JP4187435B2 - Image management method and image management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image management method and an image management system for image input, browsing, printing, usage fee payment, and the like, and in particular, an image management method for performing management services such as image browsing, printing, usage fee payment, etc. at a communication terminal. And an image management system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional image management method such as browsing and printing of digital images will be described. First, a first printing method for images taken with a digital still camera or the like will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 37, 51 is a digital still camera (DSC), 52 is a personal computer (PC), and 53 is a printer.
[0003]
The digital still camera 51 is connected to the personal computer 52 via an interface such as a USB, parallel interface, serial interface, IEEE 1394, SCSI, or infrared interface. The personal computer 52 reads image data of the digital still camera 51. The printer 53 is connected to the personal computer 52 via an interface such as USB, parallel interface, serial interface, IEEE 1394, SCSI, infrared interface, Ethernet, or the like. The personal computer 52 transmits the read image data to the printer 53 for printing.
[0004]
In the above description of the first printing method, the digital still camera 51 has been described as being connected to the personal computer 52 via an interface such as USB, parallel interface, serial interface, IEEE1394, SCSI, infrared interface, etc. In the case of a digital still camera that records image data on a possible memory card, the memory card can be mounted in the memory card slot of the personal computer 52 to read the image data.
[0005]
Memory cards include compact flash, smart media, multimedia cards, memory sticks, SD cards and the like. Basically, cards with built-in nonvolatile memory such as flash memory are often used, but any portable storage media including FD, MO, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, MD, MO, etc. has the same purpose. Can be used in
[0006]
The first printing method is an image printing method mainly performed at home. The advantage is that you can save yourself the trouble of going to a photo shop because you can do it at home. However, because the printer is made for home use, it cannot print as beautifully as a photograph. In addition to a digital still camera, a personal computer and a printer must be prepared to obtain a printed image. In addition, the user is required to learn how to use and set personal computers and printers.
[0007]
There are printers that can be connected directly to a digital still camera without going through a personal computer, but cannot print at a photo-level image quality. In addition, since it can only be used in combination with a specific digital still camera and a specific printer, there are restrictions on the model selection of the digital still camera, and printers that can only print from a specific digital still camera are not easy to use. There is a point.
[0008]
Next, a second printing method for images taken with a digital still camera or the like will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 38, 1 is a data reading device, 2 is a storage device, 5 is a printing device, 6 is a management device, and 8 is a bus for addresses, data, control signals and the like. A memory card storing image data captured by the digital still camera is inserted into the memory card slot of the data reader 1. The data reader 1 reads image data from the memory card and stores it in the storage device 2. The printing device 5 prints an image from the image data stored in the storage device 2. The management device 6 calculates and displays a printing fee determined from the number of printed sheets, print size, printing paper, and the like.
[0009]
As the second printing method, there is an image printing service carried out at a photo shop or the like as a service for a digital still camera, which corresponds to a silver salt film development and simultaneous printing service. Deposit a memory card with image data at a photo shop and pay a fee in exchange for a printed image. When printing image data of 1 million pixels or more in the cabinet size, a clean print image equivalent to a silver salt photograph can be obtained. In addition, the user does not have to purchase new equipment and does not need to learn a new method of use. In many cases, the image printing fee is about the same as the silver film printing fee. However, the disadvantage is that you have to go to the photo shop. In addition, business hours of photo shops are limited, and it is often difficult to print images late at night.
[0010]
As the second printing method, there is a method of using an automatic machine handled by a user in self-service, instead of a method of manually performing at a photo shop. It is installed at convenience stores that are open 24 hours a day. When a memory card is inserted into the designated slot, the number of prints, print size, print paper, etc. are designated according to the instructions on the screen, and the fee is charged, the image is printed. If it is installed in a convenience store, etc., which is often in the neighborhood of your home or workplace and is open 24 hours a day, there are no restrictions on the use time, and there is also an advantage that you can get a beautiful image like a silver salt photograph is there.
[0011]
Next, a method for browsing an image taken with a digital still camera or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 39, 51 is a digital still camera (DSC), 52 is a personal computer (PC), 50 is the Internet, 4 is a server device, 8 is a bus, 2 is a storage device, 40 is a server device 4, bus 8, and storage device. 2 is a WWW service provider system.
[0012]
The digital still camera 51 stores captured images in an internal memory or a memory card. Image data based on the captured image stored in the internal memory of the digital still camera 51 is an image based on the captured image stored on a memory card via an interface such as USB, parallel interface, serial interface, IEEE1394, SCSI, or the like. Data is read into the personal computer 52 via a card slot or the like. The personal computer 52 creates an image file based on the read image data and an HTML file linked to the image file. The personal computer 52 transmits the HTML file and the image file to the server device 4 of the WWW service provider connected to the Internet 50 via the Internet connection provider via a telephone line. The server device 4 stores the HTML file and the image file in the storage device 2 via the bus 8.
[0013]
The user accesses a specific home page of the server device 4 on the Internet 50 specified by a URL (uniform resource locator) from the personal computer 52 via a telephone line via an Internet connection provider. The user can view the captured image on the homepage screen based on the HTML file on the monitor screen of the personal computer 52.
[0014]
Although not shown, the captured image can be similarly viewed from another personal computer connected to the Internet 50 via a WWW service provider by accessing the home page specified by the URL.
[0015]
If the above method is used, there is a merit that a member of a group can immediately view a photograph taken in a group trip, for example. However, there is a drawback that members who do not have an environment that can connect to the Internet, such as personal computers, cannot browse. In addition, when image data is sent to a server via a telephone line, there is a drawback that the transmission fee increases in proportion to the capacity of the image data. Further, even if the Internet connection fee or the telephone fee is fixed, the telephone line is occupied and used, so that there is a disadvantage that the telephone or the fax cannot be used while the image data is transmitted.
[0016]
Next, a third printing method for images taken with a digital still camera or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 40, 51 is a digital still camera (DSC), 52 is a personal computer (PC), 50 is the Internet, 4 is a server device, 8 is a bus, 2 is a storage device, 6 is a management device, 5 is a printing device, 42 is , A system of a WWW service provider comprising a server device 4, a bus 8, a storage device 2, a printing device 5, and a management device 6.
[0017]
The digital still camera 51 stores captured images in an internal memory or a memory card. Image data based on the captured image stored in the internal memory of the digital still camera 51 is based on the captured image stored on a memory card via an interface such as USB, parallel interface, serial interface, IEEE1394, SCSI, or the like. Image data is read into the personal computer 52 via a card slot or the like. The personal computer 52 creates an image file based on the read image data and an HTML file linked to the image file. The personal computer 52 transmits the HTML file and the image file to the server device 4 of the WWW service provider connected to the Internet 50 via the Internet connection provider via a telephone line. The server device 4 stores the HTML file and the image file in the storage device 2 via the bus 8.
