JP2003085261A - Information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to have picture data photographed by an electronic still camera delivered by conveniently printing-out only the designated picture data outside without installing any hardware at home. SOLUTION: Short-range communication is performed between a user terminal and a regional server, and a picture to be photographed by a terminal is temporarily uploaded and stored in the regional server. Afterwards, a user accesses the regional server at home, and selects a necessary picture, and designates the destination of distribution (transmission) of print to a printing site. The data are transmitted from the regional server to the printing site, and printed, and the printed matter is delivered to his or her house. When the destination of distribution of print is designated as a convenience store, the picture data are printed at the convenience store, and the printed matter is received there. Thus, the album edition or printing of pictures is executed instead of a user so that it is not necessary for the user to install any equipment such as a personal computer or a printer by himself or herself, and that it is possible for the user to save any labor to be imposed on the edition or printing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention sends image data shot by a terminal such as a portable electronic still camera of a user to a print site via a network and delivers (sends) the printed image to a designated destination. Information processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable electronic still cameras have become popular, but on the other hand, the number of pixels has been improved and the image quality has been improved. However, since the amount of information per piece of high-quality image data is large, its internal storage capacity must be large. If the storage capacity is the same as the conventional one, the number of shots per memory medium decreases, and if the memory capacity is increased, the number of shots per memory medium can be increased, but the cost of the camera increases.

Therefore, as a measure against the shortage of the storage capacity of an electronic still camera, image data taken by a camera having a short-distance communication function, as disclosed in JP-A-10-149309 and JP-A-10-336238, can be wirelessly transmitted. There has been proposed a method in which infrared rays or the like are used as a communication medium and temporarily stored in a regional server having a large storage capacity, and then images are downloaded from a home personal computer or the like.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional method for temporarily storing images and the like on the Internet and downloading them at home according to the above publications. First, although the user 100 has the portable information terminal 1, if the user 100 has the function of a digital still camera, data such as image and sound is captured. Normally, this terminal 1 has its own area for storing such images, but since the capacity tends to be insufficient as described above, the data acquired by using the short-distance wireless communication network developed in recent years is used. The data is transferred to the local server 2 placed in the vicinity such as the shooting location. However, the terminal 1 and the regional server 2 form a regional network 50.

Since the storage capacity of this server has a margin, data can be transferred without worrying about the number of shots. If necessary, the regional server can transfer the received data to the storage server 3 via the Internet 4 by providing a storage area in a provider with which the user has a contract.

[0006] The user 100 returns to his / her home and downloads the image data and the like taken from the regional server 2 and the storage server 3 with a personal computer or the like to the personal computer 8 via the home delivery server 6, and thereafter edits the personal computer 8 within the personal computer 8. It is printed by the printer 7 and saved as an album.

In this case, a considerable amount of equipment such as a personal computer 8, a printer 7 and editing software is required in the home, and editing on the personal computer 8 requires a certain amount of knowledge and effort. As a result, the work of developing and storing, which has not been so troublesome in a conventional photograph, is burdensome.

Although the above-mentioned communication medium is the Internet, there is a movement to utilize digital broadcasting which is another communication medium. Generally, a broadcasting medium is a communication medium that has a large capacity and simultaneously transmits the same information to a plurality of sites, but it is also considered to transmit individual information by various means.

[0009] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-334112 discloses broadcasting a user's search keyword to a plurality of search sites all at once to perform simultaneous search at each site. It covers the unidirectionality, which is a basic feature of broadcasting, in combination with the Internet.

On the other hand, color printers and editing software have come into wide use due to the widespread use of such simple image input devices (electronic sketch cameras, etc.) as described above, and if there is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) at home, List the data taken with the electronic still camera on a computer, save the necessary data electronically, print with the printer above and paste it in an album. It has become possible to process these in a simplified manner.

