JP2001313913A - Distribution method of image data, image processing terminal and portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable transmission and reception of timely and various image data by immediately transmitting image data generated in an image processing terminal to a portable terminal and other external terminals, and by always reading the generated and stored image data from the portable terminal etc. to transmit and receive. SOLUTION: In network environment where a plurality of image processing terminals 1 and servers 3 through a communication network, and a plurality of portable terminals 5 and servers 3 through a carrier system communication network 4 are connected, respectively, a step which stores the transmitted image data on a mail album of an addressee while urging generation of the image data transmitted to the addressee acting as a transmitting destination and selection of the addressee acting as the transmitting destination is provided in an image processing terminal 1 as a sender, and a step which identifies the kind of the portable terminal 5 to determine the classification of the image data suitable for distribution, and reads the mail album of the addressee to output it readable is provided in the portable terminal 5 as the addressee.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to distribution of image information for transmitting and receiving image information of a subject between an image processing terminal and a portable terminal, or between an image processing terminal or a portable terminal and an external terminal. The present invention relates to a method and an image processing terminal and a mobile terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, an image print supply apparatus called a print club developed by the applicant of the present application, and a very large number of similar models which supply a print by synthesizing an image of a subject and frame information (title information). Are on the market. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-84521 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-234602 disclose a communication device provided in an amusement device capable of printing an image and which transmits and receives data to and from a server or another amusement device. Has been developed.

[0003]

However, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-84521 relates to a technique for preparing sample data relating to combined data of image data of a subject and frame data, and is provided in a main body of the apparatus. Update the storage contents related to the frame image in the frame image storage means with new frame image data transmitted via the communication line, or exchange the frame image data with a server that stores a large number of frame image data. In addition, the image data is printed and created as a plurality of frame image sample sheets, and the data distributed between the apparatus main body and the server is exclusively frame image data. It was not interesting in terms of image selection and processing, such as the inability to exchange data.

The invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-234602 discloses a printing apparatus provided in a main body of an apparatus, which is different from the above-described embodiment in that combined data of title data of the same kind as the frame data and image data of a subject are provided. The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying prints using
Although a plurality of units having the same function provided in one housing can be combined with image data sent from another unit via a communication device, a plurality of units are shown. Is provided in the same housing, so that data can be distributed and processed only to users who are next to each other, and image data that can be transmitted is limited to images taken on the spot. There was no.

[0005] As described above, the conventional method and apparatus combine the image data selected and photographed by the user with the frame image received from the server, and exchange the image data with the adjacent user in the same housing. , And can combine the title image with it, and the range of users who can transmit and receive is limited. Also, because you cannot save the created image data or send it to others, even if you can create your favorite image data, just print it out and enjoy it, send it to your friends, However, it was not possible to enjoy it by sending a message with image data thereto. Further, most of conventional methods and apparatuses for distributing image information transmit and receive image information between an image data supply apparatus or a personal computer and a server, and can transmit the image information to a portable terminal or an external terminal. There were no methods, devices or systems. Furthermore, recently, a system for storing image data captured by a digital camera in a web server has been developed.
It is necessary to bring the image data to the data center or upload it to a personal computer, and the created image data cannot be transmitted and received with the desired partner on the spot, which is troublesome and timely. Was not. In addition, the data to be combined and other image processing are not new compared to the various image print supply apparatuses (commonly known as print clubs) already provided by the present applicant.

Therefore, the present invention enables the image data created by the image processing terminal to be immediately transmitted to a portable terminal or another external terminal, and the created image data is stored on the spot or stored. It has been developed as an object to read out image data from a portable terminal or the like and to transmit and receive it to a desired partner at any time, so that various image data can be transmitted and received in a timely and extensive manner. As in the United States, in the information society, various businesses using information have been born and have greatly contributed to the society. The present invention is also characterized as one of such business patents. have.

[0007]

According to the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a means for creating image data including at least imaging information of a subject, a display means, an input means, and An image processing terminal having a printing unit, a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network, and a portable terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. This is a method of distributing image data to be transmitted and received, in which an image processing terminal as a sender is prompted to select a receiver as a transmission destination, and an image data to be transmitted to the selected receiver as a transmission destination. And the step of saving the created image data in the selected recipient's mail album, and for the mobile terminal as the receiver, the type of the terminal is set. Separately, a step of determining a type of image data suitable for distribution, a step of reading a recipient's mail album storing image data transmitted to the recipient, and a step of reading the image data in the read mail album And outputting the image data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a communication network with the image processing terminal. Connected server,
An image data distribution method for transmitting and receiving image data between the server and a mobile terminal connected via a carrier communication network. The image data is transmitted to an image processing terminal as a sender. A step of reading the sender's mail album for storing the transmitted image data, a step of outputting the image data in the read mail album, and a selection of a receiver as a transmission destination or a reply destination of the image data from the steps. Prompting, and prompting creation of image data to be transmitted to the selected transmission destination or reply destination, and transmitting the created image data to the selected transmission destination or reply destination recipient's mail album. Storing, for a portable terminal as a receiver, determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal,
A method for distributing image data, comprising: reading a mail album of a recipient storing image data transmitted to the recipient; and outputting the image data in the read mail album is proposed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a communication network with the image processing terminal. Connected server,
An image data distribution method for transmitting and receiving image data between the server and a mobile terminal connected via a carrier communication network. Reading the sender's keep album for storing the read image data, outputting the read image data in the keep album, prompting for new creation of image data, and receiving the created image data as a transmission destination. Prompting the recipient, and storing the created image data in the selected recipient's mail album. For the portable terminal as the recipient, the type of the terminal is Identifying the type of image data suitable for distribution, reading the recipient's mail album that stores the image data transmitted to the recipient, And outputting the image data in the mail album, we propose a method of distributing image data comprising.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and the image processing terminal is connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. A method for distributing image data for transmitting and receiving image data between a server and a mobile terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution, reading the sender's mail album that stores the image data transmitted to the sender, and Outputting image data, prompting the user to select a recipient as a transmission destination or a reply destination of the image data from the image data, and transmitting the image data created by the sender. Comprising the steps of: reading the Puarubamu,
A step of outputting the read image data in the keep album, a step of prompting the user to select the image data desired to be transmitted, and an e-mail of a receiver to which the selected image data is selected as a transmission destination or a reply destination Storing the image data in an album, and determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal with respect to the mobile terminal as a receiver, and transmitting the image data to the receiver. A method for distributing image data, comprising: a step of reading a mail album of a recipient storing the read image data; and a step of outputting image data in the read mail album.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and the image processing terminal is connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. An image data distribution method for transmitting and receiving image data between a server and a mobile terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. A step of prompting the poster to create image data to be transmitted, a step of reading various bulletin boards according to hobbies and genres, a step of outputting image data of a bulletin board poster posted on the read bulletin board, and outputting an image from the image data. The system includes a step of prompting a bulletin board poster who wants to transmit data, and a step of saving the created image data in the mail album of the selected bulletin board poster. For the image processing terminal as a bulletin board poster, a step of prompting the creation of image data to be posted on the bulletin board, a step of reading various notices according to hobbies and genres, and a step of reading bulletin board posters publicly posted on the read notice boards. Outputting image data, prompting the user to select a bulletin board from which image data is to be posted, storing posted image data in the selected bulletin board, and transmitting image data to the poster of the bulletin board. The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data, comprising: a step of reading a mail album of a bulletin board contributor of storing a mail album; and a step of outputting image data in the read mail album.

According to the present invention, an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, and printing means including image information of a subject is connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. An image data distribution method for transmitting and receiving image data between a server and a mobile terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. A step of prompting the poster to create image data for transmission, a step of reading various bulletin boards according to hobbies and genres, and outputting image data of a bulletin board poster posted on the read bulletin board, and outputting an image from the image data. The system includes a step of prompting a bulletin board poster who wants to transmit data, and a step of saving the created image data in the mail album of the selected bulletin board poster. For a mobile terminal as a bulletin board poster, a step of determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, and a bulletin board for storing image data transmitted to the bulletin board poster The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data including a step of reading a mail album of a contributor and a step of outputting image data in the read mail album.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creating means, display means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and the image processing terminal is connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. A method of distributing image data for transmitting and receiving image data between a server and a mobile terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. For a mobile terminal as a contest applicant,
Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, reading various contests, outputting the read contest,
Prompting the user to select the contest they wish to apply to, reading the contest applicant's keep album that stores the image data created by the contest applicant,
Outputting the read image data, prompting the user to select image data to apply to the contest from among them, saving the selected image data in the selected contest, and transmitting the image data to the contest applicant. Distributing an e-mail to the address of the contest applicant, and for a mobile terminal as a contest voter, determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal. , Reading various contests, outputting read contests, prompting contest applicants who want to vote among them, and prompting creation of e-mail addressed to selected contest applicants And sending the created e-mail to the contest applicant's address, and displaying and summarizing the results of the voting. To propose a method of distributing image data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creating means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and the image processing terminal and a communication network via the communication network. Connected server,
This is a method of distributing image data for transmitting and receiving image data between the server and a portable terminal connected via a carrier communication network. Prompting you to choose,
A step of prompting creation or selection of image data to be combined with the selected template, a step of prompting upload of a template combined with the created or selected image data, and attaching a URL to the uploaded template as a home page. Storing a mobile terminal as a recipient, by identifying the type of the terminal, determining a type of image data suitable for distribution, and clicking the URL to store the URL in the URL. A method for distributing image data, comprising a step of reading a corresponding homepage and a step of outputting the read homepage, is proposed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth and eighth aspects, an image processing terminal or a portable terminal as a sender or a receiver, or an image processing terminal as a bulletin board poster Alternatively, for a mobile terminal, a method of distributing image data including a step of editing, processing, or deleting image data is proposed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the image data is a step of inputting additional information such as a character, a figure, a message, or the like by an input means of each terminal, or Synthesizing by synthesizing means,
Alternatively, the present invention proposes a method for distributing image data, which includes a step of combining with frame information stored in each terminal or downloaded from a server.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to tenth aspects, the image data is a moving image or a method of distributing image data including a moving image is proposed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eleventh aspects, the present invention proposes a method for distributing image data in which the image data includes music information or audio information.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the first to twelfth aspects, the image data includes a URL.
A method of distributing image data marked with is proposed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to thirteenth aspects, a method for distributing image data including reservation information on print reservation in the image data is proposed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eighth aspects, the image processing terminal or mobile terminal as a sender, the image processing terminal or mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor, a contest applicant or a contest For the portable terminal as a voter, the step of prompting the user to input authentication information consisting of each ID and / or password, and the authentication of the input authentication information are performed to create an album or transmit / receive image data. And a step of determining permission / non-permission.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects, the mail album and the keep album are a temporary album for temporarily storing image information,
Alternatively, a method for distributing image data, which is a long-term album for storing image information for a long time, is proposed.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixteenth aspect, the long-term album is a secret album in which the input of the authentication information is indispensable in order to browse or save the image data. A public album that does not require the entry of an ID or an entry of only an ID, or a broadcast-type album that requires the entry of group authentication information consisting of an ID and / or password or both common to only a specific group A method for distributing certain image data is proposed.

[0024] The invention of claim 18 is the invention according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the long-term album is created and stored.
If the e-mail album or the keep album is a temporary album, the image data stored in the e-mail album is moved to the long-term album. Prompting the image processing terminal or mobile terminal, or the image processing terminal or mobile terminal as a bulletin board poster, to select image data desired to be moved from the mail album or the keep album; A method for distributing image data, comprising: moving data to a long-term album; and updating the movement, is proposed.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, if the long-term album is desired to be created and held, an image processing terminal or a portable terminal as a sender or a receiver, or For the image processing terminal or the mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor, each member ID
Or by prompting the input of member authentication information consisting of a member password or both, and by authenticating the input member authentication information,
Making a decision on permission / non-permission.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third, fifth, sixth, or eighth aspects of the present invention, when the created image data is printed, the sender or the receiving The image processing terminal as a user or the image processing terminal as the bulletin board poster includes at least a step of prompting input of a print command for the created image data and a step of prompting selection of a print layout. We propose a distribution method for image data.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects, when a print reservation is made for the image data stored in the mail album or the keep album, the portable terminal as the sender or the receiver Or
For the portable terminal as the bulletin board poster, identifying the type of the terminal to determine the type of image data suitable for distribution, and reading the image data stored in the mail album or keep album The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data, comprising: a step of outputting the image data so that the image data can be browsed; and a step of prompting input of print reservation information for the output image data.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect, when printing the image data including the reservation information of the print reservation, the image processing terminal as the sender or the receiver, or For the image processing terminal as the bulletin board contributor, when printing the image data newly created by the image processing terminal, a selection is made as to whether or not to simultaneously print the image data including the reservation information of the print reservation. The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data including a step of prompting and a step of prompting selection of a print layout.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when the image data is transmitted, the portable terminal as a recipient or the portable terminal as a bulletin board poster is transmitted. A method for distributing image data is provided, which includes a step of notifying the user of this fact.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth, fifteenth, and eighteenth to twenty-third aspects of the invention, the image processing terminal and the portable terminal are connected to another external terminal. The present invention proposes an image processing terminal and a mobile terminal having transmission control means such as infrared or wireless which can mutually transfer image data between them.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the twenty-fourth aspect, the transmission control means proposes an image processing terminal and an external terminal, each of which is an IrDA interface or a Bluetooth interface.

[0032]

First, prior to a detailed description of the present invention, the terms used in the present invention will be briefly described. Transmission and reception of image data is performed between a sender as a sender of image data and a receiver as a receiver via a server. In the present invention, the invention is constituted exactly from the viewpoint of this server. . Then, the image processing terminal or the mobile terminal operated by the sender as the sender of the image data is referred to as “the image processing terminal or the mobile terminal as the sender” and the mobile terminal operated by the receiver as the receiver of the image data is referred to as “ Mobile terminal as the recipient. " In addition, when the "image processing terminal or mobile terminal as the sender" that has transmitted the image data receives the image data transmitted from the third party, at the same time, the "image processing terminal or mobile terminal as the receiver" is there. Also, an image processing terminal or a mobile terminal operated by a person who wants to post a bulletin board is referred to as an "image processing terminal or a mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor". The terminal is referred to as a "mobile terminal as a contest entrant", and the mobile terminal operated by a person who wishes to vote for the image data submitted for the contest is referred to as a "mobile terminal as a contest contributor".

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a new user, who is the first to create image data using an image processing terminal,
The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data when creating and transmitting image data. While saving image data (generally an e-mail with an image) created by a sender who is a new user operating the image processing terminal in a mail album of the selected destination recipient, operating the mobile terminal The e-mail album is output to the recipient, and the received image data (generally, e-mail with an image) is displayed in a viewable manner. According to the present invention, the image data created by the image processing terminal can be immediately transmitted to a desired partner on the spot, and the receiving partner can immediately view the image data. Carry,
There is no need to upload to a personal computer, and it is extremely timely and has a wide range of use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when image data is transmitted to the sender's mail album, image data to be returned is created by the image processing terminal and stored in the mail album of the receiver to which the reply is sent. On the other hand, the present invention relates to a method of distributing image data when the image data is output to a portable terminal owned by a receiver so as to be viewable. When image data is sent from a friend or the like to a sender who operates the image processing terminal, image data for reply (generally, e-mail with an image) is created in the image processing terminal, and this is set as a reply destination. While storing the mail album in the recipient's mail album, the mail album is output to the recipient who operates the portable terminal, and the received image data is displayed in a viewable manner. According to the present invention, it is possible to immediately send a reply image data to a partner who has sent the image data, so that communication can be performed without stagnation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when no image data is transmitted to the sender's mail album, the sender's keep album is output, and image data is newly created and selected by the image processing terminal. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in a case where the image data is stored in a mail album of a recipient as a transmission destination, and the image data is output to a portable terminal owned by the recipient so as to be viewable. According to the present invention, even when image data (generally, e-mail with images) is not transmitted from another person, new image data can be created and transmitted to a portable terminal such as a friend. You can communicate more closely and expand its range.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when image data is transmitted to a sender's mail album, the sender who owns the portable terminal selects a recipient to be a reply destination from the mail album, and Reply image data selected from the keep album is saved in the selected recipient's mail album, and the image data is output to the mobile terminal owned by the recipient in a viewable manner. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in the case where the image data is transmitted. Specifically, when image data (generally, e-mail with an image) is transmitted from a friend or the like to a sender who operates the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal accesses the server and transmits the image data of the sender. From the saved keep album, select the image data to be used for reply and save it in the recipient's mail album as the reply destination, while outputting the mail album to the recipient who operates the mobile terminal and receiving it The displayed image data (in general, an image-attached mail) is displayed so as to be browsed. According to the present invention, it is possible to call and transmit or return image data created in an image processing terminal in advance and stored in its own keep album.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a sender who operates the image processing terminal creates and transmits his / her own image data to a bulletin board poster who has posted image data created by the image processing terminal to a desired bulletin board. In this case, the transmitted image data is stored in the mail album of the bulletin board contributor, while the image data is delivered to the bulletin board contributor when the mail album is output and displayed. According to the present invention, image data created by an image processing terminal can not only be transmitted to an individual recipient, but also to a bulletin board poster who has posted his / her image data on a bulletin board.
Can be sent.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sender who operates the image processing terminal creates his / her own image data with respect to the poster who has already posted the image data on the bulletin board and owns the portable terminal. In this case, the transmitted image data is stored in the mail album of the bulletin board poster, and the image data is distributed to the bulletin board poster when the mail album is output and displayed. According to the present invention, the image data created by the image processing terminal can be transmitted not only to the bulletin board poster who operates the image processing terminal but also to the bulletin board poster who owns the mobile terminal.

According to the invention of claim 7, when the contest applicant selects image data from the keep album called from the portable terminal owned by the contest applicant and applies for the contest, the contest voter creates an e-mail to the contest applicant.・
The present invention relates to a method for distributing image data in a case where the e-mail is transmitted to a contest entrant so as to be viewable while being transmitted. According to the present invention, similarly to the invention of claim 5, as long as the image data is already stored in the keep album of the contest applicant, the image data is called out of the contest applicant to apply for the contest, and the contest voters are the contest applicants You can send mail to

According to the invention of claim 8, when the sender combines the image data created by the image processing terminal with the template for the homepage to create the homepage, the sender adds the URL to the homepage uploaded to the server. The present invention relates to a method for distributing image data when the homepage is output to a portable terminal owned by a receiver by clicking. According to the present invention, a homepage can be easily created and browsed by combining a template, a character, and the like with image data.

