JP2001232900A - System for printing post card and method for printing post card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post card printing service wherein a user only transmits printing data from a terminal and an order-receiver performs printing based on the ordered data and the printed matter is safely delivered without returning the printed matter to the user. SOLUTION: A post card information transmitting means 3 for communicating picture informations such as photographs and character informations such as addresses and related informations for relating each of the informations to each other to a server 11, a printing information preparing means 13 for preparing surface or/and back surface printing informations from the communicated picture informations, character informations and related informations, a printing information displaying means 4 for displaying the surface or/and back surface printing informations by a terminal 1 and a printing ordering means 5 for issuing an order of the printing by confirming the surface or/and back surface printing informations displayed by the terminal 1 by the screen are provided and after the order of the printing is received by a printing means 16, the printing is practiced from the printing informations and a mailing command for mailing it to the address on the printed surface is issued and when the mailing is finished, an information on completion of the mailing is issued.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a postcard printing system and a postcard printing method for printing the front and / or back side of a postcard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when printing a New Year's postcard or the like, a user selects a photograph or design to be adopted on the back side of a DP (simultaneous printing) reception shop, a print agent shop, etc., and requests the DP processing or the like of the back side. Postcards printed after the delivery date specified at the time of reception are received. Recently, digital cameras and scanners have become widespread, and digital data has been created by image processing using a personal computer or the like, and the created digital data has been transferred to a recording medium or an agency via a network. A system for requesting printing is also being implemented. For example, JP
The digital print order delivery method and system (not shown) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. -78618 achieves the purpose of receiving high-quality printed materials without going to a DP reception shop.

For example, digital image data and the like are input from a scanner and image processing is performed on a personal computer. The print order data for the image data subjected to the image processing is input.
The personal computer connects to the print finishing company's database and transfers the image data and print order data to the receiving workstation. The print finishing company selects a printer based on the print order data, and prints the number of ordered sheets according to the order size. After printing, a delivery method is selected based on the print order data, and the print is delivered to the user according to the selected delivery method. With the above configuration, printing and delivery can be automated, and printing can be performed efficiently. According to the above publication, the delivery method is mailed to the orderer, delivered to the customer, or selected from the store of the contractor.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, a large amount of printing paper or the like is returned to the orderer. Even if a new postcard is printed with a different address, the back side of the postcard is printed and returned to the orderer, and the orderer must write the postcard with the back side printed by himself. No. Further, according to the above-mentioned publication, the post-address printed by the print finishing company may be mailed to the destination address by transferring the destination address list data, but in the configuration of this publication, the New Year postcard etc. For the application to the service that prints the printed matter with different contents to be printed one by one and then returns it to the ordering party without returning it, please refer to the printing method that specifically corresponds to the front and back sides, and There is no function or means for the means for notifying the orderer of the confirmation, and there is a problem in realization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and receives related information for associating picture information such as a photograph, character information such as a destination with each piece of information from a terminal, and receives the received picture information and the picture information. Create print information on the front and back sides from the character information and the related information, provide the print information on the front and back sides to the terminal, check the print information on the terminal, and after receiving the print order, The orderer (terminal side) prints by instructing to print using the print information on the back and the back side and posting to the destination of the printed front side, and when the posting is completed, a notice of completion of the posting is issued to the terminal. It is an object of the present invention to provide a postcard printing service in which a contractor prints based on ordered data only by creating and transmitting original data and safely delivers printed matter without returning it to an orderer.

[0006]

