JP2005039348A - Image data utilization system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system capable of preferably giving a user an opportunity to utilize image data concerning a photographed picture. <P>SOLUTION: The system is provided with an image data accumulating means 201 for storing image data transmitted from a portable information terminal 1 provided with a photographing function via the Internet IN so that the image data are correlated with information specifying an originator, an image data acquiring means 202 for acquiring the accumulated image data, an image data storing means 303 for storing the image data, and a data outputting means 307 for outputting an image concerning the stored image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system that is useful in using image data captured by a camera-equipped mobile phone or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, with the spread of mobile phones with cameras, it has become easier for users of mobile phones to take pictures, uploading image data relating to the taken pictures to a server on the Internet and storing the image data Service that can be done. Such image data storage services allow users to easily view and organize photo data that cannot be stored in the built-in memory of mobile phones due to the increase in image data accompanying the advancement of photo shooting functions of mobile phones. It is favorably accepted by mobile phone users. In addition, in the above service, a service for printing image data uploaded to a server by a mobile phone user is also performed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-132923 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to use a service such as Patent Document 1 from image data taken by a user of a mobile phone, the user must access a server storing images using a mobile phone, a personal computer, or the like. In addition, many users often forget the contents of the photographed images, and in many cases, the photographed photographs are only stored on the server. In many cases, users who use services such as Patent Document 1 have special intentions or motivations to use such services, and most users do not have such ideas or motivations. It is easy to forget the existence of such services. Furthermore, in such a server, the photos stored in the server are often deleted after a certain period of time, and when the user tries to use the photos, the photos may be deleted from the server. However, the current situation is that the user cannot always use the necessary photos.
[0005]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a system that can suitably give a user of a camera-equipped mobile phone an opportunity to use image data relating to a photograph taken.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image data utilization system according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-described problems, stores image data transmitted from a portable information terminal having a photographing function via a telecommunication line in association with sender identification information. An image data acquisition system that can be connected to an image data storage means and outputs an image related to the stored image data, and repeatedly acquires the stored image data from the image data storage means according to a predetermined setting. Means, image data storage means for storing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means, and data output means for outputting an image related to the image data stored by the image data storage means.
[0007]
If this is the case, the image data acquisition means repeatedly outputs the image data related to the recipient to the image regardless of the intention of the recipient of the image stored in the image data storage means according to a predetermined setting. By acquiring the data from the data storage means and outputting the image related to the recipient by the data output means, it is possible to browse the image without any special intention or motivation. By doing so, an opportunity to use the image can be given uniformly.
[0008]
As a specific configuration of the image data utilization system according to the present invention, image data storage for storing image data transmitted from a portable information terminal having a photographing function via a telecommunication line in association with sender specifying information is performed. A system for producing an item with an image by combining an image and an item relating to accumulated image data, the image data accumulated repeatedly according to a predetermined setting. Image data acquisition means acquired from the means, image data storage means for storing image data acquired by the image data acquisition means, item data storage means for storing item data, image data stored by the image data storage means, and Data extraction means for extracting item data stored in the item data storage means; Edit the image data and the item data issued to a predetermined format, characterized by comprising a data output unit for outputting as output data.
[0009]
In such a case, output data obtained by editing the image data and the item data based on a predetermined setting is generated regardless of the intention of the image sender. If it can be provided to the recipient who receives the image in some way, it is preferable to have the opportunity and motivation to actively stimulate the recipient and select and purchase the item with the image. Can be given.
[0010]
As a more specific configuration of the image data utilization system according to the present invention, there is one that includes thumbnail generation means for processing image data into thumbnail data obtained by reducing the image data. If this is the case, the output data is edited based on the thumbnail data that has been reduced, so the listability is improved and the viewer of the output data can easily check the image data. In addition, if the data is reduced during processing, the data capacity for data storage and data output may be saved. Further, as a specific configuration, it is preferable that the image data acquisition unit acquires a predetermined number of image data in the time series from the present to the past. If it is such, the viewer of output data can select the item containing an image based on newer image data.
[0011]
Furthermore, the image data utilization system according to the present invention is such that the data output means edits the image-containing item into a format in which the image-containing item can be selected by combining the image data and the item data. If it is such, the viewer of output data can select the item with an image easily.
[0012]
In particular, it is desirable that the data output means outputs print data for printing on a paper medium. This is because the paper medium is one of the preferred forms for sending output data composed of images and items to the recipient. For example, if the data output means outputs a data for direct mail printing including image data related to the sender with a predetermined recipient such as a sender specified by the sender specifying information as a recipient The output data output to the recipient can be received in the form of a direct mail by simply placing the paper discharged from the printing machine on the postal line as it is. In the above, when the image data is acquired according to the predetermined setting, the predetermined setting is preferably to be performed periodically every predetermined period, and the image data stored by the image data storage means has reached a predetermined amount. It is also one of desirable aspects that this is a trigger and that the schedule is substantially synchronized with the billing timing for the portable information terminal. If this is the case, every time the sender of the image data sends a predetermined amount or a predetermined number of pieces of image data, the receiver receives the output data or the receiver receives the output data. The output data can be received together with the bill for the portable information terminal.
