JP2005004249A - Image information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the decentralized management of information by a system that provides various information by using a photograph vending machine. <P>SOLUTION: Once a vending machine group through which area information (image data) are made open to the public is specified by the photograph vending machine 1 or a PC 3, a management server 2 stores identification information (vending machine ID) of the specified vending machine group and identification information (folder ID) of a folder containing the area information to be made open to the public in a database while making them correspond to each other, and transmits the area information to be made open to the public to photograph vending machines belonging to the specified vending machine group. A photograph vending machine 1 having received the area information stores its data on a hard disk in the photograph vending machine 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image information providing system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, image printing and vending machines (hereinafter referred to as “photo vending machines”) that print and sell images read from media such as memory cards have been installed in street corners and buildings and recorded by digital cameras or the like. Image data can be printed easily. The photo vending machine reads image data from media such as a memory card, displays the input screen for the print conditions (image to be printed, print size, number of prints, etc.) on the display monitor, and prints the image based on the input print conditions. To do. As an example of such a photo vending machine, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows Bluetooth communication between a mobile phone and a photo vending machine, and allows selection of a print image and designation of the number of prints by the communication. .
[0003]
Recently, by connecting a photo vending machine to a communication network, it has become possible to transmit image data to the photo vending machine via the communication network. By connecting a photo vending machine to a communication network, it is expected to expand functions for various purposes other than image printing. As such a function expansion, for example, an information providing function such as an information terminal installed in a convenience store may be added to a photo vending machine.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-352319 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as described above, adding functions such as information terminals installed in convenience stores to photo vending machines and connecting them to a nationwide communication network eliminates the burden and cost of load distribution and backup of various information. The problem of becoming enormous arises. In particular, as the type of information and the amount of information increase, the management cost of information further increases.
[0006]
Examples of information that can be provided by the photo vending machines installed in various locations include information on various stores in each region, information on events held in each region, and the like. Most people who need information about this type of area are those who live in or near that area, and there is very little demand for extracting information about that area from a remote location using a photo vending machine. However, if such regional information is to be centrally managed on a nationwide scale as in the past, the load on the communication network is biased due to the centralized management of information. ”), The response will be delayed. In addition, the effort and cost for collecting information from each region in the country is enormous.
[0007]
In this way, when centrally managing regional information, even if information on each region is collected in the form of receiving a promotion request from a posting or event organizer, the administrator side After checking all of the above, it must be registered in the management server, resulting in a problem that the burden on the administrator is heavy. In addition, if there is a change in the registered information, the person who requested the advertisement cannot change the registered contents immediately, and the change work cannot be done without going through the administrator. There also arises a problem that such work efficiency is poor.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to realize distributed management of information in a system that provides various types of information using a photo vending machine.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a plurality of image print sales apparatuses that print and sell image data, and the plurality of image print sales apparatuses connected to the plurality of image print sales apparatuses via a communication network. An image information providing system including a management device that manages information related to the image print sales device, wherein at least one of the plurality of image print sales devices is an image of the plurality of image print sales devices. An image for transmitting the image printing / sales apparatus for publishing data, identification information for the image printing / sales apparatus designated by the designating means, and image data to be disclosed by the image printing / sales apparatus to the management apparatus And an information transmission unit, wherein the management device identifies identification information of the designated image print sales device and identification of image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales device. Management information storage means for associating and storing information; and transmission means for transmitting image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus to the specified image print sales apparatus, the specified image printing The sales apparatus includes a storage unit that stores the image data transmitted from the management apparatus.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image print sales apparatuses that print and sell image data, a communication terminal held by the owner of the image data, and the plurality of image print sales apparatuses and the communication terminal communicate with each other. An image information providing system that is connected via a network and includes a management device that manages information related to the plurality of image print sales devices, wherein the communication terminal includes image data of the plurality of image print sales devices For specifying the image printing and sales apparatus to publish the image, the identification information of the image printing and sales apparatus specified by the specifying means, and the image information for transmitting the image data scheduled to be released by the image printing and sales apparatus to the management apparatus Transmitting means, wherein the management apparatus identifies the specified image print sales apparatus and identification information of image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus A management information storage means for storing the information; and a transmission means for transmitting image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus to the designated image print sales apparatus, the designated image print sales apparatus Is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the image data transmitted from the management apparatus.
[0011]
According to the present invention, it is not necessary to manage the image data in the management device by designating the image print sales device for publishing the image data and storing the image data in the designated image print sales device. Since image data can be acquired from the image print sales apparatus without connecting to the management apparatus via the communication network, the load on the communication network can be reduced. In addition, by managing the identification information of each image print sales device and the identification information of image data that can be disclosed by each image print sales device by the management device, compared to the case of managing the image data itself, Management costs can be reduced.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
[0013]
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an image information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image information providing system 100 includes a photo vending machine 1 installed in each region, a management server 2 that manages various information related to a local information providing service using the photo vending machine 1, and an information provider. It consists of a PC (Personal Computer) 3 owned by the (information owner), the photo vending machine 1 and the management server 2 are connected via the communication network N1, and the management server 2 and the PC 3 are connected via the communication network N2. Is done.
[0014]
Here, the communication networks N1 and N2 are various line networks such as a telephone line network, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line network, a CATV (CABle TeleVision) line network, a mobile communication network, and an Internet service provider that connects them. And base stations.
[0015]
FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the photo vending machine 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the photo vending machine 1 is provided with an operation panel 11a, a display panel 12a, a terminal connection portion 14a, a money insertion port 15a, a money return port 15b, a printed material outlet 16a, and recording medium insertion ports 18a to 18d. It has been. The photo vending machine 1 is an image printing and sales apparatus that is installed in, for example, a photo shop or a street corner, and that captures and prints out image data recorded on recording media inserted into the recording media insertion openings 18a to 18d.
[0016]
FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the photographic vending machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the photo vending machine 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, an input device 11, a display device 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a transmission control unit 14, a money transfer device 15, a printing device 16, A recording device 17 and a recording medium connection unit 18 are configured. Each unit is connected by a bus 19.
[0017]
The CPU 10 reads various control programs stored in the recording device 17 and develops them in a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 13 as necessary, and executes various processes based on these control programs. Is temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 13. In addition, the CPU 10 stores the processing result obtained by executing each program in a designated storage location in the recording device 17. Hereinafter, various control operations by the CPU 10 will be described.
[0018]
CPU10 performs the user registration process which registers the information regarding an information provider in the management server 2 (refer Fig.13 (a)). Further, the CPU 10 executes public group registration processing for registering information related to the group whose information is disclosed to the management server 2 (see FIG. 18). Further, the CPU 10 executes a folder / file registration process for registering a file containing information to be disclosed in a designated group for each folder (see FIG. 21). Further, the CPU 10 executes folder / file deletion processing for deleting folders and files registered in the designated group (see FIG. 32). In this folder / file deletion process, the CPU 10 specifies a photo vending machine that publishes an image file designated by the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, and requests the specified photo vending machine to delete the image file. A file deletion request process is executed (see FIG. 35). Further, when the information viewer receives the regional information providing service, the CPU 10 executes the regional information image file browsing / printing / copying process (see FIG. 37).