A postcard printing system and a postcard printing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object are a computer system including a server and a terminal having a communication function. Means for communicating to the server relevant information for associating information with character information such as information and a destination, and means for creating print information on the front and / or back side from picture information, character information and related information communicated to the server Means for displaying the print information of the front side and / or back side at the terminal; and issuing a print order by confirming the print information of the front side and / or back side displayed at the terminal on a screen or the like. Means, means for executing printing using the print information of the front and back sides after accepting the print order at the server, and finger for posting to the destination of the printed front side Out means, mailing consists mailing completion notification means for issuing a notification of posting completion to the terminal if finished, the terminal side only transmits create a print source data,
It is possible to provide a postcard printing service or a postcard printing method by a postcard printing system in which the server prints based on the ordered data and safely delivers the printed matter without returning it to the orderer.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first aspect of the present invention is a computer system including a server and a terminal having a communication function, the terminal comprising picture information such as a photograph, character information such as a destination, and each information. Means for transmitting related information to the server, means for displaying front side and / or back side print information received from the server, and after confirming the displayed front side and / or back side print information on a screen or the like. Means for issuing a print order, the server comprising: means for creating print information on the front side and / or back side from the picture information, character information, and related information transmitted from the terminal; and printing from the terminal. Means for executing printing using the print information of the front side and / or the back side after receiving the order, instruction means for instructing the destination of the printed front side to be mailed, and issuing notification of mailing completion to the terminal. Since the terminal side only creates and transmits print source data, the server performs printing based on the ordered data and safely delivers the printed matter without returning it to the orderer, In addition, by notifying the orderer of the mailing completion, mailing can be confirmed at the terminal side, and the cost and labor of returning the printed matter to the terminal side can be reduced. Also, like a postcard, in addition to the different front side for each destination, the back side consisting of picture information is printed together.
There is an effect that it is possible to respond to a variety of printing requests by printing different contents on all the sheets or using a combination of a common picture on the back side and a plurality of comments.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system having a terminal having a communication function with a server and a printing machine having a communication function, wherein the terminal has picture information such as a photograph and character information such as a destination. Means for transmitting related information relating the information to the server, means for displaying print information of the front surface and / or back surface received from the server, and display of the displayed print information of the front surface and / or back surface on a screen or the like. Means for issuing a print order after confirmation, wherein the server creates print information of the front side and / or the back side from the picture information, character information and related information transmitted from the terminal, and the terminal After receiving an order for printing from, a printing machine located close to the destination of the front side to be printed is selected using the printing information of the front side and / or back side, and an order is placed to the selected printing machine. And means for instructing the printing has been accepted,
Instruction means for instructing the destination of the front side printed on the printing machine to post, and posting completion notifying means for receiving notification of the completion of mailing from the printing machine and issuing a notification of the completion of the mailing to the terminal, and The apparatus receives a print instruction from the server, executes printing based on the print information, an instruction means for instructing mailing based on mailing instruction information from the server, and the server after completion of mailing. Posting completion report means for reporting the completion of mailing to the postcard, where, for example, the order reception place for postcard printing is in a place where communication costs from the terminal are low, and the printing place is in a place where delivery costs are low. Since it can be installed, the service cost can be reduced.

A third invention of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first invention and the second invention, the printed matter is classified based on the destination information, and the cost and time for classification and delivery are reduced. This has the effect of reducing the cost and reducing the service provision cost.

[0010] A fourth invention of the present invention, in the first invention and the second invention, has a mailing means for mailing collectively for each destination. Since printing can be performed for each destination, for example, In addition, there is an effect that printing can be performed from a distant printed material that takes a long time for delivery.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the print order of the front and back sides displayed on the terminal is confirmed, and the print order is canceled before placing the print order. In order to delete the picture information, character information, related information, and print information created from each information, the print information is canceled when the print information is canceled or the print information is not liked. And other information are not used secondarily, and the privacy of the orderer is protected.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the invention, the changed print information can be confirmed while viewing the screen on the terminal side, so that the intention of the orderer can be immediately and accurately determined. It has the effect of being able to reflect on

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, after completing printing and issuing a notice of posting completion, the received picture information, character information, related information, and Since the print information created from the information is deleted, the secondary use of the destination information and the like is not performed, so that the information such as the destination can be transferred with ease.

