JP2005202827A - Photographic print order system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic print order system for easily and inexpensively realizing the order processing of a photographic print through a portable terminal such as a portable telephone set. <P>SOLUTION: This photographic print order system is provided with a photographic print order server 1 equipped with an image database 3B for linking image identification information and owner identification information with highly precise image information uploaded from customer terminals 6, 7 and 8 for management, and configured to download thumb nail image information corresponding to the highly precise image information stored in the image database with the image identification information in response to access from a portable terminal 6 of a customer through a network, the portable terminal 6 for outputting the image identification information corresponding to the thumb nail image information downloaded from the photographic order server 1 and a photographic print accepting terminal 5 for inputting the image identification information outputted from the portable terminal 6, and for downloading the corresponding highly precise image information from the photographic print order server 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo print ordering system, and more specifically, includes an image database for managing high-definition image information uploaded from a customer terminal, and orders photo prints corresponding to access from the customer terminal via a network. The present invention relates to a photographic print ordering system having a photographic print ordering server for processing.

  By constructing an image server that can store and store photographic image information taken by customers as a network photo service that allows customers to order photo prints while at home or in the office, and by accessing the image server via the network. Network photo services that provide various services such as ordering additional photos and downloading photo image information have been proposed.

The above-mentioned image server is configured to be accessible via the Internet from a customer terminal (computer or the like) via a Web server, so that customer image information taken by a digital still camera or the like can be accumulated via the Internet, and A photo print ordering system is configured so that the customer's image information stored in the image server can be browsed, so that the customer can browse his / her own image information and order a reprint of the desired image information. Has been built.
JP 2002-175242 A

  In recent years, mobile phones as portable terminals equipped with high-performance digital still cameras have become widespread, and image information taken by the camera of the mobile phone is uploaded to the image server as it is via a Web server, and a photo print It is becoming possible to perform order processing via a mobile phone.

  However, in general, the display area of the liquid crystal display screen of a mobile phone is narrow, and a browser software or dedicated order software is activated to display and display a plurality of image information as in a photo print order process using a personal computer. It is difficult to select a specific image and specify and input the number of prints, print size, etc., and to perform a series of order processing such as selection of payment method and delivery method, and the communication fee is relatively high. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not economical to frequently transmit and receive large-capacity image information via the Internet.

  On the other hand, when a customer uses a personal computer when ordering a photo print, it is generally done from a remote place such as a home or office away from a photo lab. When print order processing is performed, there is an advantage that there is no restriction on the location as long as it is within a communicable area, and order processing is possible even at a photo lab store.

  However, in this case, remove the card memory that stores the image information from the mobile phone and place it in the photo print reception terminal installed at the store to enter the order information, or enter the order information on the order form. The work of depositing the card memory with the clerk is extremely complicated, and it is inefficient for both the user and the store that many customers can queue up for an order.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described conventional drawbacks, the present invention is to provide a photo print ordering system that can easily and inexpensively implement photo print order processing via a portable terminal such as a mobile phone.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first characteristic configuration of the photographic print ordering system according to the present invention is the image of the high-definition image information uploaded from the customer terminal as described in claim 1 of the claims. A thumbnail image corresponding to high-definition image information stored in the image database corresponding to access via a network from a customer's mobile terminal, comprising an image database for managing the identification information and owner identification information linked to each other A photo print order server that can download information together with the image identification information, a portable terminal that can output image identification information corresponding to thumbnail image information downloaded from the photo print order server, and an image output from the portable terminal Input the identification information, and the corresponding high-definition image information from the photo print order server. There is a point consisting of a photographic print acceptance terminal to download.