[0013]
In the image data utilization system according to the present invention, the data output means may output image data for display on a terminal device connectable to a telecommunication line. For a terminal device that is always connected, it can be realized through means such as remote access after clearing certain conditions, and can also be displayed indirectly on the terminal device via a mail server. . If such a form is possible, it is clear that it is advantageous in terms of immediacy as compared with a paper medium or the like. In addition, it is also effective for the image data utilization system according to the present invention to include order receiving means for inserting order receiving data into the image data and receiving an order regarding an item with an image through an electric communication line from the order receiving screen. If this is the case, the viewer of the edited image data can easily order the item with the image based on the order reception screen, so the image data printing service and the item sales promotion effect It leads to. Further, in the image data utilization system according to the present invention, when the order receiving unit receives an order, the data extracting unit extracts image data and item data corresponding to the order received by the order receiving unit, and corresponds to the order. As long as the data output means outputs product data for producing items with images, it is possible to output product data suitably based on the received order. This is effective in building a system.
[0014]
The server according to the present invention includes an image data acquisition unit, an image data storage unit, a data output unit, an image data acquisition unit, an image data storage unit, an item data storage unit, a data extraction unit, and a data output unit. It can comprise. If it is something like these, an existing system can be used by adding it as a separate server computer to an existing server computer that can be connected to a telecommunication line and can receive an image from a portable information terminal. Thus, the system according to the present invention can be easily constructed.
[0015]
The server according to the present invention includes image data storage means, image data acquisition means, image data storage means, data output means, image data storage means, image data acquisition means, image data storage means, item data storage. Means, data extraction means, and data output means may be provided. If there is such a thing, if there is a server computer capable of receiving an image from a portable information terminal via an electric communication line, a separate function can be obtained by adding the functions according to the above means to the server computer. It is possible to construct an image data utilization system according to the present invention without providing a server computer.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
The image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 1 which is an overall device configuration diagram, a portable information terminal 1 equipped with a photographing function that is provided on the user side and generates image data, and information management An image storage server 2 that receives and stores image data generated by the portable information terminal 1 provided on the user side, and an information manager side that acquires and uses images stored in the image storage server 2 An image utilization server 3 that stores item data relating to items, a printing apparatus 4 that is provided on the information manager side and outputs output data output from the image utilization server 3 on a paper medium, and an image utilization server 3 that is located on the user side. It is comprised from the terminal device 5 which can browse the output data output. The portable information terminal 1, the image storage server 2, the image use server 3, and the terminal device 5 can be connected via the Internet network IN which is a telecommunication line. The image use server 3 further includes the image storage server 2 and the printing device. 4 can be connected via dedicated lines N1 and N2.
[0018]
Next, configurations of the portable information terminal 1, the image storage server 2, the image use server 3, the printing device 4, and the terminal device 5 are shown.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the portable information terminal 1 includes a CPU 1a, a main storage device 1b, a photographing device 1c composed of an optical system and a CCD sensor, an image display device for viewing the photographed image and an image storage server 2 A user interface 1d including input means for transmitting to the Internet, a communication interface 1e connectable to the Internet network IN, and an auxiliary storage device 1f for temporarily storing captured images, such as a mobile phone with a camera. It has a function as a general portable information terminal with a photographing function.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image storage server 2 has a CPU 2a, a main storage device 2b, an auxiliary storage device 2c for storing and storing image data transmitted from the portable information terminal 1, an Internet network IN and a dedicated line N1. It has a connectable communication interface 2d and functions as a general server computer. An image storage program P1 is stored at a predetermined location in the auxiliary storage device 2c.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, the image use server 3 includes a CPU 3a, a main storage device 3b, an auxiliary storage device 3c for storing and storing image data and item data transmitted from the image storage server 2, an Internet network IN and a dedicated line. A communication interface 3d that can be connected to N1 and N2 and a user interface 3e that allows data browsing and data input only from the server administrator side are provided, and functions as a general server computer. Further, a data output program P2 and a product data generation program P3 are stored at predetermined locations of the auxiliary storage device 3c.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 4 includes a CPU 4a, a main storage device 4b, a communication interface 4c connectable to the dedicated line N2, and a printing unit 4d capable of printing data output from the image utilization server 3. is there.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 5 can be connected to a CPU 5a, a main storage device 5b, a user interface 5c capable of browsing data output from the image utilization server 3 and inputting data, and an Internet network IN. The communication interface 5d and the auxiliary storage device 5e are provided and have a function as a general personal computer.
[0024]
Next, operation functions of the portable information terminal 1, the image storage server 2, the image use server 3, the printing device 4, and the terminal device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 which is a functional block diagram.
[0025]
The portable information terminal 1 causes the CPU 1a to read a program stored in a predetermined area such as the main storage device 1b and sequentially execute the program, and the imaging device 1c and the like cooperate with each other. The means 102 is constructed. The program is a normal program executed on a normal camera-equipped mobile phone.
The photographing unit 101 acquires image data related to a video photographed by the user as the photographing device 1c inputs a command related to photographing through the user interface 1d and temporarily stores it in the auxiliary storage device 1f. Has the function to let you.