An eighth invention of the present invention is a distribution device capable of distributing a program, which distributes an application program required by a terminal to receive a postcard printing service to the terminal or a removable PC card or the like. A distribution device for recording on a recording medium, wherein an application program necessary for receiving the postcard printing service through a network or the like can be easily distributed at a terminal, and the terminal properly receives the postcard printing service. It has the effect of being able to.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium recording an application program required by a terminal to receive a postcard printing service, wherein the program for receiving the postcard printing service in the recording medium is provided. By installing on a personal computer, etc.,
This has the effect that the postcard printing service can be properly received.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a postcard printing system for providing a postcard printing service according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a terminal located on the orderer side of postcard printing, and 11 is a server located on the orderer side. The postcard printing system includes a computer system including a server 11 and a terminal 1 having a communication function. In the terminal 1, reference numeral 2 denotes postcard information creating means for creating postcard information including destination information for printing a postcard and picture information for photographs, and reference numeral 3 denotes postcard information transmitting means for transmitting the created postcard information to the server 11 side. Is a print information display means for displaying print information created on the server 11 side on the terminal side based on the postcard information transmitted from the postcard information transmission means 3, and 5 is a server for confirming the displayed print information.
1 is a print ordering means for issuing a print order. Further, in the server 11, reference numeral 12 denotes a postcard information receiving unit for receiving the postcard information sent from the postcard information transmitting unit 3, and reference numeral 13 denotes printing for creating print information based on the received postcard information and displaying the print information on the terminal 1. Information creating means, 14 is a print information file for storing the created print information together with postcard information, 15 is a print order receiving means for receiving a print order from an orderer by providing the print information, and 16 is a print order receiving means based on the print information. Printing means 17 for printing the front and back, mailing instructing means 17 for instructing mailing of the printed postcard, mailing completion notifying means 18 for performing mailing processing in accordance with the mailing instruction and issuing a notification of completion of mailing to the orderer 19 A print information erasing means for erasing print information or postcard information from the print information file 14 upon completion of mailing or cancellation of printing.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. The terminal 1 is composed of, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a personal computer).
The personal computer, keyboard, display,
In addition to a hard disk device, a floppy disk device, and a modem, a video capture device that captures images from a scanner, a digital still camera, a video camera, or the like is connected as an image input device. A wired or wireless public telephone line or a dedicated line is connected to the modem. A personal computer as a terminal 1 is connected to a server 2 installed by a printing company via a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which a postcard printing service is executed using the configuration of this embodiment. Reference numerals 61 to 63 denote terminals for issuing print orders, and reference numeral 64 denotes a server (and a printing machine connected to the server) for receiving a print request. For example, the server 64 receives a print request from the terminal 61 via a network, prints the print data received from the terminal on the front and back of a postcard, and applies the print data to a postal address on the front of the postcard.

To create picture information for a postcard (step 1
For 01), digital image data captured from a print photograph or printed matter by a scanner or the like, digital image data captured by a digital still camera or the like, or digital image data captured from a video capture device is used. be able to. Of course, digital image data created on a personal computer screen using drawing software may be used. Also, digital image data recorded on a recording medium or the like or digital image data obtained from a network may be used. These digital image data are handled as picture information. Digital image data captured by a digital still camera or the like is converted to JPEG (Joint Pho
tographic Expert Group). Of course, other image compression methods may be used. When digital image data, which is picture information, is communicated via a network, it is desirable that the image be compressed in consideration of communication time saving and communication cost.

Next, character information such as destination information is input from a keyboard or the like. In the text information, in addition to the destination address, destination zip code, address, sender's own address, zip code, and name, greetings common to each postcard attached to the front and back sides, and the content differs for each postcard Contains a comment sentence. The character information is input using commercially available character input software or input software provided by a provider of a postcard printing service (step 102).

Further, related information is created (step 10).
3). The related information indicates which picture information and which character information should be used to print one postcard. FIG. 2 shows an example of the related information.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 51 denotes picture information, 52 denotes front side character information, 53 denotes back side character information, and 54 denotes related information. The related information 54 specifies which front side character information, back side character information and picture information are to be printed for each postcard number. In this example, no pictorial information is contained on the surface, but pictorial information may be provided on the surface. In addition, common character information (for example, a common greeting, a sender's own address or name, etc.) may be specified on the back side of all postcards. The related information 54 links each item in the front side character information 52, each item in the back side character information 53, and each piece of picture information in the picture information 51. As an example of a configuration method of the related information 54 for associating the picture information, the character information, and each piece of information, the related information 54 for distinguishing and printing the front side, the back side related information for performing the back side printing, It can also be configured from front and back related information that associates the print content of the back side with the print content of the back side. Further, information such as the arrangement position of each information, the size of a picture or a character, etc. may be added to the related information 54 or each information. A single postcard may have a plurality of pieces of picture information on one or both sides. For example, if you want to print a composition in which two pictures are superimposed on the back side, the orderer can perform image processing without generating digital image data that is superimposed on the orderer in advance. It is also possible to create information.