  According to the above configuration, by uploading the customer's high-definition image information to the image database from the customer's mobile terminal or terminal such as a personal computer via the Web server as the photo print order server, Image identification information and owner identification information are linked and managed. When ordering a photo print, the thumbnail image information corresponding to the high-definition image information is downloaded together with the image identification information by accessing the photo print order server from the mobile terminal, and displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal. A thumbnail image is displayed. With such a thumbnail image, it is possible to easily determine visually what kind of image it is, and since the data capacity is small, the communication cost can be reduced. Next, the image identification information downloaded to the portable terminal is output to the photo print reception terminal, and high-definition image information is downloaded from the photo print reception terminal to the photo print order server based on the image identification information. The order processing of the photo print becomes possible based on the high-definition image displayed on the display screen of the photo print acceptance terminal. Since the owner identification information can be downloaded to the photo print reception terminal at the same time, it is not necessary to input orderer information such as name and address via the photo print reception terminal, and the ordering work can be efficiently advanced. Can do it. In addition, even if there are people waiting for the order at the photo print reception terminal, the mobile terminal can be connected to the photo print order server during that time to specify the image information to be ordered in advance, so that the order processing can be performed efficiently. It becomes.

  As described in claim 2, the second characteristic configuration is a graphic code in which the image identification information is displayed on a display screen of the portable terminal in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, and the photo print The reception terminal includes a graphic code reading means for reading the graphic code.

  According to the above configuration, since the image identification information is displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal as a graphic code such as a barcode, the graphic code such as a barcode scanner provided with the display screen on the photo print reception terminal is used. By reading it with the reading means, even complex image identification information with a large number of digits can be input accurately. The graphic code may be downloaded directly from the photo print order server or may be converted into a graphic code on the portable terminal side based on the image identification information downloaded from the photo print order server.

  In the third feature configuration, the image identification information is output from a short-range wireless transmitter provided in the portable terminal, in addition to the first feature configuration described above. The reception terminal includes a short-range wireless receiver that receives the image identification information.

  Instead of the exchange of the image identification information via the graphic code described above, the image identification information can be input to the photo print acceptance terminal by a short-distance wireless transmitter such as infrared communication or Bluetooth provided in the portable terminal.

  In the fourth feature configuration, as described in claim 4, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, an expiration date is set in the image identification information managed in the image database, and the portable terminal is valid. It is configured to be downloadable from the photo print order server only within the time limit.

  According to the above-described configuration, it is not necessary to manage image information that has exceeded the expiration date, so it is possible to suppress the increase in equipment size and management cost by holding unnecessary image information in the image database for a long period of time. It becomes.

  The characteristic configuration of the photo print order server according to the present invention includes an image database for managing image identification information and owner identification information linked to high-definition image information uploaded from a customer terminal, as described in claim 5. And an order information transmitting means for downloading thumbnail image information corresponding to the high-definition image information stored in the image database together with the image identification information in response to an access through a network from a customer's portable terminal. It is in the point.

  While managing large-scale high-definition image information, which is the original image information uploaded from customer terminals, in the image database, you can browse image information for ordering photo prints using small-capacity thumbnail images. It is possible to reduce the communication time and cost between the customer's mobile terminal for processing and the photo print order server. Here, the thumbnail image may be generated in advance and stored in an image database, or may be generated at the time of a browsing request from a customer's mobile terminal.

  According to the characteristic configuration of the portable terminal according to the present invention, the thumbnail image information downloaded by the order information transmitting means is displayed by accessing the photo print order server having the above-mentioned characteristic configuration as described in claim 6. An image display means and an image identification information output means for outputting image identification information corresponding to the thumbnail image information to the photo print acceptance terminal are provided, and visual recognition is possible even in a narrow display area of the portable terminal. A sufficient possible image can be acquired and displayed at a low communication cost, and the image identification information corresponding to the image can be accurately and easily displayed on the photo print receiving terminal by the image identification information output means without manual input. It will be possible to input to.

  As described in claim 7, a photo print acceptance terminal according to the present invention has an image identification information input means for inputting the image identification information output from a mobile terminal having the above-described characteristic configuration, and the above-described characteristic configuration. It has an image acquisition means for accessing the provided photo print order server and downloading high-definition image information corresponding to the input image identification information.

  While reducing the communication cost of the customer's mobile terminal, the photo print acceptance terminal can acquire high-definition original image information via a large-capacity and high-speed communication line, thereby providing beautiful photo prints. It becomes.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photo print ordering system that can easily and inexpensively implement photo print ordering via a portable terminal such as a mobile phone.

