JP2003241910A - Print information distribution server for automatic generation and distribution system of individual print information, and method and program for distributing individual print information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a necessary individual printed matter in a form requested by a customer. <P>SOLUTION: This system is provided with an image database 600, a text database 601, a receiver 603 receiving print information generating instruction data including customer information and variable field data, an automatic composing part 604 generating print image data in accordance with the print information generating instruction data, a PDF database 602 storing the print image data, a distribution method selecting part 605 selecting and instructing a method for distributing print information in accordance with the customer information, a mail transmitting part 606 transmitting access information of a download source to a terminal device when distributing the print information by downloading, a download processing part 608 downloading the relevant print image data to the terminal device when a download request is received, and a print instruction part 607 instructing a printer to print when sending the print information by direct mail. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print information distribution server, a separate print information distribution method, and a separate print information for an individual print information automatic generation and distribution system that generates and distributes individual print information requested by a customer. Regarding the delivery program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a print information distributor distributes individual print information in response to a customer's request, the print information distributor receives a print instruction compiled by a print information distribution instructor and follows the instruction. I made a printed matter on the board and sent it to the designated delivery destination (customer).

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional method of distributing individual print information, the printed matter becomes uniform,
It was difficult to create and ship printed materials for each consumer. In addition, there is a problem that delivery time becomes very long and cost becomes very high if the individual printed matter is forcibly created. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a print information distribution server and an individual print of an individual print information automatic generation and distribution system capable of providing necessary individual prints in a form that meets a customer's request. It is an object to provide an information distribution method and an individual print information distribution program.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 automatically generates the print information requested by the customer and distributes the print information to the customer. A print information distribution server of the system,
The print information distribution server updates the information including text information and image data for creating the print information at the time of distributing the print information requested from the terminal device of the customer via the network, and A print information database to be stored and held, and designated information indicating whether the print information delivery request included in the application information when the customer applies for print information is electronic delivery or direct mail delivery. A designated information database, the print information distribution server refers to the designated information database when there is an application for the print information from the terminal device, and based on the contents of the distribution request from the customer, It is characterized in that the print information created based on the application information is electronically distributed or a printed matter for mailing is created.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the print information distribution instruction server receives the application information relating to the print information applied from the terminal device of the customer via the network, and the print information distribution instruction server receives the application information of the customer. The variable field data to be embedded in the plate data is created based on the print information, and the print information creation instruction data including the variable field data is sent to the print information distribution server installed in the print information distributor, and the print information distribution server receives A print information distribution server of an individual print information automatic generation and distribution system that automatically generates print information based on the print information creation instruction data and distributes it to the customer, and stores image data for creating print information. An image database and a text database that stores text data for creating print information. When a receiving means for receiving the print information creation instruction data including customer information and variable field data identifying a delivery method customer and printing information,
The specified image data and text data are read out from the image database and the text database and arranged at a position defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received by the receiving means, and the print information creation instruction data is also placed. Is arranged at a predetermined position to create print image data, automatic typesetting means, a print image database for storing the print image data created by the automatic typesetting means, and printing based on the customer information. When the distribution method selecting means for selecting and instructing the information distribution method and the method for distributing the print image data corresponding to the print information by downloading by the distribution method selecting means, the access information of the download source is selected. Mail sender who sends to the terminal device And a downloading process for reading the corresponding print image data from the print image database and downloading to the terminal device when the terminal device requests to download the print image data corresponding to the print information. And a print instruction means for reading the corresponding print image data from the print image database and instructing the printer to print when the method for sending the print information by direct mail is selected by the distribution method selection means. It is characterized by

