
20060204140
The present invention relates to a program having a copying function and an information recording medium having the same program, and in particular, to a program functioning to copy image data and application software, as well as to an information recording medium in which the same program has been recorded.
In order to view photographic prints which a user captured by a camera, a user generally orders print service of an exposed film to an order receiving shop, such as a mini-laboratory or a photo-service shop of a large photo-finishing laboratory, after which the user arranges the prints in a photographic album, and views them. Recently, with the popularization of digital devices, the user downloads picture images captured by a digital camera into a computer terminal, such as a personal computer, to view the picture images, or the user orders the shop to transfer film images taken by an analog camera to digital image data, and thereby the user can view the picture image on a computer terminal.
Further, recently provided has been a handy terminal device, such as a cell-phone, incorporating a photo-capturing function. Such a method is a way that the picture image data, captured by the photo-capturing function, is displayed on the display means of the handy terminal device, or the image data is sent from the handy terminal device to the computer terminal so that the user can view the image data on the computer terminal.
According to the above-mentioned method, the captured images can be stored and controlled as digital data in a hard disk of the computer terminals, or information recording media, such as a CD-R, or a DVD-R, by which it is possible to save the trouble to fix pictures in a traditional album, and additionally, there is no need to store bulky three dimensional albums, which is a merit. In the case of photographic prints, the user can easily find targeted prints, simply be referring to the title of the album, however, when the user controls the photographic image only as digital data, the user must usually find the image data by a difficult alphanumeric file name, which is not convenient to retrieve the targeted images, which is a prosaic problem.
For example, as disclosed in Patent Document JP-A 5-108732, in a system of silver salt photography, for arranging the pictures in the album, the user produces the various albums in accordance with concepts of the pictures or in a time-series of events, and when the user wishes to view the pictures, the user selects the album, and finds related pictures or views the arranged layout of various pictures so that the targeted pictures can be easily located. However, in the case of the digital images, the user must retrieve the digital images by him/herself, using a key word which is textual data added onto the file name and the image data, alternatively the user must retrieve the images using application software.
In order to reduce the above inconvenient matters, the above Patent Document discloses as below.
Original picture data is recorded in a recording and reproducing device from an original picture input means through an original picture recording/reproduction control means, and this original picture data is edited by a picture editing means as simplifying it, and it is displayed on a picture display means by an inspected picture recording/reproduction control means, and simultaneously, the procedure of editing is recorded previously by an editing information recording/reproduction control means, and as for the picture designated by an output picture designating means, the high-definition output picture data generated by an output picture data generating means by using the original picture data in accordance with editing information is generated, and the picture is outputted (printed) by a picture output means like a printer, etc.
When the user edits the original picture images and retrieves them, using the method disclosed in the above Patent Document, the user can easily view the targeted pictures in the form of an album, similar to conventional silver salt pictures, via the simplified image data. Thereby, when the user prints a page of the digital album or a picture image, the user can obtain a clear image, using a highly accurate original image data.
[Patent Document 1] JP-A 5-108732 (pages 3-6, and FIG. 1)
The user can retrieve the targeted pictures from the recorded image data using the above method. However, in order to use the photographic image as image data, the user is requested to prepare by him/herself various kinds of application software for not only displaying the image data but also executing the process for treating the image data. In this case, the application software includes a program for displaying the image data in the form of an album, a program for displaying a slide show, a program for processing the image data, and a program for producing a post card or a designed print from the image data.
Further, in order to perform the process of the above application software, the user is requested to select, on each occasion, the targeted image data from the hard disk or the memory means, such as an information recording medium, in which the image data are stored, still further, the user is requested to set processing conditions for the various kinds of the application software, which can be quite cumbersome and time consuming. Specifically, owing to the popularization of digital devices, such as digital cameras, and cell-phones incorporating a camera function, and further, under the condition that the population taking digital photos increases, if the user is always requested to perform the above tasks whenever desiring the images, it is impossible to casually retrieve the digital image data.