Due to the digitization of these photographs, the unnecessary development in film units, which has been a problem in conventional photography, is unnecessarily developed, so that it is wasteful in terms of cost and development time is basically required. The problem of being lost has been resolved.

[0012]

As described above, although there are complete processing devices that electronically manage the photographs taken by the current electronic still cameras, considerable facilities such as a personal computer, a printer, and editing software are required. Is. Also, print processing and album creation on a personal computer require some knowledge, and editing is time-consuming. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to accept it in general households in terms of labor and cost because it is necessary to have a color printer etc. in each household although it is not frequently made into an album.

Therefore, the construction of a processing system for image data taken by an electronic still camera, which is as convenient as developing a film taken by a normal camera or more convenient, is being developed.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to specify image data obtained by an electronic still camera as a designated image without equipping a home with equipment. It is to provide an information processing system in which only data can be easily externally printed and distributed (sent).

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, a feature of the first invention is that a terminal owned by a user is connected to the terminal by short-distance communication and a regional server for temporarily storing received data. A home server connected to the regional server via a network; and a local server connected to the regional server via a network or a dedicated line, receiving print data, temporarily storing the print data, and then printing with a printing device. The proxy server is provided, and the data transmitted from the user-authenticated terminal is temporarily stored in the regional server, and thereafter,
Upon receiving the print instruction and the delivery (sending) destination instruction from the same terminal, the regional server transmits the once stored data and the delivery (sending) destination to the print proxy server for printing,
Distribution (sending) from a site equipped with this printing agent server
It is to deliver the printed matter first.

The printing agent server according to the second aspect of the present invention is located in a specialized site or in a store that operates a retail business. Characterized by coming to the store to get the corresponding printed matter.

A feature of the third invention is that, when issuing a print instruction from the terminal to the regional server, the regional server sends back a list of already stored data to the terminal, and the user prints data from this list. Is selected and the print instruction is issued to the regional server together with the selection information.

[0018] A feature of the fourth invention is that a terminal possessed by a user, a regional server connected to the terminal by short-distance communication and temporarily storing received data, and a store connected to the regional server via a network. A retail chain store headquarters having a server, a store server of the retail chain store headquarters connected via a network or a dedicated line, a broadcasting station for broadcasting received data, and a receiving device for receiving data broadcast from the broadcasting station, A plurality of branch stores of the retail chain store headquarters, which comprises a printing agent server that temporarily stores the data received by the receiving device, and the regional server temporarily stores the data transmitted from the user-authenticated terminal. After accumulating, when receiving a transfer instruction from the same terminal, the data once accumulated is stored in the retail chain store headquarters via the network. The store server sends the received data to the broadcasting station via a network or a dedicated line, the broadcasting station broadcasts the received data, and the branch chain stores of the retail chain store headquarters. The print surrogate server receives the broadcast data by the broadcast receiver and temporarily stores it.

A feature of the fifth invention is that the user goes to one of the branch stores, prints the corresponding data on the spot with a printing device, receives the printed matter, and further receives the printed matter. In this case, the above-mentioned data of the printing agent server of this branch store is of course deleted, and the same data of the printing agent server of another branch store is also deleted.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration according to the first embodiment of the information processing system of the present invention. However, the same parts as those of the conventional example will be described with the same reference numerals. User 10
Portable information terminal 1 having the electronic still camera function of 0
A regional network 50 is configured by the regional server 2 wirelessly connected to the terminal 1. The regional network 50 is a printing site 60 and a convenience store CS.
And the store server 9 via a dedicated line, and also connected to the home server 6 and the credit sales company server 5 via the Internet 4. The store server 9 and the print server 11 include a printing machine 10 for printing data. An information distribution (sending) system using the regional network 5 will be described below.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
First, the user 100, the portable information terminal 1 and the regional server 2 are in the regional area, and the portable information terminal 1 and the regional server 2 are connected by short-range wireless communication. Image data taken from the portable information terminal 1 is temporarily recorded in the regional server 2,
At that time, the terminal 1 specifies the delivery (sending) destination.

