JP2001344313A - Server and network printing service system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server and a network printing service system, that can positively receive printing service order by preventing concentrated accesses to the server. SOLUTION: The network printing service system, located at a laboratory with five printers has first server 2, that receives information of printing orders from customers and a second server 3 that offers the information of the printing service to the customers. When the print order data, based upon the information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server by a terminal at the customer site and if the printing orders by the customers are concentrated at cretin times of the day, it is highly unlikely that a communication line becomes busy, since the second server offers only the information of the printing service. Since the first servers are located only at each laboratory and the print orders are distributed among those servers, it is also unlikely that the communication line goes into a busy state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network print service system for providing a service for printing an image to a customer via a network such as the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a service of printing an image and providing it to a customer, a conventional service in which a customer brings a silver halide negative film to a laboratory and requests printing is provided.
A server computer with a scanner, printer, and large-capacity disk in a major collection and delivery lab (hereinafter referred to as image server)
By installing various types of equipment, such as storing photos taken by customers on an image server and allowing the customers to access the image server via a network, it is possible to order additional copies of photos and to send photo images to e-mail. A network print service that provides various services such as attachment and download of photographic image data has been proposed.

[0003] The advantage of such a network print service is that it is possible to order photos while staying at home or in the office. It is common to provide services such as photo shops and mini labs as contact points.

[0004] At this time, from the viewpoint of the customer, it is more convenient as the number of the above-mentioned agents is larger. However, the collection and delivery lab receiving the order has a situation in which it is better to use one location if possible, because it is easy to understand the access destination at the time of ordering or to easily perform data management. For this reason, when providing a network print service, it is considered that it is better to concentrate the equipment in a collection and delivery lab so that it can handle as many contact points as possible.

[0005]

However, as described above, in a mode in which all the facilities are concentrated in a major collection and delivery lab, the collection and delivery route from the agency window to the collection and delivery lab becomes longer,
Further, it is inevitable that the delivery time of the print service will be prolonged due to the waiting time between the delivery of the film to the next window and the arrival of the delivery service.

At this time, if the number of collection and delivery laboratories is increased to shorten the collection and delivery route or increase the collection and delivery frequency, more rapid processing can be performed. The advantage is lost, and there is also a problem that an increase in the collection and delivery frequency leads to an increase in the collection and delivery cost.

To solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-15 / 1999
In Japanese Patent No. 4218, a center server and a lab server are connected via a network, and printing is performed by the lab server according to a print order received by the center server.

However, such a system has the following problems. For example, when a large number of print orders for a New Year's card or the like occur, a large number of print processing requests may be concentrated on each lab server at once from the center server. However, unlike the center server, the lab usually does not always have a high-performance server. For example, a network line may be in a busy state and a print order cannot be made. In particular, it takes time to transmit image information having a relatively large data amount, so that the line tends to be busy. In many lab servers, there are cases where the processing capacity is exceeded.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem,
Provided is a network print service system and server capable of promptly placing an order by eliminating communication waste at the time of a print order and stably and surely accepting a print order by efficiently processing the print order. It is intended to be.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a network print service.
At least one first server installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting images and capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and providing print service information to the customer via the network And at least one second server capable of performing the above, wherein print order information created based on print service information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server by a terminal on the customer side. The first server performs a printing process based on the sent print order information.

A network print service according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, and at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network; And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to the customer via the second server, wherein the second server is capable of storing image information sent from a terminal on the customer side. When the print order information created based on the print service information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server by the customer terminal, the first server Transmitting an image information transfer command to the second server, and further receiving the image information received from the second server;
A network print service system for performing print processing based on the print order information sent from the customer side terminal.

[0012] The third network print service includes:
At least one first server installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting images and capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and providing print service information to the customer via the network And at least one second server capable of performing, when the first image information is acquired in the lab, the first server stores the first image information and stores the first image information in the lab. The second image information converted to a data amount smaller than the first image information is transferred to the second server and stored in the second server. When the print order information created based on the print service information including the second image information obtained from the server is sent to the first server, Servers, the first being kept
The print processing is performed based on the image information of the above and the print order information sent from the customer side terminal.

A network print service according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, at least a first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a customer via a network. And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to the second server, wherein the second server receives at least a part of the order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side. Having an information storage unit that can be stored, the second server does not transmit the received information to the first server when receiving the order information from the customer side terminal, stores the information in the information storage unit, A print server configured to transmit information stored in the information storage unit to the first server when the first server requests transmission of order information. Scan system.

A server according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a server arranged in a laboratory for performing print processing in accordance with print order information from a customer. And a communication unit for requesting transmission of the order information to another server on the network via the communication unit, and receiving the order information from another server on the network. A server which executes processing and issues a print instruction to a connected printer based on the received order information.