The invention according to claim 3 is an individual print information distribution method for automatically generating print information requested by a customer and distributing the print information to the customer, and specifies the customer and the print information distribution method. A first step of receiving print information creation instruction data including customer information and variable field data, and designation at a location defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received in the first step A second step of reading image data and text data from an image database and a text database and arranging them, and arranging variable field data included in the print information creation instruction data at a predetermined position to create print image data; A third step of accumulating the print image data created by the second step, and A fourth step of selecting and instructing a print information distribution method based on the information, and downloading when a method of distributing print image data corresponding to the print information by download in the fourth step is selected. The fifth step of transmitting the original access information to the terminal device that has applied for the print information, and the third step when the customer requests to download the print image data corresponding to the print information. The corresponding print image data is read out from the print image data accumulated in step, and the above-mentioned process is executed when there is a request from the terminal device for downloading to the customer to download the print image data corresponding to the print information. From the print image database, the corresponding print image data 6th step of reading the data and downloading it to the terminal device, and if the method of sending the print information by direct mail is selected in the 4th step, the corresponding print image data from the print image database is selected. And a seventh step of instructing the printer to perform printing.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, in the individual print information distribution program for automatically generating the print information requested by the customer and distributing the print information to the customer, the customer and the print information distribution method are specified. A first step of receiving print information creation instruction data including customer information and variable field data, and designation at a location defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received in the first step A second step of reading image data and text data from an image database and a text database and arranging them, and arranging variable field data included in the print information creation instruction data at a predetermined position to create print image data; Second
The third step of accumulating the print image data created by the step, the fourth step of selecting and instructing the distribution method of the print information based on the customer information, and the print information by the fourth step. When the method of distributing the print image data corresponding to the above is selected by download, the fifth step of transmitting the access information of the download source to the terminal device that has applied for the print information, and the print information from the customer When there is a request to download the corresponding print image data, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image data accumulated in the third step, and is downloaded from the terminal device to the customer. Downloading of print image data corresponding to print information A sixth step of reading the corresponding print image data from the print image database when a request is made and downloading the print image data to the terminal device, and a method of sending the print information by direct mail through the fourth step. If is selected, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database, and the seventh step of instructing the printer to print is executed by the individual print information distribution program.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an individual print information automatic generation / delivery system to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, the individual print information automatic generation and distribution system includes a terminal device 1 owned by a customer, a terminal device 1 and a public line network 2,
The print information distribution instruction server 5 owned by the print information distribution instructor of the print information distributor 6 connected through the Internet 4 and the Internet 4
And a print information distribution server 60 installed in the print information distributor 6 connected to the print information distribution instruction server 5 via the Internet 4, and a printer 61 controlled by the print information distribution server 60. . Although only one customer terminal device is shown in FIG. 1 for convenience of explanation, a plurality of terminal devices are actually connected to the public line network 2.

In this individual print information automatic generation / delivery system, the print information delivery instruction server 5 accepts application information relating to print information applied from the terminal device 1 of the customer via the networks 2 and 4, and the print information delivery instruction server. 5 creates variable field data to be embedded in the version data based on the customer's application information, and print information creation instruction data including the variable field data is sent to the print information distributor 6
Is a system that sends the print information to the print information distribution server 60 installed at the same time, automatically generates the print information based on the received print information creation instruction data, and distributes it to the customer.

FIG. 2 shows an overall flow of processing between the customer, the print information distribution instructor, and the print information distributor 6 in the individual print information automatic generation / distribution system shown in FIG. In the figure, first, the print information distribution instructor updates the material data on the image database and the text database installed in the print information distributor 6 as needed (step 10). On the other hand, the customer makes an application for the desired print information (individual print information) to the print information delivery instruction server 5 on the Web using the terminal device 1 (step 11).

The print information delivery instruction server 5 accepts an application from a customer, creates variable field data (form field data) to be embedded in the version data based on the received application information, and issues a print information creation instruction including the variable field data. Print information distributor 6 with customer information
To the print information distribution server 60 (step 1)
2). Here, the customer information is the name, address, and print information acquisition method (delivery method) for identifying the customer, which is obtained by electronic data download (DL) or direct mail (D).
M). The print information creation instruction data includes various types of designation information such as the type of plate, image data, text data, and variable field data.

Further, the print information distribution server 60 performs an automatic typesetting process based on the print information creation instruction data received from the print information distribution instruction server 5 (step 13).
That is, the image data and the text data specified by the print information creation instruction data are read and embedded from the image database and the text database, respectively, at a predetermined location in the predetermined plate data, and the print information is read from the received customer information. The specified information indicating whether the distribution request is electronic distribution (distribution by downloading electronic data) or distribution by direct mail is acquired, and the specified information is accumulated in the specified information database.

