JP2003150368A - Printing system, image data specification method, camera and print server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system capable of being differentiated from other printing services. SOLUTION: A unique ID is stored in a camera 1 and log-in to a printing service site b via pieces of equipment 2, 3 (or directly) is enabled by transmitting the ID. When an image is uploaded from the camera 1 to the printing service site b, a printing server 4 distinguishes by which camera 1 the image is photographed based on the ID transmitted with the image. In the printing service site b, when printing of the image is instructed, the printing server 4 prints it and calculates the printing charge. The printing server 4 discounts a prescribed amount from the calculated printing charge if the image to be printed is photographed by the prescribed camera 1 and issues a cash-back in accordance with the number of prints to a manufacturer, etc., if the image is photographed by a camera 1 of a specific manufacturer. Thus, users of the printing service can be expanded.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print system, an image data specifying method, a camera device, and a print server suitable for use in a service for printing an image taken by a digital camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a service for printing image data photographed and recorded by a digital camera as a photograph (hereinafter referred to as a print service), except for a case where a charge is discounted when the number of printed sheets exceeds a certain value, Basically, uniform service is provided to all users.

[0003]

However, if the uniform service is provided to all the users as described above, there is no direct relation between the print service and the act of selling the camera device, and therefore the service is provided. Even if a trader attempts to set some privilege for a user who has purchased a digital camera (related product) sold by the trader, for example, it cannot be implemented. As a result, it is difficult to differentiate between the services provided by oneself and the services provided by other companies.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a print system capable of differentiating from other print services.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the invention of claim 1, image data obtained by a camera device by photographing is received via a network, and an image based on the received image data is received. In a print system that provides a print service for printing, an ordering device including a transmission unit that transmits specific information indicating the camera device that has acquired the image data in association with the image data, and the ordering device. A receiving unit that receives the image data and the specific information via the network, and a specifying unit that specifies the camera device that has acquired the image data received by the receiving unit based on the specific information received by the receiving unit. And a print server.

In such a configuration, when the print service is performed, the print server receives the image data sent from the ordering device and the specific information corresponding to the image data by the receiving means, and specifies the camera device that has acquired the image data. Specify by means. Therefore, since it is possible to know the camera device that has acquired the image data that is the target of the print service, the content of the print service related to the image data acquired by the specific camera device is changed to the image data acquired by other camera devices. It is possible to differ from the contents in.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the camera device receives the image data acquired by photographing through the network, and receives the image data based on the received image data when performing the print service. An image data specifying method for specifying whether the image data is image data acquired by a specific camera device,
Specific information indicating the device is previously allocated to the specific camera device, the unique information is received in correspondence with the image data when the image data is received, and the received image is based on the received unique information. It is specified whether the data is image data acquired by the specific camera device.

According to this method, since the receiving side can know the camera device that has acquired the image data that is the object of the print service received via the network, the printing related to the image data acquired by the specific camera device can be performed. It is possible to make the content of the service different from the content in the image data acquired by other camera devices.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, in a camera device for storing a photographed image as image data, a specific information storage means for storing specific information indicating itself and the image data via a network. Transmitting means for transmitting to another device, and when the transmitting means transmits the image data to the other device, the specific information stored in the specific information storage means corresponds to the image data. And a control means for performing the associating process for attaching and transmitting.

In such a configuration, when the image data acquired by photographing by itself is transmitted to another device via the network, the specific information indicating itself can be transmitted in association with the image data.

Further, in the invention of claim 4, the control means performs the associating process in response to a request from the other device.

In such a configuration, when storing the image data obtained by photographing, it is possible to eliminate the wasteful processing of associating the specific information with the image data which does not need to be transmitted to another device via the network.

Further, in the invention of claim 5, the associating process by the control means is a process of integrating the specific information with the image data.

In such a configuration, by integrating the specific information with the image data, the image data in the state where the specific information is integrated is moved to another device, and then the image data is transferred from the device to another device via the network. It becomes possible to transmit to other devices.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, there is provided a print system which provides a print service for receiving image data obtained by photographing by a camera device via a network and printing an image based on the received image data. In the constituent print server, receiving means for receiving, via the network, the image data and specific information indicating the camera device that has acquired the image data and the specific information received by the receiving means. On the basis of the above, the identification means for identifying the camera device that has acquired the image data received by the reception means is provided.

