JP2002133278A - Apparatus and method for purchasing consumable item for mobile electronic equipment, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus, method, system, medium, and program, which support users who are trying to purchase consumable items that are used in a mobile electronic equipment, such as a digital camera with printer, so that they can efficiently obtain them with good timing and easily know shops that sell the items even if they are not familiar with their locations. SOLUTION: This equipment is a mobile equipment with a removable media pack equipped with consumable items, is provided: with a tecting means for detecting that the contents of a consumable item decrease to no more than a predetermined value, a communication control means for notifying an external server of current location information of the mobile equipment corresponding to the results detected by the detecting means, and a receiving means for receiving shop information on the media pack, which is searched and transmitted from the external server based on the current location information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a consumables purchasing apparatus,
The present invention relates to a method for purchasing a consumable item, a consumable item purchasing system, a consumable item purchasing medium, and a consumable item purchasing program, and particularly relates to a consumable item used in a portable device used outdoors such as a digital camera with a printer. Consumables purchasing device, a consumables purchasing method, a consumables purchasing system, a consumables purchasing medium, and a consumables purchasing program, when used until a predetermined amount has been used. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras have come to be used for taking images as substitutes for silver halide photographic cameras. This digital camera does not form an image by exposing an image as light to a film like a silver halide camera, but stores the image in a memory as digital data.

[0003] Therefore, when the user wants to output a photographed image on a recording paper or the like, the user must obtain a print output using a printer connected to a PC or the like prepared separately from the digital camera.

[0004]

As a method of using a camera, it is common to carry the camera when going out on a trip or the like and take a picture at a place where the user is going. However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is difficult for a user to print out a desired image on recording paper or the like at the time of shooting. Therefore, there is a demand for a digital camera with a printer, such as a Polaroid (registered trademark) camera, which can obtain an output result on the spot where the image is taken, that is, can easily print out on the spot.

[0005] Here, when it is assumed that a digital camera with a printer capable of obtaining a print output immediately upon photographing is used, print paper used for the print output runs out, and a print output result is obtained. There is a problem that there is not. For example, it is common to take a commemorative photo with someone you know on your travels. Can not.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described problems, the first object of the present invention is to allow a user to purchase consumables used in a portable electronic device such as a digital camera with a printer in a timely and efficient manner. It is to provide support. Further, a second object is to provide a mechanism that supports a user forgetting to purchase consumables and that allows a user to easily know a store even in a place that is not familiar with geographical conditions.

[0007]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for solving the above-mentioned problems.

A consumables purchasing apparatus according to the present invention is a portable device in which a media pack loaded with consumables is detachable, and which detects that the amount of the consumables has become a predetermined amount or less. Means, communication control means for notifying an external server of current position information of the apparatus which changes in accordance with a detection result by the detection means, and the medium searched and transmitted from the external server based on the current position information Receiving means for receiving the store information of the pack.

In the above-mentioned structure, the apparatus further comprises display control means, wherein the display control means responds to a timing at which it is detected that the amount of the consumable becomes less than a predetermined amount.
An instruction screen for instructing the user whether to notify the external server is displayed.

[0010] In the above-mentioned configuration, a print control unit for printing the store information is further provided.

Further, in the above configuration, the display control means displays the store information detected by the external server.

Further, in the above configuration, the store further includes the business hours information and / or business information, and the display control means controls the specified business hours and / or business hours based on a day. Outside stores and / or stores outside business days and during business hours, and / or
Alternatively, a store within a business day is displayed so as to be identifiable.

Further, in the above configuration, the display control means causes a display based on the store information outside the business hours and the store information during the business hours, which are generated and transmitted by the external server. .

[0014] In the above configuration, the display control means may be configured such that the remaining business hours are equal to or less than a predetermined time based on the remaining business hours until the store is closed during the business hours transmitted from the external server. In the case of, the display is characterized by blinking display or display in a display color different from normal.

Further, in the above configuration, the communication control means is connected to a portable terminal, and performs communication when the connection is established and communication becomes possible.

Further, in the above configuration, the image selecting means for selecting the image information stored in the apparatus and the printing control means print both the store information and the selected image information. .