The postcard information transmitting means 3 converts the picture information including digital image data such as photographs, the character information including destination information and the like, and related information thereof into the server 1 as postcard information.
It is transmitted to the first side (step 104). The postcard information receiving means 12 receives the transmitted postcard information (step 1).
05). Then, the print information creating means 13 creates print information of the front side and the back side (step 106) and stores it in the print information file 14 together with the postcard information (step 10).
7). The created print information is displayed via the print information display means 4 of the terminal 1 (step 108).
It is desirable that the displayed print information be a representative combination for confirming the arrangement of characters and pictures, or a function of displaying all combinations for confirming all destinations. If the print information that can be confirmed can be changed according to the level that the orderer wants to confirm, various requests can be met.

The orderer confirms the displayed print information (steps 109 and 111) and issues a print order by the print ordering means 5 (step 112).
The print order receiving means 15 receives this (step 11).
4) The print information stored in the print information file 14 is transmitted to the printing means 16, and printing is started (step 116). When the printing on the front side and the back side is completed, an instruction to submit the printed matter is issued by the posting instruction means 17 (step 117). This instruction refers to a confirmation instruction before posting the printed matter, such as the number of prints, a destination, presence / absence of front and back printing, and a posting instruction such as a posting date. If the date of posting is specified, it is instructed to print in advance, keep it until the date of posting, and submit the printed matter collectively on the date of posting. Mailing means that the business entity that manages the postcard printing system itself may deliver printed materials,
This includes entrusting delivery of printed materials to delivery companies and the like, and entrusting delivery of printed materials brought to post offices and the like. Then, when the posting is completed, a notification that the posting is completed is issued to the orderer (step 118). This may be in the form of an e-mail via a network or a postcard without a network. Notify confirmation information including information such as the date of posting, the number of postings, and expenses. Further, if the user can select a service such as an proof of arrival to confirm whether or not the message has arrived at the destination, and perform the proof of delivery at an additional charge, the credibility is further improved.

When the posting is completed and the completion notification is issued from the posting completion notifying means 18, the print information etc. erasing means 19 issues a command to erase the print information, postcard information, etc. from the print information file 14, and the corresponding information is Erased (step 11
9). This is incorporated in the system configuration in advance in order to prevent secondary use of destination information and the like without permission of the orderer.

Of course, if there is a request that the orderer wants the information to be safely stored until the postcard information is printed in the next fiscal year or the like, a password is issued together with a completion notification from the print completion notification means 18. What is necessary is just to respond to managing the postcard information with a password. If the postcard information is password-managed, the postcard information can be downloaded from the server 11 to the terminal 1 by inputting the password before the postcard information is transmitted, and can be used for creating the postcard information. Also, a part of the postcard information such as the destination information is sent to the server 11 to reduce the burden of creating the orderer's postcard information during the second and subsequent use, reduce the communication cost, and further reduce the postcard on the server 11 side. The information reception processing load can be reduced.

The collection of money for printing and mailing can be configured so that a method for billing and paying for money can be selected when the print order receiving means 15 receives a print order. Issuance of various transfer papers, debiting of a bank designated account, payment by a credit card, and the like are selected. Without posting the printed matter printed on the front and back,
When the order is returned to the orderer, cash exchange may be selectable.

Further, if a service is added so that a representative printed material of the posted material is mailed or delivered with the address changed to the orderer, the orderer can confirm the print finish status by hand. . For example, in a typical printing example, a mailing completion notification may be sent to the orderer by a postcard or the like. The print information and postcard information may be returned as electronic data via a network, or may be stored in a recording medium and returned. Based on the returned postcard information and print information, the user can be fixed by simplifying the input or prompting for more detailed designation when the service is used for the second and subsequent times.

When it is desired to change the position or size of a picture or a character, or to change a font for the print information displayed on the screen or the like of the terminal 1, print correction information is created (step 110), and a print change request is issued. Is issued to the server side (step 104). Upon receiving the print change request during the print confirmation work (step 105), the server 11 immediately creates print information corresponding to the changed contents (step 106) and displays the changed screen. Then, the changed print information is stored in the print information file 14 (step 107). The terminal 1 confirms the changed print information (step 10).
9) Construct so as to place a print order (step 11)
1, step 112). With regard to the contents of print changes, image processing is performed immediately using the change instruction, print information is created and displayed, and changes in character position, changes in character size and font, changes in picture arrangement, etc. can be visually observed. You can check. Furthermore, if illustration information or comment character information can be added, the orderer does not need to recreate postcard information based on the changed contents from the beginning. The processing after confirming the screen by changing the print information and issuing the order is as described above.

