JP2003308439A - Photo management server and information processor, photo management system, and control method and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photo management server and information processor, a photo management system, and a control method and program therefor capable of efficiently and easily providing digitization of developed matters of a film and the effective use of the digitized image data. <P>SOLUTION: A photo management site provided by a photo management system server 400 manages user exclusive temporary album holding image data matched to exclusive access address, album ID and password. It also manages a photo sharing album electronic album holding image data browsable from an unspecified number of terminals. On the basis of a request from a terminal which inputs the exclusive access address, album ID and password, designated image data in the first electronic album is moved to the second electronic album. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photo management server that manages image data corresponding to a film development product, an information processing device that transmits image data to be registered to the photo management server, the photo management server, and the photo management server. The present invention relates to a photo management system including an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a DPE shop, a conventional silver salt film is read by a film scanner, converted into digital image data, and a CD-ROM recording the digital image data is prepared.

There is also a service (electronic album service) for uploading digital image data of a silver salt film on the Internet.

Further, a print service for digital image data taken by a digital camera, a CD-ROM creation service, an electronic album service, etc. are also provided.

[0005]

However, when using the above-mentioned electronic album service, membership registration including personal information of a user who uses the electronic album service is performed from a terminal such as a personal computer (PC). There is a need.

Further, even in a print service for digital image data taken by a digital camera, since the user does not want to deposit the flash memory storing the digital image data built in the digital camera at a DPE store, membership registration is similarly performed. , You need to enter your membership number each time you request. These membership registrations are complicated and are one of the reasons for shunning album services on the Internet.

Further, when digital image data is uploaded by registering as a member, there is an inconvenience that all digital image data uploaded to anyone who can access at the moment of uploading is freely browsed by others.

In addition to the printing of digital image data, even if an attempt is made to create a product using the digital image data, it is necessary for a conventional DPE specialty store to order various products separately. It was a hassle.

Further, against the background of the high resolution of the scanner and the large capacity of CompactFlash (registered trademark), the high resolution data is directly transmitted to the electronic album site for using the electronic album service provided on the Internet. When uploading, there is a problem in that it takes a long time for transmission depending on the communication environment of the user, and the performance of browsing the Internet during the transmission is degraded.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to efficiently and easily provide photo management for digitizing a film development product and effectively utilizing the digitized image data. An object of the present invention is to provide a server, an information processing device, a photo management system, a control method thereof, and a program.

[0011]

A photo management server according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a photo management server that manages image data corresponding to a film developed product, and a first management that manages a first electronic album that holds image data and is associated with a dedicated access address, album ID, and password. Means, second management means for managing a second electronic album holding image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal, and the second based on a request from the terminal for inputting the dedicated access address / album ID / password. And a moving means for moving designated image data in one electronic album to the second electronic album.

[0012] Preferably, the first management means further comprises a receiving means for receiving the image data to be registered and the corresponding dedicated access address / album ID / password from an external terminal via a communication line. Is
The first electronic album corresponding to the dedicated access address, album ID, and password received by the receiving means is generated, and the image data received by the receiving means is managed in the first electronic album.

Preferably, the menu screen information having at least an editing function for the image data managed by the second electronic album, a print ordering function for the image data, and a goods making ordering function using the image data is generated. And generating means.

[0014] Preferably, the system further comprises designation information receiving means for receiving designation information of image data to be moved from the first electronic album to the second electronic album. Based on the designation information received by the receiving means, the designated image data in one or a plurality of the first electronic albums is moved to the one second electronic album.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, an information processing apparatus that generates image data corresponding to a film developed product and registers it in a server, and a dedicated access address, album ID, and password for browsing image data registered in an electronic album on the server. And a sending means for sending the dedicated access address, album ID, password and corresponding image data to the server.

Further, preferably, the printer further comprises a printing means for printing the dedicated access address / album ID / password and the image data corresponding thereto on one recording medium.

Further, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a mail transmitting means for transmitting the dedicated access address, the album ID, the password and the image data corresponding thereto to the designated destination by mail.

A photo management system according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a photo management system having a server that manages image data corresponding to a developed product of a film and a client that transmits the image data to the server, the server comprising:
First managing means for managing a first electronic album holding image data, which is associated with a dedicated access address, album ID, and password, and a second electronic album holding image data viewable from an unspecified terminal. Second
Management means and the dedicated access address / album ID
A moving means for moving image data designated from the image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album based on a request from a terminal for inputting a password, wherein the client is the first electronic album. The electronic device includes a generation unit that generates the dedicated access address / album ID / password corresponding to the electronic album, and a transmission unit that transmits the dedicated access address / album ID / password and image data corresponding thereto to the server.

A method of controlling a photo management server according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, it is a control method of a photo management server that manages image data corresponding to a film developed product, which is associated with a dedicated access address, album ID, and password.
First to manage a first electronic album that holds image data
A management step, a second management step of managing a second electronic album that holds image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal, and moving designated image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album. And a moving step.

A method of controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
A method of controlling an information processing apparatus for generating image data corresponding to a film developed product and registering the image data in a server, wherein a dedicated access address for browsing image data registered in an electronic album on the server, an album ID, A generation process for generating a password and the dedicated access address
And a transmitting step of transmitting the album ID / password and the image data corresponding thereto to the server.

