JP2001243452A - Design system using internet line - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a design system which enables a user to advance designing operation while confirming a finish state and can easily be used by anybody. SOLUTION: A user-side personal computer 2 which displays the current state of character information and image information in the designing operation proceeded by user's operation and a server 1 which holds data needed for the designing operation and which makes the designing operation proceed corresponding to indications from the user side and also sends data needed to display the advance state on the user side are connected through an Internet line 3. When a design completion indication is received from the user side, the server side implements the completed design according to data which are accumulated so far and passes the design to the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a design system for quickly designing and printing business cards and the like by effectively utilizing an Internet line, a method of completing a design product, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of computers, printing work has also been digitized. For example, advertising flyers for supermarkets have been completed in the following steps. First,
The specialized company that receives the request completes the design manuscript using a personal computer, etc., and uses this data as MO (Magneto-Opti
It is supplied to the underlaying machine via a medium such as a cal disk to complete the film for the printing press. Then, a large amount of printed matter is printed by setting this film on a printing machine.

[0003] The same applies to business cards with photographs and illustrations, and it is necessary to construct electronic data that can be read by a machine under the composition.

[0004] However, all of the above-mentioned operations are performed by specialized companies, and general users cannot freely participate in the design. That is, in an advertisement flyer, it is possible to specify a placement position by bringing a photograph or the like, or to specify an advertisement message, but it is not directly involved in the design work. Such a problem is particularly remarkable in printing business cards and the like, and in the end, the client has no other choice but to select a relatively favorite one from the ready-made designs.

[0005] Now that personal computers have become widespread, it is not inconceivable to design business cards and advertisements on personal computers at home or in the office and print them with their own printers. In fact, such methods are also used in New Year's cards and summer greetings.

[0006]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, if such a method is adopted, even a relatively small problem New Year's card can be made only with a uniform design, and as a New Year's card to an important business partner, There was a problem that only unsatisfactory things could be done. Especially for business cards and advertising flyers, there is no system to design by yourself while checking the completed state, and even if it exists, printing paper can not be obtained, so it can not be said that there is practicality at all. State.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a design system that allows a user to proceed with a design work while confirming a completed state, and that can be easily used by anyone. The purpose is to provide. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of completing a design product that can be easily used by anyone, can proceed with the design while checking the completed state, and obtain a finished product. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a server-side computer device used in the above-described design system or design product completing method.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a design system according to the present invention provides a computer device on a user side for displaying the current state of character information and image information for a design work progressed by a user operation. When,
Computer equipment at the headquarters that holds data necessary for design work, advances design work in response to instructions from the user side, and transmits data necessary to display the progress status on the user side. Are connected by an Internet line, and when a design completion instruction is received from the user side, the completed design is materialized based on the data accumulated up to that time and delivered to the user.

[0009] In the design method according to the present invention, a user-side computer device for displaying the current state of character information and image information and data necessary for the design work are held for the design work progressed by the user's operation. The design work proceeds in response to an instruction from the user side, and the computer unit at the headquarters side that transmits data necessary for displaying the progress state on the user side is connected by an Internet line. This is a method that uses a design system. When a design completion instruction is received from the user side, the completed design is materialized based on the data accumulated up to that point and passed to the user.

Further, the present invention has a computer device on the user side for displaying the current state of character information and image information, and data necessary for the design work, for a design work progressed by a user operation. The design system proceeds by connecting the computer equipment at the headquarters side, which transmits the data necessary for displaying the progress status on the user side, via the Internet line, while performing the design work in response to the instructions from the side. It is the computer equipment of the headquarters side used.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer program at the headquarters has a substantial program for performing design work, and a computer device at the user side has data for executing the program. There is a program including a process of transmitting to the headquarters side and a process of displaying the progress of the design work based on the data received from the headquarters side, and the program on the user side is downloaded through an Internet line. ing.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer equipment at the head office constructs data corresponding to the printing press based on the completed design information. Further, the user side program is realized by an intermediate code program whose main part is downloaded from the server side, and the intermediate code program is interpreted and executed by an interpreter provided as a standard feature in a general-purpose computer. I have.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The computer equipment at the headquarters performs design work on business cards, flyers, posters, T-shirts, and event tickets.