When the printing information is output and the user wants to cancel the printing for the sake of convenience, or when changing the printing information does not satisfy the change, the information of the printing cancellation is transmitted (step 113). If the print order receiving means 15 receives the print cancellation (step 114), the corresponding postcard information and print information are deleted via the print information etc. deleting means 19 (step 115, step 119). In the case of print cancellation, the relevant information should be deleted immediately when the cancellation occurs so that the postcard information or the like is not reused later.

When printing is canceled or after a posting notice of a printed matter is issued, text information such as destination information, picture information such as digital photograph data, related information thereof, and print information generated from the information are subject to erasure. However, it seems that it is not always necessary to delete the information of the orderer who is the user of the terminal 1. This is because it is necessary to confirm the print price and respond to printing inquiries.For information such as the orderer name and contact information, print order acceptance date and time, number of prints, print finish date, mailing date, etc. Saved after posting.

After printing by the printing means 16,
When the posting instructing means 17 instructs the posting of the printed matter, if there is a means for classifying the printed matter based on the information such as the destinations and a posting means for collectively posting the destinations, the printed matter can be efficiently delivered and posted. By classifying the printed matter based on the destination information included in the postcard information, it is possible to reduce the distribution time and the delivery cost.

The printing means 16 classifies the printing information based on information such as destinations, collectively prints the same destination, prints the same, and collectively posts the destinations in accordance with the posting instruction of the posting instruction means 17. If you have a mailing means, you can print for each destination, so that distribution and delivery costs can be reduced, and a method and system that can flexibly respond to requests such as delivery date designation such as printing from distant printed materials that take a long time to deliver. Can be provided.

As a means for providing a postcard print ordering program on the terminal side for assisting the processing procedure when the postcard printing or postcard posting service is to be applied, the postcard printing is performed in advance on a personal computer as a terminal. When installing and selling an order program, or when selling or distributing a postcard print program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, ordering a postcard print server or other server that distributes the postcard print order program via a network If a program distribution device is installed and provided so that the program can be downloaded to the terminal personal computer, a dedicated terminal for downloading the program is prepared and the PC
It is assumed that the program is temporarily written in a removable recording medium such as a card and then the program is installed in the terminal.

The contents of the postcard print order program include:
A related information creation tool that creates separately related picture information and character information, a postcard information transmission tool that sends picture information, character information, and related information to the server 11, and print information received from the server 11. And a print information display tool for displaying the print information and an order issuing tool for confirming the displayed print information and issuing an order. To distribute this postcard printing order program to the terminal, download the appropriate application software to receive the postcard printing service through a network, etc., and create the related information that associates the picture information with the text information and each information without making mistakes. it can. Also, if the postcard print ordering program is sold in the form of a recording medium in the form of a recording medium, distributed or attached to a magazine, and installed on a personal computer or the like, related information can be created without error and communicated with the server 11. Software is also provided.

Although the case of printing a postcard has been described as the first embodiment of the present invention by way of example, the present invention may be applied to printed matter other than a postcard. It may be a reciprocating postcard that prints on multiple sides, a postal matter such as simple registered mail, or an envelope that prints on the front and back sides. In the case of an envelope, it is easy to receive character information or the like of a letter such as a guide letter to be inserted through a network, print it separately, and enclose it. In the case of envelopes, in addition to printing on the front and back sides of the envelope, information recorded on a recording medium (such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, or semiconductor card) contained in the envelope is received via a network, and the recording medium is received. It can also be applied to writing in, enclosing and mailing. Of course, the present invention is also applicable to a case where only information necessary for printing a postcard or an envelope is received via a network, and a recording medium containing an image data file is received by mail or the like and enclosed.