A program according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, it is a program for causing a computer to control a photo management server that manages image data corresponding to a film developed product, and holds image data associated with a dedicated access address, album ID, and password. A program code of a first management process for managing a first electronic album, a program code of a second management process for managing a second electronic album that holds image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal, and the dedicated access address album And a program code of a moving step of moving designated image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album based on a request from a terminal for inputting an ID / password.

A program according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, it is a program for causing a computer to control an information processing apparatus that generates image data corresponding to a film developed product and registers it in a server, and browses image data registered in an electronic album on the server. And a program code of a generation step for generating a dedicated access address / album ID / password for the purpose, and a program code of a transmission step of transmitting the dedicated access address / album ID / password and the corresponding image data to the server.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

The photo management system of the present invention digitally scans various films (hereinafter collectively referred to as films) such as 35 mm film and APS film used for single-lens reflex cameras and compact cameras with a film scanner. When converting to image data (or when reading a film print with a scanner and converting to digital image data), the film No. (For example, the shop name + serial number) is issued, and the user uploads and manages the user's image data with a single touch to the user-only temporary photo album (electronic album) of the photo management system, without registering in advance as a member. Provide the function.

On this user-only temporary photo album or on a photo sharing album intended to be disclosed to others, unnecessary image data or image data that should not be shown to others, deletion, rearrangement and editing functions of image data are performed. I will provide a. In addition to prints, if you want various goods (T-shirts, cups, etc.) that use image data, you can order together with prints.

The outline of the overall configuration of the photo management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the photo management system of this embodiment.

(1) The user selects the film to the nearest DP.
E-shop or dedicated DPE shop (normal DPE
In addition to the services provided at the shop, bring the photo management system of this embodiment to a dedicated terminal that can be used) to develop the film and develop the product (negative, positive or print) to the photo management site. Request registration.

(2) In the case of a DPE shop, since it is impossible to directly use the photo management site, the user receives the film, arranges the development of the film, and arranges the registration of the image data in the photo management site. . The film received from the user is collected in the central lab, and the central lab executes the film development and the registration of the image data corresponding to the developed product in the photo management site.

(3) The dedicated DPE shop or the central laboratory develops the requested film, converts the developed product into digital image data, and registers the image data in the user-only temporary album in the photo management site. In addition, at the time of registration, a user index card including dedicated URL (access address) data, album ID, and password for browsing the user-only temporary album is printed. It should be noted that this user index card is delivered to the DPE shop where the film is collected, especially in the case of Central Lab.

(4) The dedicated DPE shop or the central lab uploads the image data to be registered to the user-only temporary album in the photo management site.

(5) The user can browse the user-only temporary album in the photo management site based on the information recorded on the issued user index card.

(6) Further, when the image data in the user-only temporary album is disclosed or distributed to acquaintances, it is possible to move to the photo sharing album in the photo management site.

(7) This photo sharing album is a WEB page with a URL attached, and by sending an email to an acquaintance, the acquaintance can freely browse the image data managed by this URL. It is possible.

(8) Further, the photo sharing album can be configured as a guest album for viewing only specific images in the photo sharing album.

(9) For the image data in the photo sharing album, the user can print the image data or place an order for making goods using the image data.

(10) Photo Sharing When an order is made to print or make goods for the image data in the album, the photo management site prints the order data and the image data to be processed according to the contents of the print site or the goods making site. Transfer to. The print site or the goods creation site executes a process for creating a print or goods according to the contents of the order data.

For example, in the case of a print order, the print site transmits the image data to be printed to the designated central lab or dedicated DPE shop, and causes the destination to print.

In the case of a merchandise creation order, the merchandise creation site transmits the image data of the merchandise creation target to the specified merchandise creation shop and causes the merchandise creation shop to execute the merchandise creation.

(11) Goods Created by the shop is delivered to the designated DPE shop, and the user can receive the goods ordered at the DPE shop.

Next, a specific configuration example of the photo management system will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the arrangement of the photo management system of this embodiment.

The photo management system of the present embodiment includes a user terminal 100 that uses the photo management system, a dedicated terminal 200, a central lab server 300, a photo management system server 400 that realizes the photo management system, a print site management server 500, and goods. The creation site management servers 600 are connected to each other via a communication line 700.

In the present embodiment, the "server" means that information such as HTML documents and images is stored in the WWW system, and information is transmitted through the communication line in response to a request from client software such as a Web browser. It means a web server (web server) to be performed or an application server (or a web application server) having a function of bridging processing such as a database system in response to a request from a user through a communication line.

The "client" means a computer and software that uses the functions and data provided by the server on the communication line. The client corresponds to, for example, a computer connected to a communication line, a home-use personal computer, a Web browser operating on the computer, a viewer, or the like.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which various processes relating to the photo management service between the provider and the user are realized particularly in a Web environment via a communication line will be described. The invention is not limited to such a configuration. That is, the present invention can be applied to any computer network environment in which various operation screens for executing the processes related to the services provided by the server can be provided in a form that can be displayed on the browser (viewer) of the client. it can.

The user terminal 100 is a terminal of a personal computer, a mobile terminal (a mobile phone, a PDA, etc.),
It has a communication function connectable to the photo management system server 400 and a WEB client function.

The operating company of the photo management system is WEB
It has a photo management system server 400 having a server function, and registers and manages various information transmitted from the dedicated terminal 200 and the central lab server 300 via the communication line 700. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the dedicated terminal 20
0 and the central lab server 300 receives and manages the image data transmitted from the central lab server 300, and a photo management site is provided to provide a viewing and editing function for the image data.

