JP2001312552A - Album ordering device and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make out an album comparatively with ease. SOLUTION: An image CD which stores image data and album ordering software is produced in a laboratory 20. A first user who asks for album creation loads the image CD into the user's personal computer and, depending on album software, produces an album ordering file. The produced ordering file is stored in a floppy disk. The first user carries the floppy disk and the image CD to the laboratory 20. The floppy disk and the image CD are loaded to a printer system installed in the laboratory, and, depending on the ordering file stored in the floppy disk, a paper album as a photo collection and two album CDs storing electronic album data are produced. The photo collection and an album CD are given to the user. The remained one album CD is used for uploading of the image data to the server 40.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for ordering an album, a system for generating an album, an apparatus for ordering an image, and an image server for configuring a system for generating an album. The present invention also relates to a method for generating an album order file, a method for creating an album, a method for controlling an image ordering device, and a method for controlling an image server. Further, the present invention relates to a recording medium storing a program for controlling generation of an album order file and a program for controlling a computer of the image ordering apparatus.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When attempting to create a photo album, a commercially available album for pasting photos is purchased. A photo to be attached to the album is selected from the developed photos. The selected photo is pasted on each page of the purchased album.

[0003] However, simply attaching a photo to an album that is commercially available for attaching a photo lacks luxury.

[0004] It is also conceivable to bring a photograph to a print shop for creating a luxurious album and create a single photo album from the photograph.

[0005] However, detailed matters such as selecting a photo to be used for creating an album from many photos and determining a layout must be determined in the printing shop.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to create an album relatively easily.

An album ordering apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention stores an order input program for displaying subject image data representing a plurality of subject images and an order input image for ordering an album including the plurality of images. Reading means for reading the subject image data and the order input program from a first portable recording medium; and a display device for displaying an order input image on a display screen based on the order input program read by the reading means. Display control means for controlling, selecting one or more subject images from a plurality of subject images represented by subject image data read by the reading means in accordance with an order input image displayed on the display screen Means, and an alba including the subject image selected by the selection means. Characterized in that it comprises an order file generating means for generating an order file that stores album creating order data for creation.

The first invention also provides a method suitable for the above device. In other words, this method uses the first portable recording medium storing an order input program for displaying subject image data representing a plurality of subject images and an order image for ordering an album including the plurality of images. The subject image data and the order input program are read, an order input image is displayed on a display screen of a display device based on the read order input program, and read in accordance with the order input image displayed on the display screen. Selecting one or a plurality of subject images from a plurality of subject images represented by subject image data and generating an order file storing album creation order data for creating an album including the selected subject images It is.

According to the first invention, the subject image data and the order input program are stored in the first portable recording medium. The order input program is read from the first portable recording medium, and an order input image is displayed on the display screen of the display device based on the read order input program. The user selects one or a plurality of subject images constituting the album from the plurality of subject images represented by the read subject image data according to the displayed order input image. Album creation order data for creating an album including the selected subject image is stored, and an order file is generated. The album creation order data may include, for example, album layout, mount type, album orderer name, album orderer address, and the like.

According to the first aspect, an album order file can be generated. By giving the generated order file of the album to the laboratory (may be transmitted; if the order file is transmitted, the subject image data will also be transmitted to the laboratory). The album is created according to the album creation order data stored in.

[0011] A user who wants an album can generate an order file for creating an album by selecting an image included in the album according to the order input image displayed on the display screen of the display device. The user can cause the laboratory to create an album including the desired image without bringing the developed photo to the laboratory.

[0012] The order file can be recorded on a second portable recording medium. Thus, an album can be created simply by bringing the first portable recording medium and the second portable recording medium to a laboratory.

[0013] The information processing apparatus may further include a disclosure setting means for setting whether or not to release the subject image selected by the selection means. In this case, the above order file generation means:
The data indicating whether or not the disclosure is set by the disclosure setting means is stored in the order file in association with the data indicating the corresponding subject image.

By reading the data indicating whether or not disclosure is possible stored in the order file, it is possible to determine whether or not the subject image is to be disclosed. For a subject image permitted to be disclosed, data representing the subject image can be uploaded to the server and disclosed.

[0015] Sales setting means for setting whether to sell the subject image selected by the selection means may be further provided. In this case, the above order file generation means:
The data indicating the availability of the sales set by the sales setting means is stored in the order file in association with the data indicating the corresponding subject image.

By reading the data indicating whether or not the sale is stored in the order file, it is possible to determine whether or not the sale of the subject image (including the sale of the data representing the subject image and the sale of the printed subject image) is possible. The subject image for which the sale is permitted can be sold.

[0017] A receiving method designating means for designating a method of receiving a fee for selling the subject image may be further provided. In this case, the order file generating means stores, in the order file, data representing the method of receiving the fee specified by the receiving method specifying means.

By reading the data representing the fee receiving method stored in the order file, the fee receiving method designated by the owner (copyright holder) of the subject image can be known. It can be seen that the owner pays a fee when the subject image is sold.