The user's computer device can be realized not only by a personal computer or a personal computer provided in a store, but also by a computer built in a device such as a vending machine. Users can proceed with the design work directly in the format,
You can design something with a high degree of satisfaction. FIG.
1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conceptual configuration of the present invention.

In the present invention, the substantial contents of the design work are handled by the computer equipment at the headquarters, and the computer equipment at the user side communicates with the headquarters to issue design instructions and to proceed with the design work. ing. In other words, the user first establishes an Internet line and downloads a necessary program from the headquarters. This program is basically a program that issues instructions to the computer equipment at the headquarters side to advance the design work. It's just In the present invention, it seems to the user to design on his own side, but in reality, the user only issues design instructions to the server-side program, and the headquarters The user simply confirms the image constructed by the above. As described above, in the present invention, since the design work cannot proceed with the program downloaded to the user alone, it is necessary to take complicated measures against unauthorized use of the program as in the case where each user downloads a design program. There is no.

Further, in the present invention, since the design program is not downloaded, no trouble occurs in system operation even if the design program is changed to a better one. Further, the program on the user side has its main part as a program of an intermediate code downloaded from the server side (for example, JAVA-APP).
LET), and the intermediate code program can be configured to be interpreted and executed by an interpreter provided as standard equipment in a general-purpose computer, so that a general-purpose personal computer can be effectively used.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on embodiments. FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a schematic diagram when a business card design system is realized by the present invention. As shown, the business card design system is an Internet server 1 installed at the headquarters.
And a personal computer 2a, 2b, 2c installed in a home, a store, a vending machine, or the like.

In the case of this embodiment, for example, a business card design is completed at home or in a personal computer 2a or 2c of a vending machine while communicating with the server 1. The business card of the completed design is arranged from a headquarters side to a printing company. Is done. Since the user can select a printing company on the personal computer screen, the user can select an optimum printing company based on, for example, geographical circumstances. Then, the completed business card is handed over to the printing company by the user or sent by the printing company.

When a business card is designed on the personal computer 2b of a business card maker, the business card is completed in the store because a printer and a cutting machine for the business card are provided in the store. Can be. However, since the program which substantially designs the business card exists only in the headquarters, the design data after the design is completed is sent from the server 1 of the headquarters to the business card maker along with the order form. As described above, in the case of the present embodiment, since the design program is located only in the headquarters, even if the program is continuously improved,
Even if the number of business card makers is enormous, the user can always receive the latest and uniform service.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation content will be specifically described. The user starts up the browser of his / her personal computer 2 and establishes an Internet line, and
The operation is started by inputting the URL of the site 1.
Then, the user's personal computer (client) 2 and WWW
When a line with the server 1 is established, for example, INDEX.
HTML (Hyper Text Markup La)
nguage) The document is downloaded to the user's personal computer 2.

The browser of the personal computer 2 is WEB
The contents of the HTML file downloaded from the server 1 are interpreted and executed. In this embodiment, almost all the processing for the business card design is performed by the JAVA-APPLE attached to the HTML file. Specifically, the browser is HTM with APPLET
When downloading an L file, JAVA-APPL
Since the class file corresponding to the ET is also downloaded, the class file (intermediate code) is interpreted and executed by a virtual machine built in each user's personal computer to realize subsequent data transmission and reception. I have. The HTML document is composed of a program such as <HTML><APPLET CODE = "MeishiDesign.class" WIDTH = 760 HEIGHT = 600></APPLET>...</HTML>.

In this embodiment, the initial screen is displayed on the user's personal computer 2 by interpreting and executing MeishiDesign.class. The initial screen schematically describes the work required for the business card design. Have been. In particular,
[1. Sending personal information], [2. Send image information],
[3. Selection of mount sheet], [4. Business card design creation such as arrangement of personal information], [5. The work proceeds in the order of “payment and selection of the method of receiving the goods”.

Hereinafter, the operation procedure will be briefly described. In this embodiment, all the main processes are JAVA-AP
It is executed by PRET, and J on the client side
Processing is progressing by transmitting and receiving data between the AVA virtual machine and the server 1. Specifically, the TCP / IP (Transm
Since the client and the server are connected using ission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol, real-time communication can be realized.