[0018]
The user accesses the home page (specified by the URL) of the server device 4 on the Internet 50 from the personal computer 52 via a telephone line via an Internet connection company. The user can view the captured image on the homepage screen based on the HTML file on the monitor screen of the personal computer 52.
[0019]
In addition, the user can access the homepage specified by the URL from the personal computer 52, browse the captured image on the homepage, and can also order printing of the captured image from the homepage screen. When receiving the print order, the server device 4 notifies the printing device 5 and the management device 6 of the order contents. The printing device 5 prints an image from the image data stored in the storage device 2. The management device 6 calculates a printing fee determined from the number of printed sheets, print size, printing paper, and the like.
[0020]
The user pays the printing fee at the photo shop designated at the time of the print order and receives the print image. The user does not have to visit the photo shop twice, ie, print order and print image reception, and there is an advantage that only one photo shop visit is required. Further, if the print image is delivered to the home, there is an advantage that the print image can be obtained without going to a photo shop. However, when image data is sent to a server via a telephone line, there is a drawback that the transmission fee increases in proportion to the capacity of the image data. Further, even if the Internet connection fee or the telephone fee is fixed, the telephone line is occupied and used, so that there is a disadvantage that the telephone or the fax cannot be used while the image data is transmitted.
[0021]
On the other hand, a mobile phone with an imaging function, or a combination of a digital still camera and a mobile phone is a combination of an imaging means and a communication means, so the captured image is transmitted as an attached file of an e-mail, or the captured image is placed on a homepage on the Internet. It is possible to easily realize information transmission using video anytime and anywhere. However, the e-mail capacity of a mobile phone cannot attach such a large image file in consideration of the capacity of a communication company's line and server.
[0022]
A VGA size of approximately 300,000 pixels with 640 pixels horizontally and 480 pixels vertically, or a CIF image with approximately 50,000 pixels horizontally and 288 pixels vertically and approximately 100,000 pixels can be printed on a cabinet plate, which is a common photo size. Because the number of pixels is small, it is not so beautiful. For example, if the image has one million pixels or more, a beautiful printed image comparable to a silver salt photograph can be obtained even if it is printed on a cabinet plate.
[0023]
However, images with more than 1 million pixels cannot be attached to e-mails of mobile phones. Even if a service that can send image data of 1 million pixels or more to a specific server is provided, mobile phones have higher call charges and lower transmission rates than landline phones, so they are expensive. Cost.
[0024]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional image management method such as browsing and printing of digital images and the apparatus used therefor are configured and operated as described above, so that captured images can be browsed on a server on the Internet for viewing of images between related parties. If a homepage is prepared, there is a problem that a communication fee for transmitting images to the server is required. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to contact the owner of the captured image to obtain and print it separately even when the parties concerned want to obtain the printed image.
[0025]
The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems, and it is disclosed on the Internet so that a captured image can be viewed between related parties without incurring a communication fee for transmission of the captured image. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an image management method and system capable of ordering a print image with a picture quality as good as a photograph.
[0026]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention
In an image management method for performing processing for electronic image browsing and processing corresponding to an image printing order,
A data reading process for reading image data;
An image album creating process for creating an electronic image album from the image data;
A browsing screen providing step for providing a screen that allows a user to browse the electronic image album;
An ordering screen providing step for providing a screen that allows a user to order image printing based on the electronic image album;
An order receiving process for receiving order data from a user in the order screen providing process,
A printing process for printing based on the order data;
A usage fee calculation process for calculating a usage fee based on the order data,
A sending process for sending the printed image printed in the printing process based on the order data;
An image management method is provided.
[0027]
The data reading step may read the image data from a communication terminal.
[0028]
The data reading step may read communication terminal identification data together with the image data from the communication terminal.
[0029]
The image album creating step may create a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal identification data from the image data associated with the communication terminal identification data.
[0030]
The image album creating step may include a step of reducing the image data to a number less than or equal to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display unit of the user's communication terminal.
[0031]
The browsing screen providing step may provide a screen that enables browsing of the electronic image album to a user's communication terminal.
[0032]
The ordering screen providing step may provide a user communication terminal with a screen that enables an image printing order for the electronic image album.
[0033]
The ordering screen providing step may specify a destination of the print image based on the communication terminal identification data.
[0034]
The order receiving process may receive order data including an image identification code, the number of printed sheets, printing paper information, and communication terminal identification data.
[0035]
The usage fee calculation step may calculate the usage fee in association with the communication terminal identification data.
[0036]
It may further include a fee data transmission step of transmitting the usage fee data calculated in the usage fee calculation step to the communication fee management claimant of the user's communication terminal in association with the communication terminal identification data.
[0037]
The sending step may include a step of obtaining destination data from a communication charge management claimant of the communication terminal based on the communication terminal identification data.
[0038]
A step of transmitting connection information of the electronic image album browsing screen to the communication terminal may be further included when the electronic image album is ready for browsing.
[0039]
The communication terminal identification data may include at least one of subscriber information including a telephone number, an e-mail address or an address of a packet communication service, a customer management number in a communication carrier, a name and an address. .
[0040]
The communication terminal is a cellular phone, a portable terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable information terminal, a portable information communication terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant or Personal Data Assistant), PHS.(Personal Handyphone System)Any device that is portable and equipped with a communication function may be used.
[0041]
The present invention also provides
In an image management system that electronically performs processing for viewing images and processing corresponding to image printing orders,
A data reader for reading image data;
A storage device for storing the image data;
A processing device for creating an electronic image album from the image data;
A server device that provides a screen that allows a user to browse the electronic image album; and a screen that allows an image print order to be received; and receives order data from the user;
A printing device for printing based on the order data;
A management device that calculates a usage fee based on the order data;
A transmission / reception device for transmitting / receiving data necessary for image management;
An image management system characterized by comprising:
[0042]
The data reading device may read the image data from a communication terminal.
[0043]
The data reading device may read communication terminal identification data together with the image data from the communication terminal.
[0044]
The processing device may create a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal identification data from the image data associated with the communication terminal identification data.
[0045]
The processing device may reduce the image data to a number of pixels that can be displayed on a display unit of a user's communication terminal.
[0046]
The server device may provide a screen for enabling browsing of the electronic image album to a user's communication terminal.
[0047]
The server device may provide a screen for enabling the user to order an image print of the electronic image album to the user's communication terminal.
[0048]
The server device may provide a screen for allowing the user to specify a print image destination based on the communication terminal identification data.
[0049]
The server device may receive order data including an image identification code, the number of printed sheets, printing paper information, and communication terminal identification data.
[0050]
The management device may calculate a usage fee in association with the communication terminal identification data.
[0051]
The transmission / reception apparatus may transmit data on usage charges associated with the communication terminal identification data to a communication charge management claimant of the user's communication terminal.