By using such a print server, the print system according to claim 1 can be realized.

According to the invention of claim 7, there is provided service content control means for carrying out the service set corresponding to the camera device specified by the specifying means.

With such a configuration, when implementing the print system according to the first aspect, it is possible to easily diversify the print service regarding the image data acquired by various camera devices.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system (printing system) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This system is a system for carrying out a print service for printing image data photographed and recorded by the digital camera 1 as a photograph.
The digital camera 1, personal computer (PC) 2, cradle 3 and Web
The print server 4 is owned by a service provider operating the print service site b, the print terminals 5 are respectively installed in a plurality of print stores c affiliated with the service provider, and the print server is installed in any place such as a convenience store. Print vendors (photo vending machines)
6 and 6.

The PC 2, the print terminals 5, and the print vendor 6 are connected to the print server 4 via a communication network (the Internet in this embodiment) 100, and the PC 2 and the cradle 3 are connected by USB (Un.
iversal Serial Bus) cable 3a. The cradle 3 is a docking station for connecting the digital camera 1 to the PC 2 as an external device, and is a personal digital assistant (PDA).
The digital camera 1 is mechanically and electrically detachable like the well-known one used for istants). With the digital camera 1 attached, data can be exchanged between the PC 2 and the digital camera 1. You can interact with each other.

FIG . 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 1 and a relationship between the digital camera 1 and the PC 2 and the cradle 3. The digital camera 1 is sold by the service provider, and is a CCD (Charge Coupled Devic) that captures a subject image formed through an imaging lens (not shown).
e) 11 and TG 12 (Tim for driving CCD 11
ing Generator) and V (vertical) driver 13 and C
CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) that holds correlated image signals output from the CD 11 by correlated double sampling
Circuit, gain adjustment amplifier (AG
C), A / which converts the image pickup signal after amplification into a digital signal
It has a unit circuit 14 including a D converter (AD).

The CCD 11 is an MPU (Micro Processing).
(Unit) 15 according to the shutter pulse sent from
By changing the charge storage time by the G12 and the V driver 13, it functions as an electronic shutter.
The MPU 15 has various signal processing and image processing functions, generates a video signal from an image pickup signal converted into a digital signal through the unit circuit 14, and outputs the CCD 1
The subject image captured by 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 16 as a through image. Also, at the time of shooting, the image pickup signal is compressed to generate an image file of a predetermined format,
While storing it in the flash memory 17, at the time of reproduction, the compressed image file is expanded and the liquid crystal monitor 16 is expanded.
To display.

Further, the MPU 15 has a power supply circuit 18 including a power supply such as a battery, an operation key portion 19 including various switches such as a shutter key, and a DRAM (Dy) which is a working memory.
namic Random Access Memory) 20, ROM (Read Onl)
y Memory) 21 and an input / output interface 22 for performing data communication with the PC 2 via the cradle 3. The input / output interface 22 is an interface that enables data communication with the cradle 3, and the input / output interface 22 is provided with connection terminals corresponding to the connection terminals of the cradle 3. A program storage area 21a and a camera ID storage area 21b are secured in the memory space of the ROM 21 as shown in FIG.
1a stores various operation programs necessary for the control of each unit and data processing by the MPU 15, and the camera ID
A camera ID indicating that the digital camera 1 is a specific camera sold by the service provider is stored in the storage area 21b as specific information of the present invention. In this embodiment, the camera ID is a serial number given to the digital camera 1 by the camera manufacturer, and is stored in the camera ID storage area 21b of the digital camera when the digital camera 1 is manufactured. However, since the manufacturing number is also written on the plaque of the digital camera 1, the manufacturing number can be easily read from the appearance. For this reason, if you avoid it, enter an arbitrary camera ID that is different from the serial number.
It may be stored in the storage area 21b, and the user may be notified by a guarantee card or the like included in the product of the digital camera 1. Of course, the camera ID
Is also known by the service provider. Further, the ROM 21 is an EEPROM whose contents can be rewritten.
M (Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memor
It may be a memory such as y).