A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data created, edited, or deleted from image data created in an image processing terminal or image data stored in an album. It is. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when preserving or transmitting image data, it is possible to arrange the contents of the album by modifying the contents or deleting unnecessary image data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the image data to be transmitted and received in the present invention is an image data in a case where a character or a figure is added to an image of a photographed subject, a message or a frame is added, or the image is synthesized. Related to the distribution method. According to the present invention, words can be added to image data to be transmitted / received to enhance the intimacy, and the content of the image data can be more varied.

The invention of claim 11 relates to a method of distributing image data when the image data transmitted and received in the present invention is a moving image or includes moving images. Normally, when the image data of a subject is a moving image, the image data is taken by a photographing unit of the image processing terminal. However, a moving image downloaded from a server (a data server or a content server) can be used. It necessarily includes not only image data of a subject but also a moving image of a real photograph or an animation.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data when image data transmitted and received in the present invention includes music information and audio information. The music information is scheduled to be downloaded from a server such as MP3 data. However, by providing the image processing terminal with a voice acquisition unit and a voice data conversion unit, it is possible to add voice information simultaneously with the creation of image data. Alternatively, music information or audio information downloaded from a server (data server or content server) may be used.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of distributing image data in a case where a URL is attached to image data transmitted and received in the present invention so that the image data is promptly distributed by clicking the URL. It is about. Since the mobile terminal has a small button, it is troublesome to input an address or the like when receiving the distribution of the image data. By attaching a URL, the problem can be solved.

The invention of claim 14 relates to a method of distributing image data when the image data transmitted and received in the present invention includes reservation information on print reservation. Since the transmitted / received image data automatically includes the reservation information of the print reservation, the image data relating to the print reservation is automatically called at the time of printing. Of searching for image data or setting of print reservation can be eliminated.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when creating an album or transmitting / receiving image data in the present invention, a server or a server authenticates ID or password authentication information to a sender or a receiver. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data when determining whether to permit or prohibit the creation and transmission / reception. The present invention is effective in terms of security and management of user information in addition to billing and collection for services to be provided.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, distribution of image data when the mail album and keep album for storing image data are temporary albums for temporarily storing image data or long-term albums for long-term storage It is about the method. According to the present invention, it is possible to selectively use an album serving as a receiver for image data and an album serving as a warehouse for image data, and it is easy to organize image data.

The invention of claim 17 relates to the type of long-term album referred to in claim 16, and is a private album which cannot be viewed by anyone without inputting authentication information, a public album which does not require authentication information or requires input of only ID. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in the case of a group album that cannot be viewed unless an album or a common authentication information given to a specific group is input. With this, image data that you do not want to show to anyone, image data that you may want to show to an acquaintance, image data that you want to share in a specific group such as wedding image data, etc., according to each application / purpose Can be stored in a long-term album.

The invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that when the mail album or the keep album is an album for temporary storage,
The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in the case where image data that is desired to be stored for a long term is transferred to a long-term album. The movement of the image data can be instructed not only from the image processing terminal but also from the mobile terminal, and the movement is updated by the server.
According to the present invention, according to the type and importance of image data,
You can use a temporary album and a long-term album properly, and you can organize the album.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when creating / holding a long-term album, image data in a case where authentication information as a member is inputted separately from the above-mentioned authentication information and the permission / non-permission is authenticated by a server. Related to the distribution method. This is effective in terms of billing and collection of services provided by the server to users who have become official members, as well as in terms of member security and management.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data in a case where image data created by an image processing terminal is printed on the spot. According to the present invention, not only can the created image data be printed immediately, but also a desired print layout can be selected, so that the type of image data to be printed can be properly used according to the use or preference.

A twenty-first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data when a print reservation is made for image data stored in a mail album or a keep album. According to the present invention, when browsing image data stored in a mail album or a keep album from a mobile terminal,
Since a print reservation can be made in advance for the favorite image data, it is possible to save the trouble of searching the album one by one and searching for the image data each time the user stops by the image processing terminal at a later date.

The invention of claim 22 relates to a method of distributing image data when printing image data including reservation information of a print reservation mentioned in claim 14. According to the present invention, when printing image data newly created by the image processing terminal, image data relating to print reservation can be printed at the same time, which is economical and saves time.

[0055] The invention of claim 23 relates to a method of distributing image data in the case where image data (generally an e-mail with an image) is transmitted and these receivers are actively notified of the fact. Things. Thus, when the image data is transmitted, the receiver is immediately notified of the transmission, so that the image data can be browsed in a timely manner.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing terminal and the portable terminal are provided with infrared or wireless transmission control means in order to enable mutual transfer of image data with another external terminal. Related to an image processing terminal or a portable terminal, for example, by transferring image data stored in another external terminal to the image processing terminal or the portable terminal and storing it in a mail album or a keep album. , And can be read and output as image data suitable for the type of mobile terminal, so that the type of image data and the range of transmission / reception can be further expanded.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, as the transmission control means mentioned in the twenty-fourth aspect, IrDA or Bluetooth is used.
h is used. By providing these infrared or wireless transmission functions, personal information such as image data and addresses can be easily exchanged.

[0058]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
Will be explained.overall structure  FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the flow of image data in the present invention.
You. The present invention provides a method for processing a plurality of images via a communication network
The terminals 1, 1a, 1b, and the server 3 also carry
A plurality of mobile terminals 5, 5a, 5b,.
And the server 3 are connected to each other
It is in. The flow of image data in the present invention is basically
Is an image created by the image processing terminal 1 (INPUT system)
Data is stored in the server 3 via the communication network 2
Mobile terminal from the server 3 via the carrier communication network 4
5 (OUTPUT system). Departure
In the clear, the image data flow along this
Although there are some modes that do not exist, the carrier communication network 4
And always relay the image data created by the image processing terminal 1.
Of receiving image data from server 3 that stores data
So, just between the personal computer and the server, or in the same BOX
Sending and receiving image data between the installed image processing terminals,
What is a conventional image data distribution method and system?
The law is completely different. That is, in the present invention, the image data
Data to an album in the image database 13 of the server 3.
Can be stored in the image processing terminal 1
If the created image data is stored in an album,
It is not always necessary to create image data with the image processing terminal 1.
Access the server 3 from the mobile terminal 5
Select the desired image data from the album
Send message information to other mobile terminals 5a and 5b
It is possible to communicate, but in that case,
Album in server 3 of image data created by processing terminal 1
A stage of preservation is required. That is, the present invention
In order to realize, the image processing terminal 1, the server 3, and the mobile
A terminal 5 and a communication network 2 that relays them;
The existence of the carrier communication network 4 is indispensable. On the drawing and
Technically, image processing from the mobile terminal 5 via the server 3
Although it is possible to transmit image data to the terminal 1,
Actually, as long as you own the mobile terminal 5, the server 3
To view the image data at hand anytime
Images that are fixedly installed
Go to the processing terminal 1 and need to browse image data
poor. Therefore, in the present invention, the portable terminal
From the terminal 5 to the image processing terminal 1 via the server 3
It does not mention the manner in which the data is transmitted. However,
Transmission of image data from mobile terminals to other mobile terminals
As described above, the image processing terminal 1
To use the created and input image data,
Reference has been made to these embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a system for implementing the present invention.
2 shows the configuration.Configuration of image processing terminal  The image processing terminal 1 mainly performs image processing including imaging information of a subject.
Camera 6 and control means 7 as means for creating image data, table
Monitor 8 as indicating means, printer 9 as printing means
have. Also, the communication network 2 and the server 3
Communication means 10 for connection;
Storage means 11 for storing various data processed by
I have. The storage means 11 stores various message information and files.
Frame information is stored and output from the server 3.
Various data are also stored here. Image processing end shown
The end 1 shows two cameras 6 and two monitors 8.
However, in the present invention, these numbers and types are not limited. Image processing
The management terminal 1 is also a red terminal such as IrDA or Bluetooth.
An external or wireless transmission control means 16 is provided.
Between the mobile terminal 5 or another external terminal 24
Image data can be transferred. Camera 6 is static
It has not only a still picture but also a movie shooting (AV1) function.
Transmission of moving images or image data containing moving images.
Is also possible. The control means 7 transmits the frame information from the server.
And the ability to download character information and MP
3. Download of ATRAC3, TWIN-VQ, etc.
It also has a playback function. The image processing terminal 1 further includes a character
Or signing up for membership
Is used to enter personal information, authentication information, etc.
Force means 22 is provided.

[0060]Server configuration  The server 3 mainly includes a web server 12 and an image database.
Process 13, member database 26, and process various data.
Control means 14 and the communication network 2
An image processing terminal 1 and a mobile terminal
5 and communication means 15 for connecting to each other. Ma
In addition, the server includes a server 3 as an administrator of the service.
Or various information such as video and music combined with image data
Is also scheduled to exist.
The web server 12 posts the information to be saved on the web page.
Services related to boards, contests, websites, etc.
In charge of management and operation, the image database 13
Functions for creating, searching, and updating albums to save data
In addition, various types of frame information, video, audio, music, etc.
It also has functions such as information storage and retrieval. Member Day
The database 26 manages and manages member information and user personal information.
Responsible for functions such as registration and updating. About the album
According to the present invention, transmitted image data (generally,
An email album that temporarily stores emails with images)
Temporarily save image data created by image processing terminal 1
Keep albums, images saved in these temporary albums
Private account for moving image data for long-term storage
Long term consisting of rubam, public album and group album
There are albums and the like. In addition, the image processing terminal 1
The generated image data is not affected by the capacity and resolution.
Until, can be displayed on the monitor 17 of the mobile terminal 5
Since it is not possible, the
Images suitable for distribution based on information about the device type
Identifying and deciding the type of data can also be performed by the control unit 1.
4 is performed. Note that the image database 13
Are transmitted from various content servers 27 to the image processing terminal 1 or
Frame information and characters downloaded to the mobile terminal 5
Saves video information, music, audio, etc.
Is done.

[0061]Configuration of mobile terminal  The mobile terminal 5 is usually a carrier such as NTT DoCoMo.
Means a WEB-compatible mobile phone or PDA managed by.
The mobile terminal 5 is mainly a monitor 1 for displaying image data.
7 and an input means 1 for inputting a message, authentication information, etc.
8. control means 19 for processing the input information;
Enable communication with server 3 via rear communication network 4
And communication means 20. The mobile terminal 5 is also a server 3
Storage means for storing image data and the like output from
21 is also provided. Further, the mobile terminal 5 has an image processing terminal.
Not only between terminal 1 but also between mobile terminals or other external terminals
IrDA, which enables the transfer of image data between
Infrared or wireless transmission control means 2 such as Bluetooth
3 is provided.

Hereinafter, each stage for carrying out the present invention will be described.
Will be described.Sending and receiving image data  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main program of the image processing terminal 1.
It is. In the present invention, the image created by the image processing terminal 1
The procedure for transmitting image data is as follows.
Is used by "first time" users
And a user who is already a "registrant"
When image data (email with image) has arrived from another person
If you are a “registrant” user and you
Data has not arrived, there are three patterns
You. The present invention is not limited to transmission and reception of image data.
It does not require users to obtain authentication information,
In a real embodiment, the charge
In terms of money / collection and management / protection of user's personal data
Authentication information to the user who receives the service.
The case for acquisition is likely to be common. That
In the description of the embodiment related to transmission and reception of image data,
In other words, it is necessary to enter authentication information
It will be described as a source. In a real embodiment of the present invention,
On the image processing terminal 1 side, the new user “
"" And "Registration" for creating and sending and receiving image data.
And the portable terminal 5 has an image processing terminal
To save the user's own image data created in
"Free Member" who can own Rebum and the created image data
Mail album for long-term storage of data and received image data
There are “paid members” who can hold
Acquisition of authentication information for receiving a certificate is required. Mobile end
"Free members" and "paid members" at the end
Here, the image processing terminal exclusively uses
"Begin" and "Registrant" will be described. "first"
Of the above-mentioned image data are created and transmitted and received.
Is the first time a service has been provided, and it can be provided
User who has not yet obtained authentication information
Means a user who is a "registrant"
Have already been offered
Means that the user has acquired the authentication information of
You. For inserting coins into the charging device 25 of the image processing terminal 1
When the image processing terminal 1 is ready for use,
Is automatically connected to the server 3 and its display means 8
Select whether you are “First time” or “Registered”.
The in-menu (100) is displayed. Below, image processing
The sender operating the terminal 1 is a “first time” user
The processing flow in such a case will be described.

First, the processing in the case where the user is the first time to use the service and has not acquired the authentication information (claim 1) will be described. In this case, by clicking the “first” icon on the main menu (100) with an input pen or the like provided to the input means 22, the operation proceeds according to the “first” flowchart in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing on the image processing terminal 1 side and the server 3 side in the case of “for the first time”. In the case of “first time”, since there is no image data to be transmitted to a friend or a bulletin board, it is necessary to first create image data to be transmitted. First, the main menu (1) displayed on the display unit 8 is displayed.
When the “first” icon is clicked and selected from (00), a screen (101) for explaining the procedure of use and the like is displayed. When the process is completed, a screen (102) for prompting the user to take a photograph and write characters, figures, and the like is displayed.
Then, image information is acquired using the input unit 22 and characters or graphics are written on the image information using the input unit 22 to create image data. Once the image data has been created,
This is an operation for acquiring authentication information, and a screen (103) for prompting input of personal information is displayed. Then, when the personal information is input using the input unit 22, a screen (104) for requesting the input of the hobby is displayed. This is also input by the input unit 22. Thus, when the photographing and the input of the personal information and the like are completed, a keep album for storing the created image data is given, and its screen (105) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the authentication information of the user is given by the input of the personal information, and a keep album is given by the authentication. Subsequently, after the step C of FIG. 4, that is, as shown in FIG. 8, after the created image data is printed by the printing unit 9, a screen (601) for prompting the selection of a recipient as a transmission destination is displayed. Will be displayed,
When the icon of "individual" is selected, a screen (604) for prompting the input of the address and ID of the recipient as the transmission destination is displayed. Then, when this is input using the input means 22, the image data is transmitted and stored in the mail album of the recipient as the transmission destination. The image data according to the present invention has the character of "mail with image". As described above, the image data of the sender who has taken the image is provided with characters and / or graphics by the provided input means 22 as desired. , Additional information, message information or hobby information, etc.,
The method may include a step of synthesizing with frame information read from the storage unit 11 and various frame information downloaded from the server 3 or the content server 27 (claim 10). When the input means 22 is a liquid crystal monitor with a digitizer, characters, graphics, etc. are input using input pens on desired coordinates of the imaging information.
The message information and the frame information read from the server 3 or the various frame information downloaded from the server 3 or the content server 27 are clicked on the coordinates where these are displayed with the input pen. In addition, by making the camera 6 compatible with a moving image (AV1), image data can be converted into a moving image (claim 11).
By downloading and reproducing audio data such as TRAC3 and TWIN-VQ, image data with music information and audio information can be obtained (claim 12). After transmitting the image data, the sender can print the created image data by the printing unit 9. After that,
You can post the created image data to the bulletin board by yourself. This will be described later.

As described above, when the image data is created, the authentication information is acquired, and the user becomes a “registrant”, a keep album corresponding to the individual is created in the image database 13 of the server 3. As described above, the keep album is an album for storing image data created by the individual at the image processing terminal 1. Become a “registrant” and send the created image data to a friend, etc. or a bulletin board contributor.As a result, when the friend or the bulletin board contributor sends or responds to the image data, a mail album is created in addition to the keep album. You. The mail album is an album for storing image data sent from another person. Then, when the image data is transmitted from another person, the mail album is displayed (20) following the main menu (100).
4) When no image data is transmitted from another person, the main menu (100) is followed by the keep album (301).
Are respectively output and displayed from the server.

In order to allow the mobile terminal 5 to browse the image data created and stored in the image processing terminal 1, the recipient who operates the mobile terminal 5 is also a "free member" who has obtained the authentication information. There is a need. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the main program of the portable terminal 5, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing between the portable terminal 5 and the server 3 when acquiring authentication information from the portable terminal 5. First,
When the mobile terminal 5 is turned on and connected to the server 3,
The main menu is displayed on the monitor 17. When the "member registration" icon (401) is selected from the menu screen, a screen (40) for prompting entry of nicknames and passwords, as well as personal information such as gender, date of birth, hobbies, and occupations.
2) is displayed, and these are input by the input means 18. When these are input, profile registration is performed in the server 3, and a screen (403) indicating that registration is completed is displayed. Thus, when the position as a “free member” to which the authentication information is given is acquired, the main menu is displayed again on the screen, and the “member page” is selected there. Then, a screen (501) for prompting the user to input the acquired authentication information is displayed. Subsequently, authentication of the authentication information input by the server 3 is performed, and by passing the authentication information, the image data can be browsed.
As described above, even when the service is provided from the mobile terminal 5, there are two members, a "free member" and a "paid member", and the former is the image processing terminal 1 as shown in FIGS. Is a member who can browse the keep album that stores the image data created in the above, the latter is the browse of the mail album, the transmission and reception of the image data or the transmission and reception of the simple WEB mail,
A member who can hold a long-term album, apply for a contest or vote. Therefore, in order to view the image data transmitted and stored in the mail album of the receiver as the transmission destination from the image processing terminal 1 as the sender from the mobile terminal 5, the receiver operating the mobile terminal 5 needs “paid”. It is necessary to acquire the status as a "member." Acquisition of the status as a "paid member" is subject to the acquisition of authentication information different from that of the "free member" (claim 19) or, as described below, "agreement to the paid member agreement". It is good also as a condition. Further, the scope of the service provided to the “free member” and the “paid member” is not limited to the above embodiment.