Further, in the above configuration, the communication control means acquires model information of the device in which the media pack is used, and notifies the external server of the information.

In the above arrangement, the store information includes discount information of consumables, the communication control means notifies user-specific identification information, and the discount information is transmitted to the external server by the identification information. It is determined based on information.

In the above arrangement, the discount information is provided with an expiration date.

Further, in the above configuration, the discount information is changed in accordance with a collection number or a collection rate based on the identification information.

Further, in the above configuration, the print control means prints map information including the position of the shop information and the current position of the user.

In the above configuration, the electronic device is a digital camera with a printer.

Further, in the above configuration, there is provided input means for inputting position information of a store at a position desired by the user, and the external server searches for store information based on the position information input by the input means. It is characterized by doing.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a digital camera with a printer comprising a user side using a digital camera with a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, an external server and a store. It is an example of the flow which shows the outline of the consumables purchase system of a camera.

The processing performed on the user side is processing in a digital camera with a printer used by the user.
Further, the external server performs processing for various request signals from the user side and the store side.

First, in step S101, the amount of wear used in the digital camera with a printer is detected on the digital camera with a printer. The detection method aims to detect that the remaining amount reaches a predetermined amount, and may perform the detection process at intervals, or generate an erase signal from the media pack when the remaining amount reaches the predetermined amount. You may do so.

If it is detected in step S101 that the remaining amount of the consumables has reached the predetermined amount, in step S102, information to that effect and information prompting a search for store information are displayed.
Thus, it is possible to warn the user that the currently used consumables have reached the predetermined amount, and it is possible to call the user whether or not spare consumables are necessary. Of course, when spare consumables have already been purchased, the digital camera with a printer can be used for normal photographing without searching for dealer information.

In step S103, a search request for store information is made to the external server. Although details will be described later, when an inquiry is made, information indicating the current position of the user, information such as a user ID, and the like are also sent to the external server.

In step S104, a search process for an inquiry from the user side to the external server is performed.
In step S105, the retrieved store information is transmitted to the user side. The store information includes discount information for the user in addition to the location information of the store.

In step S106, the user sends a request for print data for the searched result to the external server. In step S107, the print data is transmitted from the external server to the user. . The print data may be transmitted in step S105.

In step 108, the data in step S107 is printed out by a digital camera with a printer. When discount information or the like is printed on the printed output, the user can receive a discount on the product price or the like (step S110) by presenting the printed output to the store in step S109.

In step S111, the sales side requests a store information registration to an external server. As a result, it is possible for the store to suppress enormous advertising costs as compared with the case where the mass media such as newspapers and televisions are conventionally used. Further, in step S112, data that changes in chronological order such as inventory status is transmitted to the external server. Thus, the user can always acquire and browse the latest data. Details will be described later.

As another form, for example, as an arrow extending from the user side to the store side as in step S109, after step S107, the portable communication terminal (digital camera with printer) on the user side is connected to the store side. It is possible to make a reservation for a product. In this way, the user can reliably secure a product with respect to the real-time information sent from the store, for example, when the stock status is unlikely to remain.

Although not directly shown in the flow,
On the store side, POS and P installed at the store
Through C or the like, it is possible to confirm the frequency at which the advertisement of the store is browsed, and browse and confirm data accumulated in an external server such as the time / day of the week / region / area where the advertisement is browsed. . The data stored in the external server as described above can also be used for sales promotion at a store. further,
Based on such an analysis, the advertisement of the store can be updated (step S111).

FIG. 2 is an example of an external view of a digital camera with a printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 201
Reference numeral denotes a camera unit having a photographing unit, and reference numeral 202 denotes a printer unit that prints an image or the like photographed by the photographing unit. 20
Reference numeral 3 denotes a media pack, which is loaded with recording paper to be printed by a printer unit, ink used for printing, and the like, and is configured to be detachable from a digital camera with a printer. Reference numeral 204 denotes a portable communication terminal, which is used for communication with the outside, and is connected to a digital camera with a printer via a connector 205.

As shown, the printer section 202 may be detachable from the camera section, may be integrated with the camera section, or may be attached to the camera section to be easily carried.