[0019]
The input device 11 is composed of an operation panel 11a composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc., and corresponds to various selection screens displayed on the display device 12 on the operation panel 11a according to instructions of display signals input from the CPU 10. Displays various operation buttons. The LCD display screen is covered with a pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure) touch panel configured with transparent electrodes arranged in a grid, and the XY coordinates of the force point pressed with a finger or a touch pen are expressed as voltage values. The detected position signal is output to the CPU 10 as an operation signal.
[0020]
The display device 12 is composed of a display panel 12a made of an LCD or the like, and displays various screens on the display panel 12a according to instructions of display signals input from the CPU 10.
[0021]
The RAM 13 develops various control programs and various application programs executed by the CPU 10 in a program storage area. Further, the RAM 13 temporarily stores input data and data such as processing results generated when the control processing program is executed in the work area.
[0022]
The transmission control unit 14 includes a modem (MODEM: Modulator / DEModulator), a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and performs communication with an external device via a communication line such as a telephone line, a dedicated line, and an ISDN line. Take control. The transmission control unit 14 transmits / receives data to / from an image recording apparatus such as a digital camera through a communication cable inserted into the terminal connection unit 14a.
[0023]
The money transfer device 15 calculates a print fee based on the designated print style and the number of prints. Also, the amount or forgery inserted from the money insertion slot 15a is determined, a return amount is calculated based on the fee and the insertion amount, and the change corresponding to the return amount is returned from the money return slot 15b. Also, the money transfer device 15 outputs the calculated fee, input amount, and return amount data to the CPU 10.
[0024]
The printing device 16 includes one or a plurality of printers, and scans and exposes a photosensitive material (photographic paper, sticker) with a light beam modulated according to image data input via the transmission control unit 14 or the recording medium connection unit 18. Then, the latent image is recorded, and the exposed photosensitive material is subjected to wet development processing and drying processing, and is output to the print receiving port 16a as a finished print. The printing device 16 also includes a receipt printing sheet for printing a receipt.
[0025]
The recording device 17 has a recording medium in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance. This recording medium is composed of a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, an optical recording medium, or a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and is fixedly attached to the recording device 17 or detachably mounted. This recording medium includes a user registration processing program (see FIG. 13A), a public group registration processing program (see FIG. 18), a folder / file registration processing program (see FIG. 21), and a folder / file deletion processing program (FIG. 32). (Refer to FIG. 37), and the area information image file browsing / printing / copying processing program (see FIG. 37) and data used in these programs are stored.
[0026]
The recording device 17 is provided with a management information storage area for area information providing service as shown in FIG. 4, and in this storage area, a folder ID of a folder in which information that can be disclosed by the photo vending machine 1 is stored. , A folder display name, and a classification (gourmet, shopping, etc.) of the folder are stored in association with each other. Also, the hard disk of the recording device 17 stores image files (image data) of information to be disclosed by the photo vending machine for each folder.
[0027]
A part or all of the program or data stored in the recording device 17 is received from another device from the transmission control unit 14 via a communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network). And may be stored. The recording medium may be a recording medium of another host computer constructed on the communication network. The recording device 17 may be a server or client recording medium constructed on a communication network.
[0028]
The recording medium connector 18 includes, for example, a flash memory card insertion slot 18a, a SmartMedia (registered trademark) card insertion slot 18b, a Memory Stick (registered trademark) insertion slot 18c, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk insertion slot 18d. It is an interface for inputting / outputting data with a portable medium inserted into each insertion slot. Note that the media is not limited to those described above, and for example, an SD memory card (Secure Digital memory card), a PC card, an MO (Magneto-Optic), or the like may be mounted.
[0029]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the management server 2 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the management server 2 includes a CPU 21, a display device 22, an input device 23, a transmission control unit 24, a storage device 25, and a RAM 26, and each unit is connected by a bus 27.
[0030]
The CPU 21 reads out various control programs stored in the storage device 25 and develops them in a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 26 as necessary, and executes various processes based on these programs. The data is temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 26. Further, the CPU 21 saves the processing results obtained by executing the programs in the designated saving destination in the storage device 25 based on the instruction signal input from the input device 23. Hereinafter, various control operations by the CPU 21 will be described.
[0031]
In response to a request from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, the CPU 21 executes a user registration process for registering information provider information in the user information table 251 (see FIG. 13B). Further, in response to a request from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, the CPU 21 executes a public group registration process for registering information related to a group whose information is disclosed in the group information table 253 and the group belonging vending machine information table 254 (see FIG. 19). ). Further, in response to a request from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, the CPU 21 executes a folder / file registration process for registering information about folders and files containing information to be disclosed in the folder information table 255 and the file information table 256 ( (See FIG. 23). In response to a request from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, the CPU 21 executes folder / file deletion processing for deleting data registered in the folder information table 255 and the folder information table 256 (see FIG. 34).
[0032]
The display device 22 has a display screen composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and performs a required display process according to a display signal input from the CPU 21.
[0033]
The input device 23 includes a key input device having a character input key, a numeric keypad, a cursor key, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, and outputs an operation signal by operating the key input device and the pointing device to the CPU 21. .
[0034]
The transmission control unit 24 includes a modem (MODEM: Modulator / DEModulator), a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and performs communication with an external device via a communication line such as a telephone line, a dedicated line, and an ISDN line. Take control.
[0035]
The storage device 25 has a recording medium in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance. This recording medium is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and is provided in the storage device 25 fixedly or detachably mounted. This recording medium includes a user registration processing program (see FIG. 13B), a public group registration processing program (see FIG. 19), a folder / file registration processing program (see FIG. 23), and a folder / file deletion processing program (see FIG. 34). Reference) and data used in these programs are stored.
[0036]
A part or all of the program or data stored in the storage device 25 is received from another device from the transmission control unit 24 via a communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network). And may be stored. The recording medium may be a recording medium of another host computer constructed on the communication network. The storage device 25 may be a server or client recording medium constructed on a communication network.
[0037]
The storage device 25 stores a user information table 251 as shown in FIG. The user information table 251 stores information related to a person (information provider) who provides information by a photo vending machine. As shown in FIG. 6, “user ID”, “user name”, “password”, “E” Each item of “e-mail address” and “credit card number” is stored in association with each other.
[0038]
In the user information table 251, the “user ID” item stores identification information data of the information provider. The “user name” item stores user name data necessary for user authentication when the information provider edits (newly registers or deletes) regional information. The “password” item stores password data necessary for user authentication when editing regional information. The “E-mail address” item stores data of an E-mail address set in a communication terminal owned by the information provider. The “credit card number” item stores data on the number of a credit card that pays the usage fee for the regional information provision service.
[0039]
The storage device 25 stores a vending machine installation location information table 252 as shown in FIG. The vending machine installation location information table 252 stores information on the installation location of the photo vending machine. As shown in FIG. 7, the “vending machine ID”, “installation location name”, “prefecture”, and “city” Each item is stored in association with each other.
[0040]
In the vending machine installation location information table 252, the “vending machine ID” item stores identification information data of each photo vending machine. The “installation place name” item stores data on the name of the place where the corresponding photo vending machine is installed. The “prefecture” item stores data of the prefecture where the corresponding photo vending machine is installed. The “city” field stores data of the city where the corresponding photo vending machine is installed.
[0041]
Furthermore, the storage device 25 stores a group information table 253 as shown in FIG. The group information table 253 stores information related to the group whose information is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 8A, each item of “group ID”, “group name”, and “owned user” is shown for each group. Are stored in association with each other.