As an example of the delivery form, it is possible to access from the home server 6 at home via the Internet 4, download the necessary image data from the regional server 2, and perform the subsequent processing entirely within the home. . At that time, the credit company intervenes for the payment of the temporary storage through the credit company server 5.

As a second example of the delivery form, the portable information terminal 1
When registering an image on the regional server 2 from, specify printing,
Specify only the image required for printing, enter parameters such as the print format, and register the delivery (sending) destination such as your home. The charge amount is determined in the regional server 2 by these designations,
When the mobile information terminal 1 is notified and presented to the user, and the purchase is made, the payment can be performed by the credit sales company in the same manner as above.

These designation data and image data are transmitted to the printing site 60, printed in the format designated by the printing machine 12 here, and delivered (sent) to the convenience store CS at home or in the neighborhood. Since the latter method can use the existing transportation network, transportation cost can be saved. Further, if payment is made at the time of delivery to the convenience store CS, payment at the above-mentioned credit sales company becomes unnecessary. At this time, the regional server 2 issues a number corresponding to the slip number and the like, and when the user 100 receives the image, it is necessary to specify the image in accordance with the slip number.

When the user returns home, these print designations are made.
Connect to the regional server 2 with a personal computer other than the above terminal 1,
It is also possible to select a desired image from the image list and specify print.

As a second example of the distribution (sending) mode, since the image data can be distributed (sent) anywhere, the printing machine 10 is installed in the convenience store CS and the destination of the image data from the regional server 2 is set. In the convenience store CS near the home, the regional server 2 issues a number corresponding to the slip number in the same manner as above. The image data from the regional server 2 is printed at the convenience store CS, and the user later goes to pick it up and pays for it on the spot.

FIG. 2A is an outline of the data format stored in the regional server 2. The header has a user ID and a password, and when the user accesses this later, if the same code is entered, the user can be authenticated. The user's contact information is for arrival notification and
The delivery destination includes the print site 60 and the store number of the convenience store CS. The print form specifies the arrangement of images and the shape of paper when printing. A purchase flag is attached to the image data of each user, and the regional server 2 first displays all the images (image data 1, ..., N), and the user specifies and purchases only the necessary images.

A purchase flag is checked and saved in the purchased image. Image data that is not checked will be deleted on the spot or saved for a certain period of time so that it can be purchased again. FIG. 2B is an outline of the data format of the print instruction from the regional server 2 to the print site (print site or CS in FIG. 1) 60. The print server address indicating the delivery (sending) destination, the user ID for identifying the user, the contact address of the user, the delivery address, and the printing form are the same as those in FIG. 2A. Here, there is the purchased image data 1, which is printed and distributed (sent).

FIG. 3A shows an example of a screen displayed when the user's portable information terminal 1 and the regional server 2 communicate with each other to input a print designation. First, after connecting to the regional server 2, the user authentication is started, and the user ID and password obtained in advance are input. After user authentication is completed, data such as a captured image is uploaded as shown in FIG.

Here, when the storage capacity of the terminal 1 is small, the terminal 1 and the regional server 2 are always connected and upload each time one picture is taken. After uploading, a slip number is assigned to this image file group and displayed. The user makes a note of this and uses it later for specifying the print instruction.

FIG. 3C is a screen for designating printing when the local server is accessed after shooting. First, FIG.
(A) Similarly, after connecting to the regional server 2, the user authentication is started and the user ID and password are input. When user authentication is completed, a list of images taken is displayed, and you can check the necessary images.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (D), the printing mode when the album is created, the distribution (sending) destination of the album (home, convenience store store, or designated convenience store chain) are input, and the final charge amount is entered. Is displayed. With this purchase, the data in FIG. 3B is transmitted to the print site 60 and printed.