Yet further, it is a common case in which the user captures images and enjoys them personally, or shares the images with friends as a gift. In order to effectively enjoy the digital images, it is necessary that only the necessary image data and the application software are recorded into the information recording medium, such as a CD-R (compact disk-readable). Though the information recording media, such as CD-R or DVD-R (digital versatile disk minus readable), are relatively inexpensive, a writing software must ordinarily be used, and thereby it is impossible to easily copy the necessary image data and the application software into the CD-R or DVD-R, though it is relatively easy for a FD (floppy disk) or an MO (magneto-optical disk). It is less feasible for a user, who is not skillful in the operation of a computer terminal, to employ a computer terminal with CD-R or DVD-R. Yet further, since the above information recording media are used to display the image data on the computer terminal, they cannot be used on an image reproducing devices, such as a DVD player or a DVD recorder, having higher operationality.
The present invention has been achieved with a view toward the above-described problems. The major objects of this invention is to provide a program including a copy function which records image data as well as the necessary application software to display the image data, into another memory means, and further to provide an information recording medium into which the above described program is recorded. The object will be attained by the structures described below.
Structure 1
A program, including an image displaying program for using a computer to function as an image displaying means to display images on a display means based on image data by a predetermined expressing method, and a copying program for using the computer to function as a receiving means to receive a specified image data copying signal which specifies image data as an object to be copied, whereby the specified image is displayed from among the image data by the image displaying program on the display means via the predetermined expressing method, and for using the computer to function as a copying means to copy the specified image data and the image displaying program into a predetermined area, after receiving the specified image data copying signal.
Structure 2
In the program described in Structure 1, the image data to be copied includes image data which is the original base of the image to be displayed on the display means via the predetermined method, or image data which have been processed or produced based on the original image data.
Structure 3
In the program described in Structure 2, the image data processed or produced based on the original image data, includes motion image data which is one in which predetermined difference data is added to the original image data, or image data used as a design print combined by the original image data.
Structure 4
The program, described in Structures 1-3, uses the computer to function as a coping means which copies into the predetermined area, at least any one of, setting information to display the image on the display means via the predetermined method, music/sound information which is reproduced when the image is displayed, or ordering information for ordering prints based on the image data.
Structure 5
An information recording medium, including an image displaying program for using a computer to function as an image displaying means to display images on a display means based on image data by a predetermined expressing method, and a copying program for using the computer to function as a receiving means to receive a specified image data copying signal which specifies image data as an object to be copied, whereby a specified image is displayed from the image data by the image displaying program on the display means via the predetermined expressing method, and for using the computer as a copying means to copy specified image data and the image displaying program into a predetermined area, after receiving the specified image data copying signal.
Structure 6
An information recording medium, including, image data, an image displaying program for using a computer to function as an image displaying means to display images on a display means based on image data by a predetermined expressing method, and a copying program for using the computer to function as a receiving means to receive a specified image data copying signal which specifies image data as an object to be copied, whereby a specified image is displayed from the image data by the image displaying program on the display means via the predetermined expressing method, and for using the computer as a copying means to copy specified image data and the image displaying program into a predetermined area, after receiving the specified image data copying signal.
Structure 7
An information recording medium, including image data, and a copying program for using the computer to function as a receiving means to receive a specified image data copying signal which specifies image data as an object to be copied, and for using the computer as a copying means to copy specified image data and the image displaying program into a predetermined area, after receiving the specified image data copying signal.
Structure 8
The information recording medium, described in Structures 5-7, wherein the image data to be copied, includes, image data which is the original base of the image to be displayed on the display means via the predetermined method, or image data which have been processed or produced based on the original image data.
Structure 9
The information recording medium, described in Structure 8, wherein the image data which have been processed or produced based on the image data, includes, motion image data which is one in which a predetermined difference data is added to the original image data, or image data used as a design print combined by the original image data.
Structure 10
The information recording medium, described in Structures 5-9, uses the computer to function as a coping means which copies into the predetermined area, at least any one of, setting information to display the image on the display means via the predetermined method, music/sound information which is reproduced when the image is displayed, or ordering information for ordering prints based on the image data.