[0026]
The image data transmission unit 102 generates a transmission file based on the transmission destination data of the image data by the CPU 1a executing the program, and the sender identification information and the image temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 1f. It has a function of attaching data such as data and transmission date and time to the image storage server 2 via the Internet network IN using the communication interface 1e. The sender identification information includes, for example, ID and password information for the server administrator to identify the sender.
[0027]
The image storage server 2 causes the image storage program P1 to be read by the CPU 2a and sequentially executed so that these programs, the auxiliary storage device 2c, and the like cooperate with each other, and the image data receiving unit 201, the image data storage unit 202, and the transmission management unit. 203 is constructed.
[0028]
When the CPU 2a that executes the image storage program P1 receives the notification that the image data has been transmitted from the portable information terminal 1 via the communication interface 2d, the image data receiving unit 201 receives the notification of the image data from the portable information terminal 1. Whether the user is a registered user stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 2c is collated with the identification data stored in the auxiliary storage device 2c and the sender identification information transmitted together with the image data. The image data is temporarily stored in the main storage device 2b or the auxiliary storage device 2c only when the collation is true. This is to limit the users of the image use system S1 to members and the like.
[0029]
The image data storage unit 202 has a function of storing the image data temporarily stored in the main storage device 2b or the auxiliary storage device 2c by the image data receiving unit 201 in association with information about the user or the like in the auxiliary storage device 2c. A mode in which image data is stored is a mode in which a certain storage limit is provided for each sender of image data, and in the case of overflow, the latest image data is always stored in chronological order so that it remains preferentially. Etc. In addition to the image data, the address name of the sender of the image data and other sending data relating to the sender are stored in the auxiliary storage device 2c in association with each other.
[0030]
The transmission management unit 203 manages the timing and schedule for transferring image data from the image storage server 2 to the image usage server 3 in accordance with an instruction from the reception management unit 301 of the image usage server 3 described later. The transmission management unit 203 has a schedule that is constantly managed by the CPU 2a in a predetermined area of the main storage device 2b or the auxiliary storage device 2c, and whether a predetermined scheduled opportunity regarding the sender of the image data arrives. Alternatively, when approaching, the CPU 2a has a function of taking out part or all of the image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 2c by the image data storage means 202 and transmitting it to the image utilization server 3 using the communication interface 2d. As a specific aspect of the instruction of the CPU 2a, when a predetermined number of image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 2c reaches a predetermined number in response to an instruction from the reception management unit 301, the image data is triggered The mode etc. which transmit are mentioned.
[0031]
The image utilization server 3 causes the CPU 3a to read the data output program P2 and the product data generation program P3, respectively, and sequentially executes them to cooperate with each other, the auxiliary storage device 3c, etc. A means 302, an image data storage means 303, a thumbnail creation means 304, an item data storage means 305, a data extraction means 306, a data output means 307, and an order reception means 308 are constructed.
[0032]
The reception management unit 301 manages the timing and schedule for transferring image data from the image storage server 2 to the image utilization server 3. The reception management unit 301 has a schedule that is constantly managed by the CPU 3a in a predetermined area of the main storage device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c, and has an opportunity for a setting predetermined by an administrator of the image use server 3 or the like. Correspondingly, the CPU 3a extracts part or all of the image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 2c by the image data storage unit 202 to the transmission management unit 203 and transmits it to the image utilization server 3 using the communication interface 2d. It has a function to instruct to do so. Here, the predetermined setting is, for example, when the accumulated image data reaches a predetermined number such as 30 or 50 image data sent by the sender, or is determined every month. Recorded date, date of invoice for the portable information terminal 1, date of birth, date recorded for the sender of image data, such as a pre-registered date, information about the administrator of the image utilization server 3, new For example, item data is updated by introducing an item. That is, the transmission management unit 203 of the image storage server 2 described above may receive image data sequentially from the reception management unit 301 of the image utilization server 3 and transmit image data, or at the time of initial setting and change Only the instruction from the reception management unit 301 of the image management unit 301 may be received, and the image data may be transmitted according to the instruction at all times. Note that transmission of image data from the image storage server 2 to the image utilization server 3 can be performed via the Internet network IN in addition to the mode via the dedicated line N1 described above.
[0033]
The image data acquisition unit 302 receives the image data transmitted from the image storage server 2 by the transmission management unit 203 via the communication interface 3d by the CPU 3a executing the data output program P2, and stores the image data in the main memory. It has a function of temporarily storing it in a predetermined location of the device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c.
[0034]
The image data storage unit 303 uses the image data temporarily stored by the image data acquisition unit 302 by the CPU 3a executing the data output program P2 attached to information or image data held by the server administrator regarding the user. A function of storing the information in a predetermined location in the auxiliary storage device 3c in association with information related to the person. Here, the information that the server administrator has is information on the number of points earned by the user when performing an additional service in which the user's current order history and points are added according to the order. Etc.