[0052]
The transmission / reception device may acquire transmission destination data from a communication charge management claimant of the communication terminal based on the communication terminal identification data.
[0053]
The server device may transmit connection information of the electronic image album browsing screen to the communication terminal when preparation for browsing the electronic image album is completed.
[0054]
The communication terminal identification data may include at least one of subscriber information including a telephone number, an e-mail address or an address of a packet communication service, a customer management number in a communication carrier, a name and an address. .
[0055]
The communication terminal is a cellular phone, a portable terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable information terminal, a portable information communication terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant or Personal Data Assistant), PHS.(Personal Handyphone System)Any device that is portable and equipped with a communication function may be used.
[0056]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and devices connected thereto. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an image management system installed in a photo shop or the like, which includes a data reading device 1, a storage device 2, a processing device 3, a server device 4, a printing device 5, a management device 6, and a transmission / reception device 7. . These are connected to each other by a bus 8 including an address bus, a data bus, and a control line.
[0057]
Reference numeral 20 denotes a communication management system for a telecommunications carrier, which includes a transmission / reception device 21, a server device 22, a management device 23, and a line processing device 24. It is connected.
[0058]
Reference numerals 30, 31, 32, and 33 denote mobile phones having different owners or users, and the mobile phone 30 is illustrated as a mobile phone with an imaging function. Other mobile phones 31, 32, and 33 may or may not have an imaging function.
[0059]
The image management system 10, the communication management system 20, and the mobile phones 30 to 33 can be connected to each other via the Internet 50.
[0060]
The mobile phone 30 with an imaging function is a mobile phone equipped with an imaging function. The imaging function is almost the same as that of a digital still camera, and an image captured by the imaging device is stored as digital data. The configuration may be, for example, a configuration in which a camera unit is built in the mobile phone body. A configuration in which the camera unit is built in a camera adapter independent of the mobile phone body may be used.
[0061]
FIG. 2A is a front view of the mobile phone 30 with an imaging function. FIG. 2B is a rear view of the mobile phone 30 with an imaging function. In FIG. 2, 60 is an antenna, 61 is a display unit, 62 is a telephone keyboard unit, 63 is an “up” arrow key, 64 is a “down” arrow key, 65 is a “left” arrow key, and 66 is a “right” arrow. Reference numeral 67 denotes a “select” key, 68 denotes a “camera” key, 69 denotes a “shutter” key, 70 denotes a camera lens unit, 71 denotes a memory card, and 72 denotes a card slot for the memory card.
[0062]
The image capturing operation of the mobile phone 30 with the image capturing function will be described with reference to FIG. When the “camera” key 68 is pressed, an image formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element disposed inside the camera lens via the camera lens unit 70 is photoelectrically converted and captured by the imaging element. The captured image is displayed as a moving image on the display unit 61 through a camera signal processing circuit, a display system signal processing circuit, and the like (not shown). The subject and the angle can be adjusted while monitoring the image on the display unit 61. When the “shutter” key 69 is pressed, the captured image is compressed and stored in the memory card 71.
[0063]
An image management system 10 shown in FIG. 1 performs processing for viewing an electronic image obtained by imaging and processing corresponding to a print order. As will be described in detail later, a data reading device 1 reads image data and communication terminal identification data (for example, a mobile phone number) from a communication terminal such as a mobile phone 30 with an imaging function. The storage device 2 stores the image data read by the data reading device 1. At this time, each image data is stored in association with identification data of the communication terminal that is the source of the image data. Also, a series of image data read from the communication terminal is collected into one group and stored in association with each other.
[0064]
The processing device 3 creates an electronic image album for each communication terminal identification data, for example, from the image data stored in the storage device 2 (associated with the identification data of the communication terminal). At this time, the image data is reduced to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display unit of the user's communication terminal. Each image in the electronic album is correlated with the corresponding image in the storage device 2 by an image identification code.
[0065]
When the preparation for browsing the electronic image album is completed, the server device 4 transmits the connection information on the browsing screen of the electronic image album to the corresponding communication terminal so that the user can browse the electronic image album. A screen that enables ordering and an image printing order is provided to the user's communication terminal, and order data from the user is received. The server device 4 also provides a screen that allows the user's communication terminal to designate the destination of the print image based on the communication terminal identification data when creating the order data. The server device 4 further receives order data including an image identification code (for example, a series of image data or an image number in each album), the number of printed sheets, print paper information, and communication terminal identification data as part of the order data. To do.
[0066]
The printing device 5 prints an image based on the order data. The management device 6 calculates a usage fee based on the order data. At this time, the usage fee is calculated in association with the communication terminal identification data. The transmission / reception device 7 transmits / receives data necessary for image management. The transmission / reception device 7 also transmits usage fee data associated with the communication terminal identification data to a communication fee management claimant of the user's communication terminal, for example, a communication carrier. Further, the transmission / reception device 7 obtains transmission destination data from a communication charge management requester of the communication terminal, for example, a communication carrier, based on the communication terminal identification data.
[0067]
As the communication terminal identification data, a telephone number, an e-mail address or an address of a packet communication service, a customer management number at a communication carrier, subscriber information including a name and an address can be used.
[0068]
Hereinafter, the case where a mobile phone is used as a communication terminal will be described. However, as a communication terminal, a mobile terminal, a mobile communication terminal, a mobile information terminal, a mobile information communication terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants or Personal Data Assistants), PHS can be used instead.(Personal Handyphone System)Any device may be used as long as it is portable and equipped with a communication function.
[0069]
3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining operations such as data storage, album creation, and print order acceptance by the image management system 10. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operations of the printer 5 and the management device 6 (processing performed in accordance with the processing at step f9 in FIG. 4) when an image printing instruction is received from the server device 4. In the description of the following operations, reference numerals of corresponding portions in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 corresponding to the respective operations are added.
[0070]
The image management system 10 receives a series of image data, a mobile phone number (as identification data), and an e-mail address from the memory card 71 containing an image taken by the mobile phone 30 with an imaging function, for example, by the reading device 1. Read and store in the storage device 2 (f1).
[0071]
The series of image data is collected into one group and related to each other, and further stored in the storage device 2 in relation to the number of the mobile phone that is the source of the image data. As a result of being stored in relation to the mobile phone number in this way, a group of image data read out in the past from the same mobile phone and thus related to the same mobile phone number is already stored in the storage device 2. If it is, the group of the image data is also associated with each other to form one set.
[0072]
The processing device 3 reads image data or the like from the storage device 2 and creates a home page of an image album composed of the series of images read from the same mobile phone number (f2). In this case, if a group of image data read out from the same mobile phone in the past and related to the same mobile phone number has already been stored in the storage device, it forms an album with it. Alternatively, one album may be constituted only by the group of the series of image data. Below, it demonstrates as what employ | adopts the latter aspect.