In addition, a PHS (Personal Hndy-phoneSys) is provided in the digital camera with a printer itself.
The present invention can also achieve the object of the present invention with a device having a communication function such as temUnit) and Bluetooth. PH
The detailed description of the configuration of the communication device such as S is omitted here because it is a known technique.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a media pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The product is sold at a store, and a predetermined number of recording papers 301 and ink (not shown) are loaded in the inside of the product in advance. When printing is performed, the recording paper 301 is attached to the digital camera with the printer and printed. Each time is performed, the recording paper 301 is
3 to the printer unit 202. Further, the media pack has a memory 302 such as an EEPROM, and the remaining number of recording sheets in the media pack is always stored.

Further, the memory 302 stores not only the number of remaining recording papers but also the type information of the recording papers classified by use and quality (grade), the number of refills of the media pack body, and the like. It is used for switching the print processing mode of the printer unit, identifying the life of the media pack, and the like. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the inside of a digital camera with a printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which mainly comprises a camera unit 401 and a printer unit 402.
A camera unit 401 includes a lens unit (not shown) and a CCD (not shown).
It has an image conversion unit such as a device or a C-MOS sensor. Since this is a configuration of a general digital camera, a detailed description is omitted.

The camera unit 401 further includes an operation unit 403 having a shutter button, a selection key for selecting an item, and the like.
And an image memory 404 for storing captured images and the like, a display unit 405 for displaying captured images and the like, an I / F 407 for performing an interface process with a printer unit, and a control unit for controlling each component of the above-described camera unit. 406 and the like. The control unit 406 includes an arithmetic CPU (not shown) and a ROM storing program codes for executing predetermined processing described in the flowcharts described in the present specification.
A RAM for temporarily storing data is provided.
The camera unit 402 includes a counting unit 409 and a counting unit 4 having a function of counting the number of remaining recording sheets loaded in the media pack 408 and a function of writing the remaining number of sheets into a memory in the media pack every time printing is performed.
The detecting unit 410 detects that the remaining number of recording papers counted by the number 09 has reached the predetermined number. When the detecting unit 410 detects that the remaining number of recording papers has reached the predetermined number, it sells to an external server. The communication unit 411 inquires about store information, and the I / F 412 performs interface processing of information between the printer unit and the camera unit. The components of the printer unit may be controlled by the control unit 406 described above, or the control unit (C
(Including a PU).

The communication unit 411 is a means for performing communication with the outside, and has, for example, a connector for connecting a portable communication terminal (not shown) and a function for controlling transmission and reception of data with the PHS. Further, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by providing a function of performing communication with an external server without connecting a PHS or the like to the communication unit 411 itself.

The printer unit and the camera unit are removable.
Alternatively, the object of the invention of the present application can be achieved even with an integrated type. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the external server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals 501 to 503 denote digital cameras with a printer, which correspond to the apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention. An external server 508 can be connected via a network 507,
Reference numeral 7 may be a wired communication medium such as a telephone line, an ISDN line, a cable television line, or an optical fiber, or a wireless line having no physical line, and may be any communication medium that can transmit information. In this embodiment, a digital camera with a printer will be described as an example. However, any electronic device having the same function can correspond to the embodiment.
Reference numerals 504 to 506 indicate dealers, which can be connected to an external server 508 via a network 507 in the same manner as a digital camera with a printer.

When notifying the external server position information, the present position is notified to the digital camera with the printer based on the information transmitted by the radio station. Note that a satellite station or the like can also be applied to the wireless station, and position information can be acquired by a camera with a printer using a satellite GPS function or the like. 519 indicates a radio station, and 518 and 520 indicate radio waves.

The method of transmitting the position information of the digital camera with a printer to an external server via a wireless station, obtaining the position information from the wireless station with a digital camera with a printer, and transmitting the position information to the external server with the digital camera with a printer There is a way. A detailed description will be omitted.

The external server 508 includes a customer DB 509, a store DB 510, an HPDB 515, and an image DB 51.
6, a control unit 517 including an arithmetic CPU, a registration unit 511, a search unit 512, a communication control unit 513, and a communication unit 514.

The customer DB 509 stores the address, name, telephone number, E-address of the user / owner of the digital camera with a printer.
Personal information such as a mail address, purchase date, purchase model, past purchase history of the media pack, the number of used media packs returned (recovery number), and the return rate (recovery rate) are stored.

Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the store DB 510 stores information on the store registered in the external server, and stores the address, address, and E-mai of the store.
l address, homepage address, types of stock items,
Information such as stock quantity, business hours, regular holidays, temporary holidays, etc. for each type is stored.

The HPDB 515 stores information resources of a homepage provided by an external server 508 that can be browsed by a customer using a device such as a personal computer or a portable terminal. The user is provided on a PC, a portable terminal, or the like. The homepage can be browsed through the display unit, and the user can make an input or the like for applying for each service through the displayed screen.

Various image data are stored in the image DB 516, and the user can download the image data to a PC, a portable terminal, or the like by accessing the HPDB 515. Further, a map of a store and advertisement information image data of a product are stored.
Also, image data to be displayed on a display device and image data for printing are stored, and data suitable for the user's purpose can be provided.

The HPDB 515 and the image DB 5
Reference numeral 16 may be the same device as the store DB 510, or a separate device may achieve the object of the present invention.

The registration unit 511 is for registering a user or a store as a member when using the external server 508.

The search section 512 is for the user to search for the store information on the go or the like.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a communication unit 514 in which the digital camera 501 with a printer is used.
Alternatively, it is for transmitting and receiving information to and from the store 504 or the like. The control unit 517 is for calculating and executing the processing of each component in the external server. The control unit 517 executes a calculation CPU (not shown) and predetermined processing described in a flowchart described in the present specification. And a RAM for temporarily storing data.

FIG. 6 illustrates details of data stored in the store DB 510 of FIG. These pieces of information are information registered in the external server from the store side in step S111 in FIG. Reference numeral 601 denotes a store name, 602 denotes information indicating a store address, and 603 denotes a telephone number. In addition to the telephone number, information such as an E-mial address and a homepage address is stored. Reference numeral 604 denotes map information, which may be stored in the above-mentioned image DB 516. In addition to the data format to be displayed on the communication terminal on the user side, print data is also stored. 6
05 is information on business hours, and different business hours may be stored for each day of the week. Reference numeral 606 denotes holiday information, which can also store information such as temporary holidays (registered in step 112 of FIG. 1). Reference numeral 607 denotes stock information which stores stock information for each product type.
12, the real-time inventory information of 607 is provided to the user. Reference numeral 608 denotes price information in which prices such as a special price are also stored in addition to the normal price, and each price has a status, which is used, for example, when the user wants to search only the special price. .

FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart for transmitting and receiving store information between a digital camera with a printer and an external server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

A process for inquiring of a store between the digital camera with a printer shown in FIG. 4 and the external server shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.

When the media pack 408 is mounted on a digital camera with a printer, information on the number of remaining sheets of recording paper 301 is read from the memory 302 in the media pack 408 by the counting unit 409. Note that the count of the remaining number of recording sheets is determined not only when the media pack 408 is attached to the camera with a printer as described above, but also by the counting unit 409 from the memory 302 in the media pack every time printing is performed using the media pack. It is configured to read and write information on the remaining number of recording sheets.

The counting unit 409 detects whether the number of remaining recording sheets read is equal to or less than a predetermined number (step S701). If it is determined that the amount is not less than the predetermined amount, the mode shifts to a normal shooting mode (step S702).

When the detection unit 410 detects that the number of remaining recording papers is less than the predetermined number, the display unit 405 displays warning information (for example, “The number of remaining recording sheets is one. Is displayed (S704).

If there is an instruction not to search the media pack counter, the mode shifts to the normal mode (S70).
6). If there is an instruction to perform a search in response to the message in S705, the communication unit 411 determines whether communication is possible (step S707) and communicates with an external server (step S710). If communication is not possible, that is, if the digital camera with a printer does not have a single communication function, a message prompting the user to connect the portable communication terminal is displayed on the display unit 405 (step 404). S708) If connected and communication becomes possible (step S709), it is determined that communication is possible, and communication with an external server is performed (step S710).

After the line is connected, the communication unit 411 transmits the current position information, time, day, date, date,
Information such as the model and the user ID is transmitted to the external server (step S710). The above-mentioned position information is GP
Information obtained by using the S function,
The object of the present invention can be achieved even with information obtained by a portable communication terminal such as an HS.