Further, the print information distribution server 60 refers to the specified information corresponding to the received customer information by searching the specified information database, selects the distribution method from electronic distribution or direct mail distribution, and gives an instruction. Yes (step 13 '). Next, the print information distribution server 60 converts the print information obtained by the automatic typesetting into a file in PDF format (step 14). If the delivery method instructed in step 13 ′ is electronic delivery in which the customer obtains print information by downloading electronic data,
The URL for downloading (Uniform Res
An e-mail describing ource Locator) is delivered to the terminal device 1 of the customer (step 15). Further, the print information distribution server 60 stores the PDF file indicating the created print information in the PDF database (step 1).
6).

Further, when the delivery method instructed in step 13 'is delivery by direct mail in which the customer obtains the print information by direct mail, the print information delivery server 60 issues a print instruction to the printer 61. . As a result, the print information is printed out from the printer 61, and the print information distributor 6 sends this to the customer as a direct mail after encapsulating and sealing the print (step 1
7).

On the other hand, a download URL (Uniform
When the customer receives the e-mail describing the Resource Locator (step 18), the URL specifying the download of the print information requested by the customer from the terminal device 1 is specified.
By making a request to the print information distribution server 60, and the print information distribution server 60 starts downloading a PDF file showing the print information read from the PDF database to the customer's terminal device 1 (step 19). ).

When the download of the PDF file is completed, the print information distribution server 60 reports the completion of the download to the print information distribution instruction server 5 (step 20), and the print information distribution instruction server 5 confirms the completion of the download. (Step 21). When the print information distributor 6 sends the print information requested by the customer to the customer as a direct mail in step 17, the direct mail is delivered to the customer and the customer receives it (step 22).

Further, the print information distributor 6 reports to the print information distribution instructor that the direct mail has been sent (step 23), and the print information distribution instructor confirms that the direct mail has been sent to the customer. Confirm (step 24). In this way, the customer downloads the print information for himself who applied to the print information distribution instructor or receives the file or printed matter for himself by direct mail.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration of the print information distribution server 60 in the individual print information automatic generation and distribution system shown in FIG. In the figure, the print information distribution server 60 includes an image database 600, a text database 601, a PDF database 602, and a receiving unit 6.
03, automatic typesetting section 604, and distribution method selection section 605
It has a mail transmission unit 606, a print instruction unit 607, and a download processing unit 608.

The image database 600 stores image data for creating print information. The text database 601 stores text data for creating print information. The PDF database 602 stores print image data created by the automatic typesetting unit 604. The receiving unit 603 receives the print information creation instruction data from the print information distribution instruction server 5, and sends it to the automatic typesetting unit 604.

The automatic typesetting section 604 has a function of performing automatic typesetting processing based on the print information creation instruction data received by the receiving section 603 and creating print image data. The distribution method selection unit 605 has a function of selecting and instructing a distribution method of print information based on the customer information input from the automatic typesetting unit 604. When the delivery method selection unit 605 selects a method for delivering the print image data corresponding to the print information that the customer applies to the print information delivery instructor by downloading, the mail transmission unit 606 downloads the access information ( URL) to terminal device 1
Send to.

The print instruction unit 607 is a distribution method selection unit 60.
When the method of sending print information by direct mail is selected by 5, the corresponding print image data is read from the PDF database 602 and the printer 61 is instructed to print. The download processing unit 608 has a function of reading print image data corresponding to print information requested by the customer from the PDF database 602 and downloading the print image data to the terminal device 1 when there is access from the terminal device 1.

The PDF database 602 is the print image database of the present invention, the receiving section 603 is the receiving means of the present invention, the automatic typesetting section 604 is the automatic typesetting means of the present invention, and the distribution method selecting section 605 is the present invention. The mail transmission unit 606 corresponds to the mail transmission unit of the present invention, the download processing unit 608 corresponds to the download processing unit of the present invention, and the print instruction unit 607 corresponds to the print instruction unit of the present invention.