[0073]
When composing an album, the processing device 3 creates a reduced image obtained by reducing the captured image so that it can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone. For example, the captured image may have a CIF size of about 100,000 pixels with horizontal 352 pixels and vertical 288 pixels, or a VGA size of about 300,000 pixels with horizontal 640 pixels and vertical 480 pixels. Alternatively, the number of pixels may exceed 1 million pixels. On the other hand, in general, the number of pixels of a display unit of a mobile phone is often about 120 pixels horizontally and 160 pixels vertically. Therefore, for viewing on a mobile phone, the captured image is reduced to an image size corresponding to the display unit of the mobile phone as shown in FIG.
[0074]
The processing device 3 stores the created HTML file of the image album and a link file such as a corresponding image file in the server device 4 (f3). Note that the images of the image album are created for viewing on a mobile phone, whereas when printing, images stored in the storage device 2 are used as will be described later.
[0075]
When the home page of the image album is prepared, the server device 4 sends an e-mail notifying the URL (uniform resource locator) of the first page of the home page (Web site) of the image album to the e-mail address of the mobile phone 30. (F4). This e-mail has a role of notifying that the image album is completed, and describes an access method in addition to the URL. The electronic mail transmitted from the server device 4 is received by the server device 22 of the communication carrier 20 via the Internet 50. The e-mail received by the server device 22 is received by the mobile phone 30 as packet communication from the line processing device 24 via the bus 25.
[0076]
When the e-mail is received by the mobile phone 30, the e-mail is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30 as a screen that allows the electronic image album to be viewed. In response to this, the user of the mobile phone 30 can use the received URL to access the home page of the image album (specified by the URL) and browse the image. In this case, as a browsing request, the mobile phone 30 transmits the URL to the line processing device 24 by packet communication. This browsing request is transmitted from the line processing device 24 via the bus 25 from the server device 22 and received by the corresponding server device 4 via the Internet 50.
[0077]
The image management system 10 confirms that the communication from the mobile phone is an image browsing request (f5), and the first page of the homepage specified by the URL (a predetermined one of a series of images, for example, the first The HTML file and the related file corresponding to (including the image of) are transmitted (f6). The HTML file and the related file are received by the server device 22 of the communication carrier 20 via the Internet 50. The HTML file and the related file received by the server device 22 are transmitted from the line processing device 24 to the mobile phone 30 via the bus 25 as packet communication.
[0078]
As a result, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the mobile phone 30. As shown in FIG. 7, this screen displays an image constituting a part of the first page of the album in the image display area 61a of the display unit 61, and displays a button in the button display area 61b. is there. In the illustrated example, there are three buttons in the button display area 61b. A print button 81 is provided at the center, a right arrow button 82 is provided on the right side, and a left arrow button 83 is provided on the left side. When the user desires to print the displayed image, the user selects the print button 81 and performs a determination operation as will be described later.
[0079]
When it is desired to browse another image in the album, the right arrow button 82 or the left arrow button 83 is selected and a determination operation is performed. As shown in FIG. 7, when the right arrow button 82 is selected (when it is selected, for example, the display color changes as shown by hatching in the figure), and the determination operation is performed, the next image album is displayed. Access to the page (which includes the next image and is specified by the URL generated by selection of the next page) is performed. This access is transmitted to the image management system 10 via the Internet 50 as an application for browsing the next page of the image album.
[0080]
Also in this case, the image management system 10 confirms that the communication from the mobile phone is a request for browsing the designated image (f5), and the HTML file corresponding to the accessed page (designated by the URL) And the related file is transmitted (f6). As a result, for example, the screen of FIG. 8 (including the image of the next page of the image album) is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. The following operations are the same as described above.
[0081]
In FIG. 8, for example, as shown by hatching in FIG. 8, if the left arrow button 83 is selected and a determination operation is performed, access to the previous page of the image album is performed by the URL generated by the determination operation. Done. As a result, the screen of FIG. 7 is displayed again on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. The pages shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 used in the description are examples of image albums created based on captured images. In this way, images registered in the image album can be browsed in order by sequentially tracking a series of images using the arrow buttons (82, 83) from the currently displayed image.
[0082]
In addition, although it demonstrated as an operation for selection of the image of an image album (change of the displayed image) that the display of the arrow-shaped triangle button was used, for example, you may use another user interface.
[0083]
For example, when the page shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30, as shown by hatching in FIG. 9, when the “print” button 81 is selected and a determination operation is performed, the determination operation generates The URL is used to access the image album print setting page. Also in this case, the URL indicating the print setting page is sent to the image management system 10, and the image management system 10 sends the page specified by the sent URL (f7).
[0084]
As a result, the sent page is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30 as a screen as shown in FIG. (Note that sending such a specific page and displaying the screen is also referred to as “sending the screen”.) The screen (print setting screen) shown in FIG. 10 sets or changes printing conditions. The “number” button 91, the “size” button 92, the “paper type” button 93, and the “delivery destination” button 94, which are items of the printing conditions, are displayed, and “order” is displayed. A button 95, an “OK” button 96, and a “return” button 97 are displayed.
[0085]
Each item of the printing conditions (buttons 91 to 94) initially has a default value (default value). FIG. 10 shows an example of default values in which the number of printed sheets is 1, the paper size is L, the paper is glossy / no border, and the destination is the user.
[0086]
For example, when the default values shown in FIG. 10 are satisfied (the default values match the request and there are no print condition items to be changed), an “order” button 95 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. When the determination operation is performed, print order data including the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the order operation and the identification code of the image to be printed is transmitted to the server device 4. When the server device 4 determines that the received data indicates that the printing conditions have been confirmed and therefore requests execution of printing (f8), the server device 4 transmits the order data to the printing device 5 and the management device 6 (f9). Gives a print instruction. The printing device 5 and the management device 6 execute printing based on this. This will be described in detail later.
[0087]
For example, when it is desired to change the number of printed sheets from “1” to “2” with the setting shown in FIG. 10, when the “number” button 91 is selected and a determination operation is performed as shown by hatching in FIG. The page for changing the number of prints is accessed by the URL generated by the above. In response to this, the management system 10 transmits a page for changing the number of sheets designated by the sent URL to the mobile phone 30 (f8, f10).
[0088]
As a result, the transmitted page is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30 as a screen shown in FIG. The screen shown in FIG. 13 is for changing the number of printed sheets, which is one item of the printing conditions. The “number of printed sheets” display portion 101, the “up arrow” button 102, the “down arrow” button 103, “ An “OK” button 96 and a “Return” button 97 are included. The default value for the number of prints is one. As shown by hatching in FIG. 13, when the up arrow 102 is selected and a determination operation is performed, the number of sheets is displayed as two. As shown by hatching in FIG. 14, when the “OK” button 96 is selected and the determination operation is performed, the number data is transmitted to the server device 4 together with the URL for specifying the print setting page, and printing is performed by the transmitted URL. Access to the settings page.