The PC 2 is a general notebook type computer.
-Being a personal computer and at least online
A communication unit 2a for communicating with a work, a storage device 2b such as a hard disk, and an input / output interface 2c enabling a USB connection with the cradle 3 are provided, and the storage device 2b is digitally connected via the cradle 3. Camera 1
A program for data communication with
Gram and the above service in the form attached to the digital camera 1.
Print service site b supplied by a service provider
A dedicated communication program for connecting to
Has been

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the print server 4. The print server 4 includes a control unit 31 for controlling the entire apparatus, a key input unit 32 including a keyboard and a mouse, a CRT and an LCD (liquid crystal d).
isplay) display unit 33, Internet 100
It has a communication unit 34 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the other devices described above via the. The control unit 31 is a CPU (Cent
Ral Processing Unit) and a work memory, etc., and controls various parts described above and performs various data transfer, calculation, temporary storage, and other processing. The key input unit 32 and the display unit 33 are interfaces used in the print server 4, for example, when an operator inputs / outputs various data to / from the print server 4 or gives an operation instruction. A program file 35, a print shop database 36, a camera ID database 37, and a received image file 38, each of which is configured by a storage unit (recording medium) such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk, are connected to the control unit 31. .

The program file 35 stores an operation program for causing the control section 31 to control various operations in the print server 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the print shop database 36 includes shop names 36a related to the plurality of print shops c shown in FIG. 1, addresses 36b corresponding to the shop names 36a, and the installed print terminals 5.
Data of a destination address (IP address in this embodiment) 36c indicating The camera ID database 37 is composed of data of a plurality of camera IDs that are previously allocated to the above-described digital camera 1 sold by a service provider. The received image file 38 is provided with a privilege image file storage area 38a and a general image file storage area 38b. As shown in FIG. 6A, the camera ID database 37 is stored in the privilege image file storage area 38a.
The camera ID 40 configuring the above and the plurality of image data 41 acquired by the shooting operation of the digital camera 1 to which the camera ID 40 is assigned are stored correspondingly. In addition, the general image file storage area 38
As shown in FIG. 6B, the user ID 42 and the image data 41 assigned to the user (the user of the print service who has accessed the print service site b) are stored in b in correspondence with each other. It is like this.

Further, each of the print terminals 5 has a communication unit for communicating with the print server 4, the print server 4
A printer that prints high quality photos based on image files sent from (eg, a high resolution sublimation printer),
The control unit includes a CPU that controls them and a control unit that includes various storage means in which programs are stored (not shown). The print terminal 5 does not necessarily have to be a single device, and may be composed of, for example, a personal computer having a configuration capable of communicating with the print server 4 and a printer connected thereto.

Further, the print vendor 6 has a function of downloading an image file previously uploaded to the print server 4 in accordance with a predetermined operation by the user a in a procedure described later by the user a, The device has a function of printing the photograph 7 based on the downloaded image file and a function of collecting the printing fee.
Although not shown, more specifically, for example, a cash dispenser installed in a financial institution or the like is provided, and a communication unit, a printer, and a control unit similar to those in the print terminal 5 described above are provided. In addition, an operation button for performing the above operation, a CRT, a charge collection unit for collecting the printing fee, and the like are provided.

Next, the operation of the print system having the above configuration will be described in accordance with the procedure when the user a of the digital camera 1 uses the print service provided by the above service provider. In the print service according to the present embodiment, the user a first saves the image file saved in the flash memory 17 of the digital camera 1 in the print server 4, and then designates printing of the saved image file. In response to this, the printing system performs the following image saving operation and image printing operation.

Image Saving Operation in First Embodiment That is, FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts showing the procedure of the image saving operation in the system described above. First, when the user a places the digital camera 1 on the cradle 3, the PC 2 detects the digital camera 1 (YES in step SB1), and then automatically launches the above-described dedicated communication program to print on the Web print service site. b is automatically accessed (step SB2). on the other hand,
When there is an access from PC2 (Yes at step SC1
S), the print server 4 requests the camera ID from the PC 2 (step SC2). Then, the PC 2 requests the camera ID from the digital camera 1 (step SB3), and the digital camera 1 responds to the request (YES in step SA1).
S), read the camera ID from the ROM 21, and use it as the P
Transfer to C2 (step SA2). And PC2
The transferred camera ID is transmitted to the print server 4 (step SB4).