Thus, the image processing terminal 1 as a sender
Is transmitted and stored, the image data is transmitted to the portable terminal 5 owned by the receiver through the following steps. As shown in FIG. 9, first, when the power of the mobile terminal 5 is turned on and connected to the server, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by identifying the type of the mobile terminal 5. Next, the top page is displayed and menu selection is prompted,
Click the "Authentication" icon and select it. Next, a screen (501) for prompting the user to input the authentication information is displayed. Thus, when the input of the authentication information is completed and the authentication is passed, FIG.
As shown in Fig. 8, the top page screen of the paid member menu is displayed ("Welcome! TARO-san!"
Screen), when the "mail album" icon is clicked, the recipient's mail album is read out in the order of arrival, the image data stored therein is output in a mode suitable for the mobile terminal 5, and the monitor is displayed. 17 will be displayed. In the present invention, in addition to the screen (701) shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12 and the “TOP” screen shown in FIG. But is not necessarily limited to this.
When the top page of FIG. 12 is adopted, by clicking and selecting the “Album Operation” icon from the top page screen (701), the “Album Operation” screen (
2) is displayed, and as shown in FIG.
Clicking on the `` Edit '' icon will confirm the presence of the album and then prompt you to select the mail album and keep album.By selecting the mail album, the recipient's mail album will be read out and stored inside The stored image data is output in a mode suitable for the mobile terminal 5. When selecting image data to be browsed, a URL is attached to each image data.
3) By clicking the button, the image data is output, so that the troublesome operation of the key buttons can be eliminated. In the illustrated embodiment,
The sender ID is attached to the image data in the mail album together with the transmission date and time, and this is displayed in the order of arrival, but is not necessarily limited to this. Further, identification and determination of image data suitable for the type of the mobile terminal 5 will be briefly described. The high-resolution image data created by the image processing terminal 1 and the image data that can be displayed on the mobile terminal, and the color image type, the binary image type, and the gray scale (four gradation) type even for the same mobile terminal Since the contents of the image data are completely different, it is necessary that the server 3 and the image processing terminal 1 cooperate to adjust and determine the image data suitable for the mobile terminal used. Specifically, at the time of image data creation, at least the three types of image data are created by the image processing terminal 1 and the server 3 transmits the image data based on information received from the carrier data center of the portable terminal 5 to be relayed. This is performed by identifying and determining image data suitable for the portable terminal 5 owned by the receiver from the types.

In the above-described embodiment, in FIG. 4, the flow of image data transmission and reception is the “first” screen (10
From the stage where 1) is performed, a screen (102) of “photographing and scribble” for prompting creation of image data, a stage of a screen (103) of “personal information input” for prompting input of personal information, and FIG. Screens (601) and (604) for selecting a partner to which image data is to be transmitted.
16, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, following the “first” screen (101), the user is prompted to input “nickname / sex” which is a part of personal information (FIG. 4).
Is provided, and then a step of selecting a partner to which the image data is to be transmitted (screens 601 and 60 in FIG. 8).
Following 4), the image data can be transmitted through a “photographing / scribble” stage (screen 102 in FIG. 4) that prompts the creation of image data. Is not limited to the illustrated one.

Next, the case where there is image data transmitted from another person (claim 2) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing of the image processing terminal 1 and the server 3 in that case. When the “registrant” icon is clicked and selected from the main menu (100), an I
D (Password)
1) is displayed. When the authentication information is input, the mail album in which the image data transmitted to the sender is stored is read out from the image database 13 of the server 3 and output / displayed on the display unit 8. At this time, a display is also made to notify the presence or absence or the number of the sent image data. Then
A message prompting the user to select a recipient to be a reply destination is displayed, and a recipient to be a reply destination is selected from the display. In this selection screen, the sent image data may be displayed in a list, or titles may be displayed in a list, and the titles may be individually clicked to read out the image data sequentially. . When a recipient to be a reply destination is selected, a screen display for prompting creation of image data for replying is displayed. Then, an image is taken by the camera 6 provided in the image processing terminal 1, and text is input by the input means 22.・
A figure or the like is written, or an appropriate message is selectively added (202 to 206). Thus, when the image data is completed, the image data is stored in the mail album of the recipient who is the selected reply destination.

On the other hand, the image data is delivered to the portable terminal 5 through the same steps as described above for the recipient who operates the portable terminal 5. That is, the mobile terminal 5
When the server is turned on and connected to the server, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by first identifying the type of the portable terminal 5. Subsequently, a main menu is displayed and a menu selection is prompted, and an “authentication” icon is selected from the menu. Next, a screen (501) for prompting input of authentication information is displayed.
This is entered using 8. Thus, when the input of the authentication information is completed and the authentication is passed, as described above, FIG.
In the case of the top page in the embodiment of FIG. 8, by clicking the “mail album” icon from the top page of the paid member menu, and in the case of the top page in the embodiment of FIG. 70
By clicking the “view / edit” icon from 2), the mail album storing the image data transmitted to the recipient is read out, and the image data stored inside is stored in the image suitable for the mobile terminal 5. Output as data, monitor 1
7 will be displayed. The recipient, as described above,
By clicking the URL of each image data or the displayed sender ID or title, the desired image data stored in the mail album can be browsed. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the user needs to be a “paid member” in order to view the transmitted image data from the portable terminal 5 as the recipient.

In the above-described embodiment, the flow of the processes (202 to 207) shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6 is changed, for example, as shown in FIG. The flow may be different, for example, after the stage of “scribble”, a stage of prompting the selection of a recipient as a transmission destination. In the above embodiment, the sender operating the image processing terminal is an existing user who has used the service in the past, and personal information such as “nickname or gender” is already stored and registered in the server. There is no need to enter this.

Next, a case where there is no image data transmitted from another person in the above case (claim 3) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing of the image processing terminal 1 and the server 3 in that case. If the sender operating the image processing terminal 1 is already a “registrant” and there is no transmission of image data from another person, the presence or absence or the number of the image data transmitted from the main menu (100) is notified. Subsequent to the screen display, instead of displaying the sender's mail album, the sender's keep album is displayed on the screen of the display means 8, and a display (301) indicating that image data has not been transmitted is made. Subsequently, a screen (302) for prompting the user to create image data is displayed. The user uses the camera 6 to shoot an image, and the input unit 22 inputs characters and graphics to create image data. Thus, when the image data is completed, the image data is stored in the keep album, while selection of either “bulletin board mail” or “personal mail” is performed as shown in C in FIG. 4, that is, as shown in FIG. A prompt (601) is displayed. Therefore,
When the icon of "personal mail" is clicked and selected, a screen (604) for prompting the selection of the recipient to be transmitted is displayed. By inputting the recipient ID, password or address by the input means 22, The created image data is stored in the mail album of the recipient as the transmission destination. Note that the image data created may be printed by the printing means 9 fitted.

On the other hand, for the receiver who owns the portable terminal 5, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by identifying the type of the portable terminal 5 as described above. The mail album storing the image data sent to the recipient is read, and the image data stored inside is output so as to be browsed and displayed on the monitor 17. At this time, as described above, the URL is added to the image data.
(Claim 13), and it is desirable that the image data is output by clicking on it. In the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the ID of each sender and the transmission date and time are displayed for each image data in the order of arrival, so that by clicking the desired sender ID, the corresponding image data is output. Will be.

Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in FIG.
The process flows to the screens (601) and (604) for prompting the selection of the transmission destination shown in FIG. 8 through the steps of the "photographing and scribble" screen (302) for prompting the creation of image data. As shown in FIG. 16, the flow after the screen display (301) indicating that there is no transmission of image data is described in a step of prompting the selection of a partner to which image data is transmitted (screen 60 in FIG. 8).
1 and 604), a process of “photographing and scribble” (screen 302 in FIG. 7) for prompting creation of image data can be performed, and the order of the stages is limited to the illustrated one. Not done.

Next, a case in which image data is selected from the portable terminal 5 owned by the sender and transmitted to the portable terminal 5a or 5b owned by the receiver (claim 4) will be described. As described above, when the power source is turned on and connected to the server 3, the type of the portable terminal 5 is identified, and the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined. It is determined. Next, a mail album for storing the image data sent to the sender is output and displayed, and a screen display for prompting selection of a recipient to be a reply destination from the mail album is displayed. When the recipient to be the reply destination is selected, a keep album in which the sender saves the image data created by the image processing terminal 1 is read out, and this is read by the monitor 17.
Is displayed on the screen to prompt the user to select image data to be used for reply. After selecting the recipients and the image data to be used for reply,
The image data is stored in the recipient's mail album. The selection of the image data from the mail album or the keep album depends on the capacity of the mobile terminal 5 and the monitor 1.
In consideration of the performance and the like of the image No. 7, it is desirable that the image data in these albums is displayed in a list by URL or title, and the image data is sequentially output and displayed by clicking the list.

On the other hand, the type of image data suitable for the portable terminals 5a, 5b,... Is determined for the receiver having the portable terminals 5a, 5b,.
Next, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 18, the user selects “view / edit” from the “album operation” screen (702) in the case of the embodiment of FIG. The album is read, and the corresponding image data is output and displayed by clicking the URL of each image data, the sender ID, or the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, the step of creating the image data in the image processing terminal 1 is not included, and the sender and the receiver are both users who operate the mobile terminal. As described above, having the status of “member”.

Next, a case where image data posted on a bulletin board by a bulletin board poster is transmitted from another person to the image data will be described. The bulletin board is a service provided by the server 3, and in the present invention, the bulletin board poster is positioned as a person who has posted his / her image data to the bulletin board of the server 3. Transmission of image data from another person to posted image data can be performed when the sender operates the image processing terminal 1, but the sender can transmit own image data.
When the bulletin board poster operates the mobile terminal 5, it is only possible to send a mail including only characters without image data.
In the present invention, since the main purpose is transmission and reception of image data (mail with an image), a case where a sender who can only transmit a text mail operates the mobile terminal 5 is daringly omitted. Transmission of image data created by the image processing terminal 1 to the poster of the bulletin board or posting to the bulletin board requires time and effort for the user by newly creating image data at the image processing terminal 1. In order to reduce the cost burden, in an actual embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, after the sender transmits image data to the recipient as a destination, the sender transmits image data to an individual such as a bulletin board poster or a friend. It is desirable to be able to transmit data and also to post to a bulletin board. Hereinafter, a case where the bulletin board poster is an image processing terminal and a case where the bulletin board poster is a portable terminal will be described separately according to an actual embodiment.

First, a case (claim 5) in which a bulletin board poster operates the image processing terminal 1 will be described. The image processing terminal 1 operated by the bulletin board poster is urged to create image data at the stage up to C in FIG.
2, 205, 302), and the image data has already been created according to the instruction. However, as described above, this is in accordance with the actual embodiment, and for posting on a bulletin board, creating image data “photographing and scribbling”
Can be made independent. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, at a stage immediately before the processing is completed, a screen (605) for prompting the user to select whether or not the public notice is desired is displayed. Then, when the icon of "desired" is clicked and selected, it is posted on the bulletin board of the selected hobby or genre. At that time, the type of bulletin board for which a public notice is not desired can also be selected. Thus, image data is created, and when this is sent and posted to the selected bulletin board,
The created image data is stored in a desired bulletin board, and is posted publicly. When image data is transmitted from another person to the poster of the bulletin board, as shown in FIG. 4, following the input of the authentication information (201), a mail for storing the image data sent to the poster of the bulletin board. The album is read (202), and the image data in the album is output and displayed on the display means 8 in a viewable manner.

On the other hand, for the sender who operates the image processing terminal 1a or 1b,..., Various bulletin boards are read out according to hobbies and genres, and the bulletin boards are output so as to be browsed, and the image data is transmitted from among them. A screen display (602) and (603) for prompting selection of a desired bulletin board poster is made. Therefore, if the user selects a desired message board poster image by hobbies or genres by clicking on it, the image data has already been created up to the stage shown in FIG. 4C. Send to mail album
Will be saved. Note that, as described above, in order to reduce the burden on the user, the steps up to FIG.
2, 205, and 302) as shown in FIG.
At the stage after C, that is, as shown in FIG. 8, at the stage after the screen (601) for prompting the selection of the other party to be sent, the message can also be sent to the poster of the bulletin board. Although there is no stage of creating the image data described above, it is natural that this stage is provided independently. The same applies to the image processing terminal 1 as a bulletin board poster. In the embodiment, as described above, the created image data can be posted on the bulletin board by itself. At this time, the type of bulletin board for which posting is not desired can be specified (606), and it is desirable that the image data is not transmitted to another person unnecessarily. In addition, the time may be set, and during that time, the message may be transmitted to an individual in addition to the bulletin board. It is desirable that the bulletin board poster be selected automatically by clicking on the image data of the bulletin board poster displayed on the screen.

In the above embodiment, C in FIG.
By which the creation of image data is urged (102, 2 in FIG. 4)
05, 302), for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the user is prompted to select a bulletin board poster by hobby or genre at a stage prior to “photographing and scribble” for prompting creation of image data, as shown in FIG. 16. Stage ("hobby partner" in FIG. 16)
And "genre selection"), and the order of these steps is not limited to the illustrated one.

Next, a case in which the bulletin board poster operates the portable terminal 5 (claim 6) will be described. This case relates to a case in which a bulletin board poster has already posted his / her own image data on the bulletin board, and the sender who has seen the image data transmits image data created by the image processing terminal 1. The sender who operates the image processing terminal 1, as shown in FIG.
After creating image data through any of the steps (102, 205, 302 in FIG. 4) and saving it in the keep album,
When there is a bulletin board contributor who wants to transmit his / her own image data when browsing the bulletin board at the stage after C in FIG. 4, the created image data is displayed on the screens (602) and (603). It will be transmitted along the flow. Specifically, (102), (205) or (302) in FIG.
After the image data is created at any one of the stages, the image data of various bulletin board posters is read out according to hobbies and genres, and following the output stage, a desired bulletin board poster is selected from among them. The prompting screens (602) and (603) are displayed. By selecting one of them, the image data is transmitted and stored in the mail album of the selected desired bulletin board poster. Thus, after the image data is transmitted to the mail album of the selected bulletin board poster, the image data can be posted on the bulletin board by itself.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the bulletin board contributor who owns the portable terminal 5 connects to the server from the portable terminal 5 and identifies the type of the terminal, so that the type of image data suitable for distribution can be obtained. 18 is determined, inputting authentication information and passing the authentication (501),
In the case of the embodiment, the top page of the paid member menu is displayed. From this, click the mail album icon. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 12, "Album operation" is displayed from the top page screen (701). Click the “Browse / Edit” icon via the screen (702). Then, as described above, the URL of each image data and the sender I
Since the sender list for each D is displayed in the order of arrival, by clicking on a desired URL or the like, the corresponding image data is output to the monitor 17 so as to be browsed, and the message board poster is sent from the image processing terminal 1 as the sender. It is possible to browse the image data transmitted to the address.

Next, a case in which the contest applicant applies for the contest from the portable terminal 5 owned by the contest applicant and the contest voter votes for the contest from the portable terminal 5a or 5b (claim 7) Will be described. When using the contest, as described above,
After the stage of becoming a “paid member” in FIG. 9 (my menu registration in FIG. 9), this is performed by clicking and selecting the “popular vote” icon from the “paid menu” screen (701) in FIG. For the mobile terminal 5 owned by the contest applicant, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by first identifying the type of the terminal.
Next, various contests are read out and output so as to be browsed, and a screen is displayed for prompting selection of a contest desired to be applied from among them. When the type of contest is selected in accordance with the instruction, the keep album of the contest applicant is read out so as to be browsed, and a screen for prompting selection of image data to be applied for the contest from the album is displayed. Then, when the user selects the image data, the image data is transmitted and stored in a desired contest.
If there is an e-mail sent to the contest applicant, it will be sent to the contest applicant's address. As described above, the selection of the image data is performed by displaying the image data in the keep album by a title or a URL in a list in terms of the capability of the mobile terminal or the like and clicking them by a simple key operation. It is desirable that corresponding image data be read and output. Similarly, regarding the selection of the contest type, it is desirable to display a title for each contest.

On the other hand, for the portable terminal 5a or 5b, etc. owned by the contest voters, the type of image data suitable for distribution is determined by identifying the type of the terminal as described above. Then, various contests are read out and output to the monitor 17 for browsing. continue,
A screen is displayed to prompt the selection of a contest applicant who wants to vote from among them, and the image or identifier of the desired contest applicant is clicked and the selection is made. Once a contest entrant is selected, a screen prompting you to compose an email to the contest entrant will be displayed.
This is created by the key input means 18 of the portable terminal 5a or 5b. Thus, when a contest applicant is selected and an e-mail is created, the created e-mail is sent to the contest applicant's address. Also,
The results of the voting are also totaled, and the data is output and displayed on the mobile terminal. As described above, it is desirable that the image data and the contest be displayed by title or URL, and that the content be output by clicking the title or URL.

Next, a case will be described in which the sender operating the image processing terminal 1 creates a home page containing his / her own image data and outputs it to the receiver who owns the portable terminal 5 (claim 8). The sender who operates the image processing terminal 1 is prompted to select a homepage template read from the storage unit 11 of the image processing terminal 1 or downloaded from the server 3 or the content server 27. Input means 22
Is selected by clicking with the input pen. Next, a screen is displayed to prompt the user to create image data to be combined with the selected template. The user creates own image data in the same manner as described above. When the image data is created, the image data is synthesized at a predetermined position of the template by the synthesizing means included in the control means 7. By uploading the image data, it is stored in the server 3 with a URL. The server 3 and the content server 2
The homepage template downloaded from 7 has a title, an icon, or a URL, and is desirably clicked on so as to be easily selected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the recipient who owns the portable terminal 5 connects to the server 3 through the authentication from the top menu, the type of the portable terminal is identified, and the receiver suitable for distribution is identified. The type of the image data is determined. Next, in the embodiment of FIG. 18, when "mail album" is clicked from the top page of the paid member menu,
In the embodiment of FIG. 12, when “viewing / editing” is selected from the top page screen (701) via the “album operation” screen, the home page that is stored therein and uploaded by the sender is read together with other image data. The URL is displayed by its URL, ID, or title. By clicking this, the corresponding sender's home page is output in a browsable manner. In the embodiment of the present invention, the homepage uploaded by the sender is
A corresponding URL or title is attached, and is output so as to be browsed by clicking on it, but the selection method is not limited to this.

[0086]About simple web mail  In the present invention, the image data transmission / reception function of the server 3
Separately, the mail server provided by the carrier of the mobile terminal 5
Simple WEB mail between mobile terminals by service function
Can be transmitted and received. This is described in the “Paid
This menu is available to the user as a "member." Simple
When you want to send image data by WEB mail
From the paid menu (901) as shown in FIG.
Click the "Simple Mail" icon to select it. Do
Then, a long-term album, which will be described later, is displayed.
Screen (902) for prompting the user to select
Select an album. Then, the selected long-term alba
The image data saved in the system is output and displayed,
Screen (903) prompting you to select image data to attach to
Is displayed. Therefore, when the desired image data is selected,
A confirmation screen (904) asking whether or not to make it a simple mail
Click the "YES" icon and select it
I do. Next, the address of the recipient
Screen (905) for prompting the user to input
Click the "OK" icon. Hide
The completed simple mail is sent to the recipient's mobile
Will be sent at the end.