[0089]
The server device 4 corrects the number data, which is one item of the print condition of the print setting page, from one to two, and transmits the corrected print setting page to the mobile phone (f7). As a result, the screen of FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. FIG. 15 is the same as FIG. 12, but “number of sheets” in the printing conditions is changed to “2”.
[0090]
If the set values shown in FIG. 15 are satisfactory (the displayed values match the request and there are no print condition items to be changed), an “order” button 95 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. When the determination operation is performed, print order data including the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the order operation and the identification code of the image to be printed is transmitted to the server device 4. If the server device 4 determines that the sent data indicates that the printing conditions have been confirmed, and accordingly requests printing execution (f8), the server device 4 transmits the order data to the printing device 5 and the management device 6 (f9).
[0091]
In the setting of FIG. 15, for example, when it is desired to change the paper size from L size to A5 size, as shown by hatching in FIG. 17, when the “paper size” button 92 is selected and a determination operation is performed, The generated URL accesses a page for changing the printing paper size. In response to this, the server device 4 transmits a page for changing the paper size to the mobile phone 30 (f8, f11). As a result, the screen of FIG. 18 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30.
[0092]
The page shown in FIG. 18 is for changing the paper size. As options for the paper size, “L size (89 × 127 mm)” button 111, “2L size (127 × 178 mm)” button 112, “HV” A "size (89 × 158 mm)” button 113, a “P size (89 × 254 mm)” button 114, an “A5 size (148 × 210 mm)” button 115, and an “A4 size (210 × 297 mm)” button 116; An “OK” button 96 and a “Return” button 97 are included.
[0093]
The default value is L size (89 × 127 mm). For example, as shown by hatching in FIG. 19, when the A5 size (148 × 210 mm) is selected and the determination operation is performed, the paper size data is transmitted to the server device 4 together with the URL for specifying the print setting page and transmitted. The print setting page is accessed by the URL. The server device 4 changes the paper size from L size to A5 size, and transmits the modified setting page to the mobile phone (f7). As a result, the screen of FIG. 20 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. FIG. 20 is the same as FIG. 15 except that “size” in the printing conditions is changed to “A5”.
[0094]
When the setting values shown in FIG. 20 are satisfactory (the displayed values match the request and there are no print condition items to be changed), an “order” button 95 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. When the determination operation is performed, print order data including the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the order operation and the identification code of the image to be printed is transmitted to the server apparatus 4). If the server device 4 determines that the sent data indicates that the printing conditions have been confirmed, and accordingly requests printing execution (f8), the server device 4 transmits the order data to the printing device 5 and the management device 6 (f9).
[0095]
In the setting of FIG. 20, for example, when it is desired to change the paper from “Glossy / No border” to “No gloss / No border”, the “paper” button 93 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. Is performed, the print paper setting page is accessed by the URL generated by the determination operation. In response to this, the server device 4 transmits a page to the mobile phone 30 for setting paper (f8, f12). As a result, the screen of FIG. 23 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. The screen shown in FIG. 23 is used to change the paper type (surface properties, edge presence / absence). As options for the paper type, there are a “with gloss / no edge” button 121 and a “no gloss / no edge” button. 122, a “shiny / bordered” button 123 and a “shiny / bordered” button 124, and an “OK” button 96 and a “return” button 97. The default value is “With gloss / No border” 121.
[0096]
As shown by hatching in FIG. 24, when “no gloss / no border” 122 is selected and a determination operation is performed, the paper data is transmitted to the server apparatus 4 together with the URL specifying the print setting page, and the transmitted URL Thus, the print setting page is accessed. The server device 4 corrects the paper data of the print setting page from “with gloss / no border” to “without gloss / no border”, and transmits the corrected page to the mobile phone (f7). As a result, the screen of FIG. 25 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. FIG. 25 is the same as FIG. 20, but the “paper type” in the printing conditions is changed from “shiny / no border” to “no gloss / no border”.
[0097]
When the setting values shown in FIG. 25 are satisfied (the displayed values match the request and there are no print condition items to be changed), an “order” button 95 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. When the determination operation is performed, print order data including the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the order operation and the identification code of the image to be printed is transmitted to the server device 4. If the server device 4 determines that the sent data indicates that the printing conditions have been confirmed, and accordingly requests printing execution (f8), the server device 4 transmits the order data to the printing device 5 and the management device 6 (f9).
[0098]
In the setting of FIG. 25, for example, when the destination is changed from “Me” to “Mr. Tanaka”, as shown by hatching in FIG. 27, the “Destination” button 94 is selected and a determination operation is performed. Access to the destination setting page is performed by the URL generated by the operation. In response to this, the server device 4 transmits a page for changing the destination to the mobile phone 30 (f8, f13). As a result, the screen of FIG. 28 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30.
[0099]
The screen in FIG. 28 is used to select a destination designation method, and includes a “designate from address book” button 131 and an “address input” button 132 as options for a destination designation method. An “OK” button 96 and a “Return” button 97 are included. The default value is “designated from address book” 131 (f14).
[0100]
As shown by hatching in FIG. 28, when “designate from address book” 131 is selected and a determination operation is performed, the selection data of “designate from address book” designates a destination setting page based on the address book data. The URL is transmitted to the server device 4 together with the URL, and the transmitted URL is used to access a destination setting page based on the address book data. In response to this, the server device 4 transmits a page for enabling designation by the address book to the mobile phone 30 (f15).
[0101]
As a result, the screen of FIG. 29 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. The screen in FIG. 29 is used for designating a destination by selecting from options based on address book data. As an example of a destination option, a “self” button 141, a “Mr. Tanaka” button 142, “Sato” It includes a “you” button 143, a “Suzuki-like” button 144, a “Mr. Watanabe” button 145, and a “Yamamoto-like” button 146, and an “OK” button 96 and a “return” button 97. The default value is “Me”.
[0102]
As shown by hatching in FIG. 29, when “Mr. Tanaka” is selected and a determination operation is performed, the destination data is transmitted to the server apparatus 4 together with the URL for specifying the print setting page, and the print setting is performed by the transmitted URL. The page is accessed. The server device 4 corrects the destination data of the print setting page from “myself” to “Mr. Tanaka” (f7), and transmits the corrected print setting page to the mobile phone 30. As a result, the screen of FIG. 30 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. FIG. 30 is the same as FIG. 25, except that “Destination” in the printing conditions is changed from “Me” to “Mr. Tanaka”.