[0042]
In the group information table 253, the “group ID” item stores identification information data of a group whose information is disclosed. The “group name” item stores the data of the name of the corresponding group. The “owned user ID” item stores data of the user ID of the information provider who sets the corresponding group.
[0043]
Further, the storage device 25 stores a group belonging vending machine information table 254 as shown in FIG. The group-affiliated vending machine information table 254 stores information on the photo vending machines belonging to the group for each group as shown in FIG. 8B. The items of “group ID” and “vending machine ID” are stored in the table. Store in association. In the group belonging vending machine information table 254, the “group ID” item stores data of group identification information. The “vending machine ID” item stores identification information data of photo vending machines belonging to the corresponding group.
[0044]
Further, the storage device 25 stores a folder information table 255 as shown in FIG. The folder information table 255 stores information related to folders containing information to be disclosed by the regional information providing service. As shown in FIG. 9A, the “folder ID”, “folder display name”, “owned user” Each item of “ID”, “group ID”, and “classification” is stored in association with each other.
[0045]
In the folder information table 255, the “folder ID” item stores data of folder identification information. The “folder display name” item stores display name data for displaying a folder. The “owned user ID” item stores data of a user ID of an information provider who is an owner of information in a corresponding folder. The “group ID” item stores identification information data of a group to which information in a corresponding folder is disclosed. The “category” item stores data of the category (gourmet, shopping, etc.) of the corresponding folder.
[0046]
The storage device 25 stores a file information table 256 as shown in FIG. The file information table 256 stores information related to files in each folder. As shown in FIG. 9B, each item of “folder ID” and “file name” is associated with each folder. Store.
[0047]
In the file information table 256, the “folder ID” item stores data of folder identification information. The “file name” item stores file name data stored in the corresponding folder.
[0048]
The RAM 26 develops various control programs and various application programs executed by the CPU 21 in a program storage area (not shown). The RAM 26 temporarily stores input data and data such as processing results generated when the control processing program is executed in the work area.
[0049]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the PC 3 in the present embodiment. The PC 3 is a communication terminal held by an information provider, and as shown in FIG. 10, is composed of a CPU 31, a display device 32, an input device 33, a transmission control unit 34, a storage device 35 and a RAM 36, and each unit is connected via a bus 37. It is connected.
[0050]
The CPU 31 reads out various control programs stored in the storage device 35, develops them in a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 36 as necessary, and executes various processes based on these programs, and displays the processing results. The data is temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 36. Further, the CPU 31 saves the processing results obtained by the execution of each program in the designated saving destination in the storage device 35 based on the instruction signal input from the input device 33. When the PC 3 accesses a regional information providing service site established on the Web, the CPU 31 performs user registration processing (see FIG. 13A) and public group registration processing (see FIG. 18), as with the photo vending machine 1. ), Folder / file registration processing (see FIG. 21), and folder / file deletion processing (see FIG. 32).
[0051]
The display device 32 has a display screen composed of a CRT, an LCD, or the like, and performs a required display process according to a display signal input from the CPU 31.
[0052]
The input device 33 includes a key input device including a character input key, a numeric keypad, a cursor key, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, and outputs an operation signal generated by an operation of the key input device or the pointing device to the CPU 31. .
[0053]
The transmission control unit 34 includes a modem (MODEM: Modulator / DEModulator), a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and performs communication with an external device via a communication line such as a telephone line, a dedicated line, and an ISDN line. Take control.
[0054]
The storage device 35 has a recording medium in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance. This recording medium is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and is fixedly attached to the storage device 35 or detachably mounted.
[0055]
A part or all of the program or data stored in the storage device 35 is received from another device from a transmission control unit 34 via a communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network). And may be stored. The recording medium may be a recording medium of another host computer constructed on the communication network. The storage device 35 may be a server or client recording medium constructed on a communication network.
[0056]
Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described.
11, FIG. 13 (a), FIG. 15, FIG. 17 (a), FIG. 18, FIG. 21, FIG. 24, FIG. 26 (a), FIG. 28 (a), FIG. These are flowcharts for demonstrating operation | movement of the photograph vending machine 1. FIG. This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the photo vending machine 1 to realize each function. These programs will be described in an example where they are stored in a recording medium in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 10, but it is not necessary to store all the functions in the recording medium, and part or all of the functions are necessary. May be received from the transmission control unit 14 via a communication network.
[0057]
FIGS. 13B, 17B, 19, 23, 26B, 28B, 30, 34, and 35 explain the operation of the management server 2. FIG. It is a flowchart for. This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the management server 2 to realize each function. These programs will be described in an example where they are stored in a recording medium in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 21, but it is not necessary to store all the functions in the recording medium. May be received from the transmission control unit 24 via a communication network.
[0058]
First, the overall process executed in the photo vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0059]
First, a comprehensive menu screen as shown in FIG. 12A is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S1). The general menu screen is provided with a “photo print” button for digital photo printing and a “region information” button for using the region information providing service.
[0060]
When the “photo print” button is selected on the general menu screen (step S2; photo print), for example, the process proceeds to print processing of an image recorded on the medium (step S3). When the “region information” button is selected on the general menu screen (step S2; region information), a region information menu screen 120 as shown in FIG. 12B is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S4). ). The area information menu screen 120 is provided with a “classification determination” button, an “area information editing” button, and a “user registration” button.
[0061]
When the “user registration” button is selected on the regional information menu screen 120 (step S5; YES), the process proceeds to a user registration process (see FIG. 13A) described later (step S6), and the entire process ends. To do. When the “edit regional information” button is selected on the regional information menu screen 120 (step S7; YES), the process proceeds to a regional information editing process (see FIG. 15) described later (step S8), and this overall process ends. . This regional information editing process includes a public group registration process (see FIG. 18), a folder / file registration process (see FIG. 21), and a folder / file deletion process (see FIG. 32) which will be described later.
[0062]
When the category is selected on the area information menu screen 120 and the “classification determination” button is selected (step S9; YES), the process proceeds to the area information image file browsing / printing / copying process (see FIG. 37) described later (see FIG. 37). Step S10).
[0063]
When the regional information providing service is used from the PC 3 via the communication network N2, for example, the regional information providing service site established on the Web may be accessed. When the area information providing service site is accessed by the PC 3, the display area 32 displays a Web area information menu screen as shown in FIG. On the Web area information menu screen, an “area information edit” button and a “user registration” button are provided.
[0064]
When the “user registration” button is selected on the Web area information menu screen, the process proceeds to a user registration process (see FIG. 13), which will be described later, as in step S6. Further, when the “Regional Information Edit” button is selected on the Web regional information menu screen, similarly to Step S8, the process proceeds to a regional information editing process (see FIG. 15) described later.
[0065]
Next, user registration processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13A is a process when the information provider registers a user in the management server 2. This user registration process corresponds to step S5 in FIG. In the following, user registration processing by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same processing as that of the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0066]
When the “user registration” button is selected on the area information menu screen 120 shown in FIG. 14A, a user information input screen as shown in FIG. 14B is displayed on the display panel 12a (step). S11). The user information input screen is provided with a field for inputting a name, a user name, a password, an e-mail address, and a credit card number of a registered user, and a “register” button. Here, the input of the user name and password is for user authentication in the area information editing process described later, and the input of the credit card number is for collecting a service usage fee from the information provider. .
[0067]
When user information is input on the user information input screen and the “registration” button is pressed, the input user information is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S12). Next, as a response to the transmission of user information, the information provider's user ID or error message is received from the management server 2 (step S13).