[0087]Get authentication information  Although the acquisition of the authentication information has already been described, the present invention
In the actual embodiment, the image processing terminal 1
In other words, the “first time” user is required to become a “registrant”.
Acquisition of certificate information and "free membership" on mobile terminal 5
Acquisition of authentication information to become a "paid member"
Authentication information is required. Below, these are explained
I do. First, on the image processing terminal 1 side, the "registrant"
As described above, acquisition of authentication information for
The sender operating the image processing terminal 1 is shown in FIG.
To create own image data in the image processing terminal 1
Your name, nickname, gender
In response to a request to enter personal information such as
By inputting these using the input means 22, the ID and the path
Authentication information, such as a ward,
Get the rank. Next, the sender / receiver operating the mobile terminal 5
Followers to obtain authentication information to become a “free member”
As shown in FIG. 9 or FIG.
Access the server 3 via the carrier communication network 4 and
Select the "Register" icon from the in-menu screen
(401) Similarly, input personal information such as a nickname.
(402), the authentication information is given and the "registrant"
(403). In addition, the mobile terminal 5
For the sender / recipient to operate as a "paid member"
As a condition, enter various personal information in the same way as for “free membership”.
When the authentication information is acquired by pressing
Like, from the "My Menu" on the free member page
Click the `` My Menu Registration '' icon and select
Click the "I agree" icon on the "About" screen
To obtain a status as a "paid member".
Which is planned. Thus, the server provided by the server 3
Services and services provided by mobile device carriers
Because of the differences, in a real embodiment,
It is necessary to obtain authentication information relating to “member registration”.

As described above, it is necessary to obtain the authentication information on the image processing terminal 1 side and the portable terminal 5 side. However, by becoming the “registrant” on the image processing terminal 1 side, the created image is stored. It is possible to use the keep album and the mail album for saving and browsing image data sent from others, and by becoming a "free member" on the mobile terminal 5,
It is possible to browse the keep album that stores the image data created by the image processing terminal 1, and by becoming a “paid member”, in addition to voting for contests and simple mail, editing albums described later, It becomes possible to hold an album. Note that these services are provided except when the bulletin board poster is the image processing terminal 1 (Claim 5).
Since it is exclusively related to the mobile terminal 5 that is the recipient of the image data, the acquisition of the status as a “paid member” is performed only through the mobile terminal 5. However, it is also possible to acquire the authentication information of “paid member” from the image processing terminal 1, and the present invention is not limited to the case from the mobile terminal 5.

[0089]About the long-term album  Next, a long-term album (Claim 16) according to the present invention will be described.
Will be described. In the present invention, image data
Long-term albums to save include private albums, public
There are open albums and group albums. private
Albums allow you to browse inside the album,
In order to save data, the above “paid member”
Authentication informationofInput is indispensable, and public
To view albums and save image data
Requires no input of the authentication information or only ID
Input is essential, and group albums and
To view and save the image data inside it
Is an ID or password that is common only to a specific group.
Or group authentication information consisting of both
Means a broadcast-type album to be deleted (claim 1
7). Private albums are usually only the album owner
Public albums are a concern if you store image data for a long time
Saves image data that you can share with friends you know
Group album, for example, for a wedding reception
Common images that certain groups, such as occupants, want to see
It is used when saving data. Long-term
Create a new album and save the image data
Data is moved to a long-term album and saved (claim 1
The operation 8) will be briefly described. Figure 12 shows the long-term al
Shows the flow of mobile device processing when creating a new Bam
FIG. 13 is a flowchart, and FIG.
Move and save the image data to the created long-term album
Flowchart showing the flow of processing of the mobile terminal when performing
It is. Mail album and keep album are image data
If this is a temporary album that temporarily stores the
If you wish to move / save to the last album,
5 Sender, recipient or bulletin board contributor is charged
Click the `` Album operation '' icon from the menu
When the user selects (701), the screen display related to the album is displayed.
Select the “New” icon from the list.
(702). Then, input the album name
Is displayed (703).
Input using step 18. Next, create a new long-term
Whether Lubum's personality is "private" or "public"
A screen prompting you to make a selection is displayed (704).
Input by the force means 18. Thus, the album name and its
When the type is entered, the server 3 newly creates a long-term album
Will be created. Then save to a temporary album
Image data to the created long-term album
If you already have an album
Select the icon of `` Work '' and from the displayed screen,
Icon is selected (801). Then, temporarily
The presence / absence of Rebum is confirmed by the server 3 (802).
If the image data is
Is displayed (803). So where
When you select the desired image data, that image data is temporarily
Read from Lubum and output / display on monitor 17
At the same time, a screen for confirming the desire to save is displayed (80
4). Click the "Save" icon
And the long-term albums you already have are listed,
A desired long-term album is selected from among them (805).
At this time, it is necessary to make it easy to search the stored image data.
“Keywords” and “comments” related to the content of the image data
A comment "can be input (806). Hide
When you finish entering keywords and comments,
Image data from temporary album to desired long-term album
Move and will be preserved there long term (80
7).

[0090]Viewing and editing albums  In the present invention, an album can be browsed from the mobile terminal 5.
As described above, the own image data is
If you keep a keep album, you can view it with "Free Member"
Can save image data sent from others.
To view the album, you must be a “paid member”
You need to get the status. After the above steps,
In the embodiment shown in FIG.
When you reach the image data output screen from the page screen,
"Edit / delete", and in the embodiment of FIG.
Click the "Album operation" icon to select
When you reach the "Bam operation" screen, select "View / Edit"
You. Next, the existence of the album is checked, and the album is
If exists, all albums saved by the user
The title of the album is displayed.
By clicking on the file, it is read out and viewed
It will be output as possible. In FIG. 14, "Keep A
By selecting “REBUM,” the server 3
Image data is displayed for each title,
By clicking on it, you can browse it. Ma
To edit the viewed image data,
"Delete" and "Process" icons are displayed at the bottom of the data
If it is unnecessary, select `` Delete '' and
Edit the image data by selecting "Edit"
(Claim 9).

[0091]About printing  In the present invention, basically, an image created by an image processing terminal is used.
The image data is provided on the spot using the printing means 9 provided.
It is possible to print out (claim 20),
In that case, the stage to prompt the input of the image data print command
Enter the print command and select the print layout.
At the stage of prompting the user to make a selection,
Can be performed. The print layout and
Is divided into four, six, ten, and
The content is to select a print form such as 16 divisions.
When printing with, the layout screen 29 in FIG.
Is shown. Also, when selecting the print layout,
It may be possible to input personal information such as a hobby or a hobby.

[0092]About print reservation  In the present invention, furthermore, the mail
About image data saved in Bam or Keep Album
Can make a print reservation. As mentioned above,
Image data sent from others is saved in the mail album
And keep albums
Although the image data is stored, the transmission
Followers, recipients or bulletin board contributors sent by others
These image data created or created by the user
If you like what you like when browsing,
A print reservation can be designated from the side (claim 1).
4). FIG. 19 shows the image data stored in the keep album.
This is an example of making print reservations for
The simple procedure is from the top page of the paid member menu
If you select Keep Album, the image data stored inside
Data is displayed in the order of arrival, so select the desired image data.
And output it to the monitor 17 for display. Then, the screen
Since the icon of "Print reservation" is displayed at the bottom,
Click this to specify "print reservation"
Will be. Further, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG.
Screen (701) to the "album operation" screen (70
Select 2) and click the “Print reservation” icon in it.
You can specify "Print reservation" by selecting
it can. Note that, in the present invention, the mobile terminal 5 side
Although only the print reservation is mentioned, for example,
When the image data is created and transmitted on the end 1 side, it is automatically marked.
Print reservation information can be added,
Rebum or keep album is called and print reservation is specified.
It is also possible to do so.

Thus, the print reservation is designated for the desired image data from the portable terminal 5 side, and when the reservation information of the print reservation is added to the image data (claim 14), this is printed out on the image processing terminal 1 side. Will do.
The printout of the image data related to the print reservation can be performed together with the user who made the print reservation creates new image data in the image processing terminal 1 and prints out the new image data. As a specific processing flow, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the presence of image data reserved for printing is notified on the print processing screen 28, and selection of whether to print out the image data together is made. When prompted, click the icon of "Make together" and select the icon. When the layout screen 30 displaying the newly created image data and the image data related to the print reservation is output,
By selecting a desired print form, it is possible to print out the image data relating to the print reservation together with the newly created image data (claim 22).

[0094]Notification of image data reception  Next, when the image data is transmitted, the recipient
If you want to see the image data immediately,
Is transmitted to the recipient at the time of transmission.
Can be notified (claim 2
3). Even if you send image data, the recipient
Unless the server 3 is accessed, the sent image data
Because it will not be delivered to followers, for example, express mail
If you want to see the image data immediately,
The recipient of the destination owns the image data sent
The notification can be sent to the mobile terminal 5. In the present invention
Is an image processed by the image processing terminal 1 as shown in FIGS.
Created the data and sent it to the intended recipient
At a later stage, the screen "Do you want to make a hotline?"
7) is displayed and whether or not "hot line (direct communication)"
Is prompted to select a hotline.
Click the icon to send it immediately after sending.
The portable terminal 5 of the recipient as the trustee is notified of the fact.
In addition, due to the nature of the "hotline", who uses it
It does not make sense to notify the unknown image processing terminal 1.
Therefore, the destination of the notification is exclusively the mobile terminal 5.
To the recipient who owns or owns the mobile terminal 5
For bulletin board contributors only. In the present invention,
Select “Hotline” to see the effect
It is considered to be a setting that lasts for days.
If it is within the interval, every time the image data is sent,
The recipient's portable terminal 5 will be notified.
You. "Hotline" is when image data is sent
The incoming call is made, or the mobile terminal 5
So that a message to that effect is displayed on the
And other methods are planned.

[0095]Transferring image data between other external terminals
Stay  Finally, in the present invention, the image processing terminal 1 and the portable terminal 5
In addition, image data can be mutually exchanged with another external terminal 24.
Equipped with infrared or wireless transmission control means so that transmission is possible
(Claim 24). With other external terminals
For example, small terminals and watch ties for computer games
Image data that can be transmitted to the mobile terminal 5 such as
Transmission control means of the same type as an image memory for storing data
Small terminals that can be considered. The external terminal 24 is shown in FIG.
As shown, the transmission control means 1 provided in the image processing terminal 1
6 and, as shown in FIG.
The transmission control means 23 transmits and receives images to and from these terminals.
Data can be transferred to each other. This gives an example
For example, transfer image data from an external terminal to the image processing terminal 1.
And save it in the server album,
Output image data to mobile terminals
Become. The transmission control means includes IrDA and Blue.
tooth etc. are scheduled (claim 25).

[0096]

As described above, the image data distribution method according to the present invention allows the image data created by the image processing terminal to be immediately transmitted to the portable terminal, so long as the portable terminal is owned. The image data can be sent anywhere, and it is extremely timely and rich in direction. In addition, image data created in the past from an image processing terminal or mobile terminal can be read from the album and sent, published on a bulletin board, applied for a contest, created a home page, and it can be sent from anywhere Since the user can browse, post, and vote on the mobile terminal, communication can be maintained and topics can be shared anywhere. Further, a plurality of albums for storing image data are prepared for each type, and the albums can be used properly according to the purpose. Further, by providing the transmission control means, it is possible to exchange image data with an external terminal, to make the image data a moving image, and to add music / audio information. As described above, conventionally, an image is printed on a sticker and pasted on a sticker album or the like. In the present invention, the image data is output (printed) to a portable terminal, and the output image data is sent to a server. By storing (pasting) the image data in an image database as a managed album, it is possible to completely change the medium for displaying and storing the image data (paperless), and in addition, it is possible to provide interactivity. Further, image data in an album held by the user can be organized and edited from a portable terminal. Further, since the print reservation is made possible, the user who browses the image data on the mobile terminal, if he / she wants the printout, designates the print reservation and prints the newly created image data at a later date. At the time, they can be printed out together.

[0097]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a flow of image data in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the image processing terminal.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing of a main program of the image processing terminal.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by the image processing terminal and the server in the case of “for the first time”;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing between the image processing terminal and the server when the user is a “registrant” and image data is transmitted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing between the image processing terminal and the server when the user is a “registrant” and does not transmit image data.

[8] in FIG. 4 BBS contributors C is a flow chart showing a process flow of image processing terminal 1 to operate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main program of the mobile terminal.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by a mobile terminal and a server when acquiring authentication information from the mobile terminal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when acquiring authentication information as a “paid member” from the mobile terminal 5.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a long-term album is created from a portable terminal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the mobile terminal when moving image data to be stored in a temporary album to a created long-term album and storing the image data.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when editing / deleting each image data in an album from a portable terminal.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a simple WEB mail is transmitted from a portable terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the main program of the image processing terminal.

FIG. 17 is a selection screen and a print layout screen relating to printing of image data or printing of image data relating to print reservation.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of different processing when browsing image data in an album from a portable terminal.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when reading a keep album from a mobile terminal and designating a print reservation.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b Image processing terminal 2 Communication network 3 Server 4 Carrier communication network 5, 5a, 5b Mobile terminal 6 Camera 7 Control means 8 Display means 9 Printing means 10 Communication means 11 Storage means 12 Web server 13 Image database 14 Control Means 15 Communication means 16 Transmission control means 17 Monitor 18 Input means 19 Control means 20 Communication means 21 Storage means 22 Input means 23 Transmission control means 24 External terminal 25 Billing device 26 Member database 27 Content server 28 Printing when print reservation is made Screen of the image processing terminal at the time of printing 29 Print layout screen for printing created image data on the spot 30 Print layout screen for printing image data related to print reservation 100 Main menu 101 to 105 of the image processing terminal Begin Processing screen 201-207 of the image processing terminal when the image data is sent by the "registrant" 301-302 Image processing when the image data is not sent by the "registrant" Processing screen of terminal 401-403 Processing screen of portable terminal when acquiring authentication information 501-502 Processing screen of portable terminal when browsing temporary album 601-607 Image data is transmitted to a bulletin board or an individual, or a bulletin board 701 to 704 Mobile terminal processing screen for creating a new album 801 to 807 Mobile terminal processing screen for saving image data 901 to 905 Mobile terminal processing for sending simple mail Processing screen

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 2, 2001 (2001.4.2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Document Name] Statement

Patent application title: Image data distribution method, image processing terminal and portable terminal

[Claims]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to distribution of image information for transmitting and receiving image information of a subject between an image processing terminal and a portable terminal, or between an image processing terminal or a portable terminal and an external terminal. The present invention relates to a method and an image processing terminal and a mobile terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, an image print supply apparatus called a print club developed by the applicant of the present application, and a very large number of similar models which supply a print by synthesizing an image of a subject and frame information (title information). Are on the market. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-84521 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-234602 disclose a communication device provided in an amusement device capable of printing an image and which transmits and receives data to and from a server or another amusement device. Has been developed.

[0003]

However, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-84521 relates to a technique for preparing sample data relating to combined data of image data of a subject and frame data, and is provided in a main body of the apparatus. Update the storage contents related to the frame image in the frame image storage means with new frame image data transmitted via the communication line, or exchange the frame image data with a server that stores a large number of frame image data. In addition, the image data is printed and created as a plurality of frame image sample sheets, and the data distributed between the apparatus main body and the server is exclusively frame image data. It was not interesting in terms of image selection and processing, such as the inability to exchange data.

The invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-234602 discloses a printing apparatus provided in a main body of an apparatus, which is different from the above-described embodiment in that combined data of title data of the same kind as the frame data and image data of a subject are provided. The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying prints using
Although a plurality of units having the same function provided in one housing can be combined with image data sent from another unit via a communication device, a plurality of units are shown. Is provided in the same housing, so that data can be distributed and processed only to users who are next to each other, and image data that can be transmitted is limited to images taken on the spot. There was no.

[0005] As described above, the conventional method and apparatus combine the image data selected and photographed by the user with the frame image received from the server, and exchange the image data with the adjacent user in the same housing. , And can combine the title image with it, and the range of users who can transmit and receive is limited. Also, because you cannot save the created image data or send it to others, even if you can create your favorite image data, just print it out and enjoy it, send it to your friends, However, it was not possible to enjoy it by sending a message with image data thereto. Further, most of conventional methods and apparatuses for distributing image information transmit and receive image information between an image data supply apparatus or a personal computer and a server, and can transmit the image information to a portable terminal or an external terminal. There were no methods, devices or systems. Furthermore, recently, a system for storing image data captured by a digital camera in a web server has been developed.
It is necessary to bring the image data to the data center or upload it to a personal computer, and the created image data cannot be transmitted and received with the desired partner on the spot, which is troublesome and timely. Was not. In addition, the data to be combined and other image processing are not new compared to the various image print supply apparatuses (commonly known as print clubs) already provided by the present applicant.

Therefore, the present invention enables the image data created by the image processing terminal to be immediately transmitted to a portable terminal or another external terminal, and the created image data is stored on the spot or stored. It has been developed as an object to read out image data from a portable terminal or the like and to transmit and receive it to a desired partner at any time, so that various image data can be transmitted and received in a timely and extensive manner. As in the United States, in the information society, various businesses using information have been born and have greatly contributed to the society. The present invention is also characterized as one of such business patents. have.