Subsequently, the print server 4 collates the camera ID received from the PC 2 with the data in the camera ID database 37 so that the digital camera 1 connected to the PC 2 via the cradle 3 can be a service provider or a service provider. Check if the product is sold by a manufacturer affiliated with the vendor (step SC
3). Here, if there is a matching camera ID in the camera ID database 37 (YES in step SC4), after performing the login process with the received camera ID as an ID for identifying the user (step SC5), it is completed. To PC2 (step SC6).

When the login is completed, the PC 2 requests the digital camera 1 to transfer all the saved image files (step SB5), and the digital camera 1
Calls the image files stored in the flash memory 17 in sequence and transfers them to the PC 2 (step SA3), and performs it for all image files (step SA4). Meanwhile, the PC 2 sequentially transmits the image files transferred from the digital camera 1 to the print server 4 (step SB6). At this time, the user a may be caused to perform an operation of selecting a desired image file, and the PC 2 may be caused to perform a process of transmitting only the selected image file. On the print server 4 side, the image files sent from the PC 2 are sequentially stored in the privilege image file storage area 38a of the received image file 38 in correspondence with the camera ID confirmed during the login process (step SC7). That is, it is saved as a privilege image.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned processing, the print server 4 receives the camera ID when the determination result of the above-mentioned step SC4 is NO, for example, the accessing party is a PC other than the PC 2 or the like. If the camera ID cannot be received or the received camera ID is the camera ID database 37
If it does not exist, the access person is newly assigned a user ID at that time to perform login processing (step SC8), and the completion is notified to the PC 2 together with the assigned user ID (step SC8).
9). Thereafter, the image file sent from the other PC or the like in the same manner as described above is stored in the general image file storage area 38b of the received image file 38 in association with the user ID (step SC10). That is, an image file acquired by a camera other than the digital camera 1 sold by the service operator who operates the print service site b is saved as a general image.

Then, when the storage of the final image file is completed, the print server 4 notifies the PC 2 that the reception of the image file is completed (step SC11), and the PC 2 disconnects the line accordingly (step SB).
7).

Image Printing Operation in First Embodiment Then, after the above operation is performed, the print server 4
At the print service site b, an image file (image data 4 stored in the privilege image file storage area 38a or the general image file storage area 38b of the above-described received image file 38 from the PC 2 or the like (image data 4
When there is a print instruction for 1), the following operation is performed.

In FIG. 9, for example, the user a uses a PC 2 at home.
From the print service site b to instruct to print the image saved by the above-described method, or to operate the print vendor 6 installed at an arbitrary location to instruct to print, the print server 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a print acceptance process performed by No. 4;

When there is a print instruction from the PC 2 or the like, the print server 4 first requests the camera ID or the user ID from the access partner and receives it (step S).
C21). That is, the user operating the PC 2 or the like is prompted to input either ID. Then, the type of the received ID is confirmed (step SC22). At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the access partner is the print vendor 6. For example, print vendor 6
When the print server 4 accesses the print server 4, the predetermined identification code is transmitted.
It is performed depending on whether or not the identification code has been sent from the access partner.

If the received ID is the camera ID (YES in step SC23), all the image files stored in the privilege image file storage area 38a of the received image file 38 corresponding to the camera ID. The list data is sent to the access partner, the user is made to specify the image to be printed, and the specified image is confirmed (step SC24). When the received ID is the user ID (N in step SC23
O), the received image file 38 corresponding to the user ID
The list data of all the image files stored in the general image file storage area 38b is transmitted to the access partner, and the access partner is made to specify the image to be printed, and the specified image is confirmed (step SC2).
5).

Next, the access partner is the print vendor 6.
If not (NO in step SC26), the list of print stores recorded in the print store database 36 described above, that is, the list data of the store name 36a and the address 36b is transmitted to the access partner, and the print store desired by the user is selected. Confirm the designated print shop as well as confirm the designation. At the same time, the user is requested to specify the payment method of the charge and also confirms it (step SC24). When the access partner is the print vendor 6 (YES in step SC26), the process directly proceeds to step SC28.