This photo management site is a dedicated terminal 200
A user-only temporary album that individually manages image data of each user transmitted from the central lab server 300 and a photo sharing album that manages image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal that can be connected to the communication line 700. Have

The user-only temporary album is an electronic album that can be freely used by any user and does not require prior member registration. This user-only temporary album is a dedicated U that is uniquely assigned to each album.
RL data, album ID, and password are associated with each other. The user can browse the user-only temporary album for the first time by inputting his / her own URL data / album ID / password. Also, if you want to edit the image data in this user-only temporary album, make it public to other users, or print the image data or create goods, move the image data to the photo sharing album. Then, it is possible to execute the desired processing.

The photo sharing album has a menu screen that provides member users with specific functions such as editing image data moved from the user-only temporary album, ordering image data prints, and creating goods. It's an album. However, even non-member users can browse the image data in the photo sharing album.

The user-only temporary album and the photo sharing album are composed of WEB pages, and it is possible to set the capacity limit and management period of the images managed in the WEB page. It is also possible to increase or decrease the capacity limit and extend the management period for a fee.

The image data is registered in the user-only temporary album at a predetermined resolution (for example, 200 dp).
i) Image data having a lower resolution is registered, and image data having a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution is stored in the dedicated terminal 200 or the central lab server 3 unless necessary.
You may make it manage by 00. Then, for example, only when there is a request to use high-resolution image data such as high-resolution print, from the dedicated terminal 200 or the central lab server 300 to the photo management system server 40.
Reregister to 0. With such a configuration, the load on the communication line and the photo management system server 400 is reduced,
In addition, effective use of storage resources can be achieved.

Further, the various functions realized by the photo sharing album may be configured as a user-only temporary album.

The dedicated terminal 200 is a personal computer or a kiosk type terminal installed in the above-mentioned dedicated DPE shop, and digitizes the film developer, prints the digital image data, writes the CD, and manages the photo management system server 400. It has an upload function to. In particular, in the present embodiment, the image data obtained by digitizing the film development product is transmitted to the photo management system server 400, and the image data transmitted from the photo management system server 400 is printed. Further, when the development product is digitized, the image data, the dedicated URL data of the user-dedicated temporary album that is the management destination of the image data, and the album ID / password for accessing the user-dedicated temporary album are included. Create (print) a user index card.

The central lab server 300 is a server installed in the above-mentioned central lab and having the same function as the above-mentioned dedicated terminal 200. However, since the central lab collects the films from a plurality of DPE shops, the central lab server 300 can manage the image data corresponding to the film development product and print the user index card for each DPE shop. It is configured.

In the present embodiment, the user information (exclusive URL data.
Although the album ID / password) is created by the dedicated terminal 200 or the central server 300, the user information is created by the photo management system server 400, and each dedicated terminal 200 or the central server 30 is created.
0, and each dedicated terminal 200 or the central server 300 may print the user index card based on the received user information.

The print site management server 500 is a server that manages the processing related to the printing of image data.
Particularly, in the present embodiment, the photo management system server 40
The order data and the image data to be printed, which are transmitted from 0, are received and transmitted as print request information to the designated dedicated terminal 200 or the central server 300.

The goods creation site management server 600 is a server that manages processing related to creation of goods using image data. In particular, in the present embodiment, the order data and the image data of the goods creation target that are transmitted from the photo management system server 400 are received, and this is sent to the terminal of the specified goods creation shop as the goods creation request information.

Reference numeral 700 denotes a communication line, typically the Internet, but it may be a LAN / WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) or a frame relay line.

Although each of the above-mentioned servers is constructed separately, a part / all of them may be constructed by one server.

The timing of transmitting image data from the dedicated terminal 200 or the central lab server 300 to the photo management system server is not specified, but it is urgent according to the user's request, communication line traffic, or the like. In the case of 1, the image may be transmitted after the image data of the developer is completed, and in the case of not urgent, it may be transmitted at night.

Next, the hardware configurations of various terminals and servers that constitute the photo management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of each of the various terminals and servers that make up the photo management system of this embodiment.

In FIG. 3, the CPU 21, the RAM 22,
ROM 23, LAN adapter 24, video adapter 2
5, input unit (keyboard) 26, input unit (mouse) 2
The hard disk 28, the hard disk 28, and the CD-ROM drive 29 are connected to each other via the system bus 20. The system bus 20 is, for example, a PCI bus or AGP.
It means a bus, a memory bus, or the like. Further, in FIG. 3, a connection chip between each bus, a keyboard interface, an input / output interface such as so-called SCSI and ATAPI, and a power supply line are omitted.

The CPU 21 performs various operations such as four arithmetic operations and comparison operations, and controls hardware and software.
In the RAM 22, an operation system program or application program (executed by each terminal or server described later) read from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a CD-R mounted in the hard disk 28 or a CD-ROM drive 29. Each program for executing the flowchart) and the like are stored, and these are executed under the control of the CPU 21.

The ROM 23 is a so-called B which controls input / output to / from a hard disk in cooperation with the operation system.
IOS and the like are stored. LAN adapter 24 is a CPU
It communicates with the outside via a network in cooperation with the communication program of the operation system controlled by 21. The video adapter 25 generates an image signal to be output to a display device (not shown), and the input unit (keyboard) 26 and the input unit (mouse) 27 are used to input an instruction to the terminal.