[0068]
When an error message is received from the management server 2 such as when the transmitted user name is already registered in the management server 2 (step S14; NO), an error screen is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S15). ), This user registration process ends.
[0069]
Based on the transmitted user information, the management server 2 issues a user ID, and when the issued user ID is received from the management server 2 (step S14; YES), the user registration is performed on the display panel 12a. Is displayed (step S16), and the user registration process is terminated.
[0070]
Next, a user registration process executed in the management server 2 along with the user registration process by the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 in FIG. 13A will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
[0071]
When user information is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T1), the received user information is registered in the user information table 251 as to whether or not the received user information includes all information necessary for user registration. Whether the received data is appropriate or not is checked by checking whether the received data is duplicated (step T2).
[0072]
If it is determined in step T2 that it is duplicated with the registered information, or if it is determined that the received user information is incomplete (step T2; NO), the photograph that has transmitted the user information An error message is transmitted to the vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T6), and this user registration process is terminated.
[0073]
If it is determined in step T2 that the received user information is appropriate (step T2; YES), a user ID is issued (step T3), and the user information (user ID, user ID, User name, password, e-mail address, credit card number) are registered (step T4). When the user information is registered, the user ID data is transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 that has transmitted the user information (step T5), and this user registration process ends.
[0074]
When the user registration process shown in FIG. 13A ends, the information provider edits (registers) the regional information. Hereinafter, the regional information editing process executed in the photo vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This regional information editing process corresponds to step S8 in FIG. In the following, the regional information editing process by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same process as the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0075]
First, when the “edit region information” button is selected on the region information menu screen 120 shown in FIG. 16A, a login process described later is performed (step S20). When the login process in step S20 ends, it is determined whether or not a user ID has been received from the management server 2 in the login process, that is, whether or not a user ID has been acquired from the management server 2 (step S21).
[0076]
If it is determined in step S21 that the user ID could not be acquired in the login process in step S20 (step S21; NO), the display panel 12a is switched to a login error screen (step S27), and the region information editing process is completed. To do.
[0077]
If it is determined in step S21 that the user ID has been acquired by the login process in step S20 (step S21; YES), a regional information editing menu screen as shown in FIG. 16B is displayed on the display panel 12a. (Step S22). On the regional information edit menu screen, a “Register Public Group” button for registering a group to disclose information, a “Register Folder / File” button for registering new information, and a “Register Folder / File” button for deleting registered information. “Delete folder / file” button is provided.
[0078]
When the “public group registration” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen (step S23; YES), the process proceeds to a public group registration process (see FIG. 18) described later (step S28), and the regional information editing process is performed. finish. The public group registration process is a process in which an information provider groups photo vending machines storing image files owned by the information provider and registers the group in the management server 2.
[0079]
When the “Register Folder / File” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen (step S24; YES), the processing proceeds to a folder / file registration process (see FIG. 21) described later (step S29), and this regional information editing is performed. The process ends. The folder / file registration process is a process for registering an image file containing information to be disclosed in a designated group (hereinafter referred to as a “vending machine group”) for each folder.
[0080]
When the “delete folder / file” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen (step S25; YES), the process proceeds to a folder / file deletion process (see FIG. 32), which will be described later (step S26). The process ends. Folder / file deletion processing is processing in which an information provider deletes a folder or file registered in a vending machine group.
[0081]
Next, the login process shown in step S20 of FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the login process by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same process as the photo vending machine 1 is also performed in the PC 3.
[0082]
First, when the “Regional Information Edit” button is selected on the regional information menu screen 120 shown in FIG. 16A, a login screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S30). The login screen is provided with a column for entering a user name and password, and a “login” button for actually logging in.
[0083]
When the user name and password are input on the login screen and the “login” button is pressed, the input user name and password data is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S31). When a user ID or an error message is received from the management server 2 (step S32), the login process ends.
[0084]
Next, a login process executed in the management server 2 in accordance with the login process by the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 shown in FIG. 17A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0085]
First, when user name and password data is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T10), the received user name is searched from the user information table 251 (step T11).
[0086]
If the received user name is not stored in the user information table 251 (step T12; NO), an error message is transmitted to the logged-in photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T16), and the login process is completed. .
[0087]
When the received user name is stored in the user information table 251 (step T12; YES), the user ID and password corresponding to the user name are acquired from the user information table 251 (step T13) and acquired. It is determined whether the received password is the same as the received password (step T14).
[0088]
If it is determined that the password acquired in step T13 is not the same as the received password (step T14; NO), an error message is transmitted to the logged-in photo vending machine 1 or PC 3 (step T16), and this login process is performed. Ends.
[0089]
If it is determined that the password acquired in step T13 is the same as the received password (step T14; YES), the user ID is transmitted to the logged-in photo vending machine 1 or PC 3 (step T15), and this login is performed. The process ends.
[0090]
Next, a public group registration process executed in the photo vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the public group registration process by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same process as that of the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0091]
First, when the “Register Public Group” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen shown in FIG. 16B, a vending machine installation region selection screen as shown in FIG. 20A is displayed on the display panel 12a. (Step S40). On the vending machine installation region selection screen, a list of each region (hereinafter referred to as “region list”) is displayed, and “determination” for determining the region selected from the region list as a region where information is to be disclosed. "Button.
[0092]
In the vending machine installation area selection screen, when an area for publishing information is selected from the area list and the “OK” button is pressed, data on the selected installation area is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S41). ).
[0093]
When data of vending machine IDs and installation location names of all the photo vending machines installed in the area selected in step S41 is received from the management server 2 (step S42), the display panel 12a displays the data shown in FIG. A vending machine selection screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (step S43). The vending machine selection screen includes a list of locations where the photo vending machines are installed (hereinafter referred to as “vending machine list”), a selected list field indicating a list of selected photo vending machines, and a photo vending machine for which information is disclosed. An “add” button for adding and a “decision” button for determining a photo vending machine selected from the vending machine list as a photo vending machine for which information is to be disclosed are provided.
[0094]
From the vending machine list on the vending machine selection screen, one photo vending machine for information disclosure is selected (step S44), and when the “add” button is pressed (step S45; add), the photo vending machine selected in step S44 is selected. The vending machine ID is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 (step S50), the photo vending machine selected in step S44 is added to the selected list on the vending machine selection screen (step S51), and the process returns to step S44.
[0095]
When one photo vending machine for information disclosure is selected from the vending machine list on the vending machine selection screen (step S44) and the “OK” button is pressed (step S45; determination), the display panel 12a displays information disclosure. A group name input screen (not shown) for inputting the group name of the photo vending machine selected as the photo vending machine to be displayed is displayed (step S46). This group name input screen is provided with a field for inputting a group name and a “decision” button for confirming the input group name.
[0096]
When a group name is input on the group name input screen and the “OK” button is pressed, the input group name, the vending machine ID of the photo vending machine selected as the photo vending machine belonging to the group, and the user ID of the information provider Is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S47).
[0097]
When a registration completion flag indicating that the registration of the public group is completed is received from the management server 2 (step S48), a group registration completion screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S49). The public group registration process ends.
[0098]
Next, a public group registration process executed in the management server 2 in association with the public group registration process of FIG. 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0099]
When data on the installation area of the photo vending machine is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T20), all the photo vending machines installed in the area designated by the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 from the vending machine installation location information table 252. The vending machine ID and the installation location name are acquired (step T21), and the acquired vending machine ID and installation location name data are transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T22).