A server according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a server for providing a print service in response to a print order from a customer, and includes a communication unit for connecting to a network and an information storage unit. In response to a request from the above customer terminal, order information transmitted from the customer terminal is received via the communication unit, stored in the information storage unit, and responding to a request from a server on the lab side on the network. hand,
A server, wherein the order information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted via the communication unit.

[0016]

The network print service according to the first aspect of the present invention is installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting images,
At least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and at least one second server capable of providing print service information to the customer via a network. When print order information created based on print service information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server by a terminal on the customer side,
The first server performs print processing based on the sent print order information. Therefore, even if customers who want to order prints are concentrated at one time, the second server can perform print service. Since only the information is provided, the line is less likely to become busy. On the other hand, since the first server exists in each installed lab, the number of print orders received from the customer terminal is also dispersed. The risk of the line becoming busy is low.

A network print service according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a network. And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to the customer via the second server, wherein the second server is capable of storing image information sent from a terminal on the customer side. When the print order information created based on the print service information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server by the customer terminal, the first server Transmitting an image information transfer command to the second server, and further receiving the image information received from the second server;
Since print processing is performed based on the print order information sent from the customer side terminal, for image information having a relatively long transfer time, for example, a line is relatively open such as late at night or early in the morning. If the data is transferred from the first server to the second server at a time when communication costs are relatively low,
The communication time can be reduced, and the line can be prevented from becoming busy.

A network print service according to a third aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a network. And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to a customer via the lab, and when the first image information is acquired in the lab, the first server And storing the first image information, transferring the second image information converted to a data amount smaller than the first image information to the second server, and storing the second image information in the second server. And a printer created by a customer terminal based on print service information including the second image information obtained from the second server. When the order information is sent to the first server, the first server is configured to store the first image information based on the stored first image information and the print order information sent from the customer terminal. Since the print processing is performed, the customer sees the second image information included in the print service information provided from the second server, and requests the first server to perform a desired operation such as image synthesis. Since processing can be requested, it is convenient because work with a large load such as image transfer can be omitted. In such a case, the second image information provided from the second server has a smaller data amount than the first image information.
Since the transfer time is short, the possibility of the line being busy is low.

A network print service according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a network. At least one second server capable of providing print service information to the customer via the second server, the second server receiving at least a part of the order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side The second server stores the information in the information storage unit without transmitting the received information to the first server when receiving the order information from the terminal on the customer side. By transmitting information stored in the information storage unit to the first server when there is a request for transmission of order information from the first server, By the server to check the availability of the laboratory printing process, it receives the order information from the second server with less timing of print amount,
It is possible to equalize the amount of work in the laboratory without concentrating on a specific time. In addition, since the connection from the first server to the second server can be made at an arbitrary timing, the connection is made only when the connection is necessary, which leads to a reduction in communication costs when using a telephone line. ,Also,
It is also advantageous in terms of security because it is always connected and does not connect to the outside due to requests from the outside, so the possibility of entering the network in the lab from outside decreases. Further, the image information can be stored in the information storage section of the second server, and the first server sends the image information corresponding to the order information to the second server based on the received order information. Requesting transmission, the second server transmits the requested image information to the first server, and the first server performs print processing based on the image information received from the second server, so that the customer Since only the necessary image data among the image data stored in the second server is transmitted, there is no load for communication or pressure on the storage area of the first server. Further, the first server or the second server can register the identification information of the customer, and the customer side terminal automatically sends the identification information of the customer to the at least one first server by the input identification information. If it is possible to connect to the customer, the connected customer can be specified based on the identification information, and for example, automatic billing can be performed, which is convenient.

Further, the first server transmits information about a print history to the second server at a predetermined timing, and the second server receives the received information from the first server. If the information regarding the print history is collected and stored in a database via a network or the like, it is convenient because, for example, there is a large number of print orders in any laboratory at any time.

Further, if the first server stores the template information, it is convenient because the image can be easily synthesized based on the template information. In addition, the second
Server stores the template information stored in the first server by compressing the template information and storing the template information with a small amount of data. This is convenient because the combined image can be checked.