The hard disk 28 stores the operating system and the above-mentioned application programs, and is used in the RAM 22 when the terminal is started or when necessary.
Loaded in.

The CD-ROM drive 29 is a CD-RO.
It is used to install a storage medium such as M, CD-R or CD-R / W and install the application program on the hard disk 28.

Needless to say, a CD-R drive, a CD-R / W drive, an MO drive, a DVD-RAM drive or the like may be used instead of the CD-ROM drive 29.

Next, of the processes executed by the photo management system of this embodiment, the process of registering image data from the dedicated terminal 200 to the photo management system server 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing when image data is registered in the photo management system server from the dedicated terminal of this embodiment.

Incidentally, FIG. 4 shows the photo management system server 4.
For the photo management site realized by 00, each operator of the dedicated DPE shop has its own dedicated terminal 200
To access the site and perform various processes related to registration of image data corresponding to the film developed product received from the user via the WEB browser.

First, the dedicated DPE shop receives a film from a user, develops the film, and simultaneously prints the film. Here, a case will be described as an example in which after the film is developed and simultaneously printed, the developed product is converted into image data and then registered in the photo management system server 400. However, the development brought in by the user It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an object (negative, positive or print).

Next, in step S101, the dedicated terminal 20
For 0, the reading source of the developed film is designated. There are two types of designation, one is to read the developed film with a film scanner and the other is to read the simultaneous printing of the developed film with the scanner.

In step S102, it is determined whether or not the designation of the reading source is the scanner. If it is a scanner (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104,
The simultaneous print set in the dedicated terminal 200 is read by a scanner to generate image data. On the other hand, if it is not a scanner (NO in step S102), step S10
In step 3, the developed film set in the dedicated terminal 200 is read by the film scanner to generate image data.

In step S105, the album ID and password are issued for the image data. In step S106, dedicated URL data that is the registration destination of the image data is generated. The album ID and password are normally set for all image data groups obtained from one film, but may be set for a plurality of films.

The album ID and password are
Normally, it is for all image data groups obtained from one film, but it may be for multiple films. Also, the album ID is the so-called DPE
The barcode may be generated based on the bar code printed on the surface of the bag (a bag that contains a film developed at a DPE store or a photograph for simultaneous printing and is handed to the client). This bar code is a unique code consisting of a lab number and a sequential number.
The barcode may be read by a barcode reader, or an alphanumeric symbol printed with the barcode may be input by a keyboard. In step S107, the user information (exclusive URL data / album ID / password) corresponding to the image data is provided to the photo management system server 400.
Send to.

On the other hand, the photo management system server 400
In step S201, the user information corresponding to the image data to be registered is received from the dedicated terminal 200. In step S202, a user-dedicated temporary album for registering the received image data under the dedicated URL data in the user information is generated. In step S203, the user-specific temporary album generation completion notification is sent to the dedicated terminal 200.
Send to.

On the other hand, the dedicated terminal 200 receives the generation completion notification from the photo management system server 400 in step S108. In step S109, the image data to be registered in the user-only temporary album is transmitted to the photo management system server 400. Then, in step S110, a user index card for browsing the image data to be registered is printed.

On the other hand, the photo management system server 400
Receives the image data to be registered from the dedicated terminal 200 in step S204. Then, step S205
Then, the image data is registered and updated in the corresponding user-specific temporary album.

Here, an example of the user index card will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the user index card of this embodiment.

User index card 80 shown in FIG.
0 is created based on an index print that is conventionally generated when developing a film. In the user index card 800, reference numeral 801 is a reduced print list of photographic images obtained by developing a film. Further, 802 is the above-mentioned user information (exclusive URL data, album ID, password). The user
The reduced print list 801 is obtained by receiving the user index card 800 and accessing the user-only temporary album on the photo management system server 400 using the user information (exclusive URL data / album ID / password) printed on the user index card 800. It is possible to browse the image data corresponding to.

Next, the processing for registering image data from the central lab server 300 to the photo management system server 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing when the image data is registered in the photo management system server from the central server of this embodiment.

The processing executed between the central lab server 300 and the photo management system server 400 described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed between the dedicated terminal 200 and the photo management system server 400 of the flowchart of FIG. It is almost the same as the processing, and the same step numbers are added to the same processing, and the overlapping portions are omitted.

At the central laboratory, the DPE shop collects the film received from the user and develops and simultaneously prints the film. However, at this time, DP
From the e-shop, accept information on the source (scanner / film scanner) of the developed film and the mail address of the user. Again, the album ID is so-called D
It may be generated based on a bar code printed on the surface of a PE bag (a bag which contains a film developed at a DPE store or a photograph of simultaneous printing and is handed to a client). This bar code is a unique code consisting of a lab number and a sequential number. The bar code may be read by a bar code reader, or an alphanumeric symbol printed with the bar code may be input by a keyboard.

Then, the operator of the central lab is
Based on the read source information, the central lab server 300 is subjected to the processing of steps S101 to S107, and the user information is stored in the photo management system server 40.
Send to 0.

On the other hand, the photo management system server 400
Is the central lab server 300 in step S201.
When more user information is received, the above step S202-
The processes of steps S201 to S203 are executed, and the central lab server 3 is notified of the completion of generation of the user-only temporary album corresponding to the image data to be registered.
Send to 00.