Structure 11
An information recording medium, which is readable by a computer, including, image data, a first program for the computer to function as a receiving means of print order data signals for a print order based on image data, and for making the computer to function as a means for producing a print order data file based on the print order data signals, and a copying program (which is a second program) for the computer to function as a receiving means of specified image data copying signals to specify the image data as a target to be copied, and for the computer to function as a copying means to copy, the image data which is specified by the specified image data copying signals, the print order data file, and the first program, into a predetermined area, after the computer receives the specified image data copying signals.
According to the structures of the present invention, the user can easily obtain the information recording medium on which the copying program is stored, whereby both the targeted image data and the image displaying program for displaying the image data, as occasion demands, via the predetermined method, are paired and copied onto the predetermined area. Therefore, the user can display the image data using the computer terminal or the image reproducing device, such as a DVD player or a DVD recorder, and can also perform various processes using the image data. Further the user can copy the displayed image data and the image displaying program as desired into another memory means by a simple operation.
In a preferred embodiment, the program related to the present invention, includes an image displaying program which uses a computer to function as an image displaying means to display images on a display means based on image data by a predetermined expressing method, and a copying program which uses the computer to function as a receiving means to receive a specified image data copying signal which specifies image data as an object to be copied, whereby a specified image is displayed from the image data by the image displaying program on the display means via the predetermined expressing method, and as a copying means to copy a specified image data and the image displaying program into a second information recording medium, after receiving the specified image data copying signal. By using a first information recording medium in which the image displaying program is recorded, the user can display the image data recorded in the first information recording medium or the image data from other recording means, on a computer terminal or an image reproducing devices, such as DVD players or DVD players, and can execute various processes. Further, by easily clicking the buttons previously provided on the screens of the various image displaying programs, the user can automatically copy the targeted image data, the image displaying program, or setting information. Accordingly even the user who is unaccustomed to the computer terminal, can use the image data effectively.
In order to provide further details of the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments will be detailed referring to the drawings. Additionally, the image data, described in the embodiments, is a generic name of the data including image information, and the image data includes still image data as well as motion image data.
Firstly, the program and the information recording medium in which the said program is recorded, related to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be explained, referring to
As shown in
Further, information recording medium offering shop 3 is provided with information recording medium producing terminal 3a for reading out the image data from digital camera 5, cell-phone 6 incorporating a camera, and information recording medium 7. Still further, photo-service shop 4 is provided with developing means 4a for developing undeveloped film, reading means 4b for reading out the image data from developed negative film or photographic prints 9, writing means 4c for writing the read-out image data onto first information recording medium 10, and memory means 4d for storing the image displaying program and the copying program. Still further, user 2 is provided with computer terminal 2a for recording the targeted image data and the image displaying program onto second information recording medium 11, using the copying program stored on first information recording medium 10. User 2 may offer second information recording medium 11 to other users 12 as desired.
Information recording medium producing terminal 3a and computer terminal 2a can be structured as desired. For example, as shown in
In information recording medium offering system 1 described above, the procedure, for offering user 2 first information recording medium 10 in which the image displaying program and the copying program have been stored, is detailed in the flowchart of
Firstly, in step S101 in
Though only the image displaying program and the copying program can be stored into first information recording medium 10, the image data can also be stored, which is used by the image displaying program. In step S102, user 2 determines whether the image data is to be stored in first information recording medium 10, when the image data is to be stored, in step S 103, the user inserts first information recording medium 10, which user 2 bought, into information recording medium producing terminal 3a in information recording medium offering shop 3, and further, user 2 connects digital camera by which the image was captured, and cell-phone 5 incorporating the camera to information recording medium producing terminal 3a. Yet further, user 2 inserts information recording medium 7 in which the image data was stored. In step S104, user 2 operates information recording medium producing terminal 3a which writes the targeted image data onto first information recording medium 10 (see
In the above explanation, user 2 firstly bought first information recording medium 10, and then operated information recording medium producing terminal 3a to write the image data onto first information recording medium 10. However, in
Further, in
User 2 receives first information recording medium 10 in which the image displaying program and the copying program were stored, or receives first information recording medium 10 in which the image displaying program, the copying program, and the image data offered by user 2 were stored. In step S105, user 2 inserts first information recording medium 10 into computer terminal 2a, if the image displaying program is not installed in computer terminal 2a, user 2 installs the image displaying program and activates the image displaying program. Additionally, as another way, a structure is also possible in such way that user 2 directly activates the image displaying program, without installing the programs stored in first information recording medium 10, into the computer terminal 2a. Next, in step S106, user 2 reads out the image data stored in first information recording medium 10, or the image data stored the exterior memory means, and displays them on a convenient display means such as a monitor. In this case, the image data means the image data stored in the hard disk of computer terminal 2a, or the image data stored in digital camera 5 or cell-phone 6 incorporating a camera, or the image data stored in another information recording medium, based on film 8 or photographic print 9, at photo-service shop 4.