A server according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a server installed in a lab for performing print processing in accordance with print order information from a customer. A communication unit for requesting transmission of the order information from another server on the network via the communication unit, and receiving the order information from another server on the network via the communication unit. Executes processing, issues a print instruction to a connected printer based on the received order information, and receives data from another server in accordance with the processing status of the server. If you use a telephone line to make the connection, you will save on communication costs.
If it is not possible to respond to connection requests from the outside, the possibility of entry into the network within the lab from outside will be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of protecting security.
The stable operation of the server is improved. Furthermore, the order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side is received via the communication unit, and in response to the reception of the order information, the order information is transmitted to another server on the network via the communication unit. A process for requesting transmission of corresponding image information and a process for receiving image information from another server on the network are executed, and a print instruction is sent to a connected printer based on the received image information and the order information. By doing so, only the necessary image information is received from another server based on the received order information, which is advantageous in reducing communication traffic and reducing the storage capacity of the server. Sixth
The server according to the present invention is a server for providing a print service according to a print order from a customer, has a communication unit to a network, and an information storage unit. In response to the request, the order information transmitted from the customer terminal is received via the communication unit, stored in the information storage unit, and stored in response to a request from a server on the lab side on the network. Since the order information stored in the section is transmitted via the communication section, the request on the lab side can be met, so that the load on the server on the lab side can be reduced. Also,
It is also possible to reduce the network management load by concentrating the ports that access ordinary users from the always-on line such as the Internet on such servers. Further, image information transmitted from the customer terminal is stored in the information storage unit, and the image information stored in the storage unit is transmitted via the communication unit in response to a request from a server on the lab side on the network. It is possible to reduce the load on the server on the lab side in terms of storage capacity. Further, in response to access from a customer terminal on the network, service information for printing is transmitted to the customer terminal via the communication unit, so that seasonal and public price information such as a print unit price is displayed tomorrow and the like. When saying, it is possible to respond quickly. here,
The “first server” may be, for example, a server computer installed in an individual lab such as an in-store mini lab,
“Second server” may be a server computer installed in a service center that centrally manages image data, but any data such as a hard disk having sufficient capacity to store necessary image data. It is preferable to provide a storage device. The first server plays a role as a so-called printer server, and is preferably connected to a photo printer via a network (switchable when there are a plurality of photo printers).

"Sending print order information" means that the order details are transferred as order information in a predetermined data format from the customer terminal. Specifically, for example, the format of the order information is disclosed on the homepage stored in the second server via the Internet, and the order information created in accordance with the format is transmitted to the customer by e-mail to the first server. It is conceivable to have them do it. Alternatively, when the customer inputs the order details on a predetermined screen, the contents may be automatically converted into the order information format and transmitted to the first server.

The term "image obtained in the lab" means that a film brought into the lab by a lab customer to request simultaneous printing is scanned by a film scanner and converted into data. Not limited to For example, an image acquired from various types of data reading and transferring means such as a card reader from a memory of a digital camera brought in by a customer is also included. These images are hereinafter treated as digital image data.

If this reading process is performed in each lab,
Delivery time can be shortened because collection and delivery time and collection and delivery waiting time can be eliminated. Here, “network” means a network network centered on the Internet, such as a dedicated line, CATV network, dial-up connection, LAN, etc.
It includes any communication means having a sufficient communication speed to transfer order information and image data.

In the present invention, the first server stores original image information and the second server stores image data of a small data capacity such as a thumbnail image. When desired, it is common to compare all the pictures taken and select a picture to be reprinted, but in such a case, image information with a low data capacity is sent from the second server to the customer terminal. By receiving, it is possible to compare efficiently.

The "print process" means any process required to provide a print to a customer. For example, the processing includes not only printing of a raw image but also image synthesis with a template image and processing required for panoramic image synthesis. That is, the "print process" means a series of processes including not only a simple print output by a printer but also such data processing.

Note that the "print order information" specifically includes a process number for designating service contents (such as additional printing and post card creation), and an image for designating an image stored in a first server installed in a laboratory. The number, the size of the print, the number of prints, and the like.

It is desirable that each first server stores, as high-resolution image data, an image taken by a customer of a lab where the first server is installed. This eliminates the need to obtain digital image data from others when additional printing is ordered from a customer.

When the first server stores the digital image data of the customer, the digital image data stored and accessible in the second server is stored in the first server. Low-resolution image data having a smaller data amount than high-resolution image data stored in the server may be used. That is, the digital image data of the first server may be used for print output, and the digital image data of the second server may be used for browsing via a network.

When print order information is transmitted from a customer terminal to a first server in a lab different from the lab that stores digital image data, transfer of the image information between the first servers is performed. Since it is necessary, the cost of the print service is increased by the communication cost required for data transfer. In addition, if such data transfer occurs, not only the lab where the print was output, but also the lab where the digital image data was stored has contributed to the provision of the print service, and was obtained from customers. The price should be split between the two laboratories. Therefore, the second server grasps the operation status of all the first servers and manages the business transactions occurring between the respective laboratories or between the respective laboratories and the customer, for example, the billing control and the electronic settlement for the customer. May be used.

Here, the “print service” in the present specification includes not only services such as the above-mentioned additional print and creation of a postcard with a photo, but also all ancillary services performed until the photo print is delivered to the customer. Shall be included. Specifically, for example, a service of mailing or delivering the completed print without receiving it at the store, a service of notifying the customer of the completion of the print by e-mail, and a period in which the storage period of the digital image data in the first server ends. To e-mail the customer, extend the storage period by e-mail from the customer, specify the lab to receive the prints, return the ordered prints to an album, commemorative photos, etc. A service such as attaching a print on a backing with a picture and returning it is possible.