The external server that has received the above information searches the store DB 510 for store information using the search unit 512. At this time, based on the position information, date / time, and other information transmitted from the digital camera with a printer, only stores that are close to the position information are searched. At this time, it is also possible for the user to set in advance a search range such as within a radius of 1 km from the current position information. Search unit 51
The store information retrieved in step 2 is transmitted by the communication unit 514 to the digital camera with a printer on the user side (arrows extending from the block of the external server to the block of step S711). Then, the store information received by the digital camera with a printer (step S711) is displayed on the display unit 405 (step S712).

In FIG. 8, steps S712 and S7
The details of the data exchange between the user side and the external server between the servers 13 will be described. First, whether to search the store information from the map information or the list information is selected (step S801). When the operation unit 403 instructs a search from a map, map information is displayed on the display unit 405 (step S802). At this time, although not shown, the current position is clearly indicated by a ★ symbol on the map, and the position of the store is clearly indicated by a ☆ symbol. On the other hand, when a search from the list information is instructed, the store list information is displayed on the display unit 405.
Is displayed (S803). In step S804, for example, when a list search is to be performed again instead of a map search, an input of an instruction to perform a search again is determined. When an instruction to perform a search is issued again, the process returns to step S801. The next processing based on the information selected by the user from the information displayed in step S802 or step S803 is performed in step S713 in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a list display of store information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
When a certain store is selected in order to further check the detailed information by step 3 (step S713), the communication unit 411 requests the external server for the detailed information of the selected store, and the external server performs a search. The unit 512 searches the store DB 510 for the detailed information of the requested store, and transmits it to the digital camera with printer by the communication unit 514. Based on the transmitted information, detailed information is displayed on the display unit 405 of the digital camera with a printer (S714).

In step S715, the user instructs whether or not to perform printing based on the display. If there is an instruction to perform printing, the displayed data is printed (step S716). Note that the object of the present invention can also be achieved in that data to be printed is transmitted from an external server as data for printing.

In step S717, an inquiry is displayed on the display unit 405 to ask the user whether to search again. If there is an input to instruct the user to search again, the process proceeds from step S707 to the same as described above. Is performed.

Thereafter, the search for the store information is terminated, and whether or not the detailed information of the store stored in the image memory 404 is to be deleted is selected by the operation section 403. Erase and return to normal shooting mode (step S719).

FIG. 10 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
This is a print sample of the store information, and the discount information is printed together with the detailed information of the store. This discount amount is
It may be set uniformly in advance, or may be different for each store information, stored in the store DB of the external server, transmitted to the camera with the printer together with the detailed information of the store, and printed together with the detailed information. May be. In addition, by including the expiration date and the like in the print content, there is an effect that the user is encouraged to purchase the product early. Further, based on the user ID transmitted when the user accesses the external server,
It is also possible to determine the discount amount based on the past collection history, that is, the type, the number returned in the past, the number returned for the number of purchases, and the return rate. FIG. 12 shows an example of a database for determining the discount amount.

As a printing form different from the example shown in FIG. 10, the user can use a camera with a printer to print a photograph stored in the image memory 405 together with the store information.

The user selects an image stored in the image memory 404 displayed on the display unit 405. Next, when the execution button of the detailed information of the store is input via the operation unit 403, the image 1001 photographed by the user and the detailed information 1003 of the store information are printed together as shown in FIG. come. Note that, as shown by reference numeral 1002 in FIG. 11, a cut-out line or the like stored in the image memory or the like of 404 is automatically printed, so that the user can effectively use the recording paper.

FIG. 13 is a more detailed description of FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. In the display example shown in FIG. 9, only the store name and the location of the store are shown, but more detailed information can be displayed in the present invention. This may correspond to a detailed search by the user, or may be displayed without the user performing a specific search operation. Items displayed in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 include, in addition to the store name and the store location,
Inventory information, inventory information for each product type, business hours information (business days), the time required for the store calculated by the external server based on the user's location information, map information, A shift button to a mode for displaying more detailed data as data is displayed.
Furthermore, as for the required time, the required time for walking is basically displayed. However, by specifying and inputting a means of transportation such as a car or a train from the operation unit 403 or the like, the required time for another means of transportation different from walking can be obtained. May be displayed.