[0007]

According to the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes a means for creating image data including at least image pickup information of a subject, a display means, an input means, and An image processing terminal having a printing unit, a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network, and a portable terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. This is a method of distributing image data to be transmitted and received, wherein the server prompts the image processing terminal as a sender to select a receiver as a transmission destination, and transmits the image to the selected receiver as a transmission destination. And a step of saving the created image data in a mail album of the selected recipient, the portable terminal serving as the recipient. Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution, reading the recipient's mail album that stores the image data transmitted to the recipient, and reading the mail album in the read mail album. And a step of outputting image data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a communication network with the image processing terminal. Connected server,
Between the portable terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, the server, for the image processing terminal as the sender, transmitting Reading the sender's mail album that stores the image data sent to the sender, outputting the image data in the read mail album, and receiving or sending the image data from the receiver. And the step of prompting the creation of image data to be transmitted to the selected destination or reply destination, and the step of prompting the created image data for the selected destination or reply destination Storing in a mail album, and for a mobile terminal as a receiver, determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal; and A step of reading the recipient email album for storing the transmitted image data, and outputting the image data read in the mail album, proposes a method of distributing image data comprising.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a communication network with the image processing terminal. Connected server,
Between the portable terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, the server, for the image processing terminal as the sender, transmitting Reading the sender's keep album that stores the image data created by the user, outputting the image data in the read keep album, promoting new creation of image data, and transmitting the created image data to the destination. Prompting the recipient to be selected, and storing the created image data in the selected recipient's mail album. Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the image data, and reading the mail album of the recipient storing the image data transmitted to the recipient. And outputting the image data read in the mail album, we propose a method of distributing image data comprising.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data creating means , a display means, and an input means for generating image data including at least image pickup information of a subject.
An image processing terminal comprising a stage and a printing unit, a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network,
Between the portable terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, the server, to the mobile terminal as the sender, the terminal Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution, reading the sender's mail album that stores the image data transmitted to the sender, and reading the mail album in the read mail album. Outputting image data, and prompting the user to select a recipient as a transmission destination or a reply destination of the image data from the image data, and reading a sender keep album that stores the image data created by the sender, A step of outputting the read image data in the keep album, a step of prompting the user to select image data desired to be transmitted, and a step of transmitting the selected image data to the selected destination Storing in a mail album of a recipient to be a reply destination, and for a portable terminal as a recipient, identifying a type of the terminal to determine a type of image data suitable for distribution. The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data, comprising the steps of: reading a mail album of a recipient storing image data transmitted to the recipient; and outputting image data in the read mail album.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for creating image data including at least image pickup information of a subject , a display means, and an input device.
An image processing terminal provided with means and a printing unit, a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network, and a mobile terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. A method of distributing image data for transmitting and receiving data, in which the server prompts the image processing terminal as a sender to create image data to be transmitted to a bulletin board poster, Reading the bulletin board of the bulletin board, outputting image data of the bulletin board poster posted on the read bulletin board, and prompting a bulletin board contributor who wants to transmit the image data from the image data, and generating the image data. Is stored in the mail album of the selected bulletin board poster, and the image processing terminal as the bulletin board poster creates image data to be posted on the bulletin board. And reading various bulletin boards according to hobbies and genres, and outputting the bulletin board poster image data posted on the read bulletin board and prompting the user to select a bulletin board for which image data is desired to be posted. Storing the posted image data in the selected bulletin board, reading the mail album of the bulletin board poster storing the image data transmitted to the bulletin board poster, and reading the image in the read mail album. And a step of outputting data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for generating image data including at least image pickup information of a subject , a display means, and an input device.
An image processing terminal provided with means and printing means, a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network, and a mobile terminal connected to the server via a carrier communication network. An image data distribution method for transmitting and receiving data, in which a server prompts an image processing terminal as a sender to create image data to be transmitted to a bulletin board poster, Reading the bulletin board of the bulletin board, outputting image data of the bulletin board poster posted on the read bulletin board, and prompting a bulletin board contributor who wants to transmit the image data from the image data, and generating the image data. Is stored in the mail album of the selected bulletin board poster, and for mobile terminals as bulletin board posters, by identifying the type of the terminal, the Comprising the steps of: reading the determining the type of image data, the e-mail album of message board post who to save the image data that has been sent to the bulletin board contributor,
And outputting the read image data in the mail album.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating means , a displaying means, and an input means for generating image data including at least imaging information of a subject.
An image processing terminal comprising a stage and a printing unit, a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network,
Between the portable terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, the server, to the mobile terminal as contests applicant, its By identifying the type of device,
And determining the type of image data suitable for the delivery, and the stage to read a variety of contests data, and outputting the read-out contest data, comprising the steps of prompting the user to select contest you wish to apply from the, Contest Reading the keep album of the contest applicant who saves the image data created by the contestant, outputting the read image data, prompting the user to select image data to apply to the contest from among them, and selecting the selected image It includes the steps of saving the data on the page related to the selected contest data and distributing the e-mail sent to the contest applicant to the address of the contest applicant. Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal; A step of reading the contest data s, and outputting the read contest data,
Prompting a contestant to select a contestant from whom they wish to vote, prompting the selected contestant to compose an email, sending the created email to the contestant's address, And a step of totalizing and displaying the results of the voting.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing terminal having at least image data creating means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and the image processing terminal and a communication network via the communication network. Connected server,
An image data delivery method for transmitting and receiving image data between the server and a mobile terminal connected via a carrier communication network. The server sends a home page to the image processing terminal as a sender. A step of prompting selection of a template for use, a step of prompting creation or selection of image data to be combined with the selected template, a step of prompting upload of a template combined with the created or selected image data, URL to template
A step of storing the information as a homepage with a tag attached thereto, and for a portable terminal as a recipient, determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal; The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data, which includes a step of reading a homepage corresponding to the URL by clicking, and a step of outputting the read homepage.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth and eighth aspects of the present invention, the server is an image processing terminal or a portable terminal as a sender or a receiver, or a bulletin board poster. For an image processing terminal or a mobile terminal, a method of distributing image data including a step of editing, processing, or deleting image data is proposed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the image data is a step of inputting additional information such as a character, a figure, a message, or the like by an input means of each terminal, or Synthesizing by synthesizing means,
Alternatively, the present invention proposes a method for distributing image data, which includes a step of combining with frame information stored in each terminal or downloaded from a server.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to tenth aspects, the image data is a moving image or a method of distributing image data including a moving image is proposed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eleventh aspects, the present invention proposes a method for distributing image data in which the image data includes music information or audio information.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the first to twelfth aspects, the image data includes a URL.
A method of distributing image data marked with is proposed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to thirteenth aspects, a method for distributing image data including reservation information on print reservation in the image data is proposed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eighth aspects, the server is an image processing terminal or a mobile terminal as a sender, an image processing terminal or a mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor, The portable terminal as a competitor or a contest voter, prompts for the input of authentication information consisting of each ID and / or password, and authenticates the input authentication information to create an album or image data. And a step of deciding permission / non-permission for transmission / reception of image data.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects, the mail album and the keep album are a temporary album for temporarily storing image information,
Alternatively, a method for distributing image data, which is a long-term album for storing image information for a long time, is proposed.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixteenth aspect, the long-term album is a secret album in which the input of the authentication information is indispensable in order to browse or save the image data. A public album that does not require the entry of an ID or an entry of only an ID, or a broadcast-type album that requires the entry of group authentication information consisting of an ID and / or password or both common to only a specific group A method for distributing certain image data is proposed.

[0024] The invention of claim 18 is the invention according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the long-term album is created and stored.
If the mail album or the keep album is a temporary album, the server transmits the image data stored in the temporary album to the long-term album. For the image processing terminal or mobile terminal as a person, or the image processing terminal or mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor, the step of prompting the user to select the image data desired to be moved from the mail album or the keep album, The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data, which includes a step of moving the selected image data to a long-term album and a step of updating the movement.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, if the long-term album is desired to be created / held, the server operates as an image processing terminal or a portable terminal as a sender or a receiver. For a terminal or an image processing terminal or a portable terminal as a bulletin board poster, a step of prompting input of member authentication information including each member ID and / or a member password, and authenticating the input member authentication information By doing so, a decision is made as to whether to permit or prohibit the creation and holding of the long-term album.

[0026] In the invention of claim 20, claim 1 to claim 3, claim 5 or claim 6, in the invention of claim 8, when printing the image data described above created, Sir
Bas, image processing terminal as the sender or receiver, or, for the image processing terminal as the message board contributor, at least, the steps of prompting the print command per image data created, the print layout And a step of prompting the selection.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when a print reservation is made for the image data stored in the mail album or the keep album, the server is configured as the sender or the receiver. A mobile terminal or a mobile terminal as the bulletin board contributor, by identifying the type of the terminal, determining a type of image data suitable for distribution, and storing the image data in a mail album or a keep album The present invention proposes a method of distributing image data, comprising: a step of reading out image data to be read and browsably outputting the image data; and a step of prompting input of print reservation information for the output image data.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect, when printing the image data including the reservation information of the print reservation, the server operates the image processing terminal as the sender or the receiver. Or, for the image processing terminal as the bulletin board contributor, when printing image data newly created in the image processing terminal, whether to simultaneously print image data including reservation information of print reservation And a step of prompting the user to select a print layout are proposed.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects, when the image data is transmitted, the server is a portable terminal as a receiver or a portable terminal as a bulletin board poster. A method of distributing image data including a step of notifying the terminal of the fact is proposed.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth, fifteenth, and eighteenth to twenty-third aspects of the invention, the image processing terminal and the portable terminal are connected to another external terminal. The present invention proposes an image processing terminal and a mobile terminal having transmission control means such as infrared or wireless which can mutually transfer image data between them.

(Delete)

[0032]

First, prior to a detailed description of the present invention, the terms used in the present invention will be briefly described. Transmission and reception of image data is performed between a sender as a sender of image data and a receiver as a receiver via a server. In the present invention, the invention is constituted exactly from the viewpoint of this server. . Then, the image processing terminal or the mobile terminal operated by the sender as the sender of the image data is referred to as “the image processing terminal or the mobile terminal as the sender” and the mobile terminal operated by the receiver as the receiver of the image data is referred to as “ Mobile terminal as the recipient. " In addition, when the "image processing terminal or mobile terminal as the sender" that has transmitted the image data receives the image data transmitted from the third party, at the same time, the "image processing terminal or mobile terminal as the receiver" is there. Also, an image processing terminal or a mobile terminal operated by a person who wants to post a bulletin board is referred to as an "image processing terminal or a mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor". The terminal is referred to as a "mobile terminal as a contest entrant", and the mobile terminal operated by a person who wishes to vote for the image data submitted for the contest is referred to as a "mobile terminal as a contest contributor".

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a new user, who is the first to create image data using an image processing terminal,
The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data when creating and transmitting image data. While saving image data (generally an e-mail with an image) created by a sender who is a new user operating the image processing terminal in a mail album of the selected destination recipient, operating the mobile terminal The e-mail album is output to the recipient, and the received image data (generally, e-mail with an image) is displayed in a viewable manner. According to the present invention, the image data created by the image processing terminal can be immediately transmitted to a desired partner on the spot, and the receiving partner can immediately view the image data. Carry,
There is no need to upload to a personal computer, and it is extremely timely and has a wide range of use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when image data is transmitted to the sender's mail album, image data to be returned is created by the image processing terminal and stored in the mail album of the receiver to which the reply is sent. On the other hand, the present invention relates to a method of distributing image data when the image data is output to a portable terminal owned by a receiver so as to be viewable. When image data is sent from a friend or the like to a sender who operates the image processing terminal, image data for reply (generally, e-mail with an image) is created in the image processing terminal, and this is set as a reply destination. While storing the mail album in the recipient's mail album, the mail album is output to the recipient who operates the portable terminal, and the received image data is displayed in a viewable manner. According to the present invention, it is possible to immediately send a reply image data to a partner who has sent the image data, so that communication can be performed without stagnation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when no image data is transmitted to the sender's mail album, the sender's keep album is output, and image data is newly created and selected by the image processing terminal. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in a case where the image data is stored in a mail album of a recipient as a transmission destination, and the image data is output to a portable terminal owned by the recipient so as to be viewable. According to the present invention, even when image data (generally, e-mail with images) is not transmitted from another person, new image data can be created and transmitted to a portable terminal such as a friend. You can communicate more closely and expand its range.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when image data is transmitted to a sender's mail album, the sender who owns the portable terminal selects a recipient to be a reply destination from the mail album, and Reply image data selected from the keep album is saved in the selected recipient's mail album, and the image data is output to the mobile terminal owned by the recipient in a viewable manner. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in the case where the image data is transmitted. Specifically, when image data (generally, e-mail with an image) is transmitted from a friend or the like to a sender who operates the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal accesses the server and transmits the image data of the sender. From the saved keep album, select the image data to be used for reply and save it in the recipient's mail album as the reply destination, while outputting the mail album to the recipient who operates the mobile terminal and receiving it The displayed image data (in general, an image-attached mail) is displayed so as to be browsed. According to the present invention, it is possible to call and transmit or return image data created in an image processing terminal in advance and stored in its own keep album.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a sender who operates the image processing terminal creates and transmits his / her own image data to a bulletin board poster who has posted image data created by the image processing terminal to a desired bulletin board. In this case, the transmitted image data is stored in the mail album of the bulletin board contributor, while the image data is delivered to the bulletin board contributor when the mail album is output and displayed. According to the present invention, image data created by an image processing terminal can not only be transmitted to an individual recipient, but also to a bulletin board poster who has posted his / her image data on a bulletin board.
Can be sent.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sender who operates the image processing terminal creates his / her own image data with respect to the poster who has already posted the image data on the bulletin board and owns the portable terminal. In this case, the transmitted image data is stored in the mail album of the bulletin board poster, and the image data is distributed to the bulletin board poster when the mail album is output and displayed. According to the present invention, the image data created by the image processing terminal can be transmitted not only to the bulletin board poster who operates the image processing terminal but also to the bulletin board poster who owns the mobile terminal.

According to the invention of claim 7, when the contest applicant selects image data from the keep album called from the portable terminal owned by the contest applicant and applies for the contest, the contest voter creates an e-mail to the contest applicant.・
The present invention relates to a method for distributing image data in a case where the e-mail is transmitted to a contest entrant so as to be viewable while being transmitted. According to the present invention, similarly to the invention of claim 5, as long as the image data is already stored in the keep album of the contest applicant, the image data is called out of the contest applicant to apply for the contest, and the contest voters are the contest applicants You can send mail to

According to the invention of claim 8, when the sender combines the image data created by the image processing terminal with the template for the homepage to create the homepage, the sender adds the URL to the homepage uploaded to the server. The present invention relates to a method for distributing image data when the homepage is output to a portable terminal owned by a receiver by clicking. According to the present invention, a homepage can be easily created and browsed by combining a template, a character, and the like with image data.

A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data created, edited, or deleted from image data created in an image processing terminal or image data stored in an album. It is. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when preserving or transmitting image data, it is possible to arrange the contents of the album by modifying the contents or deleting unnecessary image data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the image data to be transmitted and received in the present invention is an image data in a case where a character or a figure is added to an image of a photographed subject, a message or a frame is added, or the image is synthesized. Related to the distribution method. According to the present invention, words can be added to image data to be transmitted / received to enhance the intimacy, and the content of the image data can be more varied.

The invention of claim 11 relates to a method of distributing image data when the image data transmitted and received in the present invention is a moving image or includes moving images. Normally, when the image data of a subject is a moving image, the image data is taken by a photographing unit of the image processing terminal. However, a moving image downloaded from a server (a data server or a content server) can be used. It necessarily includes not only image data of a subject but also a moving image of a real photograph or an animation.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data when image data transmitted and received in the present invention includes music information and audio information. The music information is scheduled to be downloaded from a server such as MP3 data. However, by providing the image processing terminal with a voice acquisition unit and a voice data conversion unit, it is possible to add voice information simultaneously with the creation of image data. Alternatively, music information or audio information downloaded from a server (data server or content server) may be used.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of distributing image data in a case where a URL is attached to image data transmitted and received in the present invention so that the image data is promptly distributed by clicking the URL. It is about. Since the mobile terminal has a small button, it is troublesome to input an address or the like when receiving the distribution of the image data. By attaching a URL, the problem can be solved.

The invention of claim 14 relates to a method of distributing image data when the image data transmitted and received in the present invention includes reservation information on print reservation. Since the transmitted / received image data automatically includes the reservation information of the print reservation, the image data relating to the print reservation is automatically called at the time of printing. Of searching for image data or setting of print reservation can be eliminated.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when creating an album or transmitting / receiving image data in the present invention, a server or a server authenticates ID or password authentication information to a sender or a receiver. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data when determining whether to permit or prohibit the creation and transmission / reception. The present invention is effective in terms of security and management of user information in addition to billing and collection for services to be provided.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, distribution of image data when the mail album and keep album for storing image data are temporary albums for temporarily storing image data or long-term albums for long-term storage It is about the method. According to the present invention, it is possible to selectively use an album serving as a receiver for image data and an album serving as a warehouse for image data, and it is easy to organize image data.

The invention of claim 17 relates to the type of long-term album referred to in claim 16, and is a private album which cannot be viewed by anyone without inputting authentication information, a public album which does not require authentication information or requires input of only ID. The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in the case of a group album that cannot be viewed unless an album or a common authentication information given to a specific group is input. With this, image data that you do not want to show to anyone, image data that you may want to show to an acquaintance, image data that you want to share in a specific group such as wedding image data, etc., according to each application / purpose Can be stored in a long-term album.

The invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that when the mail album or the keep album is an album for temporary storage,
The present invention relates to a method of distributing image data in the case where image data that is desired to be stored for a long term is transferred to a long-term album. The movement of the image data can be instructed not only from the image processing terminal but also from the mobile terminal, and the movement is updated by the server.
According to the present invention, according to the type and importance of image data,
You can use a temporary album and a long-term album properly, and you can organize the album.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when creating / holding a long-term album, image data in a case where authentication information as a member is inputted separately from the above-mentioned authentication information and the permission / non-permission is authenticated by a server. Related to the distribution method. This is effective in terms of billing and collection of services provided by the server to users who have become official members, as well as in terms of member security and management.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data in a case where image data created by an image processing terminal is printed on the spot. According to the present invention, not only can the created image data be printed immediately, but also a desired print layout can be selected, so that the type of image data to be printed can be properly used according to the use or preference.

A twenty-first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for distributing image data when a print reservation is made for image data stored in a mail album or a keep album. According to the present invention, when browsing image data stored in a mail album or a keep album from a mobile terminal,
Since a print reservation can be made in advance for the favorite image data, it is possible to save the trouble of searching the album one by one and searching for the image data each time the user stops by the image processing terminal at a later date.

The invention of claim 22 relates to a method of distributing image data when printing image data including reservation information of a print reservation mentioned in claim 14. According to the present invention, when printing image data newly created by the image processing terminal, image data relating to print reservation can be printed at the same time, which is economical and saves time.

[0055] The invention of claim 23 relates to a method of distributing image data in the case where image data (generally an e-mail with an image) is transmitted and these receivers are actively notified of the fact. Things. Thus, when the image data is transmitted, the receiver is immediately notified of the transmission, so that the image data can be browsed in a timely manner.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing terminal and the portable terminal are provided with infrared or wireless transmission control means in order to enable mutual transfer of image data with another external terminal. Related to an image processing terminal or a portable terminal, for example, by transferring image data stored in another external terminal to the image processing terminal or the portable terminal and storing it in a mail album or a keep album. , And can be read and output as image data suitable for the type of mobile terminal, so that the type of image data and the range of transmission / reception can be further expanded.