Therefore, the "print order information" includes all information necessary for the supplementary services, such as the method of receiving the print, the address of the receiver, and the e-mail address. Is not only referred to, but can be used for various processes. In other words, for example, a printer for mailing label printing is connected to the lab server, and if mailing of prints is specified in `` print order information '', refer to the address and name of the recipient included in the instruction information, Processing such as automatically printing out a mailing label may be considered. Note that this label printing may be output by a printer that performs a printing operation, and if it is placed at the top of the print order, the discrimination is good.

A method of using a template in a service for creating a processed print such as a composite image is known. When such a service is provided, the first server is provided with a low data amount. May be stored on a network so that a customer can order a processed print using the template.

Here, the "information about the template" may be the template itself, or information indicating the identifier of the template or the storage location.

In this specification, a template includes not only data but also a processing procedure such as a macro. Specifically, for example, a background image having a blank area for arranging an image may be used as a template,
A set of such a background image and a processing procedure such as “insert a designated image into a blank area of the background image” may be used as a template. Alternatively, for example, only a processing procedure such as “rotate a specified image by 90 degrees” or “decrease the saturation of a specified image” is used as a template, and by applying this template to a certain image,
It also includes one that is rotated 0 degrees.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network print service system according to the present embodiment. The customer terminal 1, a lab server 2 as a first server with a hard disk 2a, and a center server 3 as a second server with a hard disk 3a are connected to a network WAN such as the Internet. In the lab,
The lab server 2 is connected to the image processing terminal 3 and the printer 4 via a LAN or the like. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a lab server 2 is installed in each of a plurality of labs, and a plurality of center servers 3 are also provided.

Next, an embodiment in which a print service is performed using the present system will be described. (1) Direct print service The order and delivery process will be described with reference to FIGS.

The customer activates print ordering software (pre-installed) in the customer terminal 1 and accesses the center server 2 specified by the URL to obtain service information ( FIG.
(A), (b), 11 in FIG. The service information referred to here indicates the contents of print service such as postcard creation, business card creation, printing as it is, its price,
It is related to the delivery date.

The customer can create print order information by selecting desired items from these menus using the terminal 1 and inputting necessary items as needed (FIG. 1).
(C)). More specifically, for example, if you want to create a postcard using your own image,
Customers can choose to create a postcard from the menu.
In such a case, the customer first selects a template for image composition. Normally, a basic template exists in a CD-ROM in which print order creation software is stored, so it may be used. However, if there is no preference, refer to a predetermined URL, It is possible to download the low-resolution image as one of the service information.

Next, the customer reads in advance image information that is a digital image from a medium such as a digital camera,
It can fit into the specified position of the template.
Thereafter, the customer inputs personal information such as an address, a name, a telephone number, and the like, and information for creating a postcard is completed. Here, the specification of the template etc.
It is preferable to use codes (including numbers) that can be recognized in common with the laboratory instead of image information because the data amount is small.
The information of the embedded image data, the information of the characters, and the print size and the number of prints are described together in the form of a text, and an order ID is added at the end. These information are collectively called print order information (FIG. 4). 12).

Here, the print order information created by the customer is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 and includes information necessary for additional printing, such as an image number, a size and the number of sheets, and a method of receiving a completed print. Is included.
Further, in the order of the processed print, the template number and the like are also included in the order information. The contents of the services that can be provided via the network include not only those accompanied by print output but also anything related to print services. For example, if the storage period of digital image data in the lab server 2 expires in a few days, but a photograph to be reprinted has not yet been determined, a service for requesting extension of the storage period is also conceivable.

Here, the order information may be any information that can uniquely express the print order information, and may be, for example, a form in which date, time, minute, and second are added to an ID for specifying a customer described later.

Various data structures for order information are also conceivable. For example, Microsoft has proposed a structured storage technology in which several types of data having different properties are stored in a single file in a hierarchical structure. It is also possible to create an order file as shown in FIG.

Alternatively, the customer sends the print order information to the center server (13 in FIG. 4), the print order information is stored for each lab, and the lab server sends the print order information to the center server at an arbitrary timing. It is checked whether it exists (14 in FIG. 4), and if it exists, the information is transferred to the lab server side (15 in FIG. 4).
After receiving the order, the lab creates a thumbnail of the received order (16 in FIG. 4) and sends it to the center server together with the order information so that the customer can check the status of the order (17 in FIG. 4). At the same time, an order confirmation mail is returned to the customer (18 in FIG. 4).