On the other hand, the central lab server 300
Receives a generation completion notification from the photo management system server 400 in step S108, step S109
Then, the image data to be registered is transmitted to the photo management system server 400. Then, in step S111, user index data corresponding to the user index card for browsing the image data to be registered is generated,
It is mailed to the user terminal 100.

By receiving the user index data from the central lab server 300 by mail, the user terminal 100 uses the user index data to browse the image data registered in the user-only temporary album of the photo management system server 400. It becomes possible to do.

On the other hand, the photo management system server 400
Receives the image data to be registered from the central lab server 300 in step S204. Then, in step S205, the image data is registered and updated in the corresponding user-specific temporary album.

Next, a process for creating a photo sharing album in the photo management system server 400 and registering image data will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing when the photo sharing album of this embodiment is generated and the image data is registered.

First, in step S401, the user transmits dedicated URL data corresponding to the image data in the user-specific temporary album to the photo management system server 400 in the user terminal 100 in order to browse the image data.

The photo management system server 400 sends the dedicated URL data to the user terminal 100 in step S501.
To receive more. Next, in step S502, the dedicated U
Login screen information for inputting the album ID / password corresponding to the RL data is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100 has step S402.
Then, the login screen information is provided to the photo management system server 40.
Receive from 0. Next, in step S403, when the album ID / password is entered in the input area of the login screen based on the login screen information, the album ID
-Send the password to the photo management system server 400.

The photo management system server 400 receives the album ID and password from the user terminal 100 in step S503. Next, in step S504, it is determined whether or not the album ID and password match. If they do not match (NO in step S504), the process advances to step S505 to display an error message in the user terminal 1
00, and sends the album ID to the user terminal 100.
・ Prompt for re-entering password. On the other hand, if they match (YES in step S504), the process advances to step S506.

[0100] In step S506, the photo management system server 400 determines whether the user has already registered a formal user registration for using the photo sharing album. If it is officially registered (YES in step S506), the process advances to step S513. On the other hand, if it is not officially registered (NO in step S506), step S5
Proceed to 07.

The photo management system server 400 generates registration screen information for use of the photo sharing album in step S507. In step S508, the registration screen information is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100 has step S404.
Then, the registration screen information is received from the photo management system server 400. Next, in step S405, when the registration information is input to the registration screen based on the registration screen information, the registration information is transmitted to the photo management system server 400 in step S406.

In this registration screen, various information input fields for using the photo sharing album (user name, address, telephone number, mail address, permission / non-disclosure of image data in the photo sharing album). Permission etc.)
Is configured, and these pieces of information are transmitted to the photo management system server 400 as registration information.

The photo management system server 400 receives the registration information from the user terminal 100 in step S509. In step S510, the registration information is added.
Next, in step S511, a photo sharing album is generated. In step S512, a user data notification mail indicating that the registration of using the photo sharing album is completed is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100 operates in step S407.
Then, the user data notification mail is received from the photo management system server 400.

On the other hand, in step S506, if the photo management system server 400 has been officially registered, the photo management system server 400 generates update screen information of the photo sharing album in step S513. In step S514, the update screen information is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100 operates in step S408.
Then, the update screen information is received from the photo management system server 400. Next, in step S409, it is determined whether the update button on the update screen according to the update screen information has been pressed. If not pressed (N in step S409)
O), the process ends. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in step S409), the flow advances to step S410 to input update information. In step S411, the update information is transmitted to the photo management system server 400.

The update information is information for selecting image data to be moved to the photo sharing album from the user-only temporary album and moving the selected image data to the photo sharing album. In other words, it is designation information of disclosure / non-disclosure in the photo sharing album of the image data on the user-only temporary album.

Although the image data to be moved to the photo sharing album is selected from the user-only temporary album and the selected image data is moved to the photo sharing album, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, all the image data in the user-only temporary album may be collectively moved to the photo sharing album based on the instruction, and after moving to the photo sharing album, the unnecessary image data may be deleted from the album.

Furthermore, the movement of the image data to the photo sharing album is not limited to the image data in one user-only temporary album. For example, when the same user has a plurality of user-dedicated temporary albums, desired image data from each of the plurality of user-dedicated temporary albums may be moved to one photo sharing album.

The photo management system server 400 receives the update information from the user terminal 100 in step S515. In step S516, based on the update information,
Update the registration information in the user-only album and the photo sharing album.

Next, as an example of processing that can be executed by the user when registered as a member, regarding processing related to browsing a photo sharing album, ordering prints, and ordering goods,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a processing example when the photo sharing album of this embodiment is used.

The user terminal 100 operates in step S601.
Then, the user information (URL data, album ID, password) for accessing the photo sharing album is transmitted to the photo management system server 400.

When only viewing the image data in the photo sharing album, only the URL data is transmitted to the photo management system server 400.

The photo management system server 400 receives the user information from the user terminal 100 in step S701. When the authentication of the user information is completed, step S7
In 02, the menu screen information is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100 operates in step S602.
In the menu screen information, the photo management system server 40
Receive from 0 and display the menu screen.

Here, an example of the menu screen will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen of this embodiment.