Therefore, the user can communicate with the server at an arbitrary timing, and can, for example, issue an instruction to change the font, size and color of the character, or an instruction to change the mount in real time. Then, the server receiving the above change instruction by a command makes a change according to the instruction, and then transfers the data relating to the changed design to the client again, so that the screen must be reconstructed on the client side. You can check the changed design.

[1. Sending Personal Information] To give a specific example, the user first registers personal information, such as his / her name, company name, address, and telephone number, to be printed on a business card, in a database on the server side. If double-sided printing of a business card is desired, information to be printed on the front side and information to be printed on the back side are registered separately. As a practical processing content, the virtual machine on the user side receives personal information in a conversation format, and transmits the received personal information to TCP /
It is transmitted to the server side by IP. On the other hand, the server program receives the data transmitted from the client and registers the personal information in the database.

[2. [Sending Image Information] When the personal information is registered in the database on the server side as described above, the processing on the client side is returned from the JAVA-APPLET to the management of the browser, so that the user's photograph and preferences The image information such as the illustration is sent to the server side. It should be noted that this processing is in accordance with personal preference, and it goes without saying that the processing can be skipped.

An example of the processing contents realized by the HTML language will be described. A button of “use of personal parts” is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and when this button is pressed, a specific method for transmitting an image file is displayed. A screen will appear explaining the objective method. Therefore, a user who wants to print his or her picture or illustration on a business card selects an image file to be sent in a box appearing on the screen, and sends the image file to the server. On the other hand, the server receiving the image file registers the image file in the database.

A series of processes for transmitting an image file can be realized by writing the following program in an HTML document and managing the browser. <ADDRESS><AHREF="mailto:***@***.or.jp"> Sending photos and illustrations </A> When using this method, the program will be interpreted and executed. , E-mail software starts up, the image file is sent to the mail server by SMTP, and the POP
Is distributed to the server side.

Although two methods of transmitting an image file using a browser have been described above, the image file may be transmitted directly by JAVA-APPLET without any intervening browser. Note that once an image file is sent, it is registered in the database at that stage, so there is no need to send the image file at the next design.

[3. Selection of Mount] Subsequently, the processing shifts to a process of selecting the mount of the business card. Since the image file of the mount sample is sent from the server at an appropriate timing, the image file can be displayed on the screen in the virtual machine on the client side. Then, when the user selects the mount sample in the box on the screen, the virtual machine on the client side transmits the selected content to the server side.

By this processing, the server side has obtained all the information for displaying the business card. Therefore, the server-side program uses the business card in which the personal information and the photograph are pasted on the selected mount. Image file can be created. Specifically, a backgr that displays the pattern of the mount
ound.gif, name.gif for full name, and addres for address
Image files such as s.gif and photo.gif representing photos and illustrations are created.

[4. Creation of Business Card Design such as Arrangement of Personal Information] The created image file is downloaded to the client side in accordance with processing (mouse click) from the client side, and each image file is displayed on the screen in a superimposed manner. Therefore, the user can check the completed business card, and thereafter, change the character font and font size, change the vertical and horizontal writing of the character, and change the position of the address field and the name field according to the user's preference. You can do design work, such as modifying, enlarging and reducing photos, and changing the mount.

As for the character fonts, a character sample representing one's name is displayed on the screen, and a box for selecting a favorite font is displayed.
A desired font is selected by an operation on the screen, and the font information is transmitted to the server side. On the other hand, the server receiving the transmission changes the image file of name.gif or address.gif, and downloads the changed image file to the client side again. For this reason, the user can check the business card whose font has been changed on the screen. As described above, in this embodiment, since the image file is constructed on the server side and downloaded to the client side, the font type is not restricted by the browser, and all the fonts desired in the design are used. It becomes possible.

The same applies to changes in vertical and horizontal writing of characters, changes in mounts, and the like. In response to an instruction from the client, the server recreates the corresponding GIF file and causes the client to download it. Is displayed.