According to a second invention, an album is created according to the order file generated by the first invention. In other words, the album generation system according to the second invention provides a subject image represented by subject image data recorded on the first portable recording medium in accordance with the order file generated by the order file generating means of the album ordering device. Is generated.

[0020] The second invention also provides a method suitable for the above system. That is, according to this method, an album including an image represented by the image data recorded on the first portable recording medium is created according to the order file generated by the file generation method.

According to the second aspect, it is possible to create an album including images selected according to the order file generated as described above.

The album generating means may generate electronic album image data for displaying the album on a display screen of a display device. In this case, a second recording control means for recording the electronic album image data generated by the album image data generating means on a third portable recording medium will be further provided.

By reading the electronic album image data recorded on the third portable recording medium, a so-called electronic album represented by the electronic album image data can be displayed on the display screen of the display device. become.

Needless to say, the album may be created not only using the electronic album but also using a visible recording medium such as paper.

The electronic album image data may be recorded on at least two of the third portable recording media. One third portable recording medium can be provided to the user who has requested the album creation, and the electronic album image data can be uploaded to the server using the other third portable recording medium.

[0026] The electronic album image data created by the album creating means may be further provided with a sending means for sending the electronic album image data to a server accessible to the album creating system.

Since the electronic album image data can be uploaded to the server, a user or a third party can download the electronic album image data from the server.

A third invention is an image ordering system in which an image server having an image database in which image data representing an image is recorded and an image ordering apparatus can communicate with each other. In such a system, the image data is transmitted from the image server to the image ordering device.

The image ordering apparatus includes: an image data receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted from the image server; a display device for displaying an image received by the image data receiving means on a display screen; Order image input means for giving an order for the displayed image, orderer input means for inputting the orderer, identification data for identifying the image ordered by the order image input means, and orderer input by the orderer input means And data transmission means for transmitting the data representing the image data to the image server in association with each other.

[0030] The image server is represented by data receiving means for receiving the identification data and the orderer data transmitted from the data transmitting means of the image ordering apparatus, and by orderer data received by the data receiving means. A first output unit that outputs an orderer name; and a second output unit that outputs image data identified by the identification data received by the data receiving unit from the image database.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of controlling the image ordering apparatus constituting the system, a recording medium storing a program for controlling the image ordering apparatus, and a method of controlling an image server constituting the system. are doing.

According to the third invention, the image server is provided with an image database in which the image data is recorded. When the image ordering device accesses the image server, image data is transmitted from the image server to the image ordering device.

In the image ordering apparatus, the image data transmitted from the image server is received. An image represented by the received image data is displayed on a display screen of the display device of the image ordering device. If there is an intention to purchase by looking at the displayed image, the order of the image and the orderer are input. Identification data for identifying the ordered image and data representing the orderer are transmitted from the image ordering device to the image server in association with each other.

In the image server, the identification data and the data representing the orderer transmitted from the image ordering device are received. Image data representing an image identified by the received identification data is retrieved from an image database provided in the image server, and output by printing or the like. The orderer represented by the received data representing the orderer is output by printing, display, or the like.

The user of the image ordering apparatus can place an order for printing an image represented by the image data stored in the image database provided in the image server. Since the orderer represented by the orderer data is output, the operator of the image server can know the orderer of the image. The printed image can be sent to the orderer.

The image server has an owner storage means for storing owner data representing an owner of the image represented by the image data, and an ownership represented by the owner data stored in the owner storage means. Search means for searching for the owner of the image data received by the data receiving means, and an owner name output means for outputting the owner name found by the search by the search means. .

Since the name of the owner of the image (name of the copyright holder) is known, a fee can be paid to the owner of the ordered image.

[0038] The image server may further include a fee collection method storage means for storing a fee collection method in selling the image represented by the image data recorded in the image database in association with the owner. In this case, the owner name output means outputs the owner name found by the search by the search means and the fee payment method corresponding to the owner name.

Since the method of paying a fee (for example, transferring to a bank account, assembling points according to the fee) is known,
According to the method, a fee can be paid to the owner of the subject image.

[0040]

FIG. 1 shows an outline of album creation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the album is a photo album as a photo album recorded on a paper medium and a CD.
There is a so-called electronic album recorded as electronic data (album data) on a (compact disc). In this embodiment, in the laboratory 20, a paper photo album as a photo album and an album CD constituting an electronic album are created.

A user (primary user) requesting the creation of an album is composed of an image CD storing image data representing images for forming an album and an FD (ordering data) representing order data representing album order information. And a floppy disk). However, for the image CD,
Instead of being created by the album creator itself, as will be described later, the laboratory will create it.

The created image CD and the FD storing the order data are sent to the laboratory 20 by the primary user, and the creation of an album is requested.

In the laboratory 20, two album CDs storing the album data and a photo album are created. One of the two album CDs created
The album CD and the photo album are passed to the primary user.