[0100]
When the data of the group name of the group to which the information is disclosed, the vending machine ID of the photo vending machine belonging to the group, and the user ID of the information provider are received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T23), the group ID of the group is The group ID issued in step T24, the group name received in step T23, and the user ID are registered in association with each other in the group information table 253 (step T25).
[0101]
Next, the group ID issued in step T24 and the vending machine ID of the photo vending machine belonging to the group are registered in the group belonging vending machine information table 254 in association with each other (step T26). When the registration work to the group information table 253 and the group affiliation vending machine information table 254 is completed, a registration completion flag indicating the completion of registration is transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or the PC (step T27), and the public group registration process is completed. .
[0102]
Next, a folder / file registration process executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0103]
First, when a “folder / file registration” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen shown in FIG. 16B, a registered image file selection screen display process (see FIG. 24) described later is performed (step S60). . When the registered image file selection screen display process is completed, a thumbnail list of registerable image files is displayed on the display panel 12a as shown in FIG. In the case of the PC 3, when the registered image file selection screen display process is completed, a Web image upload form as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display device 32.
[0104]
In the case of the photo vending machine 1, the thumbnail list displayed on the display panel 12a includes a thumbnail of an image file, a selected image list field indicating a list of selected image files, and an image file for adding an image file to be registered. An “add” button and an “enter” button for determining an image file selected from the thumbnail list of the image file as an image file to be registered are provided.
[0105]
In the case of the PC 3, in order to add the field for displaying the path name of the image file stored in the PC 3 and the image file to be registered to the Web image upload form displayed on the display device 32 by the “reference” button. The “add” button and a “decision” button for determining the designated image file as an image file to be registered are provided.
[0106]
In the steps after step S61, processing by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same processing as that of the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0107]
When one image file to be registered is selected in the thumbnail list of image files and the “add” button is pressed (step S61; add), the file name of the selected image file is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 (step S73). The image file selected in step S61 is added to the selected image list (step S74), and the process returns to step S61.
[0108]
When one image file to be registered is selected in the thumbnail list of image files and the “OK” button is pressed (step S61; OK), the display panel 12a displays a new or existing one as shown in FIG. A selection screen is displayed (step S63). On the new / existing selection screen, a “new folder” button for saving the selected image file in a new folder, and a “new folder” button for saving the selected image file in an existing folder owned by the information provider. An “Add to existing folder” button is provided.
[0109]
When the “new folder” button is selected on the new / existing selection screen (step S64; YES), a folder display name input screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S65). This folder display name input screen is provided with a field for inputting a display name for displaying a folder and a “decision” button for confirming the input display name.
[0110]
When a display name of a new folder is input on the folder display name input screen and the “OK” button is pressed, a folder classification selection screen as shown in FIG. 22C is displayed on the display panel 12a (see FIG. 22C). Step S66). In this folder category selection screen, a folder category list (gourmet, shopping, event, etc.) is displayed, and a “category decision” button for deciding the category selected from the category list as the category of the new folder Is provided.
[0111]
When a new folder category is selected from the category list on the folder category selection screen and the “classify decision” button is pressed (step S67), the process proceeds to a group selection screen display process (see FIG. 28A) described later. (Step S68). As a result of this group selection screen display processing, a group list for designating a group for publishing the new folder is displayed on the display panel 12a as shown in FIG. In this group list, a list of groups that can make the folder public is displayed, and a “decision” button for confirming the group selected from the list of groups is provided.
[0112]
In the group list, when a group for publishing a folder is selected and the “OK” button is pressed (step S69), the folder display name input in step S66, the classification selected in step S67, the step The group ID of the group selected in S69, the image file selected as the image file to be registered, and the data ID of the information provider are transmitted (step S70).
[0113]
When a registration acceptance completion flag indicating the end of registration acceptance is received from the management server 2 (step S71), a registration acceptance completion screen (not shown) indicating that registration acceptance is completed is displayed on the display panel 12a. (Step S72), the folder / file registration process ends.
[0114]
Returning to step S64, when the “add to existing folder” button is selected on the new / existing selection screen in FIG. 22B (step S64; NO), a folder selection screen display process described later (FIG. 26A). (See step S75). By this folder selection screen display process, a folder list as shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the display panel 12a. In this folder list, a list of folders owned by the information provider is displayed, and a “determination” for determining the folder selected from the folder list as the folder storing the image file selected in step S61. "Button. The folder list displays the folder name and the category of the folder.
[0115]
In the folder list, when the folder for storing the image file selected in step S61 is selected from the folder list and the “OK” button is pressed (step S76), the management server 2 selects the folder in step S76. The folder ID of the selected folder, the image file stored in the folder, and the data ID of the information provider are transmitted (step S77).
[0116]
When a registration acceptance completion flag indicating completion of registration acceptance to the database is received from the management server 2 (step S71), a registration acceptance completion screen (not shown) indicating that registration acceptance is terminated is displayed on the display panel 12a. Is displayed (step S72), and the folder / file registration process ends.
[0117]
Next, a folder / file registration process executed in the management server 2 in accordance with the folder / file registration process of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0118]
First, when data of folder display name, folder classification, group ID of group, image file, user ID is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, or data of folder ID, image file, user ID is received ( Step T30), it is determined whether or not the received data includes a folder ID (Step T31).
[0119]
If it is determined in step T31 that the received data does not include a folder ID (step T31; NO), that is, if a new folder registration is requested from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, a folder ID is issued. (Step T32) The issued folder ID, the folder display name designated from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, the group ID, and the user ID are registered in association with each other in the folder information table 255 (Step T33).
[0120]
Next, the folder ID issued in step T32 and the file name of the image file designated from the photo vending machine 1 or PC 3 are registered in the file information table 256 in association with each other (step T34). If it is determined in step T31 that the received data includes a folder ID (step T31; YES), that is, if registration of an image file in an existing folder is requested from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3, In the file information table 256, the folder ID specified from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 and the file name of the image file are registered in association with each other (step T34).
[0121]
When the registration work in the folder information table 255 and / or the file information table 256 is completed, a registration acceptance completion flag indicating that the registration work has been completed is transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 that has requested registration (step T35). . When the registration acceptance completion flag is transmitted, the process proceeds to a folder / file registration process (see FIG. 30) to the designated vending machine group, which will be described later (step T36), and this folder / file registration process ends.
[0122]
Next, the registered image file selection screen display process shown in step S60 of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0123]
First, when the “folder / file registration” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen shown in FIG. 16B, it is determined whether or not a medium such as a memory card has been inserted (step S80). .
[0124]
If it is determined in step S80 that the medium has been inserted (step S80; YES), the image file recorded on the medium is read (step S83), and the display panel 12a is shown in FIG. In this way, a list of thumbnails of the read image files is displayed (step S84), and the registered image file selection screen display process ends.
[0125]
If it is determined in step S80 that no media is inserted (step S80; NO), a media request screen (not shown) for prompting insertion of media such as a memory card is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S80). S81). When the medium is inserted (step S82; YES), the image file recorded on the medium is read (step S83), and the display panel 12a stores the read image file as shown in FIG. A list of thumbnails is displayed (step S84), and the registered image file selection screen display process ends.
[0126]
In the registered image file selection screen display process in the PC 3, a Web image upload form as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display device 32 as a registered image file selection screen.