[0035]
The thumbnail creation means 304 performs processing in which the CPU 3a reads out the image data saved in the auxiliary storage device 3c by the image data saving means 303 and converts it into thumbnail data according to an instruction from the CPU 3a executing the data output program P2. The thumbnail data is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the main storage device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c. Since the method of converting and processing thumbnail data is already known, it is omitted here. A mode in which the CPU 3a creates thumbnail data is a mode in which the number of pixels constituting the image data can be selected according to the output destination. For example, when the output destination is the terminal device 5, 16 × 12 pixel image data is converted, and when the output destination is the printing device 4, conversion to 48 × 36 pixel image data is performed. The information stored so far in association with the image data (sender identification information, address name of the sender of the image data and other sending data related to the sender, order history up to now, points depending on the order The information regarding the number of points acquired by the user in the case of performing an additional service such as an addition is duplicated by the CPU 3a when the thumbnail data is created, and is stored in association with the thumbnail data.
[0036]
The item data storage unit 305 has a function in which the CPU 3a stores item data input by a server administrator or the like via the user interface 3e in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 3c. Here, the item data is necessary for creating the item name, the data on the color, the data on the fee, and the item including the image of the item (eg, album, tack memo, business card, etc.) that can be selected as an object to be printed or attached It contains data related to item specifications, such as data related to the number of photos, data related to the number of characters in comments inserted into items with images, data related to the user's age range and gender.
[0037]
The data extraction unit 306 manages the thumbnail data temporarily stored in the main storage device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c by the thumbnail creation unit 304 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 3a by executing the data output program P2, and is associated with the thumbnail data. In addition, the CPU 3a reads the contents of the data stored therein, and also has a function of selecting item data stored in the auxiliary storage device 3c and extracting it as extracted data. Specifically, it has a function of extracting a predetermined number of items that are determined in advance or according to image data from among the item data stored in the auxiliary storage device 3c. The predetermined item is an item determined by a server administrator or the like. The item corresponding to the image data is an item determined by the CPU 3a collating data related to the user recorded in association with the image data and data related to the item included in each item data. It is. The item may be uniform, but if the above-mentioned information attached to the image data is used, an aspect in which the item is selected according to the sex or age of the sender of the image data becomes possible. Further, the data extraction means 306 receives the order data received by the order receiving means 308, which will be described later, and temporarily stored in a predetermined location of the main storage device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c according to an instruction from the CPU 3a by executing the product data generation program P3. The CPU 3a extracts the image data and item data according to the above as extracted data from the auxiliary storage device 3c via the item data storage unit 305 and the image data storage unit 303, and temporarily stores them in a predetermined location of the main storage device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c. Has the function of saving.
[0038]
The data output means 307 stores the thumbnail data and the item data temporarily stored in a predetermined location of the main storage device 3b or the auxiliary storage device 3c in the auxiliary storage device 3c according to an instruction from the CPU 3a by executing the data output program P2. The CPU 3a edits together with the generated output data template data and has a function of transmitting the output data (FIGS. 8 to 10) to the printing device 4 or the terminal device 5. Here, when editing the output data to be output to the printing device 4, the order form data stored in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 3a is inserted into the output data, and the output data to be output to the terminal device 5 is edited. In order to do this, the order acceptance data stored in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 3a is inserted into the output data. Further, the product data for the CPU 3a to edit the image data and the item data related to the order data extracted by the data extraction means 306 by the instruction of the CPU 3a by executing the product data generation program P3, and to produce the item with the image. And the product data is transmitted to the production factory or the like via the communication interface 3d.
[0039]
The order receiving means 308 receives the order data generated in the terminal device 5 via the communication interface 3d by the instruction of the CPU 3a by executing the product data generation program P3, and the CPU 3a receives the order data regarding the user. It has a function of storing in the auxiliary storage device 3c in association with data.
[0040]
The printing device 4 causes the CPU 4a to read a program stored in a predetermined area such as the main storage device 4b and sequentially execute the program, the printing unit 4d and the like cooperate with each other, and the output data receiving unit 401 and the data printing unit. 402 is constructed. The program is a normal program that is executed in a normal printing apparatus.
[0041]
The output data receiving unit 401 receives the output data transmitted from the data output unit 307 via the communication interface 4c according to the instruction of the CPU 4a by executing the program, and temporarily stores it in a predetermined area of the main storage device 4b. It has a function to store in.
[0042]
The output data printing unit 402 has a function of causing the CPU 4a to print the output data stored in the main storage device 4b by the output data receiving unit 401 on a paper medium using the printing unit 4d in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 4a by executing a program. .
[0043]
The terminal device 5 causes the CPU 5a to read a program stored in a predetermined area such as the main storage device 5b and sequentially execute the program so that the user interface 5c and the like cooperate with each other, and the output data display unit 501 and the order order unit 502 is constructed. The program is a basic program called an operating system executed on a general personal computer and an application program such as a WEB browser executed on the basic program.
[0044]
The output data display means 501 has a function of displaying output data output by the data output means 307 so that the user can browse and input data using the user interface 5c in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 5a by executing a program. Have.
[0045]
The order ordering unit 502 stores the order data input by the user with respect to the order reception data inserted in the output data displayed on the user interface 5c in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 5a by executing the program. It has a function of temporarily storing it in a predetermined area of the storage device 5e and transmitting the ordering data to the image use server 3 through the communication network 5d through the Internet network IN.