In this embodiment, the images constituting the album thus created can be uploaded to the server 40. When uploading, the remaining one album CD of the two created album CDs will be used. Further, the image uploaded to the server 40 can be sold to a user (secondary user).

By accessing the server 40, the print orderer who is the secondary user can use his / her personal
The image represented by the image data uploaded to the server 40 can be browsed using a computer. If image data representing the viewed image is required, it is downloaded from the server 40 to the print requester's personal computer.

When the server 40 receives a print order from a secondary user, the ordered image is printed by a printer connected to the server 40.
The print is mailed to the print requester by the operator of the server 40. Further, a fee is paid to the user who is the copyright holder of the image for which the print order has been placed. However, the printing of the image may be performed in the laboratory 20. If the print is to be made at the laboratory 20, the print will be mailed to the print client by a lab clerk at the laboratory 20.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a personal computer owned by the primary user.

The whole operation of the personal computer is controlled by the CPU 12.

The personal computer stores a keyboard 1 as an input device, a hard disk drive 2 for accessing a hard disk for storing various data, a RAM 3 for temporarily storing data, a program, and the like. ROM 4, a display device 5 for displaying images and the like, and a display control circuit 6 for controlling the image display device 5 are included.

Further, the personal computer includes:
Mouse 7 as input device, FD drive 8 for accessing FD 9 for storing order data as described above
And CD-ROM for accessing image CD11
A (compact disk-read only memory) drive 10 is included.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the print system located in the laboratory 20.

The entire operation of the printing system is also performed by the CPU.
Overseen by 27.

The printing system also has a keyboard 21 as an input device and a hard disk drive 2 for accessing a hard disk for storing various data.
2, a RAM 23 for temporarily storing data, a ROM 24 for storing programs and the like, a display device 25 for displaying images and the like, and a display control circuit 26 for controlling the image display device 25 are included. I have.

The printing system also includes a mouse 29 as an input device, an FD drive 30 for accessing the FD 9 for storing order data, and a CD-ROM drive 31 for accessing the image CD 11 as described above.
It is included.

Further, the print system includes a modem 28 for communicating via a network, and an album CD.
33 CD recorder 32 to create, 36 photo albums
A high-quality printer 35 for creating and a printer control circuit 34 for controlling the high-quality printer 35 are included.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the server 40.

The whole operation of the server 40 is controlled by the CPU 48.

The server 40 also stores a keyboard 41 as an input device, a hard disk drive 42 for accessing a hard disk 43 for storing various data, a RAM 44 for temporarily storing data, a program, and the like. ROM45, display device for displaying images, etc.
46 and a display control circuit 47 for controlling the image display device 46 are included.

The server 40 also has a modem 49, a mouse 50,
FD drive 51, CD-ROM drive 52, printer 54
And a printer control circuit 53.

FIG. 5 shows the file structure of the image CD11.

The image CD11 includes the following areas. The image CD11 is also provided with an ID for identifying the image CD11.

User image data recording area: An area for recording user image data representing an image for which the primary user has a copyright. The user image data includes main image data representing a high-resolution image and thumbnail image data representing a thumbnail image of an image represented by the main image data.

Application software recording area: An area where application software is recorded. Application software includes interface integration software, viewer software, mailer software, retouching software,
There are postcard ordering software and album ordering software.

Printer driver recording area; printer
This is the area where the driver is recorded.

Template image data recording area: An area in which image data representing a template image representing the background of an image is recorded. In addition to the template image data representing the template image, image data representing the clipart image is also recorded.

Description data recording area: An area for recording data for displaying an explanation of handling of an image CD.

FIG. 6 shows the file structure of an album CD created in the laboratory 20.

The album CD includes the following recording areas.

User image data recording area; main image data representing an image (images constituting an album) selected by the user (primary user) and thumbnails representing thumbnail images of the main image represented by the main image data The image data is recorded.

Application software recording area: Viewer software and postcard order software are recorded.

Background image data recording area; template image data and clipart image data are recorded.

Background music data recording area: An area for recording data representing music flowing as background music when displaying an image represented by the main image data recorded in the user image data recording area.

Description data recording area: An area for recording data representing the description of the album CD.

Internet web browser recording area; area for recording the Internet web browser.

FIG. 7 shows the file structure of the order file stored in the FD.

The order file includes the following areas.

User information recording area: An area for recording information on the primary user who ordered the album. Primary user's address, primary user's name, primary user's handle, primary user's phone number, primary user's e-mail
The address and the transfer account of the primary user are recorded.

Photo attribute recording area: Photo title, shooting location, shooting time, shooting equipment, album type, etc.

Photo frame designation information recording area; ID of image CD 11 storing images constituting an album, image CD
The frame number and caption information of the image in 11 (information indicating the content of the text and the position where the text is added when text is added to the image constituting the album is called caption information) and published on the web (uploaded to server 40) ) Is stored for each page, cover, and back cover that make up the album.