[0127]
Next, the folder selection screen display process shown in step S75 of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the folder selection screen display process by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same process as that of the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0128]
First, when the “add to existing folder” button is selected on the new / existing selection screen of FIG. 22B, the data ID of the information provider is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S90).
[0129]
In the management server 2, the folder ID corresponding to the received user ID, the folder display name, and the folder classification are acquired. When the acquired folder ID, folder display name, and folder classification data are received from the management server 2 (step S91), a folder as shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the display panel 10a based on the received data. A list is displayed (step S92), and the folder selection screen display process is terminated.
[0130]
Next, a folder selection screen display process executed in the management server 2 in association with the folder selection screen display process of FIG. 26A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0131]
When the user ID of the information provider is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T40), the folder ID, folder display name, and folder classification corresponding to the user ID received in step T40 are displayed from the folder information table 255. Obtained (step T41). Next, the folder ID, folder display name, and folder classification data acquired in step T41 are transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or PC 3 that transmitted the user ID (step T42), and this folder selection screen display process ends.
[0132]
Next, the group selection screen display process shown in step S68 of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the group selection screen display process by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same process as that of the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0133]
First, when a new folder category is selected from the category list on the folder category selection screen of FIG. 22C and the “classify decision” button is pressed, the management server 2 stores the data of the user ID of the information provider. Is transmitted (step S100).
[0134]
In the management server 2, the group ID and the group name corresponding to the received user ID are acquired. When the acquired group ID and group name data is received from the management server 2 (step S101), a group list as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed on the display panel 10a based on the received data. (Step S102), the group selection screen display process ends.
[0135]
Next, a group selection screen display process executed in the management server 2 in association with the group selection screen display process of FIG. 28A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0136]
When the user ID of the information provider is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T50), the group ID and group name corresponding to the user ID received in step T50 are acquired from the group information table 253 (step T50). Step T51). Next, the group ID and group name data acquired in step T51 are transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 that transmitted the user ID (step T52), and this group selection screen display process is terminated.
[0137]
Next, the folder / file registration process for the designated vending machine group shown in step T36 of FIG. 23 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0138]
First, the group ID corresponding to the folder ID of the folder designated by the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 is acquired from the folder information table 255 (step T60). Next, all vending machine IDs belonging to the group ID acquired in step T60 are acquired from the group belonging vending machine information table 254 (step T61).
[0139]
Next, the folder information (folder ID, folder display name, folder classification) and the counter value n for designating the photo vending machine to which the image file stored in the folder is to be transmitted are set to 1 (step T62). Next, the folder ID, folder display name, folder classification, and image file data are transmitted to the photo vending machine corresponding to the counter value n among the photo vending machines with the vending machine ID acquired in step T61 (step T63).
[0140]
Next, a value (n + 1) obtained by adding 1 to the current counter value n is set as a new counter value n (step T64), and this n is the value of all the photo vending machines belonging to the group ID acquired in step T60. It is determined whether or not the number is greater than the number P (step T65).
[0141]
If it is determined in step T65 that the current counter value n is equal to or less than P (step T65; NO), the process returns to step T63. On the other hand, if it is determined in step T65 that the current counter value n is greater than P (step T65; YES), that is, folder information and its folder are stored in all the photo vending machines belonging to the group ID acquired in step T60. When the image file to be stored in is transmitted, this folder / file registration process ends.
[0142]
Next, the folder / file registration process executed in the photo vending machine in which the folder information and the image file stored in the folder are transmitted from the management server 2 in step T63 in FIG. 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. To do.
[0143]
When the folder ID, folder display name, folder classification, and image file are received from the management server 2 (step S110), the same folder ID as the folder ID received in step S110 exists on the hard disk of the recording device 17. Is determined (step S111).
[0144]
If it is determined in step S111 that the same folder ID as the received folder ID does not exist on the hard disk (step S111; NO), a new folder having the folder ID as the folder name is created (step S112). The management information storage area 171 for the regional information providing service of the recording device 17 stores the folder ID, the folder display name, and the folder classification received in step S110 in association with each other (step S113).
[0145]
When folder information (folder ID, folder display name, folder classification) is stored in the regional information providing service management information storage area 171, the received image file is stored in the folder newly created in step S 112 ( In step S114), the folder / file registration process ends.
[0146]
If it is determined in step S111 that the same folder ID as the received folder ID exists on the hard disk (step S111; YES), the image file received in step S110 is stored in the folder corresponding to the folder ID. In step S114, the folder / file registration process is terminated.
[0147]
Next, the folder / file deletion processing shown in step S26 of FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the folder / file deletion process by the photo vending machine 1 will be described, but the same process as that of the photo vending machine 1 is also executed in the PC 3.
[0148]
First, when the “Delete folder / file” button is selected on the regional information editing menu screen shown in FIG. 16B, the above-described folder selection screen display process (see FIG. 26A) is performed (step S120). ). By this folder selection screen display processing, a folder list screen as shown in FIG. 33A is displayed on the display panel 12a. This folder list screen is provided with a list field indicating a list of folders owned by the information provider and a “decision” button for confirming a folder to be deleted.
[0149]
When a folder to be deleted (hereinafter referred to as “deleted folder”) is selected on the folder list screen and the “OK” button is pressed, the folder ID of the folder selected as the deleted folder is transmitted to the management server 2. (Step S121).
[0150]
When the file name data of the file stored in the deletion folder is received from the management server 2 (step S122), the display panel 12a deletes the data as shown in FIG. 33B based on the received data. A file selection screen is displayed (step S123). The deletion file selection screen includes a list field indicating a list of files stored in the folder selected as the deletion folder in step S121, a selected file list field indicating a list of files selected as files to be deleted, An “Add” button for adding a file to be deleted, a “Determine” button for determining a file selected from the file list as a file to be deleted, and a “Delete folder” button for deleting the folder itself Is provided.
[0151]
When the “delete folder” button is pressed on the deletion file selection screen (step S124; YES), the folder ID of the folder to be deleted is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S133), and the process proceeds to step S129 described later. .
[0152]
When a file to be deleted is selected on the deletion file selection screen (step S125) and the “add” button is pressed (step S126; YES), the file name of the file selected in step S125 is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 (step S125). In step S131, the file name of the file selected in step S125 is added to the selected file list on the deletion file screen (step S132), and the process returns to step S125.
[0153]
When a file to be deleted is selected on the deletion file selection screen (step S125) and the “OK” button is pressed (step S127; YES), the folder ID of the corresponding folder and the file of the file selected as the file to be deleted Name data is transmitted to the management server 2 (step S128).
[0154]
When a deletion acceptance completion flag indicating that acceptance of folder deletion or file deletion has ended is received from the management server 2 (step S129), a deletion acceptance completion screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 12a. (Step S130), the folder / file deletion process ends.
[0155]
Next, the folder / file deletion process executed in the management server 2 in conjunction with the folder / file deletion process of FIG. 32 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0156]
When the folder ID of the folder to be deleted is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (step T70), the file name belonging to the received folder ID is acquired from the file information table 256 (step T71). The file name data is transmitted to the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 that transmitted the folder ID (step T72).
[0157]
When the folder ID is received from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 or when the data of the folder ID and the file name is received (step T73), the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 accepts the deletion of the folder or the deletion of the file. A deletion acceptance completion flag indicating completion is transmitted (step T74).