[0046]
An example of output data edited by the data output unit 307 and output to the printing apparatus 4 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are front and back surfaces of printed matter in which output data is printed on both front and back sides of a sheet of paper, and are periodically sent to the user of the portable information terminal 1 who is the owner of the image data. It is a mode for enclosing in a direct mail with an invoice. In FIG. 8, the thumbnail display column D1 relating to the predetermined number of 50 thumbnail data and the item display column D2 extracted from the item data stored in the item data storage unit 305 are output so that they can be listed. Thus, the viewer can suitably select the item with the image. The 50 thumbnail data displayed in the thumbnail display field D1 are the thumbnail data for the latest 50 image data from the image data transmitted by the user of the portable information terminal 1 to the image storage server. The item displayed in the item display field D2 includes item data selected based on the data related to the user stored in association with each thumbnail data and / or item data selected by the server administrator. As a “chocolate photo book” that can be stored like an album with a comment beside the printed image, indicating the writer of the memo by printing the image on the edge of the tack memo In addition to printing “help tuck memos” and images on business cards, “Life's various business cards” that allow users to create their own business cards by attaching comments and selecting colors are selected and extracted.
[0047]
An order form R1 related to the order form data inserted by the data output means 307 is printed on the right side portion of the front surface. In this way, if the thumbnail display field D1 and the item display field D2 are displayed adjacent to each other, an attempt to combine an image and an item can be triggered in the viewer's head. It can be expected to have an effect of stimulating and motivating the purchase of items. Next, there is an order form R1 next to it, and when the willingness to purchase has increased, the order form R1 can be used to immediately place an order for the item. As a result, it is possible to effectively connect to the sales promotion effect of the item.
[0048]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, which is the back side, if the order form R1 is cut off at the perforation indicated as a cut line, folded according to the fold line, and pasted at the margin, the predetermined recipient can be determined. On the other hand, it is a form that can be mailed as a sealed letter. In this way, on the back of the order form R1, there is a postal address column and a sender column, and after cutting, at least the order column is folded inward and the fold rule for folding the destination column outward is expressed. It is advantageous in that it can be immediately put on the mail line.
[0049]
An example of output data when the data output means 307 outputs to the terminal device 5 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the output data is HTML format output data that can be browsed by a WEB browser stored in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 5e of the terminal device 5 such as a personal computer. Although the basic configuration of the output data is similar to that of FIG. 8 so that the viewer who receives the printed matter shown in FIG. 8 can easily select and order the item with the image on the WEB browser, it is output to the terminal device 5. In the case of the output data, the order acceptance data inserted by the order acceptance means 308 is displayed as an order screen R2 on the right side of the screen, and an item with an image can be ordered on the WEB browser. In the present embodiment, the meaning of the term “output data output to the terminal device 5” is not limited to a mode in which the output data is directly transmitted from the image utilization server 3 to the terminal device 5; Is widely interpreted, including a state in which data can be received via the Internet network IN. For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the output data can be browsed by uploading the output data to a WEB server or the like, and the user of the terminal device 5 inputting the user's own ID, password, and the like. .
[0050]
Next, in the image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment, the portable information terminal 1 is operated by the cooperation of the image storage program P1 read by the CPU 2a in the image storage server 2 and the photographing device 1c. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow from generation of data until the image storage server 2 stores the image data.
[0051]
First, in the portable information terminal 1, the image data generated by the imaging device 1c is temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 1f by the imaging means 101 (image data generation step ST11). Next, when the image data is transmitted by the user via the user interface 1d, the image data transmitting unit 102 transmits the image data (image data transmitting step ST12), and the image data receiving unit 201 in the image storage server 2 is transmitted. Receive (image data reception step ST13). The received image data is sent to the image data storage means 202 and stored / stored (image data storage step ST14).
[0052]
The image utilization server 3 outputs the output data after the image data is accumulated in the image accumulation server 2 by the cooperation of the data output program P2 read by the CPU 3a in the image utilization server 3 and the storage means 3c. The flow up to this is shown in FIG.
[0053]
First, in a state in which the image data generated by the portable information terminal 1 is stored in the image storage server 2, when the time corresponding to the schedule determined in advance by the transmission management unit 203 or the reception management unit 301 comes, the image storage The image data stored in the server 2 is transmitted to the image utilization server 3 by the transmission management means, and the image data acquisition means 302 acquires the image data (image data acquisition step ST21). Thumbnail data is created by the thumbnail creation means 304 based on the acquired image data (thumbnail creation step ST22), the thumbnail data is sent to the data extraction means 306, and item data is extracted from the item data storage means 305. (Item data extraction step ST23). The extracted thumbnail data and item data are edited by the data output means 307 and output to the printing device 4 or the terminal device 5 (output data output step ST24). When the printing apparatus 4 receives the output data by the output data receiving means 401 according to the program executed in the printing apparatus 4, the output data is temporarily stored in a predetermined location of the main storage device 4b, and then the output data printing means. In step 402, the printing unit 4d prints the output data in the form shown in FIGS.
[0054]
Next, the order data input by the user to the terminal device 5 is received by the image utilization server 3 by the output data into which the order acceptance data is inserted as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of data until product data relating to ordering is generated by cooperation of the read product data generation program P3 and the storage means 3c.