Web publishing status recording area: An area for recording data indicating whether or not images constituting an album are to be published on the web. Any one of Open, Partial Limited and Full Limited is recorded. Open is to publish all of the images that make up the album on the web. The partial limitation is to publish a part of the images constituting the album on the web. The complete limitation is to keep all the images constituting the album private.

Web sales status recording area: An area for recording whether or not to sell images constituting an album. If it can be sold, it indicates that it will be sold; if it cannot be sold, it indicates that it will not be sold.

Charge receiving method recording area: When an image is sold on the Web, this area is used to record a method of receiving a charge for the sold image. Payment methods include bank transfer or point addition (points are accumulated according to the fee, and
20 can be used).

FIG. 8 shows the contents of the sales status database of the server 40. This sales status database is stored in the hard disk 43.

The sales status database stores, for each copyright owner (primary user), among the images owned by the copyright owner, the file name of the image ordered by the secondary user and the order type ( Indicates whether the order is for image data or print. For print order, L size, 2L
The size, the number of orders, the order date and time, the orderer, and the presence or absence of payment indicating whether or not the payment has been made are stored.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the personal computer owned by the album creation requester.

It is confirmed whether or not the image CD11 has already been created (step 61). If the image CD 11 has not been created (NO in step 61), a photograph, a negative film, a positive film, and the like on which the image to be stored in the image CD is recorded are brought to the laboratory 20 by the primary user.
Image C using the printing system in Laboratory 20
D11 is created.

When the image CD11 is obtained by the primary user,
The image CD11 is loaded into a personal computer owned by the primary user. Then, on the display screen of the monitor display device 5, buttons representing processes executable by the application software stored in the image CD11 are displayed. That is, buttons for ordering albums, buttons for ordering postcards, and other buttons are displayed on the display screen. Here, it is assumed that the button for instructing album order has been designated by the primary user.

Then, the application of the image CD11
The album ordering software recorded in the software recording area is read (step 62). First, the design of each page constituting the album is designated by the primary user (step 63). If the design uses the original, an original design is created by the primary user (step 65). Data representing the created original design is, for example, FD
(If the capacity is insufficient, MO or the like will be used as needed).

The design is not original (step 63)
NO) or when an original design is created (step 65), order data is created according to the album ordering software (step 66). The created order data is stored in the FD 9 (step 67). By passing the FD 9 storing the order data and the image CD 11 to the laboratory 20, a photo album 36 and an album CD 33 are created in the laboratory 20 according to the order data. When the design is an original, it goes without saying that the FD storing data representing the created design is also passed to the laboratory.

FIGS. 10 to 17 show examples of windows displayed on the display screen of the display unit 5 of the personal computer owned by the album creation requester. The process of creating the order data (the process of step 66 in FIG. 9) will be described with reference to these windows.

When ordering an album using the primary user's personal computer, first, an album type selection window shown in FIG. 10 (in FIG. 10,
(A part of the window is displayed) is displayed on the display device 5.

The album type selection window is for selecting the layout of each page of the album. The following areas are included.

Type designation area 70: An area for designating an album type. There are an area 71 for specifying type A, an area 72 for specifying type B, an area for specifying type C, and the like. By clicking any area using the mouse 7, the type indicated by the clicked area becomes the album type.

Layout display area 74: An area for displaying the layout constituting the album by using a thumbnail image for each page and for each of the front cover and the back cover. Each type is displayed in a different layout.

When the selection of the album type is completed (the album type selection window includes a button indicating the end of the selection, and when the button is clicked, the selection of the album type is completed), the display device 5 The image selection window shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display screen. The image selection window is used to select an image to be pasted on each page of the album and the front and back covers.

The following areas are included in the image selection window.

Layout display area 80: An area for displaying the layout of each page and the cover and back cover constituting the album selected in the album type selection window for each page, front cover and back cover. As an example, a thumbnail image 81 showing the layout of the cover page and a thumbnail image showing the layout of the second to third pages
84 is shown. In the thumbnail image 81, a display area 82 of an image to be displayed on the cover is formed. The thumbnail image 84 has a display area 85 for an image to be displayed on the second page and a display area 86 for an image to be displayed on the third page.

Caption areas 83, 87, 88: In this embodiment, characters or the like can be inserted into the images constituting the album or the margins thereof. An area for inputting the character (the position of the character is predetermined, for example) is a caption area. By clicking on the caption area 83, 87 or 88 with the mouse 7, characters can be input. The caption area corresponds to each page constituting the album and the front and back covers. The caption area 83 corresponds to the display area 82 of the thumbnail image 81 indicating the layout of the cover. Caption areas 87 and 88 are the second
It corresponds to the display area 85 of the second page and the display area 86 of the third page of the thumbnail image 84 showing the layout of the page and the third page.

A thumbnail image display area 89 is an area for displaying a list of thumbnail images represented by the thumbnail image data stored in the image CD11.