  An embodiment of a photographic print ordering system according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, a photo print ordering system includes a Web server 1 as a photo print order server, a reception terminal 5 installed in a photo lab store, a mobile phone 6 as a mobile terminal owned by a customer, and a personal computer. 7 and a digital camera 8 with a communication function, etc., and can be connected to the photo print order server from the reception terminal 5 or the devices 6, 7, 8 owned by the customer via the Internet 10, which is an example of a network. .

  The Web server 1 is connected to a database server 2 and a settlement server 4, and includes a database 3 that manages image identification information and owner identification information linked to high-definition image information uploaded from a customer terminal, and is a customer portable terminal The thumbnail image information corresponding to the high-definition image information stored in the database 3 can be downloaded together with the image identification information in response to an access from the mobile phone 6 via the Internet 10.

  The mobile phone 6 has a digital camera function and is configured to be connectable to the Internet 10 via a mobile network such as i-mode. A photographed image is uploaded to the database 3 via the Web server 1 in advance. If it is, it can also be used as an input device for ordering prints at a photo lab store in the city. More specifically, when the mobile phone 6 accesses the Web server 1 and downloads a thumbnail image corresponding to a previously uploaded high-definition image together with identification information for the image, the thumbnail image is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. And a mobile order processing program for displaying image identification information. The image identification information is displayed as a graphic code, here as barcode information, below the display area of the thumbnail image.

  The reception terminal 5 is an input terminal for ordering prints, and includes a monitor, a keyboard, and a barcode reader 5A. A customer accesses the Web server 1 in advance to receive the above thumbnail image and image identification information from a mobile phone. 6, after the bar code is input from the bar code reader 5 </ b> A of the reception terminal 5, high-definition image information corresponding to the input bar code is downloaded from the Web server 1 and displayed on the monitor screen. It is comprised so that.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the customer inputs order information such as the number of prints for the displayed image while viewing the monitor screen by using a keyboard or the like, so that an order slip is issued and the print order processing is completed. Configured.

  Hereinafter, a specific procedure of print order processing using the photo print order system will be described. When this system is used for the first time, it is necessary to register customer information. As shown in FIG. 5, the customer first provides the service via the personal computer 7 in the home or office, the mobile phone 6 or the like. The Web server 1 is accessed (S1), and a member registration screen is displayed on the browser (S2). Enter the customer's postal code, address, name, phone number, e-mail address, mobile e-mail address and other personal identification information and credit number as payment information in the designated fields on the screen (S3). After confirming that there is no (S4), the registration data of the customer is transmitted to the Web server 1 by clicking the send button on the browser (S5).

  The Web server 1 sends the transmitted customer information to the database server 2 via the API, whereby the customer information is registered in the customer database 3B of the database 3 (S6). Specifically, the transmitted information is stored in each field of the owner information record shown in FIG. The database server 2 issues a customer ID as an identification number unique to the stored customer information and a password for identification at the time of access (S7), and transmits the ID and password to the registered mail address (S8). Here, the password may be set by the customer in step S3 described above.

  When uploading photo image information taken by a customer, the Web server 1 is accessed from the mobile phone 6 or personal computer 7 (S10), and an image registration screen is displayed on the browser (S11). When the requested customer ID and password are entered and the process proceeds to the inside of the site (S12), a setting input field for the album name of the customer to be uploaded is displayed. When an album name is input in the field and an image file to be uploaded is selected and input (S13) and the transmission button is clicked, high-definition image information taken by the customer is transmitted (S14).

  When the image information and customer ID received by the Web server 1 are transmitted to the database server 2 via the API, the database server 2 adds an album ID corresponding to the album name as shown in FIG. The image identification ID is added to the customer database 3B, and the high-definition image information received in the image database and the thumbnail image information obtained by dropping the number of pixels from the high-definition image information are stored in the image database 3A. After storing the image storage pointer indicating the storage address of the information in the image storage pointer field of the image management record of the customer database 3B, the album ID is returned to the Web server 1 (S15, S16). The Web server 1 transmits the album ID transmitted from the database server 2 to the registered customer mail address together with the album name (S17) (corresponding to the alternate long and short dash line M1 shown in FIG. 1).