[0055]
First, the ordering means generates ordering data when the user performs an input operation on the user interface 5c with respect to the order acceptance data inserted into the output data. Order receiving data is received by the order receiving means 308 via the Internet network IN (order data receiving step ST31), and the order receiving means 308 extracts image data relating to the order via the data extracting means 306 (image data extracting step ST32). . Further, the data extraction means 306 extracts item data relating to the order from the item data storage means 305 (item data extraction step ST33). The extracted image data and item data are edited by the data output means 307 and output as product data relating to the order (product data output step ST34). When the printing device 4 receives the product data, the product data is temporarily stored in a predetermined location of the main storage device 4b by a program executed in the printing device 4, and then the printing unit 4d stores the product data in the image-containing item. Print as.
[0056]
The image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, so that the transmission management unit 203 and the reception management unit are independent of the intention of the image sender who is the user of the portable information terminal 1. The image data acquisition unit 302 repeatedly acquires the image data related to the image sender from the image data storage unit 202 and the data output unit 307 relates to the image sender based on the predetermined setting managed by the 301. By outputting the image, it is possible to browse the image without any special intention or motivation, so that the opportunity to use the image can be given uniformly. By doing so, not only the sender of the image interested in the image but also the sender of the image that is not interested or low in interest is renewed. In addition, even when the sender of the image who browsed the image wants the image again, the image data storage unit 303 stores the image, so that the data output unit 307 may output the image again. Is possible. As described above, the image use server S1 according to the present embodiment can appropriately induce an opportunity to use the image.
[0057]
More specifically, the image data utilization system S1 generates output data obtained by editing image data and item data. By providing this output data to the image sender in the manner shown in FIG. 8 regardless of the intention of the image sender, the image sender is actively stimulated, and an item with an image is desired. The opportunity and motivation for selecting and purchasing can be suitably given.
[0058]
In addition, as a specific configuration of the image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment, a thumbnail creation unit 304 that processes image data into thumbnail data obtained by reducing the image data is provided. By doing so, since the output data is edited based on the thumbnail data reduced by the data output means 307, not only can the data capacity related to the data output be saved, but also the listing property of the output data As a result, the viewer of the output data can easily check the image data. Further, as a specific configuration, since the image data acquisition unit 302 acquires a predetermined number of image data in the chronological order from the present to the past, the viewer of the output data can use the item containing the image based on the newer image data. Is generally advantageous in handling this type of information or item with a short duration of interest.
[0059]
Furthermore, the image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment is one in which the data output means 307 edits into a format in which an image-containing item can be selected by combining image data and item data (FIGS. 8, 10). Therefore, the viewer of the output data is freed from troublesome work such as combining image data and item data, and can easily select an item with an image.
[0060]
In particular, since the data output means 307 outputs output data as print data for printing on a paper medium (FIGS. 8 and 9), when sending output data consisting of images and items to the image sender. It can be said that it is one of the preferred forms. Specifically, the data output means 307 outputs the data for direct mail printing including the image data related to the sender as output data, with the sender specified by the sender specifying information as the recipient. . Therefore, it is possible to allow the sender of the image data that is the recipient to receive the output data in the form of direct mail by simply placing the output from the printing apparatus 4 on the postal line as it is. An opportunity to browse and select items with images can be secured without difficulty. More specifically, as a predetermined setting stored in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 2c by the transmission management unit 203, image data is periodically acquired on a schedule that is substantially synchronized with the billing timing for the portable information terminal 1. By doing so, output data is output. By doing so, it becomes possible to receive the output data output to the receiver of the image data that is the recipient together with the bill for the portable information terminal 1, so that the disgust of simply sending it, etc. However, it is possible to suitably avoid the element that is indispensable to the availability of the present embodiment, that is, the first step of having the image sender naturally see it.
[0061]
The image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment outputs image data to be displayed on the terminal device 5 that can be connected to the Internet network IN, which is a telecommunication line, as output data by the data output unit 307. For a terminal device that is always connected, it can be realized through means such as remote access after clearing certain conditions, and can also be displayed indirectly on the terminal device 5 via a mail server. is there. If such a form is possible, it is clear that it is advantageous in terms of immediacy as compared with a paper medium or the like.
[0062]
In addition, the image data utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment inserts order reception data into the image data, and receives an order regarding an item with an image through the Internet network IN from an order reception screen displayed by the order reception data. Means 308 are provided (FIG. 10). By doing so, the viewer of the edited image data can easily order the item with the image based on the order reception screen, which leads to the sales promotion effect of the item with the image. In addition, it is possible to add one option for ordering an item with an image even for an image sender who has received the output data using the paper medium described above, thereby providing an environment in which it is easier to order an item with an image. Can do.
[0063]
Further, in the image data utilization system S1 according to the present invention, when the order receiving unit 308 receives an order, the data extracting unit 306 extracts image data and item data corresponding to the order received by the order receiving unit 308, Since the data output means 307 outputs the product data for producing the item with the image corresponding to the order, the product data can be output suitably based on the received order. This is effective in building a system up to delivery.