On the other hand, the change of the name, the address, the position of the photograph on the business card, the enlargement / reduction of the photograph, and the like are realized by the virtual machine on the client side. That is, JAVA-APPLE on the client side
Since the IF file is analyzed and the coordinates of the four corners of the name, address, and photo fields are known, for example, when the user drags the mouse on the business card screen, it is necessary to know what to drag. can do. Therefore, the virtual machine can correct the contents of the corresponding image file in accordance with the operation of the user (for example, dragging the mouse) and display the corrected contents on the screen in real time.

When the design of the business card is completed by repeating the above processing, the virtual machine transmits the coordinates of the four corners of the name column, the address column, and the photograph column to the server side for the correction of the image file. Therefore, the server side can specify the completed business card design by correcting the corresponding image file.

[5. Payment and Selection of Product Receiving Method] When the business card design is completed, the client shifts to print order processing. On the print order screen, the fee for printing the completed design is displayed. If there is no problem, the processing shifts to inputting payment conditions. In addition,
In the case where printing of a photograph is abandoned due to a fee problem, it is needless to say that necessary processing can be returned.

As the payment conditions, for example, it is possible to select whether to use electronic payment or to pay for the payment when a business card is received. As for the method of receiving the completed business card, it is possible to select whether to request home delivery or the like, or to go to a shop and receive it directly.

When the above processing is completed, the processing for the user is completed, and the virtual machine transmits the final data relating to the business card design to the server together with information such as payment conditions.

On the other hand, on the server side, with respect to the business card for which the order has been received, the contractor's printing factory (or its own printing department).
Place an order to complete the business card. In this case, since the information for printing the business card can be constructed in electronic data that can be recognized by the printing machine, the printing operation can be completed very easily. Then, when the printing is completed, the e-mail will be sent to the orderer by e-mail, saying, "The business card has been completed and was sent out today," or "The business card has been completed.
I will give it at the shop. "

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to realize a design system that allows the user to proceed with the design work while checking the completed state, and that can be easily used by anyone. Preferred application examples of the present invention include, in addition to the design and printing of a New Year's card, the design and printing of business cards, the design and printing of advertisements and flyers, and the printing and printing, the design and production of rubber stamps and seals, the design of event tickets Printing, design of T-shirts and the like, and printing on T-shirts are conceivable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a case where a business card design system is realized according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Internet server (head office computer equipment) 2 Personal computer (user computer equipment) 3 Internet line

Claims (7)

[Claims] The present invention has a computer device on the user side for displaying the current state of character information and image information and data necessary for the design operation for a design operation progressed by a user operation. Along with the design work proceeding, the computer equipment at the headquarters side that transmits the data necessary to display the progress status on the user side is connected to the computer equipment via the Internet line, and the user side issues an instruction to complete the design. Upon receipt, a design system that materializes the completed design based on the data accumulated so far and passes it to the user. 2. A computer for substantially executing the design work exists in the computer equipment at the headquarters, and the computer equipment at the user side transmits data for causing the program to proceed to the headquarters. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein a program including a process and a process of displaying a progress of the design work based on data received from the headquarters is present, wherein the program on the user side is downloaded through an Internet line. The described design system. 3. The design system according to claim 1, wherein the computer device at the headquarters side constructs data corresponding to a printing machine based on the design information in a completed state. 4. A main part of the user program is realized by an intermediate code downloaded from a server, and the intermediate code is interpreted and executed by an interpreter provided as a standard in a general-purpose computer. The design system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The design system according to claim 1, wherein the computer equipment at the headquarters performs design work on business cards, flyers, posters, T-shirts, and event tickets. . 6. A computer device on the user side for displaying the current state of character information and image information and data necessary for the design operation for a design operation progressed by a user operation. A method of using a design system configured to connect a computer device at a headquarters side for transmitting data necessary for displaying a progress state on a user side with an internet line while performing a corresponding design work. A method of completing a design product in which, upon receiving a design completion instruction from the user side, the completed design is materialized and passed to the user based on the data accumulated so far. 7. A computer device on the user side for displaying the current state of character information and image information and data necessary for the design operation for a design operation progressed by a user operation. The headquarters side used in the design system configured by connecting the computer equipment of the headquarters side which transmits necessary data for displaying the progress status on the user side with the Internet line while performing the design work correspondingly. Computer equipment.