FIG. 4 shows a communication procedure between the terminal device 1 and the regional server 2. After user authentication, images are taken one after another and the data is uploaded. The portable information terminal 1 is step 401,
When the area server 2 is accessed, the area server 2 returns the user ID presentation and the authentication screen request in step 402. Since the portable information terminal 1 sends the password to the regional server 2 in step 403, the regional server 2 authenticates.

When the regional server 2 authenticates, step 40
In step 4, the image transfer permission is returned. Therefore, the mobile information terminal 1
Transfers the image data to the regional server 2 in step 405, and when the input completion notification is returned in step 406, transfers the image data to the regional server 2 in step 407. In step 408, an end notification is issued. Regional server 2
Stores the received image data, and then issues a storage completion notification to the portable information terminal 1 in step 409.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart on the terminal side for realizing the communication procedure shown in FIG. The portable information terminal 1 connects to the regional server 2 in step 501, selects image transfer in step 502, and presents the user ID to the regional server 2 in step 503. If it is authenticated, the portable information terminal 1 inputs the password in step 504, then confirms the charging method in step 505, and if the authentication is determined in step 506, the process ends in step 507. It is determined whether or not it is finished, and if it is not finished, step 508
Then, the subject is photographed, the image data is transferred to the regional server 2 in step 509, and then the process returns to step 507. In this way, when the transfer of the image data is completed, the connection with the regional server 2 is disconnected and the process is completed.

FIG. 6 shows a communication procedure between the portable information terminal 1 and the regional server 2 after the above-mentioned image data transfer. When the portable information terminal 1 accesses the regional server 2 in step 601, the regional server 2 returns the user ID presentation and the authentication screen request in step 602. The portable information terminal 1 sends a password to the regional server 2 for authentication input in step 603, and when the regional server 2 authenticates, it transmits a user authentication completion notice and an image thumbnail to the portable information terminal 1 in step 604. Therefore, the mobile information terminal 1 looks at the image thumbnails, and prints the image, that is, the purchase image and the distribution (sending).
In order to designate the destination as 2 in the area server, the area server 2 presents the amount to the portable information terminal 1 in step 606.

In step 608, the regional server 2 issues a print and distribution (send) instruction of the designated image data to the print site 6.
0 or transmitted to the store server 9. In step 609, the print site 60 or the store server 9 sends the purchase image delivery or arrival notification to the mobile information terminal 1.

After user authentication, printing is designated by the procedure shown in FIG. 2B and delivered (sent) directly from the print site, or after printing at the convenience store CS, the user is notified.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart on the terminal side for realizing the communication procedure of FIG. Step 70 of the portable information terminal 1
In step 1, the local server 2 is connected, and in step 702, the user ID is presented to the local server 2. Once it is certified,
The portable information terminal 1 inputs the password in step 704, and when the authentication is completed, the thumbnail of the image is displayed in step 705.

When the user looks at the image thumbnail and designates the purchased image in step 706, in step 707, it is determined whether or not data is to be distributed (sent), and it is desired to have the print delivered instead of the data. Is step 7
If it is desired to have the data distributed (transmitted), proceed to step 714.

Step 707 is an option of electronically distributing (sending) or making a printed matter. For a printed matter, home delivery, a CS store name or a designated CS chain name is input.

In step 708, the user specifies the print format, and in step 709 the delivery (sending) destination is determined to be either home or convenience store CS. In the case of convenience store CS, the CS store name is specified in step 710. Designate and the charge is displayed in step 711. When the delivery (sending) destination is home, the charge is immediately displayed in step 711. After that, the user determines in step 712 whether or not to purchase the product. If the user wants to purchase the product, the user issues an ordering instruction in step 713, and if the product is not purchased, the process ends immediately.

On the other hand, if the data distribution (sending) is selected in step 707, the charge is displayed in step 714. Therefore, the user looks at it and determines in step 715 whether or not to purchase, and does not purchase. If so, the process is terminated, and if purchasing, the process proceeds to step 716 to download the image data.