As described above, the advantage of confirming the print order information from the lab server at an arbitrary timing is that the order can be processed when the load on the printer and its peripheral devices is small depending on the work situation in the lab, and the efficiency can be improved. In addition, security can be improved by preventing access from others since the terminal is not always connected to the Internet, and by being able to refuse dial-ups and the like from outside the Internet.

The customer sends the created print order information to the lab server 2 of the lab designated by the customer by em-
The lab server 2 that has transmitted (FIG. 1 (d)) and received (FIG. 1 (e)) by using an aile or an attached file (digital camera image information) as necessary, After processing such as rendering (rendering) is performed by the processing end 3 (FIG. 1F), printing is performed by the printer 4 (FIG. 1G). In this case, the access area to the center server is increased. Can be lowered. In addition,
If the customer's name, address, etc. are included in the print order information, PGP
(Pretty Good Privacy) or the like is preferably used to encrypt text data in particular.

It is necessary for the output prints to be distinguished for each order (FIG. 1 (h)). When mailing is specified, it is desirable that address writing be performed based on the print order information. Also, if the order information is placed at the top of the image on which the order information is printed for receiving at a store, the confirmation becomes easy and the work becomes easier. Thereafter, the print image is provided to the user by receiving it at the store or delivering it according to the order of the user. (2) Print service on the WEB The customer uses Internet Explorer (Microsoft Corp.)
oration service) can be used to order print services. In this case, the customer terminal 1 accesses the center server 3 and copies the order information including the image information owned by the customer's own personal computer in the form of uploading. (2 in FIG. 4)
1). Such order information is stored in the hard disk 3a (22 in FIG. 4).

A thumbnail is created for the recorded image (22 in FIG. 4), and the customer can input order information such as the number of sheets and size while checking the thumbnail image from the browser (23 in FIG. 4). (24 in FIG. 4). When the order is confirmed, the center server issues an order ID (25 in FIG. 4).

Even in this case, the print order information created on the customer side is stored in the lab server 2 designated by the center server.
Is saved as data for In the lab server 2, the print order information is distributed from the center server 3 to the lab server 2 at an arbitrary timing using a protocol such as FTP (27 in FIG. 4). Based on the received print order information, an order confirmation e-mail is sent to the customer (FIG. 4).
28), the printer 4 can form a print and give the print to the customer (29 in FIG. 4).

Further, instead of storing all the print order information in the center server, it is possible to perform the following. In this case, the customer terminal 1 accesses the center server 3 and copies the image information that the customer owns on his or her personal computer. Such image information is stored in the hard disk 3a. Even in this case, the print order information created on the customer side is transmitted to the designated lab server 2, and the lab server 2
Based on the information specified by the received print order information, the transmission instruction of the image information copied to the center server 3 is performed. Such image information is distributed from the center server 3 to the lab server 2 using a protocol such as FTP. Based on the print order information received via the lab server 2 and the transferred image information, the printer 4
Can form a print.

Here, the image information stored in the hard disk 3a confirms whether data copying or printing processing has been performed on the lab server, or it has been determined that there is no reorder (reorder) described later ( Is not used for a certain period of time).

The reorder stores print order information indicated by an order ID issued within a certain period of time by the customer, and the customer designates a target order ID from the browser (31 in FIG. 4), and print order. This is a function to call the information and specify the number of sheets and the size without re-uploading the screen with a large load, thereby easily generating the print order information. When the designation is completed here, the order ID is issued again and the image information has already been transmitted to the lab server. Therefore, only the print order information excluding the image information is created for the same lab server as before (FIG. 4). 32). The lab server confirms the order information (33 in FIG. 4), obtains the print order information (34 in FIG. 4), sends an order completion mail to the customer (35 in FIG. 4), and sends the print to the customer. (3 in FIG. 4)
6).

By doing so, it is possible to place an order without exchanging image information between the customer and the center server, between the Santa server and the lab server, which has a heavy load. (3) Print service using the power of an Eve When a customer performs a silver halide negative film or a reversal print in a laboratory, the image is scanned and converted into high-resolution data in accordance with the customer's request to produce a high-resolution data.
Can be stored in the hard disk 2a. When the customer performs reprinting while checking the image via the Internet based on the high-resolution data, the customer-side terminal 1 can access the lab server 2 and check the high-resolution data. However, it takes time to download and check all of the plurality of high-resolution data.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lab server 2
, After compressing the image information, the image information having a small data amount such as a thumbnail image is transmitted to the center server 3 and stored in the hard disk 3a.
The center server 3 can publish on the web in a form that restricts access from the customer.