In the menu screen 900 shown in FIG. 9,
Reference numeral 901 denotes a browse button for browsing the photo sharing album. When this browse button is pressed,
The list of image data in the photo sharing album is
For example, it is displayed as thumbnail image data. 90
Reference numeral 2 is a button for editing desired image data in the photo sharing album. This edit button 90
When 2 is pressed, the editing tool is activated. 903
Is a button for ordering a print of desired image data in the photo sharing album. A button 904 is used to order goods creation using desired image data in the photo sharing album. 905
Is a button for ending this menu screen.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.

In step S603, it is determined whether the browse button on the menu screen has been pressed. If not pressed (NO in step S603), the process returns to step S602. On the other hand, if it is pressed (YES in step S603)
S), and transmits the browsing request to the photo management system server 400.

When the photo management system server 400 receives the browsing request from the user terminal 100 in step S703, the browsing screen information for browsing the image data in the photo sharing album corresponding to the user in step S704 ( For example, a thumbnail image of image data) is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100, step S605.
Then, the browsing screen information is received from the photo management system server 400. In step S606, it is determined whether the edit button on the menu screen has been pressed. If the edit button has not been pressed (NO in step S606), the flow advances to step S609. On the other hand, if the edit button is pressed (YES in step S606), the edit tool (magnification of image data, trimming, text input, drawing function of line segment, figure, etc.) is displayed, and the photo sharing album by the user is displayed. Accepts editing of image data in. In step S607, it is determined whether editing has been completed.
If editing is not completed (N in step S607)
O), wait until editing is completed. On the other hand, when the editing is completed (YES in step S607), step S6
In step 08, the editing information generated by the editing is transmitted to the photo management system server 400.

The photo management system server 400 receives the edit information from the user terminal 100 in step S705. Next, in step S706, the image data to be edited in the photo sharing album is edited and updated based on the editing information.

The image data can be edited by using the image data in the user-only temporary album instead of the image data in the photo sharing album by configuring the editing function in the user-only temporary album. Is.

On the other hand, if the edit button is not pressed in step S606, the process proceeds to step S609, and the order button (in this embodiment, on the menu screen)
It is determined whether the print order button or the goods order button) has been pressed. If the order button has not been pressed (NO in step S609), step S610
Then, it is determined whether or not the end button on the menu screen is pressed. If the end button has not been pressed (NO in step S610), the process returns to step S602. On the other hand, if the end button has been pressed (YES in step S610), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the order button is pressed in step S609, the flow advances to step S611 to send an order screen information transmission request to the photo management system server 400.

The photo management system server 400 sends an order screen information transmission request to the user terminal 1 in step S707.
When it is received from 00, the order screen information is transmitted to the user terminal 100 in step S708.

The user terminal 100 operates in step S612.
Then, the order screen information is received from the photo management system server 400 and the order screen information is displayed. Based on the order screen based on the order image information, the user inputs the order data for printing the image data and creating goods using the image data. Then, in step S613,
The order data input via the order screen information is transmitted to the photo management system server 400.

Upon receiving the order data from the user terminal 100 in step S709, the photo management system server 400 transfers the order data to the print site management server 500.

The print site management server 500 receives the order data from the photo management system server 400 in step S801. In step S802, it is determined whether the content of the order data is an order for printing image data. In case of print order (step S80)
If YES, the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if the order is not for printing (NO in step S802), that is, if the order is for creating goods using image data, the process advances to step S803 to send order data and image data to be processed to the goods creating site management server 600. Send.

At step S901, the goods creation site management server 600 receives the order data and the image data to be processed from the print site management server 500, and executes the goods creation processing.

On the other hand, in step S802, if the order is for print, the print site management server 500
Is the normal print destination D in step S804.
It is determined whether it is a PE shop. If it is a DPE shop (YES in step S804), the flow advances to step S805 to send the order data and the image data to be processed to the central lab server 300 that manages the DPE shop.

In step S1001, the central lab server 300 receives the order data and the image data to be processed from the print site management server 500, and executes the print processing.

On the other hand, in step S804, the DPE
Print site management server 5 if not a shop
00 sends the order data and the image data to be processed to the designated dedicated terminal 200 in step S806.

Here, the operation screens related to a series of orders including the order screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the order screen of this embodiment.

The order screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed when the print order button 903 or the goods order button 904 in the menu screen 900 is pressed.
And in this order screen 1000, 1001 is
This is an area for inputting various information (name, address, telephone number, mail address, etc.) of the user who is the orderer. 100
2 is a button for returning to the menu screen 900.
1003 is a button for transitioning to the next screen.
In the case of the present embodiment, when this button 1003 is pressed, an image data selection screen for selecting the image data to be ordered is displayed.

Next, regarding this image data selection screen,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the image data selection screen of this embodiment.

The image data selection screen 1100 shown in FIG.
In the figure, 1101 is a display area for displaying a list of order-targeted image data. On the right side of each image data displayed in the display area 1101, items for specifying auxiliary information such as the print size of the image data and the number of orders are prepared. In particular, the image data selection screen 1100 is an example of the image data selection screen when ordering prints.
The item group on the right side of each image data in the display area 1101 is
It is composed of items that specify the number of orders and the print size. A button 1102 is a button for resetting the designated order quantity. 1103 returns to the menu screen 900. 1
104 is a button for confirming an order. When this button 1104 is pressed, an order status screen showing the order status is displayed.

Next, regarding this order status screen, FIG.
Will be explained.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the order status screen of this embodiment.