[0103]
When the setting values shown in FIG. 30 are satisfactory (the displayed values match the request and there are no print condition items to be changed), an “order” button 95 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. When the determination operation is performed, print order data including the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the order operation and the identification code of the image to be printed is transmitted to the server device 4. When the destination is set based on the address book, the mobile phone number associated with the name in the address book is the destination data. If the server device 4 determines that the sent data indicates that the printing conditions have been confirmed, and accordingly requests printing execution (f8), the server device 4 transmits the order data to the printing device 5 and the management device 6 (f9).
[0104]
In the setting shown in FIG. 32, for example, when it is desired to specify a destination by inputting characters from “Mr. Tanaka” (for example, when inputting “Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo”), as shown by hatching in FIG. When the “destination” button 94 is selected and the determination operation is performed, the URL set by the determination operation is used to access the destination setting page. In response to this, the server device 4 transmits a page for changing the destination to the mobile phone 30 (f8, f13). As a result, the screen of FIG. 33 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. The screen of FIG. 33 is for selecting a method for designating a destination as in FIG. 28. As an option for a method for designating a destination, a “designate from address book” button 131 and an “address input” button are provided. 132, and further includes an “OK” button 96 and a “Return” button 97. The default value is “designated from address book” 131 (f14).
[0105]
As shown by hatching in FIG. 33, when the “address input” button 132 is selected and the determination operation is performed, the selection data of “address input” is displayed together with the URL specifying the page for setting the addressee by address input. Access is made to the page for destination setting by sending the address specified by the transmitted URL to the apparatus 4. In response to this, the server device 4 transmits a page for address input (f16). As a result, the screen of FIG. 34 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30.
[0106]
The screen of FIG. 34 is for designating a destination by character input, and includes a field 151 for inputting the address of the destination, and a field 152 for inputting the name of the destination. "Button 96 and" back "button 97.
[0107]
When the address and name are entered in these fields 151 and 152 and the decision operation is performed, the destination data is transmitted to the server apparatus 4 together with the URL specifying the print setting page, and the print setting page is transmitted by the transmitted URL. Is accessed. In response to this, the server device 4 modifies the destination data of the print setting page to “Taro Tanaka” entered by “Mr. Tanaka” (f7), and transmits the corrected print setting page to the mobile phone 30. To do. As a result, the screen of FIG. 35 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 30. The screen in FIG. 35 is the same as that in FIG. 30, but “Destination” in the printing conditions is changed from “Mr. Tanaka” to “Taro Tanaka”.
[0108]
If the setting values shown in FIG. 35 are satisfactory (the displayed values match the request and there are no print condition items to be changed), an “order” button 95 is selected as shown by hatching in FIG. When the determination operation is performed, print order data including the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the order operation and the identification code of the image to be printed is transmitted to the server device 4. When an address is input for the destination, the address and name are the destination data. If the server device 4 determines that the sent data indicates that the printing conditions have been confirmed, and accordingly requests printing execution (f8), the server device 4 transmits the order data to the printing device 5 and the management device 6 (f9).
[0109]
Next, processing executed based on the processing in step f9 in FIG. 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows processes performed by the printing apparatus 5 and the management apparatus 6. These are performed in response to the order data transmitted in step f9.
[0110]
The order data from the server device 4 includes, for example, the telephone number (as identification data) of the mobile phone that performed the ordering operation, the identification code of the image to be printed (identifies the image to be printed out of the series of images) Information), the number of printed sheets, print sheet information, and communication terminal identification data, and the printing apparatus 5 performs printing based on the order data (f21). In this case, high-definition printing is performed using the image stored in the storage device 2. Designation of an image in the storage device 2 is performed by an image identification code included in the order data.
[0111]
Then, the management device 6 outputs an instruction or data for sending the print image to the delivery destination based on the order data (f22). Specifically, for example, printing is performed on an envelope with a destination as an address, or printing is performed on a label attached to the envelope. Based on this, the mail is sent to a postal service or a delivery company.
[0112]
When the destination data is represented by a mobile phone number, the transmitting / receiving device 7 transmits the mobile phone number set as the destination data to the transmitting / receiving device 21 of the communication carrier 20. The management device 23 inquires the address and name of the user who uses the mobile phone number. The transmission / reception device 21 of the communication carrier 20 transmits the address and name of the user who uses the mobile phone number to the management device 6 via the return transmission / reception device 7. The management device 6 outputs an instruction for generating a print image to a destination indicated by the address name sent from the communication carrier 20.
[0113]
The management device 6 further calculates a printing fee based on the order data (f23), and transmits / receives the printing fee data associated with the mobile phone number of the printing orderer via the transmission / reception device 7 to / from the communication carrier 20. It transmits to the apparatus 21 (f24).
[0114]
The management device 23 collects and manages usage charges such as mobile phone call charges, information usage charges, and packet communication charges for each user. Based on the printing fee data associated with the mobile phone number received by the transmission / reception device 21, the management device 23 charges the printing fee for the usage fee of the mobile phone user.
[0115]
Note that the transmission of fee data in step f23 may be of the nature of charge collection from the image management system 10 to the telecommunications carrier 20, or the nature of billing of the telecommunications carrier 20 from the image management system 10. May be. In the latter case, the telecommunications carrier 20 may charge the user (the user of the mobile phone) by adding an additional fee to the amount charged by the mobile phone. A fee may be charged from the communication carrier 20 to the image management system 10.
[0116]
In addition to the printing fee, the user may manage and charge the user of the mobile phone according to the amount and period of the image. In this case, the image management system 10 informs the communication carrier 20 of the amount, The communication carrier 20 may charge the user.
[0117]
When both steps f24 are completed, the mobile phone 30 is notified that the printing has been completed. In this case, the shipping date (or scheduled shipping date), the estimated arrival date, or the calculated printing fee may be notified together.
[0118]
The combination of steps f21 and f22 and the combination of steps f23 and f24 may be performed simultaneously in parallel.
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image management service including image input, browsing, print order, and usage fee payment can be performed under a centralized management. is there. In other words, in a service where only one of image browsing and image printing is provided, there is an effect that it is convenient to save the trouble of inputting an image and paying a fee twice.
[0120]
  Also,Even for images taken with a communication terminal with an imaging device, it is possible to receive image management services including image browsing, print ordering, and payment of usage fees, and the user of the communication terminal with the imaging device can obtain an electronic image of the captured image. There is an effect that it is possible to easily browse an album or order a print image.
[0121]
  Also,Since the captured image can be managed by the communication terminal identification data, there is an effect that it is easy to realize a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal. In addition, there is an effect that it is easy to notify connection information such as the URL and address of the electronic image album.
Furthermore, there is an effect that an image can be viewed at any time on the communication terminal. When storing images in the internal memory of the communication terminal, only a limited number of images can be stored due to memory capacity limitations, and only that range can be displayed and browsed. In addition, since a large-capacity server can be used, it is possible to view a large number of images as an image album.