More specifically, the center server 3 stores the thumbnail image data transferred from each lab as described above in association with the lab from which the thumbnail image data was sent, and stores the thumbnail image data. Make the data accessible on the network. At this time, the thumbnail image is not required to have a particularly high image quality, as long as the customer can confirm the photograph at the time of ordering. Also, in order to save disk space, it is desirable that the data amount of the thumbnail image is small as long as the image can be recognized. In the present embodiment, the digital image data that the lab server 2 stores for print output is 30 L-size prints.
While the number of pixels required for output at 0 dpi is 4 bases (the number of pixels is about 1536 × 1024), the digital image data stored for access via the network by the center server 3 is 1/4 base (about the number of pixels). 384x
256). The center server 3 also stores the thumbnails of the templates stored in the lab server 2 so that customers can access them via a network.

The customer refers to the image information published on the web, creates print order information based on the image number, and transmits the print order information to the lab server 2 in a form including the image information. Additional printing is possible.

Further, the lab server 2 can store a high-resolution template in addition to the high-resolution image data of the photograph of the customer. The center server 3 can store a low-resolution template corresponding to the high-resolution template, but this may be registered in the center server 3 every time a new template is created in the laboratory. On the other hand, low-resolution image data corresponding to high-resolution image data can also be registered in the center server at the request of the customer.

The customer refers to the low-resolution image data (thumbnail image data) and the low-resolution template published on the center server 3 (downloads them as necessary), and synthesizes them on the customer terminal 1 (for example, a personal computer). can do. However, processing such as synthesis performed here,
The purpose is to create order information,
The processed image obtained by the processing is used only for confirmation. The procedure of the processing performed by the customer is recorded by the function of the dedicated software incorporated in the customer terminal 1, and is incorporated as a part when print order information is generated. The print order information also includes information indicating an image specified by the customer and information indicating a template used for processing by the customer.

The print order information including the thumbnail image data and the low resolution template data is transmitted from the customer side terminal 1 to the lab server 2, and based on the print order information, the lab server 2 transmits the high resolution template corresponding to the low resolution template. And high-resolution image data corresponding to the thumbnail image
a, the image processing terminal 4 performs processing according to the processing procedure included in the print order information, and the printer 5 can output a print.

As described above, if the high-resolution data of the template is stored in each lab in the same manner as the image data of the customer, the center server 3 instructs the lab server 2 to perform the processing print service. In addition, there is no need to transfer high-resolution template data, and network load or communication cost can be reduced.

Further, if the template images stored on the hard disk 3a of the center server 3 are stored as low-resolution data for monitor display, the disk space of the center server 3 can be saved.

Note that the customer has a specific ID such as his own friend.
The print permission may be given to the person who has given the print request by referring to the web page. In this case, if a friend specifies a lab server 2 installed in another lab, the friend sends a data transmission request to the lab server 2 having the high-resolution data from the specified lab server 2.
Since image information is transferred between the lab servers 2, printing can be performed in another lab.

Further, it is preferable that the customer has a unique ID as its identification information (name, address, TEL, password, E-mail address, etc.). Such ID
Will be published in the lab and aggregated through network membership integration.

Further, the customer inputs identification information on the center server (41 in FIG. 4), and the center server issues an ID (42 in FIG. 4). The data is transmitted (43 in FIG. 4), and the database (DB) is updated (44 in FIG. 4). A registration completion notice is sent to the customer in parallel with the work (45 in FIG. 4).
The same result can be obtained by doing so.

If such an ID is registered in the laboratory server 2 or the center server 3, for example, automatic billing can be performed according to the print order of the customer. At the time of issuing the ID, a URL to be accessed from the customer terminal 1 may be specified. For example, when special software for ordering prints is used, a URL to be automatically accessed is defined by ID number information, and it is convenient to obtain service information from the URL. Also, not special software,
It is also possible to use a web browser such as an Internet Explorer or a Netscape Navigator. In this case also, the customer accesses the URL of the center server 3,
When the ID number is input, the user can access the URL of the designated lab, and can perform a dedicated service.

Each lab server 2 transmits information on the print history to the center server 3 at a predetermined timing (for example, every other week).
If the received information on the print history of the lab server 2 is stored in a database and stored, for example, the number of print orders in any lab can be counted at any time, which is convenient.

In the case of providing a processed print service using a template as the print service, an order is accepted by publishing the template together with the image information of the customer on the center server 3, and the lab server 2 is processed. By transmitting the information designating the template to be used, a simple composite photograph can be created in the lab, and a rapid processing print service can be provided.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. is there.

[0070]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network print service installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, and at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network. And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to a customer via a network, wherein the terminal on the customer side uses a print server based on print service information obtained from the second server. When the print order information created and sent to the first server is sent to the first server, the first server performs print processing based on the sent print order information. The second server only provides the print service information even if the customers who are going to concentrate at one time Thus, the line is less likely to become busy, while the first server is provided for each installed lab, so the number of print orders received from the customer terminal is also dispersed, and the line becomes busy. Fear is low.