When the primary user selects an image,
The thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail image display area 89 is dragged by the mouse 7 and dropped on the image display area of the thumbnail image displaying the layout. Then, the dragged image is displayed on the dropped display area. For example, the thumbnail image “img.12” displayed in the thumbnail image display area 89 is dragged and dropped on the display area 82, so that the image “img.12” becomes the cover image.

When the selection of an image is completed, a web status input window shown in FIG. The web status input window includes the following areas.

Web publishing availability specification areas 91 and 92; images of primary user (images constituting album) as described above
This is an area for specifying whether or not to publish on the web. When the area 91 is clicked, an image selected as described later is published on the web. Unselected images will not be published on the web. When the area 92 is clicked, the publication of all the images constituting the album on the web is prohibited.

Web sale availability specification areas 93 and 94: As described above, these areas are used to specify whether or not images of the primary user are to be sold on the web. By clicking the area 93, the selected image can be sold on the web as described later. Unselected images will not be sold on the web. By clicking on the area 94, sale of all images constituting the album on the web is prohibited.

Thumbnail image display area 95: An area in which thumbnail images of the images selected in the image selection window are displayed in a list. Each piece of the thumbnail image ("im
g. 1) is displayed, and a check box 97 corresponding to the thumbnail image area 96 is included. By clicking on the check box 97 with the mouse 7, the check box 97 is marked. When the area 91 is clicked while the check box 97 is marked, the checked image is published on the web as described above. Further, when the area 93 is clicked while the check box 97 is marked, the corresponding image can be sold on the web as described above.

When web status input is completed,
An album creation requester information input window 13 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5.

The album creation requester information input window includes the following areas.

User basic information input area 100: An area for inputting basic information about the primary user. For example, the above-described user information such as the address and name of the primary user is input. By clicking on the area 100 or by using the mouse 7, the user information can be input.

Receiving-related information input area 101: As described above, when the secondary user purchases an image, a fee is paid to the primary user. This is an area for inputting information related to receipt of this fee. Whether or not to transfer to a bank, to which bank to transfer, the type of account, account number, etc. are entered. Clicking on the area 101 with the mouse in the same manner as the user basic information input area 100 enables input.

When the input in the album creation requester information input window is completed, the display screen of the display device 5 shows
The order confirmation window shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

[0111] The order content confirmation window includes the following areas.

[0112] Order details text display area 111; an area in which images constituting the album are displayed in text form. For example, the frame number of the designated image is displayed corresponding to each page and the front and back covers.

Album image display designation area 112: An area for designating the display of an album image. Region 11
When 2 is clicked with the mouse 7, an album confirmation window (FIG. 15) described later is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5.

Web image display designation area 113: An area for designating the display of an image published on the Web. When the area 113 is clicked by the mouse 7, a web confirmation window (FIG. 16) described later is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5.

[0115] The order area 114 is an area clicked by the mouse when confirming the order details. region
Clicking on 114 confirms the order,
An order file representing the contents of the order is written to the FD 9 by the FD drive 8.

Cancellation area 116: An area clicked by the mouse 7 when canceling all the input order contents.

FIG. 15 shows an album confirmation window. As described above, when the album image area 112 of the order confirmation window is clicked,
This album confirmation window is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5.

The album confirmation window includes the following areas.

Album content display area 121: An area for displaying the cover, each page and the back cover of the album according to the selected layout, and with the selected image attached to the display area of the layout. You can know the whole album.

Re-edit designation area 122: An area clicked by the mouse 7 when re-editing an album (changing a selected image, changing a layout, etc.). When the area 122 is clicked, the album type selection window shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again on the display screen of the display device 5, and the album is edited again.

Return area 123: When clicked, the previous window is displayed on the display screen of display device 5.

FIG. 16 shows a web confirmation window. As described above, the order confirmation window web
By clicking the image area 113, the web confirmation window is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5.

The web confirmation window includes the following areas.

[0124] Thumbnail image display area 124: This area displays a list of thumbnail images of the images selected as the images constituting the album. Unlike the album confirmation window, the thumbnail image of the selected image is displayed irrespective of the layout instead of being displayed according to the layout constituting the album.

The web confirmation window also includes a re-edit area 122 and a return area 123 as in the album confirmation window, but these are the same as the areas 122 and 123 in which the album confirmation window is provided. A duplicate description is omitted.

As described above, the order file is created. The created order file is stored in the FD 9 by the FD drive 8. It goes without saying that other information stored in the order file of the FD is also stored in the order file.

When the FD 9 and the image CD 11 storing the order file are taken to the laboratory 20,
According to the order file stored in the FD 9, a photo album and two album CDs 33 are created by the printer system of the laboratory 20.

As described above, the primary user may own the order file and the image CD 11 in the laboratory 20. However, if the primary user's personal computer can communicate with the laboratory print system. ,
The order file stored in the FD 9 and the image data stored in the image CD 11 are transferred to the personal user of the primary user.
It can also be sent from the computer to the laboratory 20 print ordering system.