  A procedure for ordering print of the image information registered in the database 3 in this way will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, when the customer accesses the Web server 1 via the mobile phone 6 (S20), displays the print order screen (S21), inputs the ID and password (S22), and inputs the order target album. When the album name or album ID is input in the corresponding field (S23) and the screen is shifted to the next screen, the Web server 1 stores the customer stored in the database 3 via the database server 2. A thumbnail image corresponding to the album name or album ID is read out together with the image information identification ID and downloaded to the mobile phone 6 of the customer (S24).

  The customer sequentially displays the downloaded thumbnail images and puts a check mark in the check box of the image to be printed, and performs order confirmation processing (S25, S26). When the check is completed and the order button on the browser screen is clicked, an image order file in which the image information identification ID corresponding to the image with the check mark is listed is generated (S27), and the order file is transmitted to the Web server 1 (S28).

  When the Web server 1 receives the order file and delivers it to the database server 2, the database server 2 stores the image identification ID of the ordered image in the print order management record and issues a corresponding print order code, and payment information. The print order code, order expiration date information, and settlement status data (identification of provisional order or final order, which is a provisional order at this stage) are stored in the record and returned to the Web server 1. The Web server 1 transmits the print order code to the customer's mobile phone, and also transmits the print order code and the expiration date information separately to the registered customer's mail address (S29, S30). The mobile phone 6 that has received the print order code stores the print order code in the order file and ends the process (corresponding to the alternate long and short dash line M2 shown in FIG. 1).

  When the customer opens the order file (S31), a bar code corresponding to the print order code is first displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 6, and when the screen is updated, a bar code corresponding to the thumbnail image and the image information identification ID is displayed. It is displayed as shown in FIG. 2 (S32). The customer inputs the barcode scanner 5A of the reception terminal 5 shown in FIG. 3 with the display unit of the mobile phone 6 displaying the barcode corresponding to the print order code facing each other, and sequentially displays thumbnail images and barcodes on the screen. The display is switched and input to the barcode scanner 5A (S33) (corresponding to the broken line M3 shown in FIG. 1). When the input is completed and the “Next” button displayed on the screen of the reception terminal is clicked (S34), the reception terminal 5 accesses the Web server 1 and transmits the image information identification ID corresponding to the barcode. The download is requested (S35, S36).

  The Web server 1 reads high-definition image information and customer information corresponding to the image information identification ID from the database server 2 and downloads them to the receiving terminal 5 (S37) (corresponding to the alternate long and short dash line M4 shown in FIG. 1). At this time, the reception terminal 5 and the Web server 1 are connected via a high-speed communication line (for example, an optical fiber cable or the like) so that even large-capacity image data can be downloaded in a short time. Here, when the expiration date specified by the expiration date information corresponding to the print order code has passed, the image information stored in the database 3 is deleted at the same time as the expiration date, so the reception terminal 5 Expiration information is sent instead of image information.

  When the image information is downloaded, as shown in FIG. 3, a part of the downloaded image is displayed on the monitor of the receiving terminal 5 (S39), order data such as the number of prints and print size for the corresponding image, Operation input for simple image correction processing becomes possible. Simple image correction processing is, for example, a correction icon that allows stepwise adjustment of brightness, such as “bright”, “slightly bright”, “normal”, “slightly dark”, or “dark”, for the displayed image. Is displayed on the screen, and when the icon is clicked, the corresponding processing is performed and displayed, and the print processing is performed with the correction content. Further, an icon for simply correcting a color tone such as “red” or “blue” may be displayed and adjusted. If it has expired, a message to that effect is displayed in the image display field, and no image is displayed. When the order data of the displayed image is input and the “next” icon displayed on the screen is clicked, the next image is displayed and the order data is input in the same manner. In this way, the input of the order data is completed for the image that the print order is finally desired (the image that does not input the order data is not printed), and when the “next” icon is clicked, the downloaded customer information The order amount information and the order button are displayed, and the order input is completed by clicking the order button (S40). The receiving terminal 5 transmits the image information identification ID and the amount information in which the order data is input as the received order information together with the print order code to the Web server 1 (S41), and after issuing the exchange slip from the attached printer to the customer, The image data is transmitted to the photo printing apparatus connected online to start the printing process (S42).