According to the first embodiment, the terminal only creates postcard information as print source data and sends it to the server, and the server creates print information based on the ordered data, and It is possible to provide a postcard printing service or a postcard printing method for safely delivering a printed matter such as a postcard without returning the card after confirmation on the screen.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 shows an example in which a postcard printing service is executed using the configuration of this embodiment 2. Reference numerals 71 to 73 denote terminals for issuing print orders, 74 denotes a server for receiving print requests, and 75 to 77 denote printing machines installed in each region. For example, the server 44 receives a print request from the terminal 71 via the network, selects an appropriate printing machine on the server side, prints the print data on the postcard with the selected 75 to 77 printing machines, and prints the front and back of the postcard. It applies to the service of posting or delivering to the address of.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a postcard printing system for providing a postcard printing service according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, 21 is a terminal located on the orderer side, 31 is a server located on the orderer side, 4
A printing machine 1 has a communication function and is connected to the server 31 via a network. The postcard printing system includes a computer system including a server 31, a terminal 21 having a communication function, and a printing machine 41. In the terminal 21, 22
Is postcard information creating means for creating postcard information consisting of destination information for printing a postcard and picture information for photographs; 23, a postcard information transmitting means for transmitting the created postcard information to the server 31;
Reference numeral 24 denotes print information display means for displaying print information created on the server 31 side on the terminal side based on the postcard information transmitted from the postcard information transmission means 23, and 25 confirms the displayed print information and prints it on the server 31. Is a print ordering means for placing an order. In the server 31, the post card information transmitting means 23
Postcard information receiving means for receiving postcard information sent from
3 creates print information based on the received postcard information,
Print information creating means for displaying the print information, print information file for storing the created print information together with postcard information, print order receiving means for receiving a print order from the orderer by providing print information, and 36 Print information transmitting means for requesting the printing machine 41 to perform printing based on the print information, 37 is a posting notice receiving means for receiving a posting notice of printing and posting on the printing machine 41 side, and 38 is notifying the orderer of completion of posting. Posting completion notifying means 39, a printing information etc. erasing means 39 for erasing printing information etc. from the printing information file 34 after issuing a posting completion notice, 42 a printing information receiving means for receiving printing information, 43 a printing information receiving means. Printing means for printing the front and back of the postcard, 44 is a mailing instructing means for instructing mailing of the printed postcard, 45 is a mailing process in accordance with the mailing instruction, and mailing is performed to the orderer. Posting notification means for issuing a notification of completion to the server 31, 46 is a printing information erasing means for erasing the after completion of the posting print information.

The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that a plurality of printing machines connected to the network in the server 31 are close to the destination of the front side to be printed using the printing information of the front and back sides. The printing machine 41 located there is selected, the printing information is transmitted from the printing information transmitting means 36, and the printing work is left to the printing machine 41 side. Then, the printing press 41 that has received the print information performs predetermined printing and performs printing and mailing in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The notification of completion of the posting of the printed matter requested by the printing machine 41 is received by the posting notification receiving unit 37 of the server 31 by the posting notification unit 45.
For the postcard requested to be printed by a particular ordering party, the completion of counting the results of all printing by the printing presses installed at a plurality of locations has been completed and mailing has been completed, and notification of mailing completion is sent from the mailing completion notification means 38. Is returned to the ordering party. The print information is stored in the server 31 and the printing machine 4
Since it is left in 1, it is deleted when each posting is completed.

Accordingly, the server 31 is installed at a place where communication costs from terminals are low to accept postcard printing orders, and the place where the printing machine 41 is placed is installed at a place where delivery costs are low, so that the service providing price is reduced. Can be reduced. In addition, we have established printing shops with printing machines throughout Japan,
The printing information can be transmitted by selecting a printing machine whose delivery destination is close to the destination of the postcard information.

By distributing and installing the printing machines 41 at convenient locations, the printing time can be shortened by printing and delivering near the delivery destination. Therefore, the server 31 pays attention to the destination information of the print information, and selects which printer 41 to print using information such as a prefecture name and a postal code. Server 31
Looks up the destination address information after accepting a print order,
Which printing machine 41 should be used for printing is determined based on the destination address information, and the printing information is classified for each printing machine 41. Then, appropriate print information is transmitted from the print information transmitting unit 36 to the printing presses 41 scattered in each region. As a result, the printing press 41 installed in a certain region receives only print information suitable for delivery in that region via the print information receiving unit 42. For example, an address table or the like from which a printing machine is selected based on information such as a destination zip code is created, and when a print order is received, the address table is referred to,
What is necessary is just to comprise so that a printing machine can be specified. When the printing load is concentrated on a specific printing press, if the address table is configured so that the printing press near the second selected printing press is selected as the second selection, the printing load can be concentrated. It can also respond.

By paying attention to the destination information of the postcard and selecting and printing a printing machine near the destination, the delivery cost can be further reduced and the delivery time can be shortened. The effect will be even greater if you connect not only domestic printing machines but also overseas printing machines.

In the above description, an example has been described in which a plurality of printing presses are connected to one server via a network. However, the number of servers may be increased in accordance with an increase in demand. In such a case, when print requests from a plurality of servers are concentrated on a specific printing machine, a configuration is adopted in which a printing machine next to the destination is searched for and selected.