FIG. 17 shows that the FD and the image C
An example of an ordering method selection window is shown in which the user selects an order to bring D to the laboratory 20 and to order the image by sending an order file and image data to the printing system of the laboratory. This window is also displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 of the personal computer of the primary user.

The order method selection window includes the following areas.

Media order area 131: This area is clicked by the mouse 7 when the primary user requests the laboratory to create an album by bringing the FD and the image CD storing the order file to the laboratory.

Web order area 132; as described above, the lab 20
The album is ordered by transmitting the order data and the image data to the printer system.
In order to place a web order, it is needless to say that a modem must be connected to the primary user's personal computer.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the laboratory. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the server. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the print requester (secondary user). Fig. 21
24 to 24 show examples of windows displayed on the display screen of the display device of the personal computer of the secondary user (will have the same configuration as the personal computer of the primary user).

FD9 and image C storing order file
When the laboratory clerk receives D11 from the primary user, the received FD9 is loaded into the FD drive 30 of the printing system of the laboratory 20, and the image CD11 is stored in the CD.
-Loaded into the ROM drive 31; The order file stored in the FD 9 is read by the FD drive 30.
The image data stored in the image CD 11 is read by the CD-ROM drive 31 according to the read order file. According to the order data stored in the order file, the images constituting the photo album 36 are printed by the high-quality printer 35. Also, an album CD33 in which album data is stored (album CD33 is 2
Is created by the CD recorder 32 (step 141). Photo album 36 and two albums C
One album CD33 of D33 is given to the primary user.

If the data indicated by the web publishing status or the web sales status stored in the order file of the FD 9 is open, partially limited or unsellable, the image selected as described above is It is determined that the represented image data is to be uploaded to server 40 (YES in step 143). Then, the remaining album CD33 other than the one album CD33 passed to the primary user among the two created album CD33 is C
It is loaded into the D-ROM drive 31. Of the image data stored in the album CD33, the image data specified by the order data stored in the order file stored in the FD 9 is uploaded to the server 40 (step 143).

The image data uploaded from the print system of the laboratory 20 is received by the server 40 (step 151). Then, the image data uploaded to the hard disk 43 of the server 40 is recorded corresponding to the primary user.

A user (secondary user) who wants to purchase an image represented by image data uploaded to the server 40 accesses the server 40 using his / her personal computer. A search window shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display screen of the display device of the secondary user's personal computer.

The search window includes the following areas.

Keyword input area 171: An area for inputting a keyword for searching for an image.

Category search selection area 172: An area for selecting a category when an image is searched by designating a category. By pulling down, a subcategory corresponding to the category appears, and the subcategory is selected. An image corresponding to the selected sub-category is searched.

Category search instruction area 173: This area is clicked when a search instruction for the selected category is transmitted to server 40.

Attribute search selection area 174: By pulling down, a plurality of photograph attributes appear, and a desired attribute is selected from the appearing photograph attributes. An image is searched according to the selected attribute.

Attribute search instruction area 175: This area is clicked when a search instruction for the selected attribute area is transmitted to server 40.

Data representing an image search instruction is transmitted from the secondary user's personal computer to the server 40 (step 161), and the server 40 receives the image search instruction data (YES in step 152).

The server 40 searches for image data based on a keyword or the like transmitted from the secondary user's personal computer (step 153).
In the server 40, the image data found by the search is transmitted to the secondary user (step 154).

For example, when the copyright holder is set in the attribute search, a search result window as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the display screen of the display device of the secondary user's personal computer.

The search result window shown in FIG. 22 includes the following areas.

Image display area 181; area for displaying a thumbnail image corresponding to the image found as a result of the search.

Caption display area 182: An area for displaying text included in the caption corresponding to the image found as a result of the search.

Print purchase check box 183: This box is clicked by the secondary user when purchasing a print of the image displayed in the image display area 181. It is provided corresponding to the image displayed in the image display area 181.

Image data purchase check box 184;
This box is clicked by the secondary user when purchasing image data representing the image displayed in the image display area 181. This box 184 also has an image display area 182
Are provided in correspondence with the images displayed in.

When the check box 183 or 184 is checked, the display screen of the display device of the secondary user is
The purchase quantity designation window shown in FIG. 23 is displayed.

The window for specifying the number of purchases includes the following areas.

Image display area 191: An area for displaying an image having a purchase intention.

Caption display area 192: An area for displaying a text included in a caption corresponding to an image having a purchase intention.

Print number display area 193: An area for displaying the number of images to be printed. By clicking the area 193, input becomes possible.

Image data frame number display area 194: An area for displaying the number of frames of an image represented by image data. region
By clicking 194, input becomes possible.

Order area 195: An area clicked when transmitting an order command to the server 40.