In the present embodiment, the equipment at home need only be a simple terminal for instructing purchase, and printing is done at the separate site 60. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture with an electronic still camera without editing or printing at home. You can easily get a print of the image.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration according to the second embodiment of the information processing system of the present invention. User 10
Portable information terminal 1 having the electronic still camera function of 0
A regional network 50 is configured by the regional server 2 wirelessly connected to the terminal 1. The regional network 50 is connected to a convenience store headquarters (CS headquarters) 80 via the Internet 4. The CS headquarters 80 has a data broadcasting contract with the broadcasting station 90, and is connected to the broadcasting station 90 by a dedicated line. The broadcasting station 90 transmits the convenience store 801 of each branch via the broadcasting satellite 13.
Data broadcasting is performed in 802 and 803. The convenience stores 801 to 803 of each branch are provided with a broadcast antenna 14, a satellite broadcast receiver 15, a store server 9, and a printing machine 10. The store server 9 of the convenience store is connected to the server of the CS headquarters 80 via the Internet 4.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
This example shows a method of using digital broadcasting as a communication medium for distribution (transmission). The user 100 transfers the photographed file to the regional server 2 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. As a file delivery (sending) destination, for example, a designated CS chain 801, a file is transmitted from the regional server 2 to the CS headquarters 80 via the Internet 4, and from there, the data is transferred to the broadcasting station 90 via a dedicated line. Further, it is broadcasted to all the CSs 801 to 803 under its control via the digital broadcasting satellite 13.

Each of the CSs 801 to 803 has a satellite broadcast receiver 15, and further has facilities such as a store server 9 and a printing machine 10. The broadcasted file is received by the satellite broadcast receiver 15 via the broadcast antenna 14 and temporarily stored in the in-store server 9 of all CSs. During a certain period of time, the user goes to an arbitrary CS, shows the number corresponding to the slip number, etc. on the spot, prints the corresponding image data on the printing machine 10 at the store, receives the printed matter, and pays the price.

For example, since the user 100 receives a print with the CS 801, the CS 801 issues a delete command to the designated file via the Internet.
0, the same command is broadcast from the broadcasting station 90 to all the CSs under its control, and the designated files of the servers 9 in all the CS stores are deleted.

In the above case, if the user does not receive any CS within a certain period of time, the CS headquarters 80 issues a deletion command at the time of expiration, and the designated files of the servers 9 in all CS stores are deleted in the same manner as above. . In this way, by deleting the file after a certain period of time, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the store server 9 from being unnecessarily occupied even when used by many users.

According to the image data distribution (sending) method as in this embodiment, the user can receive the file or the printed matter at any store in the designated CS chains 801 to 803 within a fixed time. In this example, the user specifies CS8
This is a convenient method when the schedule of receiving from 01 to 803 is not clear, you do not know where to receive it, and you cannot receive it at home. After a certain period of time, the local server 2 may be accessed from a personal computer such as at home as in the first embodiment.

As described above, if the printed matter is received at home or a nearby CS, it takes more time than it is directly received as a file, but the user's work is only selection of a necessary image, and editing and printing work can be omitted. The user can finish the scrapping work by simply adding the received printed matter to the album. Moreover, it is possible to bring advantages of digitized photographs such as selection of only necessary images and quick printing. There is no need to have equipment such as a printing machine at home.

[0052]

According to the above-mentioned invention, once the image data is recorded in the regional server, the storage capacity on the terminal side is small and it is possible to shoot with a margin.

Since it has been digitized once, it can be printed by designating it at any printing site. If it is made into a printed matter and received at home or a nearby CS, the user's work is only necessary to select the necessary image, and at home PC or the like. Editing and printing can be omitted because it is done on the site side. The user can finish the scrapping work only by adding the printed matter to the album.