Next, the processing contents of the print information distribution server 60 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
In these figures, first, the receiving unit 603 receives print information creation instruction data including variable field data from the print information delivery instruction server 5 together with customer information, and sends these data to the automatic typesetting unit 604 (step 10
0). Here, the contents of the print information creation instruction data are shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 shows the contents of the plate data stored in the memory of the automatic typesetting section 604. FIG. 9 shows the contents of the image data stored in the image database 600 and the text database 6.
The contents of the text data stored in 01 are shown in FIG.
, Respectively.

The automatic typesetting section 604 performs automatic typesetting processing based on the print information creation instruction data received by the receiving section 603 (step 101). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the print information creation instruction data is composed of designated contents of plate data, text data, image data and contents of the created variable field data. In this example, the plate data is "1", and the text is text. The data is "2" and the image data is "3"
Is specified in. Further, text data created by the print information distribution instructor is inserted as variable fields 1 and 2.

In the automatic typesetting section 604, the plate data 1 designated by the print information creation instruction data is selected from the plate data stored in the memory (not shown), and the space allocated to the plate data 1 shown in FIG. 9 is selected. The image data 3 and the text data 2 designated by are retrieved from the image database 600 and the text database 601 and embedded. Further, the automatic typesetting unit 604 converts the print image data obtained by the automatic typesetting into a PDF format file and stores it in the PDF database 602 (steps 102 and 103).

Next, the delivery method selection unit 605 selects the delivery method of the print information applied by the customer to the print information delivery instructor based on the customer information received from the automatic typesetting unit 604 (step 104). Delivery method selection unit 605
Download the print image data corresponding to the print information that the customer applied to the print information distribution instructor by (D
When the delivery method is selected according to L) (step 105), the mail transmission unit 606 transmits the URL of the print information delivery server 60 which is the download source to the terminal device 1 of the customer (step 106).

When the delivery method selecting unit 605 selects the delivery method for sending the print information by direct mail (DM) (step 105), the print instructing unit 607 displays the corresponding print image from the PDF database 602. The data (PDF file) is read, converted into print data and output to the printer 61, and at the same time, printing is instructed (steps 107 and 108).

Next, the receiving unit 603 and the automatic typesetting unit 60
4. There is a print information distribution request from the terminal device 1 to the download processing unit 608 in the print information distribution server 60 via the distribution method selection unit 605, and a request to download the print image corresponding to the print information. If it does (step 109), the download processing unit 608.
Reads the print image data from the PDF database 602 and downloads it to the terminal device 1 (step 110). Next, when the download of the print image data is completed (step 111), the download processing unit 608 reports to the print information distribution instruction server 5 that the download is completed (step 1).
12).

FIG. 6 shows another specific configuration example of the print information distribution server 60 shown in FIG. The print information distribution server 60A according to the present embodiment is different from the print information distribution server 60 shown in FIG. 3 in structure, in the print information distribution server 60, the customer information and print information creation instruction data received by the receiving unit 603. Or both, or various reception data such as an electronic distribution request of print information is sent to the distribution method selection unit via the automatic typesetting unit 604, and is sent to the download processing unit 608 via the distribution method selection unit 605. However, in the print information distribution server 60A, the various types of received data are directly received from the receiving unit 603 by the automatic typesetting unit 604,
The point is that the information is sent to the distribution method selection unit 605 and the download processing unit 608, and the other configurations are the same, so duplicate description will be omitted.

The processing contents of the print information distribution server 60A are as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 except for the points shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the receiving unit 603 receives print information creation instruction data including variable field data from the print information distribution instruction server 5 together with customer information, and sends these data to the automatic typesetting unit 604 (step 100). Automatic typesetting section 6
04 performs automatic typesetting processing based on the print information creation instruction data received by the receiving unit 603 (step 10).
1).

Further, the automatic typesetting section 604 converts the print image data obtained by the automatic typesetting into a file in PDF format and stores it in the PDF database 602 (steps 102 and 103), and shifts to step 105.