In step S107, the targeted image displaying program is selected. In step S108, user 2 performs various processes in which the targeted image data is selected from among the displayed image data via the image displaying program selected in step S107, a slide show is produced of the selected image data, or the motion image data is produced by the image data (which is still image data), and further, a digital album, a design print, or re-ordering data are produced.
In step S109, user 2 pushes a button or a key which is previously provided on a picture screen, displayed by the image displaying program, and activates the copying program so that user 2 stores the image data and the image displaying program to display the targeted image data onto a predetermined area (for example, second information recording medium 11). Additionally, the image data to be stored into the second information recording medium is not limited to original image data. That is, the data which is processed and produced based on the original image data can also be included (for example, motion image data or album image data, produced based on still image data, and image data of composite design prints). Further, both the original image data and the processed and produced image data can also be included. Yet further, various relevant data can also be included, such as setting data for displaying the image data by the image displaying program, music/sound data which is reproduced when the image data is displayed, or print ordering data.
Next, user 2 inserts second information recording medium 11 produced by the above-described procedure into computer terminal 2a, and displays the targeted image data using the targeted processing program, or offers second information recording medium 11 to other user 12 who is a friend or an acquaintance, shown in step S110.
In this way, at information recording medium offering shop 3 or photo-service shop 4, user 2 obtains first information recording medium 10 in which an image displaying program, a copying program, and image data as desired were stored. Therefore, without special installation of the image displaying program, user 2 can easily display the image data, and easily store a set of the targeted image data, the image displaying program, and the relevant data as desired, by using the copying program. Namely, user 2 can easily produce second information recording medium 11 which is customized for the special use, such as a gift to other user 12. Furthermore, by additionally storing the copying program into second information recording medium 11, other user 12 can produce another customized information recording medium (which is not illustrated).
Next, in the case that computer terminal 2a is employed, the procedure of the process, in which first information recording medium 10 is used, will be detailed, referring to the ladder chart in
[Slide Show Program for Personal Computer]
Firstly, user 2 inserts first information recording medium 10 into a read/write section of computer terminal 2a [(a) in
CPU orders the CD-R drive to read the image data [(c) in
Displayed on album display screen 14 featuring the working menu, for example, are tag display section 15 showing a “source” of the image data, album display section 16 listing the image data using reduced images (thumbnail images), and working menu section 17 for selecting a usable image displaying program. “Source” means that the “CD” showing first information recording medium 10, the “favorites file” showing a storing section of the image data which user 2 stores as favorite images, and the “from file” showing the hard disk of computer terminal 2a, the information recording medium produced from a negative film or print by photo-service shop 4, or a medium used in the digital camera 5, and “from digital camera” showing digital camera 5 or cell-phone 5 incorporating a camera.
In
For example, by using the input device, such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel, when user 2 selects the targeted program among the image displaying programs displayed on working menu section 17 in
On slide show production menu display screen 18, slide show setting section 19 and selected image data display section 20 are displayed. Slide show setting section 19 includes an area for displaying the image data as the list, as well as an area for setting the image interval during the slide show, transition effects, and BGM (back ground music) during the slide show. Selected image data display section 20 displays the image data to be reproduced for the slide show.