According to the second embodiment, the terminal creates postcard information as print source data and transmits it to the server, and the server determines the postcard to be delivered by looking at the destination information and the like from the viewpoint of delivery. Since it is possible to print and deliver from a printing machine near the destination, it is possible to provide a postcard printing service or a postcard printing method for shortening the delivery time and reducing the delivery cost.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, picture information such as a photograph, character information such as a destination, and related information of each information are received from a terminal, and the front side and / or the back side are obtained from each received information. After creating print information, providing each print information to the terminal, confirming the print information and accepting a print order,
The orderer (terminal side) prints out the front and / or back side because it is a method and system configuration that issues a mailing completion instruction to the terminal after issuing the mailing instruction to the destination of the front side and finishing the mailing. Just by creating and sending the original data, the orderer can print based on the ordered data and safely deliver the printed matter without returning it to the orderer,
By eliminating the delivery time associated with the return of the printed postcard and the delivery cost, it is possible to provide a quick and low-cost postcard printing service.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a postcard printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a content configuration diagram showing the content of postcard information used in the postcard printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the postcard printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of execution of a service using the configuration of the postcard printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of executing a service using the configuration of the postcard printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 terminal 2 postcard information creating means 3 postcard information transmitting means 4 print information displaying means 5 print ordering means 11 server 12 postcard information receiving means 13 print information creating means 14 print information file 15 print order receiving means 16 printing means 17 posting instruction means 18 Mailing completion notification means 19 Printing information etc. erasing means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takuhisa Mori 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Sachiko Aiuchi 1006 Kadoma, Kazuma, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. AR03 HH03 HJ06 HJ08 HL01 HL05 HN05 HN15 HQ14 HQ17 2C087 AA09 AA11 AB01 AB06 BC04 BC05 BD41 CB02 CB03 CB12 CB20 5C062 AA13 AA29 AA30 AA37 AB22 AB23 AB38 AB42 AC23 AC42 AE01 AE08 BD06 9