Subsequently, when the ID confirmed in step SC22 is the camera ID (step SC22).
28: YES), as a print price, step SC2
Amount of money according to the number of images specified in 4 (specified number x unit price)
Calculate the amount by subtracting the specified discount amount from (Step SC
29). If the ID is not the camera ID (NO in step SC28), the amount of money (specified number x unit price) corresponding to only the number of images specified in step SC25 is calculated as the print price (step SC30).

If the access partner is not the print vendor 6 (NO in step SC31), step S
The file of one or a plurality of images designated by the user in C24 or step SC25 is transferred to the print terminal 5 of the print shop designated by the user in step SC27.
To send a print instruction (step SC32). As a result, the photo based on the image data is printed by the print terminal 5, and the user a or the like who has instructed the printing from the PC 2 can receive the desired photo at the nearest print shop c.

Thereafter, a billing process for charging the user for the printing fee is performed (step SC33). The charging process differs depending on the payment method of the print price designated in step SC27. For example, when cash on delivery (payment at the same time as receipt of the photo) is designated, the print terminal 5 is instructed to perform the step SC29 or step SC3.
It is a process of transmitting the data of the calculation result of 0 and printing an invoice for the printing price separately from the above-mentioned photograph, and a process of requesting payment to a credit company etc. when electronic settlement is designated. . In such a case, since data such as a credit card number is indispensable, it is necessary to notify the user in advance of such data when the payment method is designated in step SC27.

Further, the determination result of step SC31 is YE.
If S and the access partner is the print vendor 6, the print vendor 6 is instructed in step SC.
The file of one or more images designated by the user in step 24 or step SC25 is transmitted together with the data of the calculation result in step SC29 or step SC30 (step SC34). And print vendor 6
Collects the usage fee corresponding to the sent calculation result, prints a photograph based on the image data sent from the print server 4, and provides it to the user operating the print vendor 6.

As described above, according to the print system of the present embodiment, in the print service, it is confirmed whether or not the target image file has been acquired by the digital camera 1 sold by the service provider. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to set a privilege such as a discount of the print fee for only the user a of the digital camera 1 sold by the service provider. This makes it possible to differentiate from other print services.

In this embodiment, the case where the print fee is discounted as a privilege for the user a of the digital camera 1 has been described, but other privileges may be provided separately or simultaneously. For example, if a privilege such as increasing the storage capacity for each camera ID 40 prepared in the privilege image file storage area 38a of the received image file 38 in the print server 4, that is, the storage capacity for the user a is set, the convenience of the user a is improved. Can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the digital camera 1 is connected to the Internet via the PC 2 and the cradle 3, and these are made to function as the ordering device of the present invention, so that the digital camera 1 records them. Although the present camera ID is shown to be sent to the print server 4, the following configuration may be used. For example, the digital camera 1 may have a communication function, or the digital camera 1 and a mobile phone may be connected to directly access the print service site b.
In that case, the dedicated communication program described above may be stored in the ROM 21 of the digital camera 1.

Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment of the present invention
An embodiment will be described. The present embodiment has a system configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

In this embodiment, the image file stored in the flash memory 17 of the digital camera 1 is
As in the JPEG system, the digital camera 1 has a predetermined format including data of a main image which is a subject image and additional data accompanying it, and the digital camera 1 uses the camera ID of the ROM 21 as the additional data at the time of shooting. The camera ID stored in the memory area 21b is encrypted and automatically added.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print server 401 according to this embodiment.
Unlike the print server 4 described in the first embodiment, the print server 401 has a usage count management file 51.
In addition to the above, the program file 35, the camera ID database 37, and the received image file 38 are configured by data different from those described above.

That is, in the present embodiment, the camera ID database 37 is, as shown in FIG. 11, a digital camera sold by a service provider and a digital camera sold by a manufacturer affiliated with the service provider. Camera ID 40 for identifying the camera
And the manufacturer name 60 that indicates the seller (“in-house” in the figure,
"Company A", "Company B", etc.). Further, in the privilege image file storage area 38a of the received image file 38, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the camera ID 40 and the digital camera 1 to which the camera ID 40 is assigned are acquired by the shooting operation. A plurality of pieces of image data 41 are stored in correspondence with the user ID 42 assigned to the user (the user of the print service who has accessed the print service site b) each time. In addition, the general image file storage area 3
8b, as shown in FIG.
The D42 and the image data 41 are stored in correspondence with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the camera ID database 3 is stored in the usage count management file 51.
Manufacturer name 60 stored in 7 (however, "in-house"
Other than the above) and the corresponding print number data 61 are stored.