[0158]
When the deletion acceptance completion flag is transmitted, the folder / file deletion requesting the photo vending machine in the group that owns the folder having the designated folder ID from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 to delete the designated folder or file. Request processing (see FIG. 35) is executed (step T75).
[0159]
When the folder / file deletion request process ends, it is determined whether or not the number of file names received in step T73 is greater than 0 (step T76). If it is determined in step T76 that the number of received file names is greater than 0 (step T76; YES), that is, if file name data to be deleted is received in step T73, from the file information table 256. The received file name data is deleted (step T79), and the folder / file deletion process is terminated.
[0160]
If it is determined in step T76 that the number of file names is 0 in step T73 (step T76; NO), that is, if only the folder ID of the folder to be deleted is received in step T73, the file information table 256 is received. From this, all the data associated with the received folder ID is deleted (step T7). Next, all the data associated with the received folder ID is deleted from the folder information table 255 (step T78), and this folder / file deletion process ends.
[0161]
Next, the folder / file deletion request process shown in step T75 of FIG. 34 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0162]
First, a group ID corresponding to the folder ID designated from the photo vending machine 1 or the PC (that is, the folder ID received at step T73 in FIG. 34) is acquired from the folder information table 255 (step T80). Next, all vending machine IDs belonging to the group ID acquired in step T80 are acquired from the group belonging vending machine information table 254 (step T81). By obtaining the vending machine ID in step T81, the photo vending machine that discloses the image file to be deleted is specified.
[0163]
Next, a counter value n for designating a photo vending machine that requests deletion of a folder or file is set to 1 (step T82). Next, the folder ID and file name data are transmitted as a request to delete the image file to the photo vending machine corresponding to the counter value n among the photo vending machines with the vending machine ID acquired in step T81 (step T83). When the deletion of the folder itself is requested, only the folder ID is transmitted in step T83.
[0164]
Next, a value (n + 1) obtained by adding 1 to the current counter value n is set as a new counter value n (step T84), and this n is the value of all the photo vending machines belonging to the group ID acquired in step T80. It is determined whether or not the number is greater than the number P (step T85).
[0165]
If it is determined in step T85 that the current counter value n is equal to or smaller than P (step T85; NO), the process returns to step T83. On the other hand, if it is determined in step T85 that the current counter value n is larger than P (step T85; YES), the folder / file deletion request process is terminated.
[0166]
Next, the folder / file deletion processing executed in the photo vending machine that has received the folder / file deletion request processing from the management server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0167]
When data of folder ID and file name (or only folder ID) is received from the management server 2 (step S140), it is determined whether or not the number D of received file names is greater than 0 (step S141). ).
[0168]
If it is determined in step S141 that the number D of received file names is greater than 0 (step S141; YES), a counter value m for designating a file to be deleted is set to 1 (step S142). Next, among the files in the folder with the received folder ID, the file with the file name corresponding to the counter value m is deleted (step S143).
[0169]
Next, a value (m + 1) obtained by adding 1 to the current counter value m is set as a new counter value m (step S144), and it is determined whether or not m is greater than the number D of received file names. (Step S145).
[0170]
If it is determined in step S145 that the current counter value m is equal to or less than D (step S145; NO), the process returns to step S143. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S145 that the current counter value m is greater than D (step S145; YES), the folder / file deletion process ends.
[0171]
If it is determined in step S141 that the number D of received file names is 0 (step S141; NO), that is, if only the folder ID is received in step S140, the folder of the received folder ID Then, all the files in the folder are deleted (step S146).
[0172]
Next, the received folder ID data is deleted from the management information storage area 171 for the area information providing service of the recording device 17 (step S147), and this folder / file deletion process is terminated.
[0173]
Next, the regional information image file browsing / printing / copying process executed in the photo vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This area information image file browsing / printing / copying process corresponds to step S10 in FIG.
[0174]
When a category is selected on the area information menu screen 120 shown in FIG. 38A and the “classify” button is selected, the specified classification is stored in the management information storage area 171 for the area information providing service of the recording device 17. Folder ID is acquired (step S150), and as shown in FIG. 38B, a folder list screen showing a list of folders with the folder ID acquired in step S150 is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S151). ).
[0175]
When a folder is selected on the folder list screen and the “OK” button is pressed (step S152), the display panel 12a displays on the display panel 12a, as shown in FIG. 38C, in the folder selected (designated) in step S152. A thumbnail list screen showing a list of thumbnails of the image file is displayed (step S153).
[0176]
When a file is selected on the thumbnail list screen and the “OK” button is pressed (step S154), the screen of the file selected (designated) in step S154 is displayed on the display panel 12a as shown in FIG. Is displayed (step S155). In the file screen of FIG. 38 (d), together with the contents of the designated file, a “back” button for returning to the previous screen, a “print” button for printing the file contents, and the file contents on the media A “Copy to media” button is provided for copying to the media.
[0177]
When the “RETURN” button is selected on the file screen as shown in FIG. 38D (step S156; YES), the process returns to step S153. When the “copy to media” button is selected on the file screen (step S157; YES), it is determined whether or not the media has been inserted into the photo vending machine 1 (step S158).
[0178]
If it is determined in step S158 that the media has been inserted into the photo vending machine 1, the process proceeds to step S161 described later. If it is determined in step S158 that no media is inserted in the photo vending machine 1 (step S158; NO), a media request screen (not shown) for requesting media insertion is displayed on the display panel 12a (not shown). Step S159).
[0179]
If the media has been inserted into the photo vending machine 1 (step S158; YES), or if the media has been inserted according to the message on the media request screen (step S160; YES), the display panel 12a will copy to the media. A fee request screen (not shown) for requesting the input of the fee is displayed (step S161).
[0180]
When the designated fee is entered into the money slot 15a according to the message on the fee request screen, the image file selected (designated) in step S154 is copied (duplicated) to the medium (step S162). When copying to the medium is completed, a copy end screen (not shown) notifying that copying has ended is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S163), and this area information image file browsing / printing / copying process is ended. To do.
[0181]
When the “print” button is selected on the file screen as shown in FIG. 38D (step S164; YES), the display panel 12a displays the number of prints requested to designate the number of prints of the designated image file. A designation screen (not shown) is displayed (step S165). When the number of prints is designated on the print number designation screen (step S166; YES), a charge for printing the image file is calculated based on the designated number of prints, and the calculated charge is displayed on the display panel 12a. A charge request screen (not shown) for requesting input is displayed (step S167).
[0182]
When the designated fee is inserted into the money slot 15a according to the message on the fee request screen, the image files selected (designated) in step S154 are printed for the designated number of sheets (step S168). When the printing is finished, a print completion screen (not shown) for notifying that the printing is finished is displayed on the display panel 12a (step S169), and the region information image file browsing / printing / duplicating process is finished.
[0183]
As described above, according to the image information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to store the area information in the management server 2 by storing the area information in the photo vending machine 1 installed in the area. The local information can be browsed and printed from the photo vending machine 1 without connecting to the management server 2 via the communication network, and the load on the communication network can be reduced.
[0184]
In addition, since the management server 2 stores management information such as which vending machine group is open to which folder and file and which vending machine belongs to which vending machine group, it is a large-scale nationwide scale. There is no need to prepare a server group, and management costs can be reduced. In addition, since the management server 2 stores the management information described above, it is possible to smoothly perform registration and deletion of folders and files to be disclosed.