Using the input device, user 2 selects the image data to display the slides, sets the slide show, sets the BGM, and pushes the start switch of the slide show provided on selected image data display section 20, by which slide show production information is sent to the CPU [(i) in
During the above-described operation, user 2 can monitor the slide show, but if user 2 quits the image displaying program (the slide show program in this case), and wants to display the slide show under the same conditions, user 2 must re-select the image data, re-set the slide show and re-set the BGM, which is very inconvenient. Further, when the slide show is not only enjoyed by user 2, but also presented to the acquaintance, it is preferable that only the necessary image data is shown and the slide show is conducted without any complicated operations. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to record both the image data and the image displaying program (slide show program in this case), selected by user 2, into another information recording medium, via a simple operation.
To be more precise, after user 2 checks the slide show, user 2 pushes copy button 21 [which is the “store into CD-R” button in
The copy data includes the image data selected by user 2 as well as the image displaying program for displaying the image data, and further, the copy data can include thumbnail image data, which is used when plural image data are shown in the list on the screen. Yet further, the copy data can include related data, such as the setting data, which means the slide display order, image intervals, and transition effects, and music/sound data, which is reproduced simultaneously with the image data.
When the production of copy data is completed, writing means 13c starts the copy operation into a predetermined area (a blank CD inserted CD-R drive, in this case), [(m) in
The above explanation concerns the case in which the slide show is selected as the working menu, however, second information recording medium 11 can also be produced in the case in which another operation is selected, the outline of which is described below.
[Slide Show for DVD]
In the case of the PC slide show, the image data is sequentially displayed in the form of slides by the predetermined transition effects, which was described above. In recent years, there was a great increase in the number of user 2 or other user 12, both having available DVD players which can reproduce the image data via the DVD-R or CD-R. The DVD player does not require a long start-up time, which is different from a personal computer, and is easily operated, and a large number of people can view the image data on a DVD player. Accordingly, it is convenient for the user to reproduce a slide show using a DVD player.
In the present embodiment, a button for the “DVD slide show” is provided in working menu section 17 in
After the motion image data is produced, user 2 pushes copy button 21 [which is the “store into CD-R” button in
[Album Production]
When the amount of image data becomes excessive, it becomes difficult to select the targeted image data. In that case, a digital album is very convenient, in which a great number of images data can be selected and arranged, and which is very easy to search for a specific image by the user.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, an “album production” button is provided in working menu section 17 in
[Design Production]
In recent years, there has been a huge increase of the number of users who display their image data onto their computer screen, as well as produce custom designed prints, such as post cards, based on the image data, and therefore, it is very convenient if the design prints are produced via first information recording medium 10 of the present embodiment. Further if it is possible that the processed image data, and the order data, including the size of the custom designed prints, the design type of post cards or the name cards, and the number of the producing prints, are set and stored in the information recording medium, the user can easily place an order of the design prints, by introducing said information recording medium to information recording medium offering shop 3, or sending the data to photo-service shop 4 via a network.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a “design production” button is provided in working menu section 17 in
[Print Re-ordering]
In order to re-order the prints, user 2 generally introduces the image data to be re-ordered to the print service shop, and the shop describes an ordering sheet. If it is possible to make a set of the image data to be re-ordered and the ordering sheet, and to store the set onto the information recording medium, the user can place a re-order, using said information recording medium, which becomes very convenient.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, “print re-ordering” button is provided in working menu section 17 of
Additionally, concerning the image data and relevant information stored in first information recording medium 10 as well as second information recording medium 12, it is preferable to display them in a single file when they are viewed from the outside, and further, they are preferably in a compressed form. Yet further, it is preferable that they are formed in such way that they can be accessed only via an exclusive software. Thereby, data retrieving is simplified, or partial missing of the data is prevented, and which is very beneficial for the user 2 or user 12. Still further, it is possible to obtain a large number of users who exclusively use the present embodiment.