In the order status screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes image data to be ordered, the number of orders,
This is an area showing information related to an order such as an order unit price, an order total, an order item receiving method, a receiving store, a payment method, a scheduled receiving date, and the like. 1202 is the order status screen 120
This is a button for updating the display of 0. 1203 is
Previous screen (image data selection screen 11 in this embodiment)
This button is for returning to 00). 1204 is a button for designating new image data to be ordered,
When this button is pressed, the image data selection screen 110
0 is displayed. Reference numeral 1205 is a button for designating a store where the ordered product is received. When the button 1205 is pressed, the store receiving designation screen 1300 (FIG. 13) is displayed.
Is displayed. 1206 is a button for confirming the order content displayed on the order status screen 1200, and when the button 1206 is pressed, a confirmation screen 1400 (FIG. 14) is displayed.

Next, the receiving store designation screen will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the receiving store designation screen of this embodiment.

Receiving store designation screen 130 shown in FIG.
In 0, 1301 is an area for inputting search information for searching a receiving store. In this area 1301, there are prepared areas for inputting two types of search information capable of executing a search by a shop number that specifies a DPE shop or a dedicated DPE shop and a search by the address of those shops. When either one of the search information is input and the search button 1302 is pressed, the search based on the input search information is executed, and the search result is displayed in the area 1
It is displayed on 303. Reference numeral 1304 denotes a button for confirming the search result, and when this button is pressed, the search result is updated as new receiving store information. 130
5 is the previous screen (in the present embodiment, the order status screen 12
This button is for returning to 00).

The input area of the search information in the area 1301 is not limited to this, and any input area can be prepared as long as it is information (for example, a telephone number) that can search the receiving store. I do not care.

Next, the confirmation screen will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the confirmation screen of this embodiment.

In the confirmation screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14,
Reference numeral 1401 is an area for displaying various kinds of information regarding orders (ordered products, receiving method, orderer information, etc.). 140
2 is a button for returning to the order status screen 1200. 1403 is a button for instructing an order, and when this button is pressed, the photo management system server 400
Executes the flowchart of FIG. 7 described above based on the information displayed in the area 1401.

The various operation screens (GUI) presented to the user for realizing the processing provided by the above-described photo management system are examples, and the screen configuration and operation contents are appropriately set according to the intended use and purpose. It is possible to design.
Further, in reality, there are various operation screens other than the above-described various operation screens, and these operation screens can be configured in accordance with the above-described various operation screens, and thus the details thereof will be omitted here.

As described above, in the photo management system of this embodiment, the film development product is digitized in the dedicated DPE shop or the central lab having the terminal connected to the photo management system server,
The digitized image data is registered in the photo management system server. At this time, since the image data is browsed on the basis of the dedicated URL data, album ID, and password issued for each digitization, the user needs to register in advance to use the function provided by the photo management system server. Even if it does not perform, the image data can be browsed while maintaining the confidentiality of the image data.

Further, by providing various functions (image editing function, print ordering function, goods creation function) using image data in the photo management system server, it is possible to have a high-performance printer or scanner at home. Even non-users can easily request high quality prints and goods creation.

The present invention supplies a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the above-mentioned flow chart) of the software which realizes the function of the above-described embodiment directly or remotely to the system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus. The computer also reads and executes the supplied program code. In that case, the form need not be a program as long as it has the functions of the program.

Therefore, the program code itself installed in the computer to implement the functional processing of the present invention by the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the present invention includes the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

In this case, the program may take any form, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS, as long as it has the function of the program.

As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an MO, a CD
-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM,
DVD-R).

In addition, as a program supply method,
It can also be supplied by connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser of a client computer, and downloading the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file having an automatic installation function from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from different homepages. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for implementing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

The program of the present invention is encrypted to C
By storing the information in a storage medium such as a D-ROM and distributing it to the user, and having the user who satisfies the predetermined conditions download the key information for decrypting the encryption from the home page via the Internet, and by using the key information It is also possible to execute the encrypted program and install the program in a computer to realize it.

Further, the computer executes the read program to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the OS and the like running on the computer execute the actual processing based on the instructions of the program. The function of the above-described embodiment can be realized also by performing a part or all of the above.

Further, after the program read from the recording medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program,
CPU provided on the function expansion board or function expansion unit
Performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0164]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a photo management server and an information processing apparatus, a photo management system, a control method thereof, and a program capable of efficiently and easily providing digitization of a film development product and effective use of the digitized image data. In particular, by generating the album ID based on the barcode printed on the surface of the DPE bag, it becomes possible to easily access the photo album site without complicated procedures such as membership registration, and the two album areas By including the above, it becomes possible to select the photos after uploading the data, or to process the photos and then publish them to a third party.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a photo management system of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photo management system of the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of each of various terminals and a server that configure the photo management system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process when image data is registered in the photo management system server from the dedicated terminal of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for registering image data from the central server to the photo management system server according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process when a photo sharing album of the present embodiment is generated and image data is registered.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when using the photo sharing album of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user index card of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of this embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an order screen according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image data selection screen of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an order status screen of this embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a receiving store designation screen of the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 user terminals 200 dedicated terminals 300 Central Lab Server 400 Photo Management System Server 500 Print site management server 600 Goods production site management server 700 communication line