[0185]
Furthermore, since information provided by the regional information providing service is registered by an information provider (user) who is the owner of the information, it is not necessary for the administrator of the image information providing system 100 to collect information and manage the information. The burden on the user can be reduced, and the registration of folders and files to be released can be performed smoothly.
[0186]
In addition, since the same regional information is stored in photo vending machines belonging to the same vending machine group, even if the hard disk of a certain photo vending machine fails, information can be extracted from other photo vending machines belonging to the same group. Can do. Furthermore, by storing an image file (image data) in a photo vending machine, it is possible to acquire and print the image file from the photo vending machine, so that it is possible to effectively utilize the printing function that is the main function of the photo vending machine. it can.
[0187]
Note that the description in this embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0188]
For example, in the present embodiment, all the information provided by the regional information providing service is stored in the hard disk of the photo vending machine 1 installed in each region, but in the photo vending machine 1 according to the content of the information And those stored in the database of the management server 2 may be divided. For example, region-specific information may be stored in the hard disk of the photo vending machine 1 installed in the region, and information common to the whole country such as books and CD release information may be stored in the database of the management server 2. In addition, only information frequently viewed by information viewers may be stored in the photo vending machine 1, and other information may be stored in the management server 2. Furthermore, information with a high update frequency such as a weather forecast may be stored in the management server 2.
[0189]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is not necessary to manage the image data in the management device by designating the image print sales device for publishing the image data and storing the image data in the designated image print sales device. Since image data can be acquired from the image print sales apparatus without connecting to the management apparatus via the communication network, the load on the communication network can be reduced. In addition, by managing the identification information of each image print sales device and the identification information of image data that can be disclosed by each image print sales device by the management device, compared to the case of managing the image data itself, Management costs can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image information providing system 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the photographic vending machine 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the photo vending machine 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a management information storage area 171 for a local information providing service stored in the recording device 17 of the photo vending machine 1;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the management server 2 in FIG. 1;
6 is a view showing an example of the data structure of a user information table 251 stored in the storage device 25 of the management server 2. FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an example data configuration of a vending machine installation location information table 252 stored in the storage device 25 of the management server 2. FIG.
8 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a group information table 253 (FIG. 8A) and a group belonging vending machine information table 254 (FIG. 8B) stored in the storage device 25 of the management server 2.
9 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a folder information table 255 (FIG. 9A) and a file information table 256 (FIG. 9B) stored in the storage device 25 of the management server 2. FIG.
10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the PC 3 in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing overall processing executed in the photo vending machine 1;
12 is a view showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing user registration processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (FIG. 13A), and a flowchart showing user registration processing executed in the management server 2 (FIG. 13B).
14 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing regional information editing processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3;
16 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
17 is a flowchart showing a login process executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (FIG. 17A), and a flowchart showing a login process executed in the management server 2 (FIG. 17B).
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing public group registration processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing public group registration processing executed in the management server 2;
20 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing folder / file registration processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3;
22 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing folder / file registration processing executed in the management server 2;
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a registered image file selection screen display process executed in the photo vending machine 1;
FIG. 25 is a view showing a screen display example on the display device 32 of the PC 3;
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a folder selection screen display process executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3 (FIG. 26A), and a flowchart showing a folder selection screen display process executed in the management server 2 (FIG. 26B). )).
27 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing group selection screen display processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 or PC 3 (FIG. 28A), and a flowchart showing group selection screen display processing executed in the management server 2 (FIG. 28B). )).
29 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a folder / file registration process to a designated vending machine group, which is executed in the management server 2;
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing folder / file registration processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 belonging to a specified group.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing folder / file deletion processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 or the PC 3;
33 is a diagram showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing folder / file deletion processing executed in the management server 2;
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing folder / file deletion request processing executed in the management server 2;
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing folder / file deletion processing executed in the photo vending machine 1 that has received a folder / file deletion request from the management server 2;
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing regional information image file browsing / printing / duplication processing executed in the photo vending machine 1;
38 is a view showing a screen display example on the display panel 12a of the photo vending machine 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Photo vending machine (image printing sales device)
10 CPU
11 Input device
11a Operation panel
12 Display device
12a Display panel
13 RAM
14 Transmission control unit
15 Money transfer device
16 Printing device
17 Recording device
171 Management information storage area for regional information service
18 Recording medium connection
2 Management server (management device)
21 CPU
22 Display device
23 Input device
24 Transmission control unit
25 Storage device
251 User information table
252 Vending machine installation location information table
253 Group information table
254 Group Vending Machine Information Table
255 Folder information table
256 File information table
26 RAM
3 PC
31 CPU
32 display devices
33 Input device
34 Transmission control unit
35 storage devices
36 RAM
100 Image information provision system

Claims (5)

A plurality of image print sales devices that print and sell image data, and a management device that is connected to the plurality of image print sales devices via a communication network and manages information related to the plurality of image print sales devices An image information providing system,
At least one of the plurality of image print sales devices is:
A designation unit for designating an image print sales apparatus for publishing image data among the plurality of image print sales apparatuses;
Identification information of the image print sales apparatus designated by the designation means, and image information transmission means for transmitting image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus to the management apparatus,
The management device
Management information storage means for storing the identification information of the designated image print sales apparatus and the identification information of the image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus;
Transmitting means for transmitting image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus to the designated image print sales apparatus;
The designated image printing sales apparatus is:
An image information providing system comprising: a storage unit that stores image data transmitted from the management apparatus. A plurality of image print sales apparatuses that print and sell image data, a communication terminal owned by the owner of the image data, the plurality of image print sales apparatuses and the communication terminal connected via a communication network, An image information providing system configured by a management device that manages information related to the image printing and sales device,
The communication terminal is
A designation unit for designating an image print sales apparatus for publishing image data among the plurality of image print sales apparatuses;
Identification information of the image print sales apparatus designated by the designation means, and image information transmission means for transmitting image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus to the management apparatus,
The management device
Management information storage means for storing the identification information of the designated image print sales apparatus and the identification information of the image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus;
Transmitting means for transmitting image data scheduled to be released by the image print sales apparatus to the designated image print sales apparatus;
The designated image printing sales apparatus is:
An image information providing system comprising: a storage unit that stores image data transmitted from the management apparatus. At least one of the plurality of image print sales apparatuses or the communication terminal is:
Comprising user information transmission means for transmitting information relating to the owner of the image data to the management device;
The management information storage means of the management device is specified by the designation means, owner information of the image data transmitted by the user information transmission means, identification information of the image data transmitted by the image information transmission means, and The image information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the image information providing system stores the identification information of the image print sales apparatus in association with each other. At least one of the plurality of image print sales apparatuses or the communication terminal is:
Of the image data released on the image printing and selling apparatus, a deletion data specifying means for specifying data to be deleted,
A deletion information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the image data designated by the deletion data designating means to the management device;
The management device
Management information deletion means for deleting information stored in association with the identification information of the image data designated by the deletion data designation means from the management information storage means;
A specifying means for specifying an image print sales apparatus that discloses image data to be deleted from the management information storage means;
A deletion request transmission unit that transmits information requesting deletion of the image data to the image print sales apparatus identified by the identification unit;
The image printing sales apparatus specified by the specifying means is
The image data deletion means for deleting the image data requested to be deleted from the management device among the image data stored in the storage means. Image information provision system. 5. The image information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit of the image printing sales apparatus designated by the designation unit prints the image data stored in the storage unit. 6. .

Images