[0064]
In addition, the image utilization server 3 according to the present embodiment includes an image data acquisition unit 302, an image data storage unit 303, an item data storage unit 305, a data extraction unit 306, and a data output unit 307. If this is the case, an existing server computer that can be connected to the Internet network IN, which is a telecommunication line, and that can receive images from the portable information terminal 1 is added as a separate server computer. Since the system according to the present invention can be easily constructed using the system, it is possible to save labor in constructing the image utilization system S1 according to the present embodiment, and to appropriately save the capital investment. be able to.
[0065]
An image data utilization system S2 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The basic configuration of the image data utilization system S2 is substantially the same as the image utilization server system S1 in the above embodiment, but the functions of the image data storage server 2 and the image data utilization server 3 in the above embodiment are the same. The image data storage / use server 6 is also provided.
[0066]
The image storage / use server 6 includes a CPU 6a, a main storage device 6b, an auxiliary storage device 6c, a communication interface 6d and a user interface 6e that can be connected to the Internet network IN as shown in FIG. It has a function as a computer.
[0067]
The image storage / use server 6 stores the same image storage program P1, data output program P2, and product data generation program P3 as those in the above embodiment in a predetermined area such as the main storage device 6b. The CPU 6a and the like operate, and as shown in FIG. 15, image data receiving means 601, image data storage means 602, schedule management means 603, image data acquisition means 604, image data storage means 605, thumbnail creation means 606, item data storage. Means 607, data extraction means 608, data output means 609, and order reception means 610. Specific functions of these units are as follows: image data receiving unit 201, image data storage unit 202, transmission management unit 203, reception management unit 301, image data acquisition unit 302, image data storage unit 303, thumbnail creation in the above embodiment. The same as the means 304, the item data storage means 305, the data extraction means 306, the data output means 307, and the order reception means 308. Here, the function of the schedule management means 603 corresponds to the functions of both the transmission management means 203 and the reception management means 301.
[0068]
In the functional block diagram of FIG. 15, the functions of the printing device 4 and the terminal device 5 are the same as those in FIG.
[0069]
The data flow in the image data utilization system S2 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 because the image storage program P1, the data output program P2, and the product data generation program P3 are executed as in the above embodiment. .
[0070]
In this case, if there is a server computer that can receive the image data from the portable information terminal 1 via the Internet network IN that is an electric communication line, the functions related to the above means are added to the server computer. This makes it possible to construct the image data utilization system S2 according to the present embodiment. That is, it is possible to construct the image data utilization system S2 according to the present embodiment by making only capital investment in software without providing a separate server computer.
[0071]
Each above-mentioned embodiment is not limited to an above-mentioned mode. For example, in the image data utilization system in the above embodiment, the data output means outputs not only the image data but also the items and the order form, but the purpose is to confirm the contents of the accumulated image data In this case, only the image data may be used as an image data utilization system in which the data output means outputs the image data and the order form when an enlarged print or reprint order is accepted as in a laboratory.
[0072]
Further, for example, in each of the above embodiments, the image data storage unit stores the image data itself acquired from the image data storage unit, but the image data storage unit stores the thumbnail data created by the thumbnail creation unit. May be. By doing so, the capacity of the data stored in the image data storage means is greatly reduced, so that the present invention can be implemented even with a server computer having a relatively small auxiliary storage device. . In this case, when the image data related to the order data is extracted by the order receiving unit, it may be extracted from the image data storage unit.
[0073]
In the above embodiment, the recipient of the output data is the sender of the image, and the timing of receiving the output data is substantially synchronized with the billing timing for the portable information terminal. For example, it is possible to set a recipient different from the sender, such as a guardian of the sender or a contractor of the portable information terminal, and the timing of receiving the output data. It is also possible to trigger when the transmitted image data has reached a predetermined number or a predetermined amount of data.
[0074]
In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 4 is configured to execute only a normal program. However, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the printing apparatus 40 that executes the product data generation program P4 has an item at a predetermined location in the auxiliary storage device 40e. A mode in which data is stored and stored may be used. As shown in FIG. 17, when the communication interface 40c receives the thumbnail data transmitted from the image utilization server 3 according to the instruction of the program (thumbnail data reception step ST41), the CPU 40a and the main storage device 40b extract the item data (item The data extraction step ST42) combines the item data and the order form data with the thumbnail data as output data (output data generation step ST43), and the printing unit 40d prints the output data (output data printing step ST44). Further, as shown in FIG. 18, when the communication interface 40c receives the order data transmitted from the image utilization server 3 and the image data related to the order according to the instructions of the program and temporarily stores them in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 40e ( Data receiving step ST51), the CPU 40a extracts item data that matches the content of the order data stored in a predetermined location of the auxiliary storage device 40e (item data extracting step ST52. Next, the CPU 40a assists the content of the order data. The data is read from the storage device 40e, and the image data and the item data are processed to obtain product data for manufacturing the image-containing item according to the order (product data generation step ST53). Based on the product data, the printing unit 40d The item related to the order By printing the image, the production of the item containing the image related to the order is completed (product data printing step ST54), and if this is the case, the amount of data managed by the image utilization server 3 can be reduced. In many cases, since the printing company or the like having the printing device 40d manages the items related to the product, the item data can be preferably managed.In the above embodiment, the printing device 40 is connected to the dedicated line N2. However, it is also possible to connect to the image use server 3 via the Internet network IN.