On the other hand, after the receiving process by the receiving unit 603 is performed in step 100, the distribution method selecting unit 605
The customer selects a print information distribution method applied to the print information distribution instructor based on the customer information received from the automatic typesetting section 604 (step 104A), and thereafter proceeds to step 105. The process after step 105 is shown in FIG.
Since it is the same as FIG. 5 and is omitted.

Further, the program for realizing the function of the print information distribution server in FIG. 3 or 6, that is, the individual print information distribution program showing the processing contents shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 or 7 can be read by a computer. Alternatively, the individual print information may be distributed by recording the program on a different recording medium, causing the computer system to read and execute the individual print information distribution program program recorded on the recording medium.

Here, "individual print information distribution program"
In the individual print information distribution program for automatically generating the print information requested by the customer and distributing the print information to the customer, print information creation including customer information and variable field data for specifying the customer and the distribution method of the print information. A first step of receiving instruction data, and an image database and a text database for specifying designated image data and text data at a location defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received in the first step. A second step of reading and arranging the variable field data included in the print information creation instruction data at a predetermined position to create print image data; and print image data created by the second step. The third step of accumulating the print information based on the customer information When the delivery method is selected and the fourth step and the method of delivering the print image data corresponding to the print information by downloading by the fourth step are selected, the access information of the download source is set as the print information. The fifth step of transmitting to the terminal device that has applied for the print image, and the print image stored in the third step when the customer requests to download the print image data corresponding to the print information. The corresponding print image data is read from the data, and when the customer requesting to download the print image data corresponding to the print information is downloaded from the terminal device, the corresponding print image data is searched from the print image database. Read the print image data, When the method of sending the print information by direct mail is selected in the sixth step of downloading to the storage device and the fourth step, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database and printed by the printer. Means a program for causing a computer to execute the seventh step.

The "computer system" referred to here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) when using a WWW system. Also,
"Computer-readable recording medium" means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-RO.
It refers to a portable medium such as M or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system.

Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" is a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system which serves as a server or a client to which a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Those that hold the program for a certain period of time are also included. Further, the program may be transmitted from a computer system having the program stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium.

Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program means a medium having a function of transmitting information such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. . Further, the above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, and a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, that is, a so-called difference file ( Difference program).

According to the print information distribution server, the individual print information distribution method, and the individual print information distribution program according to the embodiment of the present invention, variable fields for handling individual information, and information of the image database and the text database that are maintained at any time. Since a PDF file is generated by performing automatic typesetting by using, it is possible to obtain a large amount of individual print information instantly on a computer system. As a method of providing the print information to each customer, a method of supplying it as electronic data via a network and a method of delivering a printed matter output by on-demand printing are supported, so a form that meets the customer's request is provided. It is possible to provide the required individual printed matter.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and a design within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention is also included. .

[0040]

According to the print information distribution server of claim 1, the print information distribution server of the individual print information automatic generation and distribution system automatically generates the print information requested by the customer and distributes the print information to the customer. Therefore, the print information distribution server updates the information including the text information and the image data for creating the print information at the time of distributing the print information requested from the terminal device of the customer through the network. In addition, a print information database to be stored and held, and designation information indicating whether the print information delivery request included in the application information when the customer applies for print information is electronic delivery or direct mail delivery. And a designated information database that stores
When there is an application for the print information from the terminal device, the print information distribution server refers to the designated information database to generate print information created based on the application information based on the content of the customer's distribution request. Since the printed matter for electronic distribution or mailing is created, individual print information can be obtained in a large amount in an instant on the computer system.

As a method of delivering print information to each customer, a method of supplying electronic data via a network and a method of delivering a printed matter output by on-demand printing are supported. It becomes possible to provide the individual printed matter required in the form.