FIG. 13 is a table in which stores within business hours and stores outside business hours are identifiably displayed based on the time at which the store information of the user was searched (in FIG. 13, the time is 23:15). This is an example. Alternatively, only stores within business hours may be displayed, or stores with less remaining business hours or stores with more remaining hours may be displayed in order. Further, a store or the like just before the store closes or just before the stock out may blink or may be displayed in a conspicuous color such as red different from other display items to alert the user. In this manner, by displaying the display based on the business hours information in an emphasized manner, a warning can be displayed more effectively for the user. Further, in FIG. 13, only one store is displayed during business hours, but a plurality of stores can be displayed as candidates in the present invention. In the above explanation, the business hours are outside business hours,
Although the description has been given regarding the hours outside business hours, it is possible to display information on business days within business days and on days other than business days, and further, it is also possible to display both business hours information and information on business days.

FIG. 14 is a display example in which a store of particular interest is displayed to be identifiable to the user. The store of particular interest is, for example, a store that is closest to the user's current location, a store that is currently on sale, and the like, and it is also possible to display that the store is closest or that it is for sale. is there. Also,
The store of particular interest is specified by the store D of the external server.
The processing is performed based on the calculation or the like by B510 or the control unit 517.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which FIGS. 14 and 13 are displayed in more detail. This is a display example in which a store that is located closest to the user's current position within the current business hours and has a certain amount of stock is particularly emphasized. ◎ indicates that the stock is sufficient, △ indicates that there is still some stock, and × indicates that the stock is out of stock.

After the above-described processing is completed, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the user brings the print sample of the store information to the store and presents it to print the sales price of the consumable item. Consumables can be purchased at a discounted amount, and a sales promotion effect can be obtained for the store side, and for the user, an effect that the product can be purchased at a low price can be obtained. In addition, the collection rate for each user is managed by an external server, and the discount rate is determined in accordance therewith, so that a user who returns a large amount has a higher discount rate. As a result, the collection rate increases, and the effect of improving the efficiency of the collection operation can be obtained. (Embodiment 2) In each of the above embodiments, the detection means of the camera with the printer detects that the number of recording papers has become one. It is also possible to provide setting means for setting the number of remaining sheets to be used.

With this setting means, it is possible to display a message prompting the user to purchase consumables when the remaining number of sheets has been set arbitrarily by the user. Becomes possible. (Embodiment 3) In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the position information of the camera with a printer is automatically detected, and the store information is searched based on the detected position information. It is also possible to search for store information by inputting arbitrary position information.

As a method of inputting the position information, for example, it is desired to store map information in the image memory 404 in advance, display the map information on the display unit 405, and set the range of the map information 403 with the operation unit to search. A method of setting a region or a method of inputting a postal code of a region to be searched using the operation unit 403 to specify the region can be considered.

The location information of the area set by the above method is transmitted to the external server, and the store information based on the location information retrieved by the retrieval unit 512 of the external server is transmitted by the communication unit 514 to the digital camera with a printer. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily search not only the information on the stores near the current position but also the information on the stores in the designated area. You can know the store at the destination. (Embodiment 4) In the above embodiment, a description has been given of a mode in which a mobile communication terminal is connected to a camera with a printer. It goes without saying that the present invention is applied.

In each of the above embodiments, a digital camera with a printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a digital camera with a recording paper loaded media pack can be detachably mounted. It goes without saying that the invention is applied. In this case, the present invention is achieved by providing a display unit for displaying the warning information of the remaining number of recording sheets and the store information sent from the server in the printer alone. (Other Embodiments) The present invention can be applied to a system including a device other than a digital camera with a printer and an external server. For example, as a digital camera with a printer, as another application, a mobile phone or a mobile terminal with a printer can be cited as a small portable device, and as an external server, a host computer, a local server installed in an office, etc. And the like.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the embodiment described above is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. Or a CPU or MPU) reads and executes a program code stored in a storage medium,
It goes without saying that this is achieved. In this case, the program codes read from the storage medium realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program codes and the storage medium storing the program codes constitute the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system running on the computer or the mobile terminal based on the instruction of the program code. System (O
Needless to say, S) and the like perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the function expansion card or the function expansion unit may be sparsely integrated with a CPU or the like to perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described sequence diagrams and flowcharts.