When digital broadcasting and a CS chain are used as the file delivery (sending) method, the user can receive the file at any store in the designated CS chain within a certain period of time and specify the designated CS store name as the delivery destination as described above. It is convenient when you cannot.

The user need only issue such an instruction at home using the portable information terminal, and does not need to have equipment such as a personal computer and a printing machine at home, and can easily enjoy photographing with the electronic sketch camera.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration according to a first embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an outline of a data format stored in a regional server 2 and a data format of a print instruction from a regional server to a print site.

FIG. 3 is an example of a screen displayed on a user's mobile information terminal during communication with a regional server for inputting print designation.

FIG. 4 is a sequence showing a communication procedure between the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 and a regional server.

5 is a flowchart showing an operation on the terminal side for realizing the communication procedure shown in FIG.

6 is a sequence showing a communication procedure between the terminal device and the regional server after the image data transfer shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation on the terminal side for realizing the communication procedure of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration according to a second exemplary embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional system for temporarily storing images and the like via the Internet and downloading them at home.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Portable information terminal 2 regional servers 4 Internet 5 Credit sales company server 6 home server 9 store servers 10, 12 printing machine 11 Print server 13 broadcasting satellites 14 Broadcast antenna 15 satellite receiver 50 regional network 60 printing sites 80 CS Headquarters 90 broadcasting stations 801 to 803 Convenience store

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 E 5/765 7/173 620A 5/91 640A 7/173 620 5/91 L 640 J F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HQ17 5B021 AA01 EE02 5C052 AA12 AB04 DD02 EE02 EE03 FA02 FA03 FA06 FA07 FB01 FB05 FC06 FD07 5C053 FA04 FA06 FA08 JA30 LA03 LA07 LA11 LA14 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC18 BC23 BD02 BD08 BC23

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A terminal owned by a user, a regional server connected to the terminal by short-distance communication and temporarily storing received data, a home server connected to the regional server via a network, and the regional server And a printing agent server that is connected via a network or a dedicated line, receives printing data, temporarily stores it, and then prints it with a printing device. When the area server stores the data once, and then receives a print instruction and a delivery (sending) destination instruction from the terminal, the area server transmits the once-stored data and a delivery (sending) destination to the print proxy server for printing. After that, the information processing system, wherein the printed matter is delivered to the delivery (destination) destination from the site including the printing agent server. 2. The printing agent server is located at a specialized site or in a retail store, and if the retail store is located, the printed matter is temporarily stored,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user comes to the shop to obtain the corresponding printed matter. 3. When issuing a print instruction from the terminal to the regional server, the regional server returns a list of already stored data to the terminal, and the user selects the data to be printed from this list, 2. The print instruction is issued to the regional server together with selection information.
Or the information processing system according to 2. 4. A retail chain store having a user's terminal, a regional server connected to the terminal by short-distance communication and temporarily storing received data, and a store server connected to the regional server via a network. The headquarters, a broadcasting station connected to the store server of the retail chain store headquarters by a network or a dedicated line, and broadcasting the received data, a receiving device for receiving the data broadcast from the broadcasting station, and a receiving device for receiving the data. A plurality of branch stores of the retail chain store headquarters having a printing agent server that temporarily stores data, and the regional server temporarily stores the data transmitted from the user-authenticated terminal, and then the terminal When the transfer instruction is received from the store, the stored data is transmitted to the store server of the retail chain store headquarters via the network. , The store server transmits the received data to the broadcasting station via a network or a dedicated line, the broadcasting station broadcasts the received data, and the printing agent server of each branch store of the retail chain store headquarters broadcasts. An information processing system, wherein the broadcast data is received by the broadcast receiver and temporarily stored. 5. The user goes to one of the branch stores, prints the corresponding data on the spot with a printing device, receives the printed matter, and when the printed matter is received, the branch 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the data of the printing agent server of the store is deleted, and the same data of the printing agent server of another branch store is deleted.