According to the print information delivery server of the second aspect, the print information delivery instruction server receives the application information relating to the print information applied from the terminal device of the customer via the network, and the print information delivery instruction server. Creates variable field data to be embedded in the version data based on the customer's application information, and sends print information creation instruction data including the variable field data to the print information distribution server installed in the print information distributor and prints The information distribution server is a print information distribution server of the individual print information automatic generation and distribution system that automatically generates print information based on the received print information creation instruction data and distributes it to the customer, and an image for creating print information. An image database that stores data and text data that creates print information are stored. A text database, receiving means for receiving the print information creation instruction data including customer information and variable field data for specifying the customer and print information distribution method, and selection based on the print information creation instruction data received by the receiving means The specified image data and text data are read out from the image database and the text database and are arranged at a predetermined position in the plate data, and the variable field data included in the print information creation instruction data is arranged at a predetermined position to print an image. Automatic typesetting means for creating data, a print image database for storing print image data created by the automatic typesetting means, and a delivery method selecting means for selecting and instructing a delivery method of print information based on the customer information. ,
When a method of distributing the print image data corresponding to the print information by downloading is selected by the distribution method selecting means, a mail sending means for sending the access information of the download source to the terminal device, and the mail sending means from the terminal device. When there is a request to download the print image data corresponding to the print information, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database and is downloaded to the terminal device, and a download processing unit and the distribution method selection. When the method of sending the print information by direct mail is selected by the means, it has a print instruction means for reading the corresponding print image data from the print image database and instructing the printer to print, so that individual print information can be stored. Computer system It is possible to obtain instantaneously and in large quantities on the Temu.

As a method of delivering print information to each customer, a method of supplying electronic data via a network and a method of delivering a printed matter output by on-demand printing are supported. It becomes possible to provide the individual printed matter required in the form.

According to the individual print information distribution method of claim 3, the print information requested by the customer is automatically generated,
A method of delivering individual print information to the customer, comprising: a first step of receiving print information creation instruction data including customer information and variable field data for specifying a customer and a print information delivery method; The specified image data and text data are read out from the image database and the text database and arranged at a location defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received by the step, and included in the print information creation instruction data. Based on the customer information, a second step of arranging the variable field data to be generated at a predetermined position to create print image data, a third step of accumulating the print image data created by the second step, and the customer information. A fourth step of selecting and instructing a print information distribution method, and a fourth step If the method of distributing the print image data corresponding to the print information by downloading is selected by, the fifth step of transmitting the access information of the download source to the terminal device that has applied for the print information, and the customer When there is a request to download the print image data corresponding to the print information, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image data accumulated in the third step and downloaded to the customer. A sixth step of reading the corresponding print image data from the print image database and downloading to the terminal device when a request to download the print image data corresponding to the print information is made from the terminal device; , The fourth step When the method of sending the print information by direct mail is selected by the client, the seventh step of instructing the printer to read the corresponding print image data from the print image database is included. As a method of delivering print information to each customer, either a method of supplying it as electronic data via a network or a method of delivering a printed matter output by on-demand printing can be selected. It becomes possible to provide necessary individual printed matter.

According to the individual print information distribution program of the fourth aspect, this program is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the individual print information distribution program recorded in this recording medium is read into the computer system. By executing the distribution of the individual print information, the same effect as the print information distribution server according to the second aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an individual print information automatic generation / delivery system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an overall processing flow between a customer, a print information distribution instructor, and a print information distributor 6 in the individual print information automatic generation / distribution system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of an information distribution server in the individual print information automatic generation / distribution system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the information distribution server shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the information distribution server shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another specific configuration example of the information distribution server in the individual print information automatic generation / distribution system shown in FIG. 1.