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shinji Tanaka             3-11-28 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo Canon             Within sales corporation F-term (reference) 5B017 AA03 BA05 CA07 CA16                 5B050 AA09 BA06 BA10 BA15 CA07                       CA08 DA04 FA12 FA13 FA19                       GA07 GA08                 5B072 BB00 CC24                 5B082 EA12

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A photo management server that manages image data corresponding to a film development product, and manages a first electronic album that holds image data and is associated with a dedicated access address, album ID, and password. Based on a request from a first management unit, a second management unit that manages a second electronic album that holds image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal, and a terminal that inputs the dedicated access address, album ID, and password. A photo management server, comprising: a moving unit that moves designated image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album. 2. The image forming apparatus further comprises: a receiving unit for receiving the image data to be registered and the dedicated access address / album ID / password corresponding thereto from an external terminal via a communication line, wherein the first managing unit is the The first electronic album corresponding to the dedicated access address, the album ID, and the password received by the receiving means is generated, and the image data received by the receiving means is managed in the first electronic album. Photo management server described in. 3. Generation means for generating menu screen information having at least an editing function for image data managed by the second electronic album, a print ordering function for the image data, and a goods making ordering function using the image data. The photo management server according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. A designation information receiving means for receiving designation information of image data to be moved which is to be moved from the first electronic album to the second electronic album, wherein the moving means is the designated information receiving means. The photo management server according to claim 1, wherein the designated image data in one or a plurality of the first electronic albums is moved to the one second electronic album based on the received designation information. . 5. An information processing apparatus for generating image data corresponding to a film development product and registering the image data in a server, the access address album for viewing image data registered in an electronic album on the server. An information processing apparatus comprising: a generation unit that generates an ID / password, and a transmission unit that transmits the dedicated access address / album ID / password and image data corresponding thereto to the server. 6. The dedicated access address album I
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a printing unit that prints the D / password and the image data corresponding thereto on one recording medium. 7. The dedicated access address album I
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a D. password and a mail sending unit that sends a mail of the image data corresponding to the password to a designated destination. 8. A photo management system having a server for managing image data corresponding to a film developed product and a client for transmitting the image data to the server, wherein the server is a dedicated access address, an album ID, First managing means for managing a first electronic album holding image data associated with a password, and second managing means for managing a second electronic album holding image data viewable from an unspecified terminal; A moving means for moving image data designated from the image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album based on a request from the terminal for inputting the dedicated access address, album ID, and password. The client is provided with the dedicated access address, album ID, and password corresponding to the first electronic album. A photo management system comprising: a generation unit that generates a password; and a transmission unit that transmits the dedicated access address, album ID, password, and image data corresponding thereto to the server. 9. A control method of a photo management server for managing image data corresponding to a film developed product, the first electronic album holding image data associated with a dedicated access address, an album ID and a password. Management step, a second management step for managing a second electronic album holding image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal, and a request from the terminal for inputting the dedicated access address / album ID / password And a moving step of moving designated image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album based on the above. 10. A receiving step of receiving image data to be registered and the dedicated access address / album ID / password corresponding thereto from an external terminal via a communication line, wherein the first managing step includes 10. The first electronic album corresponding to the dedicated access address, album ID, and password received in the receiving step is generated, and the image data received in the receiving step is managed in the first electronic album. The method for controlling the photo management server according to item 1. 11. A generating step of generating menu screen information having at least an editing function for image data managed by the second electronic album, a print ordering function for the image data, and a goods making ordering function using the image data. The method of controlling a photo management server according to claim 9, further comprising: 12. A designation information receiving step of receiving designation information of image data to be moved which is to be moved from the first electronic album to the second electronic album, wherein the moving step is the designation information receiving step. 10. The photo management server according to claim 9, wherein the designated image data in one or a plurality of the first electronic albums is moved to the one second electronic album based on the received designation information. Control method. 13. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus for generating image data corresponding to a film developed product and registering the image data in a server, the access being dedicated for viewing image data registered in an electronic album on the server. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: a generation step of generating an address / album ID / password; and a transmission step of transmitting the dedicated access address / album ID / password and image data corresponding thereto to the server. . 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a printing step of printing the dedicated access address, album ID, password, and image data corresponding thereto on one recording medium. Control method. 15. The information processing according to claim 13, further comprising a mail sending step of sending the dedicated access address, album ID, password and corresponding image data to a designated destination by mail. Device control method. 16. A program for causing a computer to control a photo management server that manages image data corresponding to a film developed product, the image data being associated with a dedicated access address, album ID, and password. And a program code of a first management process for managing a first electronic album that holds, a program code of a second management process for managing a second electronic album that holds image data that can be viewed from an unspecified terminal, and the dedicated access A program code of a moving step of moving designated image data in the first electronic album to the second electronic album based on a request from a terminal for inputting an address, an album ID, and a password. Program to do. 17. A program for causing a computer to control an information processing device for generating image data corresponding to a film development product and registering the image data in a server, the image data being registered in an electronic album on the server. A program code of a generating step for generating a dedicated access address / album ID / password for browsing, and a program code of a transmitting step of transmitting the dedicated access address / album ID / password and the corresponding image data to the server A program comprising: 18. The server according to claim 2, wherein the album ID is generated based on a barcode printed on a DPE envelope. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the album ID is generated based on a barcode printed on a DPE envelope. 20. The program according to claim 13, wherein the album ID is generated based on a barcode printed on a DPE envelope.