(Delete)

[0058]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
Will be explained.overall structure  FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the flow of image data in the present invention.
You. The present invention provides a method for processing a plurality of images via a communication network
The terminals 1, 1a, 1b, and the server 3 also carry
A plurality of mobile terminals 5, 5a, 5b,.
And the server 3 are connected to each other
It is in. The flow of image data in the present invention is basically
Is an image created by the image processing terminal 1 (INPUT system)
Data is stored in the server 3 via the communication network 2
Mobile terminal from the server 3 via the carrier communication network 4
5 (OUTPUT system). Departure
In the clear, the image data flow along this
Although there are some modes that do not exist, the carrier communication network 4
And always relay the image data created by the image processing terminal 1.
Of receiving image data from server 3 that stores data
So, just between the personal computer and the server, or in the same BOX
Sending and receiving image data between the installed image processing terminals,
What is a conventional image data distribution method and system?
The law is completely different. That is, in the present invention, the image data
Data to an album in the image database 13 of the server 3.
Can be stored in the image processing terminal 1
If the created image data is stored in an album,
It is not always necessary to create image data with the image processing terminal 1.
Access the server 3 from the mobile terminal 5
Select the desired image data from the album
Send message information to other mobile terminals 5a and 5b
It is possible to communicate, but in that case,
Album in server 3 of image data created by processing terminal 1
A stage of preservation is required. That is, the present invention
In order to realize, the image processing terminal 1, the server 3, and the mobile
A terminal 5 and a communication network 2 that relays them;
The existence of the carrier communication network 4 is indispensable. On the drawing and
Technically, image processing from the mobile terminal 5 via the server 3
Although it is possible to transmit image data to the terminal 1,
Actually, as long as you own the mobile terminal 5, the server 3
To view the image data at hand anytime
Images that are fixedly installed
Go to the processing terminal 1 and need to browse image data
poor. Therefore, in the present invention, the portable terminal
From the terminal 5 to the image processing terminal 1 via the server 3
It does not mention the manner in which the data is transmitted. However,
Transmission of image data from mobile terminals to other mobile terminals
As described above, the image processing terminal 1
To use the created and input image data,
Reference has been made to these embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a system for implementing the present invention.
2 shows the configuration.Configuration of image processing terminal  The image processing terminal 1 mainly performs image processing including imaging information of a subject.
Camera 6 and control means 7 as means for creating image data, table
Monitor 8 as indicating means, printer 9 as printing means
have. Also, the communication network 2 and the server 3
Communication means 10 for connection;
Storage means 11 for storing various data processed by
I have. The storage means 11 stores various message information and files.
Frame information is stored and output from the server 3.
Various data are also stored here. Image processing end shown
The end 1 shows two cameras 6 and two monitors 8.
However, in the present invention, these numbers and types are not limited. Image processing
The management terminal 1 is also a red terminal such as IrDA or Bluetooth.
An external or wireless transmission control means 16 is provided.
Between the mobile terminal 5 or another external terminal 24
Image data can be transferred. Camera 6 is static
It has not only a still picture but also a movie shooting (AV1) function.
Transmission of moving images or image data containing moving images.
Is also possible. The control means 7 transmits the frame information from the server.
And the ability to download character information and MP
3. Download of ATRAC3, TWIN-VQ, etc.
It also has a playback function. The image processing terminal 1 further includes a character
Or signing up for membership
Is used to enter personal information, authentication information, etc.
Force means 22 is provided.

[0060]Server configuration  The server 3 mainly includes a web server 12 and an image database.
Process 13, member database 26, and process various data.
Control means 14 and the communication network 2
An image processing terminal 1 and a mobile terminal
5 and communication means 15 for connecting to each other. Ma
In addition, the server includes a server 3 as an administrator of the service.
Or various information such as video and music combined with image data
Is also scheduled to exist.
The web server 12 posts the information to be saved on the web page.
Services related to boards, contests, websites, etc.
In charge of management and operation, the image database 13
Functions for creating, searching, and updating albums to save data
In addition, various types of frame information, video, audio, music, etc.
It also has functions such as information storage and retrieval. Member Day
The database 26 manages and manages member information and user personal information.
Responsible for functions such as registration and updating. About the album
According to the present invention, transmitted image data (generally,
An email album that temporarily stores emails with images)
Temporarily save image data created by image processing terminal 1
Keep albums, images saved in these temporary albums
Private account for moving image data for long-term storage
Long term consisting of rubam, public album and group album
There are albums and the like. In addition, the image processing terminal 1
The generated image data is not affected by the capacity and resolution.
Until, can be displayed on the monitor 17 of the mobile terminal 5
Since it is not possible, the
Images suitable for distribution based on information about the device type
Identifying and deciding the type of data can also be performed by the control unit 1.
4 is performed. Note that the image database 13
Are transmitted from various content servers 27 to the image processing terminal 1 or
Frame information and characters downloaded to the mobile terminal 5
Saves video information, music, audio, etc.
Is done.

[0061]Configuration of mobile terminal  The mobile terminal 5 is usually a carrier such as NTT DoCoMo.
Means a WEB-compatible mobile phone or PDA managed by.
The mobile terminal 5 is mainly a monitor 1 for displaying image data.
7 and an input means 1 for inputting a message, authentication information, etc.
8. control means 19 for processing the input information;
Enable communication with server 3 via rear communication network 4
And communication means 20. The mobile terminal 5 is also a server 3
Storage means for storing image data and the like output from
21 is also provided. Further, the mobile terminal 5 has an image processing terminal.
Not only between terminal 1 but also between mobile terminals or other external terminals
IrDA, which enables the transfer of image data between
Infrared or wireless transmission control means 2 such as Bluetooth
3 is provided.

Hereinafter, each stage for carrying out the present invention will be described.
Will be described.Sending and receiving image data  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main program of the image processing terminal 1.
It is. In the present invention, the image created by the image processing terminal 1
The procedure for transmitting image data is as follows.
Is used by "first time" users
And a user who is already a "registrant"
When image data (email with image) has arrived from another person
If you are a “registrant” user and you
Data has not arrived, there are three patterns
You. The present invention is not limited to transmission and reception of image data.
It does not require users to obtain authentication information,
In a real embodiment, the charge
In terms of money / collection and management / protection of user's personal data
Authentication information to the user who receives the service.
The case for acquisition is likely to be common. That
In the description of the embodiment related to transmission and reception of image data,
In other words, it is necessary to enter authentication information
It will be described as a source. In a real embodiment of the present invention,
On the image processing terminal 1 side, the new user “
"" And "Registration" for creating and sending and receiving image data.
And the portable terminal 5 has an image processing terminal
To save the user's own image data created in
"Free Member" who can own Rebum and the created image data
Mail album for long-term storage of data and received image data
There are “paid members” who can hold
Acquisition of authentication information for receiving a certificate is required. Mobile end
"Free members" and "paid members" at the end
Here, the image processing terminal exclusively uses
"Begin" and "Registrant" will be described. "first"
Of the above-mentioned image data are created and transmitted and received.
Is the first time a service has been provided, and it can be provided
User who has not yet obtained authentication information
Means a user who is a "registrant"
Have already been offered
Means that the user has acquired the authentication information of
You. For inserting coins into the charging device 25 of the image processing terminal 1
When the image processing terminal 1 is ready for use,
Is automatically connected to the server 3 and its display means 8
Select whether you are “First time” or “Registered”.
The in-menu (100) is displayed. Below, image processing
The sender operating the terminal 1 is a “first time” user
The processing flow in such a case will be described.

First, the processing in the case where the user is the first time to use the service and has not acquired the authentication information (claim 1) will be described. In this case, by clicking the “first” icon on the main menu (100) with an input pen or the like provided to the input means 22, the operation proceeds according to the “first” flowchart in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing on the image processing terminal 1 side and the server 3 side in the case of “for the first time”. In the case of “first time”, since there is no image data to be transmitted to a friend or a bulletin board, it is necessary to first create image data to be transmitted. First, the main menu (1) displayed on the display unit 8 is displayed.
When the “first” icon is clicked and selected from (00), a screen (101) for explaining the procedure of use and the like is displayed. When the process is completed, a screen (102) for prompting the user to take a photograph and write characters, figures, and the like is displayed.
Then, image information is acquired using the input unit 22 and characters or graphics are written on the image information using the input unit 22 to create image data. Once the image data has been created,
This is an operation for acquiring authentication information, and a screen (103) for prompting input of personal information is displayed. Then, when the personal information is input using the input unit 22, a screen (104) for requesting the input of the hobby is displayed. This is also input by the input unit 22. Thus, when the photographing and the input of the personal information and the like are completed, a keep album for storing the created image data is given, and its screen (105) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the authentication information of the user is given by the input of the personal information, and a keep album is given by the authentication. Subsequently, after the step C of FIG. 4, that is, as shown in FIG. 8, after the created image data is printed by the printing unit 9, a screen (601) for prompting the selection of a recipient as a transmission destination is displayed. Will be displayed,
When the icon of "individual" is selected, a screen (604) for prompting the input of the address and ID of the recipient as the transmission destination is displayed. Then, when this is input using the input means 22, the image data is transmitted and stored in the mail album of the recipient as the transmission destination. The image data according to the present invention has the character of "mail with image". As described above, the image data of the sender who has taken the image is provided with characters and / or graphics by the provided input means 22 as desired. , Additional information, message information or hobby information, etc.,
The method may include a step of synthesizing with frame information read from the storage unit 11 and various frame information downloaded from the server 3 or the content server 27 (claim 10). When the input means 22 is a liquid crystal monitor with a digitizer, characters, graphics, etc. are input using input pens on desired coordinates of the imaging information.
The message information and the frame information read from the server 3 or the various frame information downloaded from the server 3 or the content server 27 are clicked on the coordinates where these are displayed with the input pen. In addition, by making the camera 6 compatible with a moving image (AV1), image data can be converted into a moving image (claim 11).
By downloading and reproducing audio data such as TRAC3 and TWIN-VQ, image data with music information and audio information can be obtained (claim 12). After transmitting the image data, the sender can print the created image data by the printing unit 9. After that,
You can post the created image data to the bulletin board by yourself. This will be described later.

As described above, when the image data is created, the authentication information is acquired, and the user becomes a “registrant”, a keep album corresponding to the individual is created in the image database 13 of the server 3. As described above, the keep album is an album for storing image data created by the individual at the image processing terminal 1. Become a “registrant” and send the created image data to a friend, etc. or a bulletin board contributor.As a result, when the friend or the bulletin board contributor sends or responds to the image data, a mail album is created in addition to the keep album. You. The mail album is an album for storing image data sent from another person. Then, when the image data is transmitted from another person, the mail album is displayed (20) following the main menu (100).
4) When no image data is transmitted from another person, the main menu (100) is followed by the keep album (301).
Are respectively output and displayed from the server.

In order to allow the mobile terminal 5 to browse the image data created and stored in the image processing terminal 1, the recipient who operates the mobile terminal 5 is also a "free member" who has obtained the authentication information. There is a need. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the main program of the portable terminal 5, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing between the portable terminal 5 and the server 3 when acquiring authentication information from the portable terminal 5. First,
When the mobile terminal 5 is turned on and connected to the server 3,
The main menu is displayed on the monitor 17. When the "member registration" icon (401) is selected from the menu screen, a screen (40) for prompting entry of nicknames and passwords, as well as personal information such as gender, date of birth, hobbies, and occupations.
2) is displayed, and these are input by the input means 18. When these are input, profile registration is performed in the server 3, and a screen (403) indicating that registration is completed is displayed. Thus, when the position as a “free member” to which the authentication information is given is acquired, the main menu is displayed again on the screen, and the “member page” is selected there. Then, a screen (501) for prompting the user to input the acquired authentication information is displayed. Subsequently, authentication of the authentication information input by the server 3 is performed, and by passing the authentication information, the image data can be browsed.
As described above, even when the service is provided from the mobile terminal 5, there are two members, a "free member" and a "paid member", and the former is the image processing terminal 1 as shown in FIGS. Is a member who can browse the keep album that stores the image data created in the above, the latter is the browse of the mail album, the transmission and reception of the image data or the transmission and reception of the simple WEB mail,
A member who can hold a long-term album, apply for a contest or vote. Therefore, in order to view the image data transmitted and stored in the mail album of the receiver as the transmission destination from the image processing terminal 1 as the sender from the mobile terminal 5, the receiver operating the mobile terminal 5 needs “paid”. It is necessary to acquire the status as a "member." Acquisition of the status as a "paid member" is subject to the acquisition of authentication information different from that of the "free member" (claim 19) or, as described below, "agreement to the paid member agreement". It is good also as a condition. Further, the scope of the service provided to the “free member” and the “paid member” is not limited to the above embodiment.

Thus, the image processing terminal 1 as a sender
Is transmitted and stored, the image data is transmitted to the portable terminal 5 owned by the receiver through the following steps. As shown in FIG. 9, first, when the power of the mobile terminal 5 is turned on and connected to the server, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by identifying the type of the mobile terminal 5. Next, the top page is displayed and menu selection is prompted,
Click the "Authentication" icon and select it. Next, a screen (501) for prompting the user to input the authentication information is displayed. Thus, when the input of the authentication information is completed and the authentication is passed, FIG.
As shown in Fig. 8, the top page screen of the paid member menu is displayed ("Welcome! TARO-san!"
Screen), when the "mail album" icon is clicked, the recipient's mail album is read out in the order of arrival, the image data stored therein is output in a mode suitable for the mobile terminal 5, and the monitor is displayed. 17 will be displayed. In the present invention, in addition to the screen (701) shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12 and the “TOP” screen shown in FIG. But is not necessarily limited to this.
When the top page of FIG. 12 is adopted, by clicking and selecting the “Album Operation” icon from the top page screen (701), the “Album Operation” screen (
2) is displayed, and as shown in FIG.
Clicking on the `` Edit '' icon will confirm the presence of the album and then prompt you to select the mail album and keep album.By selecting the mail album, the recipient's mail album will be read out and stored inside The stored image data is output in a mode suitable for the mobile terminal 5. When selecting image data to be browsed, a URL is attached to each image data.
3) By clicking the button, the image data is output, so that the troublesome operation of the key buttons can be eliminated. In the illustrated embodiment,
The sender ID is attached to the image data in the mail album together with the transmission date and time, and this is displayed in the order of arrival, but is not necessarily limited to this. Further, identification and determination of image data suitable for the type of the mobile terminal 5 will be briefly described. The high-resolution image data created by the image processing terminal 1 and the image data that can be displayed on the mobile terminal, and the color image type, the binary image type, and the gray scale (four gradation) type even for the same mobile terminal Since the contents of the image data are completely different, it is necessary that the server 3 and the image processing terminal 1 cooperate to adjust and determine the image data suitable for the mobile terminal used. Specifically, at the time of image data creation, at least the three types of image data are created by the image processing terminal 1 and the server 3 transmits the image data based on information received from the carrier data center of the portable terminal 5 to be relayed. This is performed by identifying and determining image data suitable for the portable terminal 5 owned by the receiver from the types.

In the above-described embodiment, in FIG. 4, the flow of image data transmission and reception is the “first” screen (10
From the stage where 1) is performed, a screen (102) of “photographing and scribble” for prompting creation of image data, a stage of a screen (103) of “personal information input” for prompting input of personal information, and FIG. Screens (601) and (604) for selecting a partner to which image data is to be transmitted.
16, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, following the “first” screen (101), the user is prompted to input “nickname / sex” which is a part of personal information (FIG. 4).
Is provided, and then a step of selecting a partner to which the image data is to be transmitted (screens 601 and 60 in FIG. 8).
Following 4), the image data can be transmitted through a “photographing / scribble” stage (screen 102 in FIG. 4) that prompts the creation of image data. Is not limited to the illustrated one.

Next, the case where there is image data transmitted from another person (claim 2) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing of the image processing terminal 1 and the server 3 in that case. When the “registrant” icon is clicked and selected from the main menu (100), an I
D (Password)
1) is displayed. When the authentication information is input, the mail album in which the image data transmitted to the sender is stored is read out from the image database 13 of the server 3 and output / displayed on the display unit 8. At this time, a display is also made to notify the presence or absence or the number of the sent image data. Then
A message prompting the user to select a recipient to be a reply destination is displayed, and a recipient to be a reply destination is selected from the display. In this selection screen, the sent image data may be displayed in a list, or titles may be displayed in a list, and the titles may be individually clicked to read out the image data sequentially. . When a recipient to be a reply destination is selected, a screen display for prompting creation of image data for replying is displayed. Then, an image is taken by the camera 6 provided in the image processing terminal 1, and text is input by the input means 22.・
A figure or the like is written, or an appropriate message is selectively added (202 to 206). Thus, when the image data is completed, the image data is stored in the mail album of the recipient who is the selected reply destination.

On the other hand, the image data is delivered to the portable terminal 5 through the same steps as described above for the recipient who operates the portable terminal 5. That is, the mobile terminal 5
When the server is turned on and connected to the server, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by first identifying the type of the portable terminal 5. Subsequently, a main menu is displayed and a menu selection is prompted, and an “authentication” icon is selected from the menu. Next, a screen (501) for prompting input of authentication information is displayed.
This is entered using 8. Thus, when the input of the authentication information is completed and the authentication is passed, as described above, FIG.
In the case of the top page in the embodiment of FIG. 8, by clicking the “mail album” icon from the top page of the paid member menu, and in the case of the top page in the embodiment of FIG. 70
By clicking the “view / edit” icon from 2), the mail album storing the image data transmitted to the recipient is read out, and the image data stored inside is stored in the image suitable for the mobile terminal 5. Output as data, monitor 1
7 will be displayed. The recipient, as described above,
By clicking the URL of each image data or the displayed sender ID or title, the desired image data stored in the mail album can be browsed. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the user needs to be a “paid member” in order to view the transmitted image data from the portable terminal 5 as the recipient.

In the above-described embodiment, the flow of the processes (202 to 207) shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6 is changed, for example, as shown in FIG. The flow may be different, for example, after the stage of “scribble”, a stage of prompting the selection of a recipient as a transmission destination. In the above embodiment, the sender operating the image processing terminal is an existing user who has used the service in the past, and personal information such as “nickname or gender” is already stored and registered in the server. There is no need to enter this.