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A computer system comprising a terminal having a communication function with a server, wherein the terminal transmits, to the server, related information for associating each piece of information with picture information such as a photograph and text information such as a destination. Means for displaying print information of the front side and / or back side received from the server;
And a means for issuing a print order after confirming the print information on the back side on a screen or the like, wherein the server prints the front side or / and the back side from the picture information, character information, and related information transmitted from the terminal. Means for creating, printing means for executing printing using the printing information of the front side and / or the back side after receiving a print order from the terminal, and instructing means for instructing the destination of the printed front side to be posted, A postcard completion notifying means for issuing a notification of posting completion to the terminal. 2. A computer system comprising: a server having a communication function with a server; and a printing machine having a communication function, wherein the terminal associates picture information such as a photograph with text information such as a destination and each information. Means for transmitting to the server, means for displaying print information of the front side and / or back side received from the server, and
And a means for issuing a print order after confirming the print information on the back side on a screen or the like, wherein the server prints the front side or / and the back side from the picture information, character information, and related information transmitted from the terminal. And a printing machine located near a destination or the like on the front side to be printed using the printing information on the front side and / or the back side after receiving a print order from the terminal, Means for instructing the printing press to accept the received print, instruction means for instructing the destination of the front side printed on the printing machine, and notification of the completion of the posting from the printing machine to the terminal, The printing press receives a print instruction from the server, and executes printing based on the print information, and a mailing completion notification unit based on the mailing instruction information from the server. Posting instructions And instructing means for,
A postcard printing system, comprising: posting completion reporting means for reporting the completion of posting to the server after completion of posting. 3. A means for receiving, from a terminal, related information for associating picture information such as a picture, character information such as a destination with each piece of information,
Means for creating print information of the front or back face from the received picture information, the text information and the related information, means for transmitting the print information of the front face and / or back face to the terminal, and printing from the terminal Means for receiving an order for printing, means for executing printing using print information on the front side and / or back side after receiving the order for printing, instructing means for instructing posting to a destination of the printed front side, and A postcard print server comprising posting completion notification means for issuing a posting completion notification. 4. A means for receiving, from a terminal, related information for associating picture information such as a photograph, character information such as a destination with each piece of information,
Means for creating print information of the front or back face from the received picture information, the text information and the related information, means for transmitting the print information of the front face and / or back face to the terminal, and printing from the terminal Means for receiving an order for printing, and, after receiving the order for printing, selecting a printing machine located near a destination or the like using the printing information on the front surface and / or back surface, and instructing execution of the printing for which the order has been received. Means, an instruction means for instructing mailing to a destination on the front side printed on the printing press, and a mailing completion notifying means for issuing a notification of mailing completion to the terminal when mailing is completed, a postcard print server comprising: . 5. A terminal receives, from a terminal, picture information such as a picture, character information such as a destination, and related information for associating each piece of information, and prints a front surface and / or a back side from the received picture information, the character information, and the related information. After creating information and transmitting the printing information of the front side or / and back side to the terminal, and accepting an order for printing from the terminal, printing is performed using the printing information of the front side or / and back side and printed. A method of processing a postcard print server, comprising: issuing a mailing instruction to a destination on the front surface of the mail; and issuing a mailing completion notification to the terminal when mailing is completed. 6. A postcard printing and posting method in a computer system having a terminal having a communication function with a server, wherein the server associates picture information such as a photograph with character information such as a destination and each information from the terminal. Receiving information,
From the received picture information, the text information and the related information to create print information of the front or back and / or,
Providing the terminal with the print information of the front side and the back side, the terminal issues a print order after confirming the print information from the server, and the server receives the print order, and then the front side and / or A postcard printing and posting method, wherein printing is performed using the printing information on the back side, and after printing is completed, an instruction for posting to the destination on the printed front side is issued and a notification of completion of posting is issued to the terminal. 7. A postcard printing and mailing method in a computer system including a terminal having a communication function with a server and a printing machine having a communication function, wherein the server sends, from the terminal, picture information such as a photograph and characters such as a destination. Receives related information for associating information with each information, creates print information of the front side and / or the back side from the received picture information, the text information and the related information, and prints the print information of the front side and the back side to the terminal. Providing, after confirming the print information from the server, the terminal issues a print order, and after receiving the print order, the server uses the front side or / and the back side print information after receiving the print order. Select a printing machine located close to the printer, instruct to print using the print information of the front and back sides, and instruct to post to the destination of the printed front side, and perform the printing The machine executes printing based on the print information from the server, issues an instruction to mail the destination of the printed surface after printing is completed, and reports the completion of mailing to the server. Receiving the report of the completion of the posting, and issuing a notification of the completion of the posting to the terminal. 8. A print order is canceled from the terminal before confirming the print information of the front side and the back side displayed on the terminal and placing a print order. 8. The postcard printing and posting method according to claim 6, wherein the printing information created from the information is deleted. 9. The postcard printing / posting method according to claim 6, wherein the printed matter is classified based on information such as destinations in order to collectively post the destinations after printing. 10. The printing method according to claim 6, wherein when printing is performed, the printing information is classified based on information such as destinations, printed collectively for the same destination, and then posted collectively. Item 7. The postcard printing and posting method according to Item 7. 11. A screen in which print information is immediately changed in response to a change request from the terminal, such as a change in the position or size of a picture or a character, or a change in a font, for print information displayed on a screen or the like of a terminal. The postcard printing and posting method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the postcard is displayed. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein after the printing is completed and a notice of the completion of the posting is issued, the received picture information, character information, related information and print information created from each information are erased. Or the postcard printing / posting method according to claim 7. 13. A distribution device capable of distributing a program, wherein the program is a postcard printing and posting program that can be used in a terminal in a computer system having a terminal having a communication function with a server. The related information which associates each information with the character information such as the information and the destination is transmitted to the server, and the front side and / or the back side print information created by the server from the picture information, the character information and the related information is displayed and displayed. Distributing a postcard print ordering program to a terminal or recording the program on a removable recording medium, wherein the print order on the front side and / or the back side is confirmed on a screen or the like and a print order is issued to the server. Characteristic distribution device. 14. A recording medium recording a postcard printing and posting program usable by a terminal in a computer system having a terminal having a communication function with a server, wherein the terminal stores picture information such as a photograph and character information such as a destination. The related information relating each information is transmitted to the server, and the front side or / and back side print information created from the picture information, the character information, and the related information is displayed on the server received from the server, and the displayed front side or / or the back side is displayed. And / or a print medium for storing a postcard print ordering program in which a program for ordering printing is issued to the server after the print information on the back side is confirmed on a screen or the like.