[0083]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to the invention of the above, according to the above configuration, for example, on the go,
It can detect that the amount of consumables used in electronic equipment such as a digital camera with a printer has fallen below a predetermined amount, and when the amount reaches the predetermined amount, pay attention to whether the user has purchased spare consumables. Can be aroused. As a result, the user can determine whether or not it is necessary to purchase spare consumables before the consumables are exhausted.

Also, even when it is necessary to purchase consumables, it is possible to recognize in advance where the sales floor is located as close as possible and where business is being conducted, so that even if the consumables are exhausted, it is possible to immediately and without panic. Can be purchased. Further, since information on business hours / days is also displayed, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user actually went to the store but closed the store.

Further, in a store or the like where the business hours are short, the display screen of the user's search result is blinked and displayed, so that the user is warned that he or she needs to go to the store quickly. Can be.

Further, since the information of the store can be obtained as map information, it is possible to go to the store without hesitation, and the user can have the map information printed on a medium. With the information, user-friendly map information can be obtained.

Further, the map information includes discount information and the like, so that the user can purchase goods at a low price. In addition, although the merchant can discount the merchandise to the user, it prints when the user needs the map information (advertisement information), thus preventing wasteful advertisement printouts and saving money economically. can do.

Further, the user can obtain not only the information on the business hours and holidays, but also the stock information that does not fluctuate, and the stock information for each type of media pack. It does not go to waste, and consumables can be purchased efficiently.

On the other hand, the store can widely advertise the consumables to be handled without spending enormous advertising costs, which has the effect of increasing sales.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a consumable goods purchasing system used in a portable electronic device.

FIG. 2 is an example of an external view of a digital camera with a printer.

FIG. 3 is an example of an external view of a media pack.

FIG. 4 is an example of a block diagram of a digital camera with a printer.

FIG. 5 is an example of a block diagram of an external server.

FIG. 6 is an example of contents stored in a store DB of an external server.

FIG. 7 is an example showing a process of exchanging data between the portable electronic device and an external server.

FIG. 8 is an example showing a process of exchanging data between the portable electronic device and an external server.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a search result.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a print sample of store information.

FIG. 11 is an example of a print sample of store information.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a database stored in an external server.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the mobile electronic device.

FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the mobile electronic device.

FIG. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the mobile electronic device.