A network print service according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to the customer via the second server, wherein the second server is capable of storing image information sent from a terminal on the customer side. When the print order information created based on the print service information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server by the customer terminal, the first server Transmitting an image information transfer command to the second server, and further receiving the image information received from the second server;
Since print processing is performed based on the print order information sent from the customer side terminal, for image information having a relatively long transfer time, for example, a line is relatively open such as late at night or early in the morning. If the data is transferred from the first server to the second server at a time when communication costs are relatively low,
The communication time can be reduced, and the line can be prevented from becoming busy.

A network print service according to a third aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, And at least one second server capable of providing print service information to a customer via the lab, and when the first image information is acquired in the lab, the first server And storing the first image information, transferring the second image information converted to a data amount smaller than the first image information to the second server, and storing the second image information in the second server. And a printer created by a customer terminal based on print service information including the second image information obtained from the second server. When the order information is sent to the first server, the first server is configured to store the first image information based on the stored first image information and the print order information sent from the customer terminal. Since the print processing is performed, the customer sees the second image information included in the print service information provided from the second server, and requests the first server to perform a desired operation such as image synthesis. Since processing can be requested, it is convenient because work with a large load such as image transfer can be omitted. In such a case, the second image information provided from the second server has a smaller data amount than the first image information.
Since the transfer time is short, the possibility of the line being busy is low.

A network print service according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, and at least one first server capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network; At least one second server capable of providing print service information to the customer via the second server, the second server receiving at least a part of the order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side The second server stores the information in the information storage unit without transmitting the received information to the first server when receiving the order information from the terminal on the customer side. By transmitting information stored in the information storage unit to the first server when there is a request for transmission of order information from the first server, By the server to check the availability of the laboratory printing process, it receives the order information from the second server with less timing of print amount,
It is possible to equalize the amount of work in the laboratory without concentrating on a specific time. In addition, since the connection from the first server to the second server can be made at an arbitrary timing, the connection is made only when the connection is necessary, which leads to a reduction in communication costs when using a telephone line. ,Also,
It is also advantageous in terms of security because it is always connected and does not connect to the outside due to requests from the outside, so the possibility of entering the network in the lab from outside decreases. Further, the image information can be stored in the information storage section of the second server, and the first server sends the image information corresponding to the order information to the second server based on the received order information. Requesting transmission, the second server transmits the requested image information to the first server, and the first server performs print processing based on the image information received from the second server, so that the customer Since only the necessary image data among the image data stored in the second server is transmitted, there is no load for communication or pressure on the storage area of the first server. Further, the first server or the second server can register the identification information of the customer, and the customer side terminal automatically sends the identification information of the customer to the at least one first server by the input identification information. If it is possible to connect to the customer, the connected customer can be specified based on the identification information, and for example, automatic billing can be performed, which is convenient.

Further, the first server transmits information on a print history to the second server at a predetermined timing, and the second server transmits the received information to the first server. If the information regarding the print history is collected and stored in a database via a network or the like, it is convenient because, for example, there is a large number of print orders in any laboratory at any time.

Further, if the first server stores the template information, it is convenient because the image can be easily synthesized based on the template information. In addition, the second
Server stores the template information stored in the first server by compressing the template information and storing the template information with a small amount of data. This is convenient because the combined image can be checked.

The server according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a server installed in a laboratory for performing print processing in accordance with print order information from a customer. A communication unit for requesting transmission of the order information from another server on the network via the communication unit, and receiving the order information from another server on the network via the communication unit. Executes processing, issues a print instruction to a connected printer based on the received order information, and receives data from another server in accordance with the processing status of the server. If you use a telephone line to make the connection, you will save on communication costs.
If it is not possible to respond to connection requests from the outside, the possibility of entry into the network within the lab from outside will be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of protecting security.
The stable operation of the server is improved. Furthermore, the order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side is received via the communication unit, and in response to the reception of the order information, the order information is transmitted to another server on the network via the communication unit. A process for requesting transmission of corresponding image information and a process for receiving image information from another server on the network are executed, and a print instruction is sent to a connected printer based on the received image information and the order information. By doing so, only the necessary image information is received from another server based on the received order information, which is advantageous in reducing communication traffic and reducing the storage capacity of the server. Sixth
The server according to the present invention is a server for providing a print service according to a print order from a customer, has a communication unit to a network, and an information storage unit. In response to the request, the order information transmitted from the customer terminal is received via the communication unit, stored in the information storage unit, and stored in response to a request from a server on the lab side on the network. Since the order information stored in the section is transmitted via the communication section, the request on the lab side can be met, so that the load on the server on the lab side can be reduced. Also,
It is also possible to reduce the network management load by concentrating the ports that access ordinary users from the always-on line such as the Internet on such servers. Further, image information transmitted from the customer terminal is stored in the information storage unit, and the image information stored in the storage unit is transmitted via the communication unit in response to a request from a server on the lab side on the network. It is possible to reduce the load on the server on the lab side in terms of storage capacity. Further, in response to access from a customer terminal on the network, service information for printing is transmitted to the customer terminal via the communication unit, so that seasonal and public price information such as a print unit price is displayed tomorrow and the like. When saying, it is possible to respond quickly. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the network print which can receive a print order stably and reliably by eliminating the waste of the communication at the time of a print order can perform an order promptly, and preventing concentration of access to a center server. A service system and a server can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network print service system and a server according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of order information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of order information.