Next, the operation of the print system having the above-described configuration will be described in the procedure when the user a of the digital camera 1 uses the print service provided by the service provider as in the first embodiment. I will explain along.
Also in the print service according to the present embodiment, the user a first sends the image file stored in the flash memory 17 of the digital camera 1 to the print server 4
It is possible to specify the printing of the saved image file after the image is once saved in 01, and the printing system performs the following image saving operation and image printing operation in response to this.

Image Saving Operation in Second Embodiment That is, FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow charts showing the procedure of the image saving operation in the system of the present embodiment. First, when the user a puts the digital camera 1 on the cradle 3, the PC 2 detects the digital camera 1 (YES in step SB101), and then automatically launches the dedicated communication program described above, and print service site on the Web. automatically access b (step SB
102). Further, in the PC 2, when a predetermined browser software is activated by the user a and an access operation is performed such that a predetermined address is designated in the URL (step SB
If YES at 101, the print service site b is accessed in the same manner (step SB102). On the other hand, if there is an access from PC2 (YES in step SC101
S), the print server 401 assigns a user ID to the PC2 (accessor) and performs login processing (step SC102), and notifies the completion to the PC2 together with the assigned user ID (step SC10).
3).

When the login is completed, the PC 2 displays the user a
Desired from among the image files saved in the flash memory 17 of the digital camera 1 or other image files saved in the device itself (for example, an image file previously copied from the digital camera 1). A file is selected (step SB103). User a
When selecting an image file in the digital camera 1, it is necessary to cause the PC 2 to perform a process of previously acquiring the list data of the image files stored in the flash memory 17 from the digital camera 1. And P
C2 transmits the image file in its own among the selected image files to the print server 401 (step SB
104) and then requests the digital camera 1 to transfer the selected image file (step SB10).
5). The digital camera 1 sequentially calls the image files stored in the flash memory 17 and transfers them to the PC 2 (step SA101), and performs the same for all the requested image files (step SA10).
2). Meanwhile, the PC 2 sequentially transmits the image files transferred from the digital camera 1 to the print server 401 (step SB106).

On the other hand, on the print server 401 side, a PC
Every time the image file is received from the device 2, whether or not the encrypted camera ID is added to the received image file is confirmed, and if it is added (Y at step SC104
ES), the image file is the received image file 38
User ID assigned during the login process and the confirmed camera ID in the privilege image file storage area 38a
And are sequentially stored in association with (step SC105).
That is, it is saved as a privilege image. If the camera ID is not added to the received image file (NO in step SC104), the image file is stored in the general image file storage area 38b of the received image file 38 in association with the user ID (step SC106). ).
That is, an image file acquired by a camera other than the digital camera 1 sold by the service operator who operates the print service site b is saved as a general image. At this time, instead of the received image file, only the main image data included therein may be stored.

Then, when the storage of the final image file is completed, the print server 401 notifies the PC 2 that the reception of the image file is completed (step SC10).
7) In response, the PC 2 disconnects the line automatically or in response to a user operation (step SB107).

Image Printing Operation in Second Embodiment Then, after the above operation is performed, the print server 401 stores the received image file 38 of the print server 401 from the PC 2 or the like at the print service site b. When there is a print instruction for the image file (image data 41) stored in either the privilege image file storage area 38a or the general image file storage area 38b, the following operation is performed.

FIG. 16 shows, for example, that user a has a home PC.
2 accesses the print service site b to instruct to print the image saved by the above-described method, or the print vendor 6 installed at an arbitrary location.
Print server 401 when printing is instructed by operating the
6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a print acceptance process performed by the printer.

When there is a print instruction from the PC 2 or the like, the print server 401 first requests the user I as an access partner.
Request D and receive it (step SC12)
1). That is, the user operating the PC 2 or the print vendor 6 is prompted to input the user ID. At this time, whether or not the access partner is the print vendor 6 is also confirmed by the method described in the first embodiment, for example. Next, in correspondence with the received user ID, all the image files stored in each of the privilege image file storage area 38a and the general image file storage area 38b of the received image file 38, that is, the privilege image and the general image are stored. The list data is transmitted to the access partner, the user is made to specify the image to be printed, and the specified image is confirmed (step SC122).