[Back-up of the Processed Image]
The image data, which is obtained by digital cameras 5 or cell-phone 6 incorporating a photo-capturing function, is not always suitable for displaying on computer terminal 2a or for outputting the prints. That is, a color management process may be conducted on the image to adjust the desired color, including brightness and gradation. In this case, it is very cumbersome if the image data is selected and processed image by image, but it is very convenient if the selected image data can be processed as a group, and then backed up.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a “processed image back-up” button is provided on working menu section 17 of
[Just Back-up]
When photographic images are stored and controlled as image data, if there is a problem in the memory means for storing the image data, such as a hard disk, the image data stored in the memory means cannot be read out, for which reason, back-up data is ordinarily produced. In this case, though the back-up data may be produced via the function of an OS (which is operating software), the production of back-up data is very problematic for users who are unaccustomed to the operation of a personal computer.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a “just back-up” button is provided in working menu section 17 of
As described above, user 2 is able to display the image data, via first information recording medium 10, which is offered by the present system. If only user 2 clicks copy button 21 which is previously provided on the screen of each image display program, user 2 can record onto second information recording medium 11, the image data (original image data, motion image data, and the processed image data) which user 2 selected, the image display program for displaying the image data, and other relevant data (the setting data, the ordering data, and the music/sound data), as desired. Accordingly, when user 2 displays the image data, user 2 need not select the image data or perform setting of the display, which were necessary for the conventional art. If only user 2 activates newly produced second information recording medium 11, user 2 is able to display the targeted image data via the targeted method.
Described above is the structure, wherein the image display program as well as the copying program is stored in first information recording medium 10, which is to be offered to user 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the above structure. That is, also used may be a structure wherein computer terminal 2a of user 2, and photo-service server 200 for offering the program are connected to each other via communication network 100, and thereby, the program is also available to user 2 via a network as electrical data.
Next, the program and the information recording medium production terminal, related to the second embodiment of the present invention, will be detailed, while referring to
Though these procedures were explained in the above-described first embodiment, wherein first information recording medium 10, in which the image displaying program and the copying program were stored, was offered to user 2, and second information recording medium 11 was produced from first information recording medium 10 via computer terminal 2a of user 2, it is also possible to activate the copying program of the present invention via information recording medium production terminal 3a of information recording medium offering shop 3.
Referring to the ladder chart in
After the insertion of CD-R into CD-R drive [(d) in
After the image data is copied onto the CD, CD-R sends a copy end signal to the CPU [(i) in
Additionally, writing of the image data and writing of the program are performed separately, because there is the possibility that user 2 employs an information recording medium in which the image displaying program has already been stored. However, it is also possible to make a structure in which when a blank CD is employed, copying signal receiving means 13a receives the specified image data copying signal, next, copy data production means 13b produces the copy data including the image data and the image displaying program, after which writing means 13c writes the image data and the image displaying program, as one operation. Further, it is also possible to have a structure in which after information recording medium 7 is inserted into the input section, or a digital device is connected to the input section, a list of image data is displayed on the display device, and the image data to be copied is selected via the input device.
By executing the copying program on information recording medium production terminal 3a, user 2 only needs to insert digital camera 5 or cell-phone 6 incorporating a picture-capturing function, or inserts only information recording medium 7, into information recording medium production terminal 3a, the image data, recorded in the digital device or information recording medium 7,is automatically read out, and recorded together with the image displaying program for displaying the image data, so that second information recording medium 11 is produced. Accordingly, user 2 can easily view the image data, while using computer terminal 2a.
As described above, according to the program and the information recording medium of the present invention, in which said program is recorded, the image data can be easily displayed, and the targeted image data can also be easily displayed via the desired display method, without separately selecting the image data, or setting the process or the display.
Because, the copying program, which copies the targeted image data and the image displaying program for displaying the image data, and the image data or the image displaying program, as desired, are set together and stored in first information recording medium 10, and therefore, the image data can be viewed via the image reproducing device, such as a computer terminal, a DVD player, or a DVD recorder. Further, because the copying program stored in first information recording medium 10, receives the specified image data copy signal which was sent upon pressing of the button provided on the screen displayed by the image displaying program, which produced the copy data including the image data, the image displaying program, the data relating to the image data, after which it recorded the copy data into second information recording medium 11. Accordingly, when the user inserts second information recording medium 11 into the computer terminal, and activates the computer terminal, the image data is easily displayed.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-336599 | Nov 2002 | JP | national |
| 2003-376997 | Nov 2003 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP03/14451 | 11/13/2003 | WO | 10/24/2005 |