FIG. 4 is a ladder diagram of a network print system and a server according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 customer terminal 2 lab server 3 center server 4 image processing terminal 5 printer WAN internet

Claims (14)

[Claims] At least one first server installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting images and capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a print service for the customer via the network. At least one second server capable of providing information, and print order information created by a customer terminal based on print service information obtained from the second server is stored in the first server. Wherein the first server performs print processing based on the transmitted print order information. 2. At least one first server installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image and capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a print service for the customer via the network. At least one second server capable of providing information, wherein the second server is capable of storing image information sent from a customer-side terminal, and the customer-side terminal When print order information created based on print service information obtained from the second server is sent to the first server,
The first server transmits an image information transfer command to the second server, and further transmits the image information received from the second server and the print order information transmitted from the customer terminal. A network print service system for performing a print process based on the network print service. 3. A first server installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image, capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and a print service for the customer via the network. At least one second server capable of providing information, and when the first image information is acquired in the lab,
The first server stores the first image information, transfers the second image information converted to a data amount smaller than the first image information to the second server, and stores the second image information in the second server; Is stored in a server of the customer, and is obtained from the second server by a terminal on the customer side.
When print order information created based on print service information including the second image information is sent to the first server, the first server stores the first image information stored therein. And a print process based on the print order information sent from the customer terminal. 4. At least one first server installed in a lab having a printer capable of outputting an image and capable of acquiring print order information from a customer via a network, and print service information for the customer via the network. And at least one second server capable of providing the order information, wherein the second server has an information storage unit capable of receiving and storing at least a part of the order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side. The second server does not transmit the received information to the first server when receiving the order information from the customer side terminal, stores the information in the information storage unit, and transmits the order information from the first server. A print service system which transmits information stored in the information storage unit to the first server when a request for transmission of order information is made. 5. The image information can be stored in an information storage unit of the second server, and the first server responds to the order information with respect to the second server based on the received order information. Requesting transmission of image information, the second server transmitting the requested image information to the first server, wherein the first server receives the image information received from the second server and the first server The network print service system according to claim 4, wherein print processing is performed based on the received order information. 6. The first server or the second server is capable of registering identification information of a customer, and the customer-side terminal is configured to register the at least one first server by the input identification information. 6. The network print service system according to claim 1, wherein the network print service system can be automatically connected to the network print service. 7. The first server transmits information on a print history to the second server at a predetermined timing, and the second server receives the first server. 7. The network print service system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the print history is stored in a database. 8. The network print service system according to claim 1, wherein said first server stores template information. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second server stores template information having a smaller data amount than the template information stored by the first server.
The network print service system as described. 10. A server arranged in a lab for performing print processing according to print order information from a customer, comprising: a connection unit with a printer capable of outputting images; and a communication unit to a network. Having, through the communication unit, performing a process of requesting transmission of the order information to another server on the network, and a process of receiving the order information from another server on the network; A server which issues a print instruction to a connected printer based on the order information. 11. The order information transmitted from the terminal on the customer side is received via the communication unit, and in response to receiving the order information, the order information is transmitted to another server on the network via the communication unit. A process of requesting transmission of image information corresponding to the order information, and a process of receiving image information from another server on the network are executed, and a printer connected based on the received image information and the order information is executed. The server according to claim 10, wherein the server issues a print instruction. 12. A server for providing a print service in accordance with a print order from a customer, comprising: a communication unit for a network; and an information storage unit, wherein a request from a customer terminal on the network is provided. According to the order information transmitted from the customer terminal is received via the communication unit, stored in the information storage unit, in response to a request from a server on the lab side on the network, in the information storage unit A server, wherein the stored order information is transmitted via the communication unit. 13. The information storage unit stores image information transmitted from a customer terminal, and in response to a request from a server on the lab side on the network, the image information stored in the storage unit communicates with the communication unit. 13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the server is transmitted via a unit. 14. The service terminal according to claim 12, wherein service information for printing is transmitted to the customer terminal via the communication unit in response to access from the customer terminal on the network. server.