7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the information distribution server shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of print information creation instruction data.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of plate data.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of data stored in an image database and a text database.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 terminal device 2 public network 3 Internet Service Provider (ISP) 4 Internet 5 Print information distribution instruction server 6 Print information distributor 60 Print information distribution server 61 Printer 600 image database 601 text database 602 PDF database 603 Receiver 604 Automatic composition section 605 Delivery method selection section 606 Mail sending part 607 Print instruction section 608 Download processing unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A print information distribution server of an individual print information automatic generation and distribution system for automatically generating print information requested by a customer and distributing the print information to the customer, wherein the print information distribution server is a terminal owned by the customer. A print information database for updating and accumulating and holding information including text information and image data for creating the print information when delivering the print information requested by the device via the network; When the application for the print information is made from, the delivery request for the print information included in the application information is configured to include a designation information database that stores designation information indicating whether the delivery is electronic delivery or delivery by direct mail, and The print information distribution server refers to the specified information database when the print information is applied from the terminal device. The print information distribution of the individual print information automatic generation distribution system characterized in that the print information created based on the application information is electronically distributed based on the content of the customer's distribution request, or the printed matter for mailing is created. server. 2. A print information distribution instruction server receives application information relating to print information applied via a network from a terminal device owned by the customer, and the print information distribution instruction server embeds it in the plate data based on the application information of the customer. The variable field data is created, and the print information creation instruction data including the variable field data is sent to the print information distribution server installed in the print information distributor, and the print information distribution server converts the received print information creation instruction data. A print information distribution server of an individual print information automatic generation and distribution system that automatically generates print information based on the print information and distributes the print information to an image database that stores image data for creating print information. Text database that stores text data for creating, customer and print information Receiving means for receiving the print information creation instruction data including the customer information and the variable field data for specifying the delivery method, and a portion defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received by the receiving means. And automatic typesetting means for arranging designated image data and text data by reading them from the image database and the text database and arranging variable field data included in the print information preparing instruction data at a predetermined position to prepare print image data. A print image database that stores print image data created by the automatic typesetting means, and a print information distribution method is selected based on the customer information,
When the delivery method selecting means for instructing and the method for delivering the print image data corresponding to the print information by downloading by the delivery method selecting means are selected, the access information of the download source is transmitted to the terminal device. And a means for downloading the print image data corresponding to the print information from the print image database, and downloading the print image data to the terminal device. A processing means; and a print instruction means for reading the corresponding print image data from the print image database and instructing the printer to print when a method for sending the print information by direct mail is selected by the delivery method selection means,
A print information distribution server comprising: 3. An individual print information distribution method for automatically generating print information requested by a customer and distributing the print information to the customer, the print including customer information and variable field data for specifying the customer and the print information distribution method. A first step of receiving the information creation instruction data; and image data and text data designated at a location defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received in the first step, Read from text database and place
And a second step of arranging variable field data included in the print information creation instruction data at a predetermined position to create print image data; and a third step of accumulating the print image data created by the second step. Step, selecting a delivery method of print information based on the customer information,
The fourth step of instructing, and when the method of distributing the print image data corresponding to the print information by download is selected in the fourth step, the terminal that has applied for the print information of the access information of the download source A fifth step of transmitting the print image data corresponding to the print information to the device, and the print image data stored in the third step when the customer requests download of print image data corresponding to the print information. When the image data is read and the terminal device for downloading to the customer requests to download the print image data corresponding to the print information, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database,
The sixth step of downloading to the terminal device, and when the method of sending the print information by direct mail is selected in the fourth step, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database, And a seventh step of instructing to print the individual print information delivery method. 4. An individual print information distribution program for automatically generating print information requested by a customer and distributing the print information to a customer, the print including customer information and variable field data for specifying a customer and a distribution method of the print information. A first step of receiving the information creation instruction data; and image data and text data designated at a location defined in the plate data selected based on the print information creation instruction data received in the first step, Read from text database and place
And a second step of arranging variable field data included in the print information creation instruction data at a predetermined position to create print image data; and a third step of accumulating the print image data created by the second step. Step, selecting a delivery method of print information based on the customer information,
The fourth step of instructing, and when the method of distributing the print image data corresponding to the print information by download is selected in the fourth step, the terminal that has applied for the print information of the access information of the download source A fifth step of transmitting the print image data corresponding to the print information to the device, and the print image data stored in the third step when the customer requests download of print image data corresponding to the print information. When the image data is read and the terminal device for downloading to the customer requests to download the print image data corresponding to the print information, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database,
The sixth step of downloading to the terminal device, and when the method of sending the print information by direct mail is selected in the fourth step, the corresponding print image data is read from the print image database, An individual print information distribution program for causing a computer to execute the seventh step of instructing to print.