[0075]
In the above embodiment, a general personal computer has been described as the terminal device 5. However, if the terminal device satisfies the configuration shown in FIG. 6, for example, a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone may be used. Even if it exists, it is possible to implement this invention. In this case, if the setting is based on the assumption that the user is viewing the output data from the paper medium, the configuration of the output data output to the terminal device can be greatly simplified. By doing so, the output data to be output to the terminal device can be made suitable for the screen of the portable information terminal without causing the user to feel inconvenience.
[0076]
Furthermore, in the aspect in which the image use server 3 outputs the output data to the terminal device 5, the product data generation program P3 displays the preview image of the item containing the image to be ordered while browsing the output data. Is also possible.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably provide a motivation for an image sender to arbitrarily use an image depending on a predetermined setting regardless of the intention of the image sender.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image data utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image storage server according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image use server according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the image data utilization system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a view showing the contents of output data handled in the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a view showing the contents of output data handled in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a view showing the contents of output data handled in the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the data flow of the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a data flow of the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the data flow of the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image storage / use server according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of an image data utilization system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a data flow according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a data flow according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Portable information terminal
2 ... Image storage server
202, 602 ... Image data storage means
203 ... Transmission management means
3 ... Image use server
301: Reception management means
302, 604 ... Image data acquisition means
303, 605 ... Image data storage means
304, 606 ... Thumbnail creation means
305, 607 ... Item data storage means
306, 608 ... Data extraction means
307, 609 ... Data output means
308, 610 ... Order receiving means
4, 40 ... Printing device
5 ... Terminal device
6 ... Image storage / use server
603 ... Schedule management means
D1 ... Thumbnail display field
D2 ... Item display field
IN ... Telecommunications line (Internet network)
S1, S2 ... Image data utilization system
P1 ... Image storage program
P2 ... Data output program
P3 ... Product data generation program
R1 ... Order form
R2 ... Order screen

Claims (18)

It can be connected to image data storage means for storing image data transmitted from a portable information terminal equipped with a photographing function via a telecommunication line in association with sender identification information, and an image related to the stored image data can be stored. An output system,
Image data acquisition means for repeatedly acquiring the accumulated image data from the image data storage means according to a predetermined setting;
Image data storage means for storing image data acquired by the image data acquisition means;
An image data utilization system comprising: data output means for outputting an image related to the image data stored by the image data storage means. Connectable to image data storage means for storing image data transmitted via a telecommunication line from a portable information terminal having a photographing function in association with sender identification information, and an image related to the stored image data A system that combines items,
Image data acquisition means for repeatedly acquiring the accumulated image data from the image data storage means according to a predetermined setting;
Image data storage means for storing image data acquired by the image data acquisition means;
Item data storage means for storing item data;
Data extraction means for extracting the image data stored by the image data storage means and the item data stored in the item data storage means;
An image data utilization system comprising data output means for editing the extracted image data and item data into a predetermined format and outputting the data as output data. 3. The image data utilization system according to claim 2, further comprising thumbnail generation means for processing the image data into thumbnail data obtained by reducing the image data. The image data utilization system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the image data acquisition means acquires a predetermined number of image data in a time-series order from the present to the past. The image data utilization system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the data output means edits the image-containing item into a format capable of selecting an item containing an image by combining the image data and the item data. 6. The image data utilization system according to claim 2, wherein the data output means outputs print data for printing on a paper medium. 7. The image data utilization system according to claim 6, wherein the data output means outputs data for direct mail printing including image data relating to a sender for a predetermined recipient. 8. The image according to claim 6, wherein the data output means outputs the data for direct mail printing including the image data relating to the sender, with the sender specified by the sender specifying information as the recipient. Data utilization system. The image data utilization system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the predetermined setting is to be performed periodically every predetermined period. The image data use system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the predetermined setting is triggered by the fact that the image data storage means reaches a predetermined amount of image data stored for each sender. . The image data utilization system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the predetermined setting is a schedule that is substantially synchronized with a bill issuing timing for a portable information terminal. 12. The image data utilization system according to claim 2, wherein the data output means outputs image data for display on a terminal device connectable to a telecommunication line. 13. The image data utilization system according to claim 12, further comprising order receiving means for inserting order receiving data into the image data and receiving an order related to the item with the image through an electric communication line from the order receiving screen. When the order acceptance means accepts the order, the data extraction means extracts image data and item data corresponding to the order accepted by the order acceptance means, and data as product data for producing an image-containing item corresponding to the order 14. The image data utilization system according to claim 13, wherein the output means outputs the image data. 15. A server comprising the image data utilization system according to claim 1, comprising an image data acquisition unit, an image data storage unit, and a data output unit. 15. A server comprising the image data utilization system according to claim 1, comprising an image data storage unit, an image data acquisition unit, an image data storage unit, and a data output unit. A server comprising the image data utilization system according to any one of claims 2 to 14, comprising image data acquisition means, image data storage means, item data storage means, data extraction means, and data output means. The image data utilization system according to any one of claims 2 to 14, comprising image data storage means, image data acquisition means, image data storage means, item data storage means, data extraction means, and data output means. A server comprising:

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