Next, a case where there is no image data transmitted from another person in the above case (claim 3) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing of the image processing terminal 1 and the server 3 in that case. If the sender operating the image processing terminal 1 is already a “registrant” and there is no transmission of image data from another person, the presence or absence or the number of the image data transmitted from the main menu (100) is notified. Subsequent to the screen display, instead of displaying the sender's mail album, the sender's keep album is displayed on the screen of the display means 8, and a display (301) indicating that image data has not been transmitted is made. Subsequently, a screen (302) for prompting the user to create image data is displayed. The user uses the camera 6 to shoot an image, and the input unit 22 inputs characters and graphics to create image data. Thus, when the image data is completed, the image data is stored in the keep album, while selection of either “bulletin board mail” or “personal mail” is performed as shown in C in FIG. 4, that is, as shown in FIG. A prompt (601) is displayed. Therefore,
When the icon of "personal mail" is clicked and selected, a screen (604) for prompting the selection of the recipient to be transmitted is displayed. By inputting the recipient ID, password or address by the input means 22, The created image data is stored in the mail album of the recipient as the transmission destination. Note that the image data created may be printed by the printing means 9 fitted.

On the other hand, for the receiver who owns the portable terminal 5, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by identifying the type of the portable terminal 5 as described above. The mail album storing the image data sent to the recipient is read, and the image data stored inside is output so as to be browsed and displayed on the monitor 17. At this time, as described above, the URL is added to the image data.
(Claim 13), and it is desirable that the image data is output by clicking on it. In the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the ID of each sender and the transmission date and time are displayed for each image data in the order of arrival, so that by clicking the desired sender ID, the corresponding image data is output. Will be.

Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in FIG.
The process flows to the screens (601) and (604) for prompting the selection of the transmission destination shown in FIG. 8 through the steps of the "photographing and scribble" screen (302) for prompting the creation of image data. As shown in FIG. 16, the flow after the screen display (301) indicating that there is no transmission of image data is described in a step of prompting the selection of a partner to which image data is transmitted (screen 60 in FIG. 8).
1 and 604), a process of “photographing and scribble” (screen 302 in FIG. 7) for prompting creation of image data can be performed, and the order of the stages is limited to the illustrated one. Not done.

Next, a case in which image data is selected from the portable terminal 5 owned by the sender and transmitted to the portable terminal 5a or 5b owned by the receiver (claim 4) will be described. As described above, when the power source is turned on and connected to the server 3, the type of the portable terminal 5 is identified, and the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined. It is determined. Next, a mail album for storing the image data sent to the sender is output and displayed, and a screen display for prompting selection of a recipient to be a reply destination from the mail album is displayed. When the recipient to be the reply destination is selected, a keep album in which the sender saves the image data created by the image processing terminal 1 is read out, and this is read by the monitor 17.
Is displayed on the screen to prompt the user to select image data to be used for reply. After selecting the recipients and the image data to be used for reply,
The image data is stored in the recipient's mail album. The selection of the image data from the mail album or the keep album depends on the capacity of the mobile terminal 5 and the monitor 1.
In consideration of the performance and the like of the image No. 7, it is desirable that the image data in these albums is displayed in a list by URL or title, and the image data is sequentially output and displayed by clicking the list.

On the other hand, the type of image data suitable for the portable terminals 5a, 5b,... Is determined for the receiver having the portable terminals 5a, 5b,.
Next, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 18, the user selects “view / edit” from the “album operation” screen (702) in the case of the embodiment of FIG. The album is read, and the corresponding image data is output and displayed by clicking the URL of each image data, the sender ID, or the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, the step of creating the image data in the image processing terminal 1 is not included, and the sender and the receiver are both users who operate the mobile terminal. As described above, having the status of “member”.

Next, a case where image data posted on a bulletin board by a bulletin board poster is transmitted from another person to the image data will be described. The bulletin board is a service provided by the server 3, and in the present invention, the bulletin board poster is positioned as a person who has posted his / her image data to the bulletin board of the server 3. Transmission of image data from another person to posted image data can be performed when the sender operates the image processing terminal 1, but the sender can transmit own image data.
When the bulletin board poster operates the mobile terminal 5, it is only possible to send a mail including only characters without image data.
In the present invention, since the main purpose is transmission and reception of image data (mail with an image), a case where a sender who can only transmit a text mail operates the mobile terminal 5 is daringly omitted. Transmission of image data created by the image processing terminal 1 to the poster of the bulletin board or posting to the bulletin board requires time and effort for the user by newly creating image data at the image processing terminal 1. In order to reduce the cost burden, in an actual embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, after the sender transmits image data to the recipient as a destination, the sender transmits image data to an individual such as a bulletin board poster or a friend. It is desirable to be able to transmit data and also to post to a bulletin board. Hereinafter, a case where the bulletin board poster is an image processing terminal and a case where the bulletin board poster is a portable terminal will be described separately according to an actual embodiment.

First, a case (claim 5) in which a bulletin board poster operates the image processing terminal 1 will be described. The image processing terminal 1 operated by the bulletin board poster is urged to create image data at the stage up to C in FIG.
2, 205, 302), and the image data has already been created according to the instruction. However, as described above, this is in accordance with the actual embodiment, and for posting on a bulletin board, creating image data “photographing and scribbling”
Can be made independent. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, at a stage immediately before the processing is completed, a screen (605) for prompting the user to select whether or not the public notice is desired is displayed. Then, when the icon of "desired" is clicked and selected, it is posted on the bulletin board of the selected hobby or genre. At that time, the type of bulletin board for which a public notice is not desired can also be selected. Thus, image data is created, and when this is sent and posted to the selected bulletin board,
The created image data is stored in a desired bulletin board, and is posted publicly. When image data is transmitted from another person to the poster of the bulletin board, as shown in FIG. 4, following the input of the authentication information (201), a mail for storing the image data sent to the poster of the bulletin board. The album is read (202), and the image data in the album is output and displayed on the display means 8 in a viewable manner.

On the other hand, for the sender who operates the image processing terminal 1a or 1b,..., Various bulletin boards are read out according to hobbies and genres, and the bulletin boards are output so as to be browsed, and the image data is transmitted from among them. A screen display (602) and (603) for prompting selection of a desired bulletin board poster is made. Therefore, if the user selects a desired message board poster image by hobbies or genres by clicking on it, the image data has already been created up to the stage shown in FIG. 4C. Send to mail album
Will be saved. Note that, as described above, in order to reduce the burden on the user, the steps up to FIG.
2, 205, and 302) as shown in FIG.
At the stage after C, that is, as shown in FIG. 8, at the stage after the screen (601) for prompting the selection of the other party to be sent, the message can also be sent to the poster of the bulletin board. Although there is no stage of creating the image data described above, it is natural that this stage is provided independently. The same applies to the image processing terminal 1 as a bulletin board poster. In the embodiment, as described above, the created image data can be posted on the bulletin board by itself. At this time, the type of bulletin board for which posting is not desired can be specified (606), and it is desirable that the image data is not transmitted to another person unnecessarily. In addition, the time may be set, and during that time, the message may be transmitted to an individual in addition to the bulletin board. It is desirable that the bulletin board poster be selected automatically by clicking on the image data of the bulletin board poster displayed on the screen.

In the above embodiment, C in FIG.
By which the creation of image data is urged (102, 2 in FIG. 4)
05, 302), for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the user is prompted to select a bulletin board poster by hobby or genre at a stage prior to “photographing and scribble” for prompting creation of image data, as shown in FIG. 16. Stage ("hobby partner" in FIG. 16)
And "genre selection"), and the order of these steps is not limited to the illustrated one.

Next, a case in which the bulletin board poster operates the portable terminal 5 (claim 6) will be described. This case relates to a case in which a bulletin board poster has already posted his / her own image data on the bulletin board, and the sender who has seen the image data transmits image data created by the image processing terminal 1. The sender who operates the image processing terminal 1, as shown in FIG.
After creating image data through any of the steps (102, 205, 302 in FIG. 4) and saving it in the keep album,
When there is a bulletin board contributor who wants to transmit his / her own image data when browsing the bulletin board at the stage after C in FIG. 4, the created image data is displayed on the screens (602) and (603). It will be transmitted along the flow. Specifically, (102), (205) or (302) in FIG.
After the image data is created at any one of the stages, the image data of various bulletin board posters is read out according to hobbies and genres, and following the output stage, a desired bulletin board poster is selected from among them. The prompting screens (602) and (603) are displayed. By selecting one of them, the image data is transmitted and stored in the mail album of the selected desired bulletin board poster. Thus, after the image data is transmitted to the mail album of the selected bulletin board poster, the image data can be posted on the bulletin board by itself.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the bulletin board contributor who owns the portable terminal 5 connects to the server from the portable terminal 5 and identifies the type of the terminal, so that the type of image data suitable for distribution can be obtained. 18 is determined, inputting authentication information and passing the authentication (501),
In the case of the embodiment, the top page of the paid member menu is displayed. From this, click the mail album icon. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 12, "Album operation" is displayed from the top page screen (701). Click the “Browse / Edit” icon via the screen (702). Then, as described above, the URL of each image data and the sender I
Since the sender list for each D is displayed in the order of arrival, by clicking on a desired URL or the like, the corresponding image data is output to the monitor 17 so as to be browsed, and the message board poster is sent from the image processing terminal 1 as the sender. It is possible to browse the image data transmitted to the address.

Next, a case in which the contest applicant applies for the contest from the portable terminal 5 owned by the contest applicant and the contest voter votes for the contest from the portable terminal 5a or 5b (claim 7) Will be described. When using the contest, as described above,
After the stage of becoming a “paid member” in FIG. 9 (my menu registration in FIG. 9), this is performed by clicking and selecting the “popular vote” icon from the “paid menu” screen (701) in FIG. For the mobile terminal 5 owned by the contest applicant, the type of the image data suitable for distribution is determined by first identifying the type of the terminal.
Next, various contests are read out and output so as to be browsed, and a screen is displayed for prompting selection of a contest desired to be applied from among them. When the type of contest is selected in accordance with the instruction, the keep album of the contest applicant is read out so as to be browsed, and a screen for prompting selection of image data to be applied for the contest from the album is displayed. Then, when the user selects the image data, the image data is transmitted and stored in a desired contest.
If there is an e-mail sent to the contest applicant, it will be sent to the contest applicant's address. As described above, the selection of the image data is performed by displaying the image data in the keep album by a title or a URL in a list in terms of the capability of the mobile terminal or the like and clicking them by a simple key operation. It is desirable that corresponding image data be read and output. Similarly, regarding the selection of the contest type, it is desirable to display a title for each contest.

On the other hand, for the portable terminal 5a or 5b, etc. owned by the contest voters, the type of image data suitable for distribution is determined by identifying the type of the terminal as described above. Then, various contests are read out and output to the monitor 17 for browsing. continue,
A screen is displayed to prompt the selection of a contest applicant who wants to vote from among them, and the image or identifier of the desired contest applicant is clicked and the selection is made. Once a contest entrant is selected, a screen prompting you to compose an email to the contest entrant will be displayed.
This is created by the key input means 18 of the portable terminal 5a or 5b. Thus, when a contest applicant is selected and an e-mail is created, the created e-mail is sent to the contest applicant's address. Also,
The results of the voting are also totaled, and the data is output and displayed on the mobile terminal. As described above, it is desirable that the image data and the contest be displayed by title or URL, and that the content be output by clicking the title or URL.

Next, a case will be described in which the sender operating the image processing terminal 1 creates a home page containing his / her own image data and outputs it to the receiver who owns the portable terminal 5 (claim 8). The sender who operates the image processing terminal 1 is prompted to select a homepage template read from the storage unit 11 of the image processing terminal 1 or downloaded from the server 3 or the content server 27. Input means 22
Is selected by clicking with the input pen. Next, a screen is displayed to prompt the user to create image data to be combined with the selected template. The user creates own image data in the same manner as described above. When the image data is created, the image data is synthesized at a predetermined position of the template by the synthesizing means included in the control means 7. By uploading the image data, it is stored in the server 3 with a URL. The server 3 and the content server 2
The homepage template downloaded from 7 has a title, an icon, or a URL, and is desirably clicked on so as to be easily selected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the recipient who owns the portable terminal 5 connects to the server 3 through the authentication from the top menu, the type of the portable terminal is identified, and the receiver suitable for distribution is identified. The type of the image data is determined. Next, in the embodiment of FIG. 18, when "mail album" is clicked from the top page of the paid member menu,
In the embodiment of FIG. 12, when “viewing / editing” is selected from the top page screen (701) via the “album operation” screen, the home page that is stored therein and uploaded by the sender is read together with other image data. The URL is displayed by its URL, ID, or title. By clicking this, the corresponding sender's home page is output in a browsable manner. In the embodiment of the present invention, the homepage uploaded by the sender is
A corresponding URL or title is attached, and is output so as to be browsed by clicking on it, but the selection method is not limited to this.

[0086]About simple web mail  In the present invention, the image data transmission / reception function of the server 3
Separately, the mail server provided by the carrier of the mobile terminal 5
Simple WEB mail between mobile terminals by service function
Can be transmitted and received. This is described in the “Paid
This menu is available to the user as a "member." Simple
When you want to send image data by WEB mail
From the paid menu (901) as shown in FIG.
Click the "Simple Mail" icon to select it. Do
Then, a long-term album, which will be described later, is displayed.
Screen (902) for prompting the user to select
Select an album. Then, the selected long-term alba
The image data saved in the system is output and displayed,
Screen (903) prompting you to select image data to attach to
Is displayed. Therefore, when the desired image data is selected,
A confirmation screen (904) asking whether or not to make it a simple mail
Click the "YES" icon and select it
I do. Next, the address of the recipient
Screen (905) for prompting the user to input
Click the "OK" icon. Hide
The completed simple mail is sent to the recipient's mobile
Will be sent at the end.

[0087]Get authentication information  Although the acquisition of the authentication information has already been described, the present invention
In the actual embodiment, the image processing terminal 1
In other words, the “first time” user is required to become a “registrant”.
Acquisition of certificate information and "free membership" on mobile terminal 5
Acquisition of authentication information to become a "paid member"
Authentication information is required. Below, these are explained
I do. First, on the image processing terminal 1 side, the "registrant"
As described above, acquisition of authentication information for
The sender operating the image processing terminal 1 is shown in FIG.
To create own image data in the image processing terminal 1
Your name, nickname, gender
In response to a request to enter personal information such as
By inputting these using the input means 22, the ID and the path
Authentication information, such as a ward,
Get the rank. Next, the sender / receiver operating the mobile terminal 5
Followers to obtain authentication information to become a “free member”
As shown in FIG. 9 or FIG.
Access the server 3 via the carrier communication network 4 and
Select the "Register" icon from the in-menu screen
(401) Similarly, input personal information such as a nickname.
(402), the authentication information is given and the "registrant"
(403). In addition, the mobile terminal 5
For the sender / recipient to operate as a "paid member"
As a condition, enter various personal information in the same way as for “free membership”.
When the authentication information is acquired by pressing
Like, from the "My Menu" on the free member page
Click the `` My Menu Registration '' icon and select
Click the "I agree" icon on the "About" screen
To obtain a status as a "paid member".
Which is planned. Thus, the server provided by the server 3
Services and services provided by mobile device carriers
Because of the differences, in a real embodiment,
It is necessary to obtain authentication information relating to “member registration”.

As described above, it is necessary to obtain the authentication information on the image processing terminal 1 side and the portable terminal 5 side. However, by becoming the “registrant” on the image processing terminal 1 side, the created image is stored. It is possible to use the keep album and the mail album for saving and browsing image data sent from others, and by becoming a "free member" on the mobile terminal 5,
It is possible to browse the keep album that stores the image data created by the image processing terminal 1, and by becoming a “paid member”, in addition to voting for contests and simple mail, editing albums described later, It becomes possible to hold an album. Note that these services are provided except when the bulletin board poster is the image processing terminal 1 (Claim 5).
Since it is exclusively related to the mobile terminal 5 that is the recipient of the image data, the acquisition of the status as a “paid member” is performed only through the mobile terminal 5. However, it is also possible to acquire the authentication information of “paid member” from the image processing terminal 1, and the present invention is not limited to the case from the mobile terminal 5.

[0089]About the long-term album  Next, a long-term album (Claim 16) according to the present invention will be described.
Will be described. In the present invention, image data
Long-term albums to save include private albums, public
There are open albums and group albums. private
Albums allow you to browse inside the album,
In order to save data, the above “paid member”
Authentication informationofInput is indispensable, and public
To view albums and save image data
Requires no input of the authentication information or only ID
Input is essential, and group albums and
To view and save the image data inside it
Is an ID or password that is common only to a specific group.
Or group authentication information consisting of both
Means a broadcast-type album to be deleted (claim 1
7). Private albums are usually only the album owner
Public albums are a concern if you store image data for a long time
Saves image data that you can share with friends you know
Group album, for example, for a wedding reception
Common images that certain groups, such as occupants, want to see
It is used when saving data. Long-term
Create a new album and save the image data
Data is moved to a long-term album and saved (claim 1
The operation 8) will be briefly described. Figure 12 shows the long-term al
Shows the flow of mobile device processing when creating a new Bam
FIG. 13 is a flowchart, and FIG.
Move and save the image data to the created long-term album
Flowchart showing the flow of processing of the mobile terminal when performing
It is. Mail album and keep album are image data
If this is a temporary album that temporarily stores the
If you wish to move / save to the last album,
5 Sender, recipient or bulletin board contributor is charged
Click the `` Album operation '' icon from the menu
When the user selects (701), the screen display related to the album is displayed.
Select the “New” icon from the list.
(702). Then, input the album name
Is displayed (703).
Input using step 18. Next, create a new long-term
Whether Lubum's personality is "private" or "public"
A screen prompting you to make a selection is displayed (704).
Input by the force means 18. Thus, the album name and its
When the type is entered, the server 3 newly creates a long-term album
Will be created. Then save to a temporary album
Image data to the created long-term album
If you already have an album
Select the icon of `` Work '' and from the displayed screen,
Icon is selected (801). Then, temporarily
The presence / absence of Rebum is confirmed by the server 3 (802).
If the image data is
Is displayed (803). So where
When you select the desired image data, that image data is temporarily
Read from Lubum and output / display on monitor 17
At the same time, a screen for confirming the desire to save is displayed (80
4). Click the "Save" icon
And the long-term albums you already have are listed,
A desired long-term album is selected from among them (805).
At this time, it is necessary to make it easy to search the stored image data.
“Keywords” and “comments” related to the content of the image data
A comment "can be input (806). Hide
When you finish entering keywords and comments,
Image data from temporary album to desired long-term album
Move and will be preserved there long term (80
7).