When the access partner is not the print vendor 6 (NO in step SC123),
The list of print stores recorded in the print store database 36, that is, the list data of the store name 36a and the address 36b is transmitted to the access partner so that the user can designate the desired print store and confirm the designated print store. To do. At the same time, the payment method of the fee is designated and the payment method is also confirmed (step SC124). In addition,
When the access partner is the print vendor 6 (YES in step SC123), the process proceeds to step S
Continue to C125.

Subsequently, the print price is calculated (step SC125). Here, the amount of money (specified number x unit price) corresponding to only the specified number is calculated for the general image specified in step SC124, and the amount of money (specified number x unit price) is specified for the privilege image. An amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount is calculated, and the sum of the charge for the general image and the charge for the privilege image is used as the print price.

If the access partner is not the print vendor 6 (NO in step SC126), the file of one or a plurality of images designated by the user in step SC122 is printed in the print shop designated by the user in step SC124. It is transmitted to the terminal 5 to instruct printing (step SC127). Thereafter, a billing process for billing the user for the printing fee is performed (step SC128). In this charging process, as in the first embodiment, the process according to the payment method of the print price designated in step SC124 is performed. As a result, the print terminal 5 prints a photo based on the image data, and the user a who has instructed to print from the PC 2 can receive the desired photo at the nearest print shop c.

Further, the determination result of step SC126 is Y.
If it is ES and the access partner is the print vendor 6, the print vendor 6 is instructed in step S.
The file of one or more images designated by the user in C122 is transmitted together with the data of the calculation result of step SC125 (step SC129). And
The print vendor 6 collects the usage fee corresponding to the sent calculation result, prints a photograph based on the image data sent from the print server 401, and provides it to the user operating the print vendor 6. . As a result, the print vendor 6 installed anywhere
The user who has instructed to print from can immediately receive the desired photograph at that location.

Furthermore, when the image file of the privilege image is transmitted in step SC127 or step SC129 (YES in step SC130), for each transmitted privilege image file (image data 41),
Correspondingly, based on the camera ID 40 stored in the privilege image file storage area 38a of the received image file 38, the manufacturer of the digital camera that acquired the image file is confirmed in the camera ID database 37, and the manufacturer of the corresponding manufacturer After incrementing the number-of-prints data 61 stored in the usage count management file 51 according to the number of transmissions (step SC131), the print acceptance process is ended. If the image file of the privilege image has not been transmitted (NO in step SC130), the print acceptance process ends.

Other operations in the second embodiment Further, the print server 401 performs the cashback processing shown in FIG. 17 every predetermined period (for example, every month) in addition to the above print acceptance processing. To do. In such processing,
Based on the number-of-prints data 61 stored in the number-of-uses management file 51, the cashback amount corresponding to the number of prints for each partner manufacturer is calculated (step SC141), and the amount is cashed back to each manufacturer. Processing necessary to perform such processing, for example, processing required for bank transfer by electronic transaction or the like (step SC14)
2). Then, the print count data 61 stored in the usage count management file 51 is initialized (step SC
143).

Therefore, in the print system of the present embodiment, in the print service, it is confirmed whether or not the target image file is obtained by the digital camera 1 sold by the service provider or the affiliated manufacturer. Therefore, as described above, the user a of the digital camera 1 sold by the service provider etc.
It is possible to set a privilege such as a discount of the print fee for the. This makes it possible to differentiate from other print services. Furthermore, since the degree of use of the print service (the number of prints in this embodiment) is recorded and cashback is made to the affiliated manufacturers accordingly, the service provider can use the print service by increasing the affiliated manufacturers. Can be expanded. At the same time, the affiliated manufacturers can also benefit from cashback.

Further, in the present embodiment, the digital camera 1 adds the camera ID assigned to itself to the image file, and the print server 401 confirms the ID so that the digital camera which has acquired the image file. In order to specify image 1, the user a saves the image file in the print server 401 when the digital camera 1
It's convenient because you don't have to have it at hand. In addition,
With respect to this point, it is sufficient that the main image data acquired by photographing and the camera ID are integrated, and apart from the present embodiment, for example, the digital camera 1 embeds the camera ID in the main image data. May be recorded as an image file, and the print server 401 may extract the image file (main image data). Further, other effects and configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0067]

As described above, in the print system according to the first aspect and the image data specifying method according to the second aspect, the contents of the print service regarding the image data acquired by the specific camera device are compared with those of other cameras. It is possible to make the contents different from the contents in the image data acquired by the device. Therefore, it can be differentiated from other print services.