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A portable device in which a media pack loaded with consumables is detachable, wherein the detecting unit detects that the amount of the consumables is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the detecting unit detects Communication control means for notifying an external server of the current position information of the apparatus that changes according to the result; and reception of receiving media store information searched and transmitted from the external server based on the current position information. Consumables purchasing apparatus comprising: 2. A display control unit, comprising: a display control unit for notifying a user to the external server according to a timing at which it is detected that the amount of the consumable becomes a predetermined amount or less. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an instruction screen for performing the instruction is displayed. 3. The consumable supply purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print control unit for printing the shop information. 4. The consumable goods purchasing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said display control means displays said shop information searched by said external server. 5. The store information includes the business hour information and / or business day information, and the display control means determines a store outside business hours based on a specified time and / or day. The consumable according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a store other than business days and a store during business hours and / or a store during business days are displayed so as to be identifiable. Purchase equipment. 6. The display control means according to claim 2, wherein said display control means causes a display based on store information outside of business hours and store information during business hours, which is generated and transmitted by said external server. A consumables purchasing apparatus according to any one of the above. 7. The display control means blinks when the remaining business time is equal to or less than a predetermined time based on the remaining business hours until the store is closed during the business hours transmitted from the external server. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the display is displayed in a display color different from a normal display color. 8. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said communication control means is connected to a portable terminal and performs communication when communication becomes possible. 9. An image selection unit for selecting image information stored in the apparatus, and the print control unit prints both the store information and the selected image information. 8
A consumables purchasing apparatus according to any one of the above. 10. The consumable supply purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit acquires model information of the apparatus in which a media pack is used, and notifies the external server of the information. 11. The shop information includes discount information of consumables, the communication control unit notifies user-specific identification information, and the discount information is based on the identification information by the external server. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is determined. 12. The discount information includes an expiration date and / or
The consumable goods purchasing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the consumable goods purchasing apparatus includes stock information of goods and / or stock information for each kind of goods. 13. The consumable goods purchasing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the discount information changes according to a collection number or a collection rate based on the identification information. 14. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the print control unit prints map information including a position of the shop information and a current position of the user. 15. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a digital camera with a printer. 16. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumables are a media pack loaded with paper and ink dedicated to a digital camera with a printer. 17. An apparatus for inputting position information of a store at a position desired by a user, wherein the external server searches for store information based on the position information input by the input unit. The consumables purchasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 18. A method for purchasing a consumable using a portable device in which a media pack loaded with a consumable is detachable, comprising: a detecting step for detecting that an amount of the consumable becomes a predetermined amount or less; A communication control step of notifying an external server of current position information of the apparatus that changes in accordance with a detection result of the detection step; and a store of the media pack searched and transmitted from the external server based on the current position information A receiving step of receiving information. 19. A display control step, comprising: notifying a user to the external server according to a timing at which it is detected that the amount of the consumable has reached a predetermined amount. The method for purchasing consumables according to claim 18, further comprising displaying an instruction screen for instructing the user. 20. A printing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a print control step of printing said shop information.
9. The method for purchasing consumables according to item 9. 21. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 19, wherein the display control step displays the shop information retrieved by the external server. 22. The store information includes the business hours information,
And / or business day information is included, and the display control step includes a specified time and / or a store outside business hours based on the day, and / or a store other than business days and a business day. 22. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 19, wherein a store and / or a store within a business day are displayed so as to be identifiable. 23. The display control step according to claim 21, wherein the display is performed based on the store information outside the business hours and the store information during the business hours generated and transmitted by the external server. Consumables purchase method described in. 24. The display control step blinks when the remaining business time is equal to or less than a predetermined time based on the remaining business hours until the store is closed during the business hours transmitted from the external server. 24. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 19, wherein the consumables are displayed in a display color different from a normal display color. 25. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 18, wherein the communication control step is connected to a portable terminal, and performs communication when communication becomes possible. 26. An image selecting step for selecting image information stored in the apparatus, and the printing control step prints both the store information and the selected image information.
The consumables purchasing method according to any one of Items 1 to 25. 27. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 18, wherein the communication control step acquires model information of the device in which a media pack is used, and notifies the external server of the information. 28. The store information includes consumables discount information. In the communication control step, user-specific identification information is notified, and the discount information is based on the identification information by the external server. The method for purchasing consumables according to claim 18, wherein the method is determined. 29. The discount information includes an expiration date, and / or
29. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 28, further comprising stock information of goods and / or stock information for each kind of goods. 30. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 28, wherein the discount information changes in accordance with a collection number or a collection rate based on the identification information. 31. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 20, wherein the printing control step prints map information including a position of the shop information and a current position of the user. 32. The method of claim 18, wherein the device is a digital camera with a printer. 33. The consumable supply method according to claim 18, wherein the consumable supply is a media pack loaded with paper and ink dedicated to a digital camera with a printer. 34. An input step for inputting position information of a store at a position desired by the user, wherein the external server searches for store information based on the position information input in the input step. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 18, wherein: 35. The consumables purchasing method according to claim 20, wherein the current location is found by a wireless station. 36. A medium storing a program code executable by a detachable portable device in which a media pack loaded with consumables is detachable, wherein the amount of the consumables has become a predetermined amount or less. A communication control step of notifying an external server of the current position information of the device that changes in accordance with the detection result of the detection step; anda search and transmission from the external server based on the current position information. Receiving the store information of the coming media pack. 37. A program product which can be executed by a detachable portable device in which a media pack loaded with consumables is detachable, wherein a detecting step of detecting that the amount of the consumables has become a predetermined amount or less. And a communication control step of notifying an external server of current position information of the device that changes in accordance with a result of the detection by the detection step; and a step of notifying the media pack searched and transmitted from the external server based on the current position information. A receiving step of receiving store information.