Furthermore, even if a homepage including an image is transmitted from the server for image browsing, it is a reduced image, so that there is an effect that the data amount is small and the communication time and the communication fee are reduced. In addition, although the entire image cannot be displayed as it is on the display unit of the communication terminal as it is, the image is reduced to a size that can be displayed.
Furthermore, there is an effect that an image can be ordered for printing at any time on the communication terminal. Image printing orders are generally made at a photo shop or through a personal computer via the Internet. However, according to the present invention, an order can be placed easily and conveniently from a communication terminal at hand.There is an effect.
[0122]
  Claim2According to the invention, it is possible to easily realize a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal. In addition, since the image data corresponds to the communication terminal identification data, there is an effect that the management of the image data becomes easy.
[0126]
  Claim3According to this invention, since the user can easily specify the destination based on the data in the address book of the communication terminal, there is an effect of eliminating the trouble of inputting the address. In addition, there is an effect that the print image can be sent even to a user who does not know the address.
[0127]
  Claim4According to the invention, the print order data can be centrally managed by the communication terminal identification data, so that there is an effect of preventing duplication and mistakes in printing, shipping, and accounting.
[0128]
  Claim5According to the invention, it is possible to easily manage the usage fee corresponding to the print contents. In addition, it can be billed together with the communication fee, which has the effect of facilitating management of the usage fee.
[0129]
  Claim6According to the invention, it is possible for the user to combine the payment of the printing fee with the payment of the communication fee. Further, there is an effect that it is not necessary to transmit information such as a credit card number via the Internet, and the abuse damage of the credit card number can be avoided. In addition, when paying the printing fee, there is an effect that it is possible to save the trouble of going to a bank counter for cash transfer.
[0131]
  Claim7According to the invention, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the URL for connection by oneself. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where it is impossible to see because it is not ready even when trying to browse.
[0132]
  Claim8According to this invention, since the image data can be managed by identification data such as a telephone number without duplication, there is an effect that a management error such as replacement with third-party image data hardly occurs. In addition, there is an effect that the usage fee can be charged together with the communication fee. In addition, the connection information of the electronic image album browsing screen can be sent to the e-mail address or the address of the packet communication service, and the effect of saving the trouble of inputting the connection URL by oneself can be saved. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the situation that it is not seen because it is not ready.
[0134]
  Claim10According to the invention, since the image management service including image input, browsing, print order, and usage fee payment can be performed under a unified management, the convenience of the user is improved. In other words, in a service where only one of image browsing and image printing is provided, there is an effect that it is convenient to save the trouble of inputting an image and paying a fee twice.
[0135]
  Also,Even for images taken with a communication terminal with an imaging device, it is possible to receive image management services including image browsing, print ordering, and payment of usage fees, and the user of the communication terminal with the imaging device can obtain an electronic image of the captured image. There is an effect that it is possible to easily browse an album or order a print image.
[0136]
  Also,Since the captured image can be managed by the communication terminal identification data, there is an effect that it is easy to realize a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal. In addition, there is an effect that it is easy to notify connection information such as the URL and address of the electronic image album.
Furthermore, there is an effect that an image can be viewed at any time on the communication terminal. When storing images in the internal memory of the communication terminal, only a limited number of images can be stored due to memory capacity limitations, and only that range can be displayed and browsed. In addition, since a large-capacity server can be used, it is possible to view a large number of images as an image album.
Furthermore, even if a homepage including an image is transmitted from the server for image browsing, it is a reduced image, so that there is an effect that the data amount is small and the communication time and the communication fee are reduced. In addition, although the entire image cannot be displayed as it is on the display unit of the communication terminal as it is, the image is reduced to a size that can be displayed.
Furthermore, there is an effect that an image can be ordered for printing at any time on the communication terminal. Image printing orders are generally made at a photo shop or through a personal computer via the Internet. However, according to the present invention, there is an effect that an order can be easily and conveniently placed from a communication terminal at hand.
[0137]
  Claim11According to the invention, it is possible to easily realize a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal. In addition, since the image data corresponds to the communication terminal identification data, there is an effect that the management of the image data becomes easy.
[0141]
  Claim12According to this invention, since the user can easily specify the destination based on the data in the address book of the communication terminal, there is an effect of eliminating the trouble of inputting the address. In addition, there is an effect that the print image can be sent even to a user who does not know the address.
[0142]
  Claim13According to the invention, the print order data can be centrally managed by the communication terminal identification data, so that there is an effect of preventing duplication and mistakes in printing, shipping, and accounting.
[0143]
  Claim14According to the invention, it is possible to easily manage the usage fee corresponding to the print contents. In addition, it can be billed together with the communication fee, which has the effect of facilitating management of the usage fee.
[0144]
  Claim15According to the invention, it is possible for the user to combine the payment of the printing fee with the payment of the communication fee. Further, there is an effect that it is not necessary to transmit information such as a credit card number via the Internet, and the abuse damage of the credit card number can be avoided. In addition, when paying the printing fee, there is an effect of saving the trouble of going to a bank or other window for cash transfer.
[0146]
  Claim16According to the invention, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the URL for connection by oneself. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where it is impossible to see because it is not ready even when trying to browse.
[0147]
  Claim17According to this invention, since the image data can be managed by identification data such as a telephone number without duplication, there is an effect that a management error such as replacement with third-party image data hardly occurs. In addition, there is an effect that the usage fee can be charged together with the communication fee. In addition, the connection information of the electronic image album browsing screen can be sent to the e-mail address or the address of the packet communication service, and the effect of saving the trouble of inputting the connection URL by oneself can be saved. There is an effect that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the situation that it is not seen because it is not ready.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image management system 10 of the present invention together with other devices connected thereto.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a mobile phone 30 used in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing operations such as data storage, album creation, album browsing, and print order acceptance by the image management system 10 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations such as data accumulation, album creation, album browsing, and print order acceptance by the image management system 10 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the printing apparatus 5 and the management apparatus 6 when an image printing instruction is received from the server apparatus 4 of the image management system 10;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing image reduction performed when creating an album;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen displaying the first page of the album.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a scene in which another page of the album is displayed.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen when instructing printing of images in an album.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displaying a page for setting / changing printing conditions.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen for instructing printing under displayed printing conditions.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a screen for instructing change of the number of print conditions.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen for changing the number of printed sheets.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen for instructing setting of the displayed number of printed sheets.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen displaying a page for setting / changing printing conditions in which printing conditions are partially changed.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a screen for instructing printing under displayed printing conditions.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen for instructing a change in size among printing conditions.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a size by selection.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a paper size by selection.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a screen that displays a page for setting / changing printing conditions in which printing conditions are partially changed.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a screen for instructing printing under the displayed printing conditions.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a screen when instructing to change the paper type among printing conditions.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting designation of the paper type.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a paper type by selection.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a screen displaying a page for setting / changing printing conditions in which printing conditions are partially changed.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a screen for instructing printing under the displayed printing conditions.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a screen when instructing to change a destination among printing conditions.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a destination designation method.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a screen for specifying a destination by selecting from an address book.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which a page for setting / changing printing conditions is displayed in which printing conditions are partially changed.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a screen for instructing printing under the displayed printing conditions.