When order area 195 is clicked, if there is an order for image data, data (for example, an image file name) for identifying the ordered image data is transferred from the secondary user's personal computer to server 40. (YES in step 163, step 164). Also,
If there is a print order, data for identifying an image corresponding to the print order is transmitted from the secondary user's personal computer to the server 40 (YES in step 165, step 166).

When server 40 receives the purchase command transmitted from the secondary user's personal computer (YES in step 155), the contents of the sales status database are updated in accordance with the command (step 156). ). When a print command is received (YES in step 157), the server 20
Is transmitted to the print system (step 158). Further, the sales status database is updated (step 159).

In the print system of the laboratory, when data representing a print order is received, image data representing the ordered image is searched from image data stored in the album CD in accordance with the order. . The image data found by the search is given to the high-quality printer 35 and printed (step 145).

When the secondary user clicks on the order area 195 of the purchase quantity confirmation window, the display method of the secondary user's personal computer is displayed on the display screen of the personal computer as shown in FIG. A window will appear.

The receiving method designation window includes the following areas.

Store selection area 201: An area for selecting a shop (laboratory) for receiving prints. By pulling down, many stores appear. A desired store is selected from the displayed stores.

Address entry area 202: An area where an address of a delivery destination is entered when print delivery is desired. Region 20
When 2 is clicked, input becomes possible.

Order area 203: When clicked, data indicating the designated receiving method and the selected store or delivery destination is transmitted from the secondary user to server 40.

When the server 40 receives data indicating a print delivery destination or the like, the received data is also transmitted to the print system of the laboratory 20.

According to the data received by the printing system, the destination of the print, the name of the orderer, and the like are printed by the printer 35. By viewing the printed delivery destination or the like, a print of the image is sent to the delivery destination. If the secondary user has specified receipt at the store, the image will be printed at the specified store.

The server 40 checks the copyright holder of the ordered image (not only the image data stored in the album CD 33 but also the contents of the order file stored in the FD 9 are transmitted to the server 40). Needless to say, a correspondence table between the image data and the copyright holder represented by the image data is created), and the copyright holder name and the fee receiving method are printed by the printer 35. The fee is paid to the copyright holder based on the method of receiving the designated fee.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an album creation request.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a primary user.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a laboratory print system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a server.

FIG. 5 shows a file structure of an image CD.

FIG. 6 shows a file structure of an album CD.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of an order file stored in the FD.

FIG. 8 shows the contents of a sales status database.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of an album creation requester.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an album type selection window.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an image selection window.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a web status input window.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an album creation requester information input window.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an order content confirmation window.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an album confirmation window.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a web confirmation window.

FIG. 17 shows an example of an order method selection window.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a laboratory process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a server.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a print requester process.

FIG. 21 is an example of a window displayed on a display screen of a display device of a print requester's personal computer.

FIG. 22 is an example of a window displayed on a display screen of a display device of a personal computer of a print requester.

FIG. 23 is an example of a window displayed on the display screen of the display device of the print requester's personal computer.

FIG. 24 is an example of a window displayed on the display screen of the display device of the print requester's personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5, 25, 46 display device 7, 29, 50 mouse 8, 30, 51 FD drive 9 FD (second portable recording medium) 10, 31, 52 CD-ROM drive 11 image CD (first portable recording medium) ) 12, 34, 48 CPU 20 Laboratory 28, 49 Modem 33 Album CD (third portable recording medium) 35, 54 Printer