[0090]Viewing and editing albums  In the present invention, an album can be browsed from the mobile terminal 5.
As described above, the own image data is
If you keep a keep album, you can view it with "Free Member"
Can save image data sent from others.
To view the album, you must be a “paid member”
You need to get the status. After the above steps,
In the embodiment shown in FIG.
When you reach the image data output screen from the page screen,
"Edit / delete", and in the embodiment of FIG.
Click the "Album operation" icon to select
When you reach the "Bam operation" screen, select "View / Edit"
You. Next, the existence of the album is checked, and the album is
If exists, all albums saved by the user
The title of the album is displayed.
By clicking on the file, it is read out and viewed
It will be output as possible. In FIG. 14, "Keep A
By selecting “REBUM,” the server 3
Image data is displayed for each title,
By clicking on it, you can browse it. Ma
To edit the viewed image data,
"Delete" and "Process" icons are displayed at the bottom of the data
If it is unnecessary, select `` Delete '' and
Edit the image data by selecting "Edit"
(Claim 9).

[0091]About printing  In the present invention, basically, an image created by an image processing terminal is used.
The image data is provided on the spot using the printing means 9 provided.
It is possible to print out (claim 20),
In that case, the stage to prompt the input of the image data print command
Enter the print command and select the print layout.
At the stage of prompting the user to make a selection,
Can be performed. The print layout and
Is divided into four, six, ten, and
The content is to select a print form such as 16 divisions.
When printing with, the layout screen 29 in FIG.
Is shown. Also, when selecting the print layout,
It may be possible to input personal information such as a hobby or a hobby.

[0092]About print reservation  In the present invention, furthermore, the mail
About image data saved in Bam or Keep Album
Can make a print reservation. As mentioned above,
Image data sent from others is saved in the mail album
And keep albums
Although the image data is stored, the transmission
Followers, recipients or bulletin board contributors sent by others
These image data created or created by the user
If you like what you like when browsing,
A print reservation can be designated from the side (claim 1).
4). FIG. 19 shows the image data stored in the keep album.
This is an example of making print reservations for
The simple procedure is from the top page of the paid member menu
If you select Keep Album, the image data stored inside
Data is displayed in the order of arrival, so select the desired image data.
And output it to the monitor 17 for display. Then, the screen
Since the icon of "Print reservation" is displayed at the bottom,
Click this to specify "print reservation"
Will be. Further, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG.
Screen (701) to the "album operation" screen (70
Select 2) and click the “Print reservation” icon in it.
You can specify "Print reservation" by selecting
it can. Note that, in the present invention, the mobile terminal 5 side
Although only the print reservation is mentioned, for example,
When the image data is created and transmitted on the end 1 side, it is automatically marked.
Print reservation information can be added,
Rebum or keep album is called and print reservation is specified.
It is also possible to do so.

Thus, the print reservation is designated for the desired image data from the portable terminal 5 side, and when the reservation information of the print reservation is added to the image data (claim 14), this is printed out on the image processing terminal 1 side. Will do.
The printout of the image data related to the print reservation can be performed together with the user who made the print reservation creates new image data in the image processing terminal 1 and prints out the new image data. As a specific processing flow, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the presence of image data reserved for printing is notified on the print processing screen 28, and selection of whether to print out the image data together is made. When prompted, click the icon of "Make together" and select the icon. When the layout screen 30 displaying the newly created image data and the image data related to the print reservation is output,
By selecting a desired print form, it is possible to print out the image data relating to the print reservation together with the newly created image data (claim 22).

[0094]Notification of image data reception  Next, when the image data is transmitted, the recipient
If you want to see the image data immediately,
Is transmitted to the recipient at the time of transmission.
Can be notified (claim 2
3). Even if you send image data, the recipient
Unless the server 3 is accessed, the sent image data
Because it will not be delivered to followers, for example, express mail
If you want to see the image data immediately,
The recipient of the destination owns the image data sent
The notification can be sent to the mobile terminal 5. In the present invention
Is an image processed by the image processing terminal 1 as shown in FIGS.
Created the data and sent it to the intended recipient
At a later stage, the screen "Do you want to make a hotline?"
7) is displayed and whether or not "hot line (direct communication)"
Is prompted to select a hotline.
Click the icon to send it immediately after sending.
The portable terminal 5 of the recipient as the trustee is notified of the fact.
In addition, due to the nature of the "hotline", who uses it
It does not make sense to notify the unknown image processing terminal 1.
Therefore, the destination of the notification is exclusively the mobile terminal 5.
To the recipient who owns or owns the mobile terminal 5
For bulletin board contributors only. In the present invention,
Select “Hotline” to see the effect
It is considered to be a setting that lasts for days.
If it is within the interval, every time the image data is sent,
The recipient's portable terminal 5 will be notified.
You. "Hotline" is when image data is sent
The incoming call is made, or the mobile terminal 5
So that a message to that effect is displayed on the
And other methods are planned.

[0095]Transferring image data between other external terminals
Stay  Finally, in the present invention, the image processing terminal 1 and the portable terminal 5
In addition, image data can be mutually exchanged with another external terminal 24.
Equipped with infrared or wireless transmission control means so that transmission is possible
(Claim 24). With other external terminals
For example, small terminals and watch ties for computer games
Image data that can be transmitted to the mobile terminal 5 such as
Transmission control means of the same type as an image memory for storing data
Small terminals that can be considered. The external terminal 24 is shown in FIG.
As shown, the transmission control means 1 provided in the image processing terminal 1
6 and, as shown in FIG.
The transmission control means 23 transmits and receives images to and from these terminals.
Data can be transferred to each other. This gives an example
For example, transfer image data from an external terminal to the image processing terminal 1.
And save it in the server album,
Output image data to mobile terminals
Become. The transmission control means includes IrDA and Blue.
tooth etc. are scheduled.

[0096]

As described above, the image data distribution method according to the present invention allows the image data created by the image processing terminal to be immediately transmitted to the portable terminal, so long as the portable terminal is owned. The image data can be sent anywhere, and it is extremely timely and rich in direction. In addition, image data created in the past from an image processing terminal or mobile terminal can be read from the album and sent, published on a bulletin board, applied for a contest, created a home page, and it can be sent from anywhere Since the user can browse, post, and vote on the mobile terminal, communication can be maintained and topics can be shared anywhere. Further, a plurality of albums for storing image data are prepared for each type, and the albums can be used properly according to the purpose. Further, by providing the transmission control means, it is possible to exchange image data with an external terminal, to make the image data a moving image, and to add music / audio information. As described above, conventionally, an image is printed on a sticker and pasted on a sticker album or the like. In the present invention, the image data is output (printed) to a portable terminal, and the output image data is sent to a server. By storing (pasting) the image data in an image database as a managed album, it is possible to completely change the medium for displaying and storing the image data (paperless), and in addition, it is possible to provide interactivity. Further, image data in an album held by the user can be organized and edited from a portable terminal. Further, since the print reservation is made possible, the user who browses the image data on the mobile terminal, if he / she wants the printout, designates the print reservation and prints the newly created image data at a later date. At the time, they can be printed out together.

[0097]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a flow of image data in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the image processing terminal.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing of a main program of the image processing terminal.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by the image processing terminal and the server in the case of “for the first time”;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing between the image processing terminal and the server when the user is a “registrant” and image data is transmitted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing between the image processing terminal and the server when the user is a “registrant” and does not transmit image data.

[8] in FIG. 4 BBS contributors C is a flow chart showing a process flow of image processing terminal 1 to operate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main program of the mobile terminal.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by a mobile terminal and a server when acquiring authentication information from the mobile terminal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when acquiring authentication information as a “paid member” from the mobile terminal 5.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a long-term album is created from a portable terminal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the mobile terminal when moving image data to be stored in a temporary album to a created long-term album and storing the image data.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when editing / deleting each image data in an album from a portable terminal.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a simple WEB mail is transmitted from a portable terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the main program of the image processing terminal.

FIG. 17 is a selection screen and a print layout screen relating to printing of image data or printing of image data relating to print reservation.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of different processing when browsing image data in an album from a portable terminal.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when reading a keep album from a mobile terminal and designating a print reservation.

[Description of Signs] 1, 1a, 1b Image processing terminal 2 Communication network 3 Server 4 Carrier communication network 5, 5a, 5b Portable terminal 6 Camera 7 Control means 8 Display means 9 Printing means 10 Communication means 11 Storage means 12 Web server 13 image database 14 control means 15 communication means 16 transmission control means 17 monitor 18 input means 19 control means 20 communication means 21 storage means 22 input means 23 transmission control means 24 external terminal 25 billing device 26 member database 27 content server 28 print reservation The processing screen of the image processing terminal at the time of printing when there is 29 The print layout screen for printing the created image data on the spot 30 The print layout screen for printing the image data related to the print reservation 100 Main of the image processing terminal Menu 101- 05 Processing screen of the image processing terminal in the case of “for the first time” 201 to 207 Processing screen of the image processing terminal when the image data is transmitted by the “registrant” 301 to 302 When the image data is not transmitted by the “registrant” Processing screens 401 to 403 of a mobile terminal when acquiring authentication information 501 to 502 Processing screens of a mobile terminal when browsing a temporary album 601 to 607 Send image data to a bulletin board or an individual, Or, a processing screen for posting on a bulletin board 701 to 704 A processing screen of a mobile terminal for creating a new album 801 to 807 A processing screen of a mobile terminal for saving image data 901 to 905 Processing screen of mobile terminal

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) AA30 AA38 AB17 AB23 AB38 AC05 AC22 AC34 AE03 BC01 5C064 AA06 AB02 AB03 AC02 AC07 AC13 AC18 AC20 AD01 AD08 AD14

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. An image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
A step of prompting the image processing terminal as a believer to select a receiver to be a destination, a step of prompting the selected destination receiver to create image data to be transmitted, and a step of: In the recipient's mail album of the selected recipient.
For the terminal, determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, and reading the recipient's mail album that stores the image data transmitted to the recipient And outputting the read image data in the mail album. 2. An image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
For the image processing terminal as a believer, a step of reading the sender's mail album that stores the image data transmitted to the sender, a step of outputting the image data in the read mail album, A step of prompting the selection of a recipient as a destination or a reply destination of the image data; a step of prompting creation of image data to be transmitted to the selected destination or a recipient as a reply destination; and selecting the created image data. And storing it in the mail album of the recipient that is the destination of sending or replying .
, By identifying the type of the terminal, determining a type of image data suitable for delivery, comprising the steps of reading a mail album recipients to store image data sent to the recipient addressed, read Outputting the image data in the mail album. 3. An image processing terminal comprising at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
For the image processing terminal as a believer , reading the sender's keep album that stores the image data created by the sender, outputting the read image data in the keep album, and creating new image data. Prompting the user to select a recipient to which the created image data is to be transmitted, and saving the created image data to the selected recipient's mail album.
For a portable terminal as a receiver, a step of determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, and a step of determining the type of image data transmitted to the receiver Reading the mail album and outputting the image data in the read mail album;
A method for distributing image data, comprising: 4. An image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
For a portable terminal as a believer , identifying the type of the terminal to determine the type of image data suitable for distribution, and the sender's mail storing the image data sent to the sender Reading the album, outputting the image data in the read mail album, prompting the recipient to select a destination or a reply destination of the image data from the album, and selecting the image data created by the sender. A step of reading the keep album of the sender to be stored, a step of outputting image data in the read keep album, a step of prompting the user to select image data desired to be transmitted, and a step of selecting the selected image data. and a step of storing the recipient's mail album to which to send or reply-to, for mobile terminal as a recipient, to identify the type of terminal Determining a type of image data suitable for distribution, reading a recipient's mail album storing image data transmitted to the recipient, and outputting image data in the read mail album. , A method of distributing image data. 5. An image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
For the image processing terminal as a follower , a step of prompting creation of image data to be transmitted to a bulletin board poster, a step of reading various bulletin boards according to hobbies and genres, and a bulletin board post posted on the read bulletin board A step of outputting image data of the poster, prompting a bulletin board poster who wants to transmit the image data from the image data, and a step of saving the created image data in the mail album of the selected poster poster. For image processing terminals as bulletin board contributors
Comprises the steps of prompting the creation of the image data to post on the bulletin board,
Reading various bulletin boards according to hobbies and genres; outputting image data of bulletin board posters posted publicly to the read bulletin board; and prompting the user to select a bulletin board from which image data is desired to be posted. Storing the read image data in the selected bulletin board, reading the mail album of the bulletin board poster storing the image data transmitted to the bulletin board poster, and outputting the image data in the read mail album. And a method for distributing image data. 6. An image processing terminal having at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
For the image processing terminal as a follower , a step of prompting creation of image data to be transmitted to a bulletin board poster, a step of reading various bulletin boards according to hobbies and genres, and a bulletin board post posted on the read bulletin board A step of outputting image data of the poster, prompting a bulletin board poster who wants to transmit the image data from the image data, and a step of saving the created image data in the mail album of the selected poster poster. For a mobile terminal as a bulletin board poster, a step of determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, and a bulletin board for storing image data transmitted to the bulletin board poster A method for distributing image data, comprising: a step of reading a mail album of a contributor; and a step of outputting image data in the read mail album. . 7. An image processing terminal comprising at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, co
For mobile terminals as test applicants, identifying the type of the terminal to determine the type of image data suitable for distribution, reading various contests, and outputting the read contest And the step of prompting the user to select a contest to apply for, the step of reading the contest applicant's keep album that stores the image data created by the contest applicant, and the outputting of the read image data in the keep album. And prompting the user to select image data to apply to the contest, storing the selected image data in the selected contest, and sending the e-mail sent to the contest applicant to the contest applicant. Address, and for mobile devices as contest voters ,
Determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, reading various contests, outputting the read contest,
Prompting the contestant to select a contestant from whom to vote, prompting the selected contestant to compose an e-mail, sending the e-mail to the contestant's address, And displaying the results of the voting in an aggregated manner. 8. An image processing terminal comprising at least image data creation means, display means, input means, and printing means including image information of a subject, and a server connected to the image processing terminal via a communication network. , between the mobile terminal connected via the server and the carrier communication network, a distribution method of the image data for transmitting and receiving image data, transmission
For the image processing terminal as a follower , a step of prompting selection of a homepage template, a step of prompting creation or selection of image data to be combined with the selected template, and a step of combining with the created or selected image data A step of prompting the upload of the template that has been uploaded, and a step of attaching a URL to the uploaded template and saving it as a homepage .
Then, a step of determining the type of image data suitable for distribution by identifying the type of the terminal, a step of reading a homepage corresponding to the URL by clicking on the URL, and outputting the read homepage Stages and
A method for distributing image data, comprising: 9. An image processing terminal as a sender or a receiver
Or a mobile terminal, or an image processing end as a bulletin board contributor
9. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of editing, processing, or deleting image data for a terminal or a portable terminal . 10. The image data is input to additional information of characters, graphics, messages, or the like by input means of each terminal, or is synthesized by synthesizing means, or is stored in each terminal, or is transmitted from a server. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of combining with the downloaded frame information. 11. The image data according to claim 1, wherein the image data is a moving image or includes a moving image.
Delivery method of the described image data. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the image data includes music information or audio information. 13. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein a URL is attached to the image data. 14. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the image data includes reservation information relating to a print reservation. 15. An image processing terminal as a sender or a receiver.
Image processing as a poster or mobile terminal, or as a bulletin board contributor
Terminal or mobile terminal, contest applicant or contest
For the portable terminal as a voter, a step of prompting the user to input authentication information including each ID and / or password, and by authenticating the input authentication information, creating an album or transmitting / receiving image data. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether to permit or not. 16. The mail album and the keep album are a temporary album for temporarily storing image information, or
8. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the image data is a long-term album for storing image information for a long time. 17. The long-term album is a non-disclosed album in which input of the authentication information is indispensable for browsing or storing image data, an input of the authentication information is unnecessary, or an input of only an ID is indispensable. 17. The image data according to claim 16, wherein said public album is a broadcast-type album, and a broadcast-type group album in which input of group authentication information comprising a common ID and / or password only for a specific group is essential. Delivery method. 18. If the mail album or the keep album is a temporary album, and if it is desired to move image data stored in the temporary album to the long-term album, image processing as a sender or a receiver is performed. Terminal or
Mobile terminal or image processing terminal as a bulletin board contributor or
A step of prompting the mobile terminal to select image data desired to be moved from the mail album or the keep album, a step of moving the selected image data to the long-term album, and a step of updating the movement. 18. The image data distribution method according to claim 16, further comprising: 19. If the long-term album is desired to be created / held, an image processing terminal as a sender or a receiver or
Is a mobile terminal or an image processing terminal as a bulletin board contributor
Or, for the mobile terminal, the step of prompting for the input of the member authentication information including each member ID and / or the member password, and the authentication of the input member authentication information, 19. The image data distribution method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of determining permission / non-permission. 20. When printing the created image data, an image processing terminal as the sender or the receiver,
Or, for the image processing terminal as the bulletin board poster
At least, a step of prompting input of a print command of the created image data and a step of prompting selection of a print layout
9. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the image data is provided. 21. When a print reservation is made for the image data stored in the mail album or the keep album, the portable terminal as the sender or the receiver, or
For a mobile terminal as a bulletin board contributor, identifying the type of the terminal to determine the type of image data suitable for distribution, and reading the image data stored in the mail album or keep album 7. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: outputting the image data so that the image data can be browsed; and prompting input of print reservation information for the output image data. 22. When printing image data containing print reservation information, the sender or the receiver is
Image processing terminal or the image as the bulletin board contributor
When printing the image data newly created by the image processing terminal, the image processing terminal notifies the image processing terminal of the presence / absence of the image data related to the print reservation, and the image data including the print reservation information at the same time. The image data distribution method according to claim 14, further comprising a step of prompting a user to select whether or not to print and a step of prompting a user to select a print layout. 23. When the image data is transmitted,
7. The image data distribution method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of notifying a portable terminal as a receiver or a portable terminal as a bulletin board poster of the fact. 24. The image processing terminal and the portable terminal,
24. An infrared or wireless transmission control means capable of mutually transferring image data with another external terminal. Image processing terminal and mobile terminal as described. 25. The image processing terminal and the external terminal according to claim 24, wherein said transmission control means is an IrDA interface or a Bluetooth interface.