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a screen when instructing a change of a transmission destination among printing conditions.
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a destination designation method.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a screen for designating a destination by inputting characters.
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a screen that displays a page for setting / changing printing conditions in which printing conditions are partially changed.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a screen for instructing printing under the displayed printing conditions.
FIG. 37 is a block diagram illustrating a system including a conventional imaging apparatus and printing apparatus.
FIG. 38 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional image management system.
FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a conventional image management system.
FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a conventional image management system.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data reader, 2 Storage apparatus, 3 Processing apparatus, 4 Server apparatus, 5 Printing apparatus, 6 Management apparatus, 7 Transmission / reception apparatus, 8 Bus, 10 Image management system, 20 Communication carrier, 21 Transmission / reception apparatus, 22 Server apparatus, 23 Management device, 24 Line processing device, 25 Bus, 30 Mobile phone with imaging function, 31 Mobile phone, 32 Mobile phone, 33 Mobile phone, 50 Internet.

Claims (18)

In an image management method for performing a service including a process for accumulating an input image and electronically browsing the image via the Internet, and a process corresponding to an image print order,
A data reading step in which the data reading device of the image management system reads the image data recorded on the mobile phone and the communication terminal identification data in association with each other without using a public communication line;
A storage step in which the storage device of the image management system collectively stores the image data read by the reading device for each communication terminal identification data;
The processing device of the image management system reads the image data from the storage device, reduces the image data to a size that can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone, and collects the reduced image data for each communication terminal identification data. An image album creating step of creating an electronic image album and storing the created electronic image album in the server of the image management system as a browsing image in association with the image data before reduction;
A browsing screen transmission / providing step in which the server of the image management system transmits a screen for browsing the electronic image album to the mobile phone via the Internet; and
An ordering screen for causing the server of the image management system to transmit and display a screen for ordering image printing based on the electronic image album to the mobile phone in response to a request from the mobile phone. Sending / providing steps;
When the order data input on the mobile phone using the ordering screen displayed on the mobile phone is transmitted to the image management system via the Internet together with the communication terminal identification data, the image management system An order data receiving step in which the server receives the order data and transmits the order data to the printing apparatus and the management apparatus;
A printing step in which the printing device of the image management system performs printing in the image management system using the image data stored in the storage device based on the order data transmitted from the server;
The management device of the image management system includes a usage fee calculation step of calculating a usage fee based on the order data transmitted from the server and outputting data indicating the calculated usage fee.
The order management screen transmitting / providing step includes displaying a screen for ordering printing of an image selected from the browsing images.   2. The image management method according to claim 1, wherein the image album creating step creates a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal identification data from the image data associated with the communication terminal identification data. .   2. The order screen transmitting / providing step transmits to a user's mobile phone and displays a screen that allows a destination of a print image to be specified based on communication terminal identification data. The image management method described in 1.   2. The image management method according to claim 1, wherein the order data receiving step receives order data including an image identification code, the number of printed sheets, printing paper information, and communication terminal identification data.   The image management method according to claim 1, wherein the usage fee calculation step calculates a usage fee in association with the communication terminal identification data.   The management device of the image management system transmits the usage fee data calculated in the usage fee calculation step to the server device of the communication fee management claimant of the user's mobile phone in association with the communication terminal identification data. The image management method according to claim 5, further comprising a charge data transmission step.   The server device of the image management system further includes a step of transmitting connection information of the electronic image album browsing screen to the mobile phone when preparation for browsing the electronic image album is completed. The image management method according to claim 1, wherein:   The communication terminal identification data includes at least one of a telephone number, an e-mail address or an address of a packet communication service, and a customer management number for a communication carrier. Image management method.   The image management method according to claim 1, wherein the reading step reads the image data from a memory card containing an image captured by the mobile phone. In an image management system that performs services including processing for browsing images electronically via the Internet by storing input images and processing corresponding to image printing orders,
A data reading device that associates image data recorded on a mobile phone with communication terminal identification data and reads the data without going through a public communication line;
A storage device that collectively stores the image data read by the reading device for each communication terminal identification data;
The image data and the communication terminal identification data are read from the storage device, the image data is reduced to a size that can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone, and the reduced image data is collected for each communication terminal identification data. An image album creating means for creating an electronic image album and associating the created electronic image album with the image data before reduction and storing it in the storage means as a browsing image;
A browsing screen transmitting / providing means for transmitting and displaying a screen for browsing the electronic image album on the mobile phone via the Internet;
Ordering screen transmitting / providing means for transmitting and displaying a screen for ordering a print image based on the electronic image album to the mobile phone via the Internet;
Order data receiving means;
Printing means;
Usage fee calculation means,
The order screen transmission / providing means displays a screen for ordering printing of an image selected from the browsing images,
The order data receiving means transmits the order data input on the mobile phone using the order screen displayed on the mobile phone to the image management system via the Internet together with the communication terminal identification data. When the order data is received, the order data is transmitted to the printing means and the usage fee calculation means,
The printing means prints using the image data stored in the storage device based on the order data transmitted from the order data receiving means,
The image management system, wherein the usage fee calculating means calculates a usage fee based on the order data transmitted from the order data receiving means, and outputs data indicating the calculated usage fee.   11. The image management system according to claim 10, wherein the image album creating means creates a dedicated electronic image album for each communication terminal identification data from the image data associated with the communication terminal identification data. .   The order screen transmitting / providing unit transmits a screen that allows a destination of a print image to be specified based on the communication terminal identification data, and displays the screen on a user's mobile phone. The image management system according to 10.   11. The image management system according to claim 10, wherein the order data receiving means receives order data including an image identification code, the number of printed sheets, printing paper information, and communication terminal identification data.   The image management system according to claim 13, wherein the usage fee calculation means calculates a usage fee in association with the communication terminal identification data.   Charge data transmitting means for transmitting the usage charge data calculated by the usage charge calculation means to the server device of the user's mobile phone communication charge management claimer in association with the communication terminal identification data. The image management system according to claim 14, characterized in that:   11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for transmitting connection information of the electronic image album browsing screen to the mobile phone when the electronic image album is ready for browsing. Image management system.   17. The communication terminal identification data includes at least one of a telephone number, an e-mail address or an address of a packet communication service, and a customer management number for a communication carrier. Image management system.   The image management system according to claim 10, wherein the reading device reads the image data from a memory card containing an image captured by the mobile phone.

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