According to the camera device of claim 3,
When the image data acquired by itself is transmitted to another device via the network, the specific information indicating the self can be transmitted in association with the image data. Therefore, the camera device can be used as an ordering device for the print system.

According to the camera device of claim 4,
When storing image data acquired by photographing, it is possible to eliminate wasteful processing such as associating specific information with image data that does not need to be transmitted to another device via a network. Therefore, even when the camera device is used as the ordering device, the original device performance can be maintained as it is.

According to the camera device of claim 5,
By integrating the specific information with the image data, you can move the image data with the specific information integrated to another device, and then send the image data from the device to another device via the network. Becomes Therefore, convenience in using the printing system can be improved.

Further, in the print server according to claim 7, when the print system according to claim 1 is realized, it is possible to easily diversify print services regarding image data acquired by various camera devices. . Therefore, it is possible to easily differentiate from other print services.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print service common to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera and a relationship among the digital camera, the cradle, and the personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a memory space of a ROM included in the digital camera.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a print shop database of the print server.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing stored data of a received image file of the print server.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image saving operation in the system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart following FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a print acceptance process of the print server.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print server showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a camera ID database of the print server.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing stored data of a received image file of the print server.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing storage data of a usage management file of the print server.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an image saving operation of the print server and an operation of another device corresponding thereto.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart following FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of print acceptance processing of the print server.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of cashback processing of the print server.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 digital camera 2 personal computer 3 cradle 4 print server 5 Print terminal 6 print vendors 15 MPU 17 Flash memory 21 ROM 22 I / O interface 31 Control unit 34 Communications Department 35 Program file 36 Print Store Database 37 camera ID database 38 Received image file 51 Usage count management file 401 print server 100 communication network a user b Print service site c print shop

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 EF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP06 HJ06 HQ17 HX10 5B021 AA30 EE00 NN00 5C022 AA13 AB00 AC00 5C052 AA12 FA02 FA03 FA08 FB05 FC06 FE08

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A print system that provides a print service for receiving image data acquired by a camera device through a network and printing an image based on the received image data, wherein the camera device has acquired the image data. The ordering device having a transmitting means for transmitting the specific information indicating the image data corresponding to the image data, the receiving means for receiving the image data and the specific information sent from the ordering device via the network, and the receiving means. And a print server including a specifying unit that specifies the camera device that has acquired the image data received by the receiving unit based on the received specifying information. 2. The image data received by a camera device is acquired by a specific camera device when performing a print service for receiving image data acquired by a camera device through a network and printing an image based on the received image data. Image data specifying method for specifying whether or not the image data is specific image data, the specific information indicating the device is previously assigned to the specific camera device, and when the image data is received, the specific information corresponding to the image data is received. An image data specifying method, comprising: receiving the unique information by specifying the received image data and determining whether the received image data is image data acquired by the specific camera device based on the received unique information. 3. A camera device for storing a photographed image as image data, a specific information storage unit for storing specific information indicating itself, and a transmission unit for transmitting the image data to another device via a network. And a control for performing an associating process that causes the specific information stored in the specific information storage unit to be transmitted in association with the image data when the transmitting unit transmits the image data to the other device. And a camera device. 4. The camera device according to claim 3, wherein the control means performs the association process in response to a request from the other device. 5. The camera device according to claim 3, wherein the associating process by the control unit is a process of integrating the specific information with the image data. 6. A print server, which constitutes a print system for receiving a print data based on the received image data by receiving image data acquired by a camera device through a network and printing the image data, And receiving means for receiving, via the network, specific information corresponding to the image data and indicating the camera device that has acquired the image data, and an image received by the receiving means based on the specific information received by the receiving means. A print server comprising: specifying means for specifying a camera device that has acquired data. 7. The print server according to claim 6, further comprising a service content control unit that executes a service set corresponding to the camera device specified by the specifying unit.