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A first portable recording medium storing an order input program for displaying subject image data representing a plurality of subject images and an order input image for ordering an album including the plurality of images. Reading means for reading the subject image data and the order input program; display control means for controlling a display device to display an order input image on a display screen based on the order input program read by the reading means; According to the order input image displayed on the screen,
Selecting means for selecting one or more subject images from a plurality of subject images represented by the subject image data read by the reading means, and for creating an album including the subject images selected by the selecting means An album ordering apparatus comprising: an order file generating means for generating an order file storing album creation order data. 2. The album ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first recording control means for recording the order file generated by said order file generating means on a second portable recording medium. 3. A publication setting means for setting whether or not to release a subject image selected by said selection means, wherein said order file generating means includes a data indicating whether the disclosure set by said disclosure setting means is permitted. 2. The album ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order file is stored in the order file in association with data representing a corresponding subject image. 4. A sales setting means for setting whether or not to sell the subject image selected by said selection means, wherein said order file generating means includes data indicating whether or not the sales set by said sales setting means are available. 2. The album ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order file is stored in the order file in association with data representing a corresponding subject image. 5. A receiving method designating means for designating a charge receiving method for selling the subject image, wherein the order file generating means stores data representing the charge receiving method designated by the receiving method designating means. 5. The album ordering device according to claim 4, wherein the album ordering device is stored in the order file. 6. An object image represented by object image data recorded on the first portable recording medium according to an order file generated by an order file generating means of the album ordering apparatus according to claim 1. An album generation system including an album generation unit that generates an album including the following. 7. The album generating means for generating electronic album image data for displaying the album on a display screen of a display device, wherein the electronic album image data generated by the album generating means is stored in a third storage device. 7. The album generating system according to claim 6, further comprising: a second recording control unit that records on a portable recording medium. 8. The album generating system according to claim 7, wherein said second recording control means records electronic album image data on at least two of said third portable recording media. 9. The album generating system according to claim 6, wherein said album generating means records said album on a visible recording medium. 10. The album generating system according to claim 7, further comprising transmitting means for transmitting the electronic album image data generated by said album generating means to a server accessible to said album generating system. 11. An image ordering system in which an image server having an image database in which image data representing an image is recorded and an image ordering device can communicate with each other, wherein the image data is transmitted from the image server to the image ordering device. The image order receiving device receives the image data transmitted from the image server, the image order receiving device receives the image data, the display device displays the image received by the image data receiving device on a display screen, the display screen displays Order image input means for giving an order for a displayed image, orderer input means for inputting an orderer, identification data for identifying an image ordered by the order image input means, and orderer input by the orderer input means Further comprising data transmission means for transmitting data representing the data to the image server in association with each other, An image server configured to receive the identification data transmitted from the data transmission unit of the image ordering apparatus and the orderer data, a data reception unit, and an orderer name represented by the orderer data received by the data reception unit. An image ordering system, comprising: first output means for outputting; and second output means for outputting image data identified by the identification data received by the data receiving means from the image database. 12. The image server, wherein the image server is represented by owner storage means for storing owner data representing an owner of the image represented by the image data, and is represented by owner data stored in the owner storage means. Searching means for searching for the owner of the image data received by the data receiving means,
12. The image ordering system according to claim 11, further comprising: owner name output means for outputting an owner name found by the search by the search means. 13. The image server further comprises a fee collection method storage means for storing a fee collection method for selling an image represented by the image data recorded in the image database in association with the owner. 13. The image ordering system according to claim 12, wherein the user name output means outputs the owner name found by the search by the search means and a fee payment method corresponding to the owner name. 14. An image ordering apparatus capable of communicating with an image server having an image database in which image data representing an image is recorded, wherein the image data receiving means receives image data transmitted from the image server; A display device for displaying an image received by the data receiving means on a display screen; an order image input means for giving an order for the image displayed on the display screen; an orderer input means for inputting an orderer; and the order image input means An image ordering apparatus, comprising: data transmitting means for transmitting identification data identifying an image ordered by the orderer and data representing the orderer input by the orderer input means to the image server in association with each other. 15. An image server in which image data representing an image is recorded in an image server capable of communicating with the image ordering apparatus, identification data for identifying an order image transmitted from the image ordering apparatus, and orderer data. Receiving means, a first output means for outputting an orderer name represented by the orderer data received by the data receiving means, and an image identified by the identification data received by the data receiving means Second output means for outputting data from the image database. 16. A first portable recording medium storing an order input program for displaying subject image data representing a plurality of subject images and an order input image for ordering an album including the plurality of images. The subject image data and the order input program are read, an order input image is displayed on a display screen of a display device based on the read order input program, and according to the order input image displayed on the display screen,
One or more subject images are selected from a plurality of subject images represented by the read subject image data, and an order file storing album creation order data for creating an album including the selected subject images is generated. How to generate an album order file. 17. An album including an image represented by image data recorded on the first portable recording medium is created according to the order file generated by the file generation method according to claim 16. How to create an album. 18. An image ordering apparatus capable of communicating with an image server having an image database in which image data representing an image is recorded, the image ordering apparatus receiving image data transmitted from the image server, and displaying the image data based on the received image data. An image ordering device that displays an image to be displayed on a display screen, and associates identification data for identifying an ordered image from the images displayed on the display screen with data representing an orderer to the image server in association with each other. Control method. 19. An image server capable of communicating with an image ordering apparatus, receiving identification data for identifying an order image transmitted from the image ordering apparatus and the orderer data, and represented by the received orderer data. A method for controlling an image server, comprising: outputting image data identified by an orderer name and the identification data from the image database. 20. A program for controlling an album ordering device, comprising: reading the subject image data from a first portable recording medium storing subject image data representing a plurality of subject images; The image is displayed on the display screen of the display device, and according to the order input image displayed on the display screen,
One or more subject images are selected from a plurality of subject images represented by the read subject image data, and an order file storing album creation order data for creating an album including the selected subject images is generated. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for controlling a computer to cause the computer to control the computer. 21. A program for controlling a computer of an image ordering apparatus communicable with an image server having an image database in which image data representing images is recorded, the program receiving the image data transmitted from the image server. Causing the image represented by the received image data to be displayed on the display screen, and associating the identification data for identifying the ordered image from the images displayed on the display screen and the data representing the orderer with each other, A recording medium storing a program for controlling a computer of an image ordering apparatus to be transmitted to a server.