  The database server 2 receives the received order information sent from the Web server 1 and rewrites the payment status data field of the payment information record to the final order. The settlement server 4 detects data rewriting in the settlement status data field and activates settlement processing based on the credit number. In this way, it becomes possible to quickly input an order to the ordering terminal 5 via the customer's mobile phone 6, saving the customer from having to input orderer information such as a name to the ordering terminal each time. The communication cost can be reduced.

  The above-described session management of the Web server 1 and the customer's mobile phone 6, the Web server 1 and the ordering terminal can be realized by providing, for example, Java Servlet in the Web server 1 and Java Applet or Cookie in the mobile terminal. You may implement | achieve using the well-known management program which can implement | achieve these functions.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the system is constructed using known security technology such as authentication technology for the handling of payment information and the like.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of using a mobile phone as a customer's mobile terminal that is an input device for an order terminal. However, any other mobile device that can be connected to the Internet 10 may be used. It may be a computer or a digital camera equipped with a communication function. It goes without saying that the mobile phone in this case can be used even if it does not have a camera function.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display of the barcode that is the image identification information on the screen of the mobile terminal has been described. However, as the barcode, a known one such as a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code may be used as appropriate. In addition to the bar code, other graphic codes may be displayed. That is, the image identification information may be a graphic code displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal, and the photo print acceptance terminal may be configured to include a graphic code reading unit that reads the graphic code. The purpose of using these is to greatly improve the input effort to the order terminal. To achieve the same purpose, the order terminal is provided with an OCR function and a character code is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal. It is also possible to configure as described above. Furthermore, a system capable of local communication between the portable terminal and the receiving terminal may be constructed, and image identification information may be transmitted between them. That is, if the image identification information is output from a short-range wireless transmitter provided in the portable terminal, and the photo print acceptance terminal is configured to include a short-range wireless receiver that receives the image identification information. For example, near field communication such as infrared communication or Bluetooth can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image identification information sent from the Web server to the mobile phone is converted into a graphic code on the mobile phone side and displayed. However, after the Web server converts the image identification information into the graphic code. The image data may be configured to be transmitted to the mobile phone.

  In the above-described embodiment, the expiration date is added when a high-definition image is uploaded from the customer terminal, and the stored image is erased when the expiration date has passed, but the expiration date can be set as appropriate, One month or one week may be used, and storage for longer periods may be a paid system. For example, a notification that the expiration date is about to expire can be sent to a registered email address before a predetermined number of days before the expiration date elapses, and the customer can be alerted, and the customer who receives the email accesses the Web server. Then, it may be possible to register for extension of the storage period. Also in this case, automatic settlement using a credit number registered in the initial stage is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the order information such as the order quantity and the print size is set and inputted while confirming the image displayed on the monitor of the reception terminal 5. The order information is configured so that thumbnail images downloaded to the mobile phone 6 are displayed in order, and a check mark is put in the check box of an image to be printed, and the order confirmation processing is performed at steps S25 and S26. May be. In this case, in step S39, the downloaded image, the number of orders, and the print size are displayed on the monitor of the receiving terminal 5. Therefore, correction input is performed as necessary, or setting input for the simple image correction process described above is performed. Will do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the customer directly inputs an order to the order terminal has been described. However, it is also possible to construct a function as a reception terminal in the console of the photo printer. In this case, the store operator inputs from the display screen of the customer's mobile phone.

  In the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of generating and storing a corresponding thumbnail image when high-definition image information is uploaded from a customer. However, the generation time of the thumbnail image is accessed by the customer for order preliminary processing. It may be when. In this case, the memory capacity of the database can be saved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image identification information and the print order code are generated separately. However, the print order code is embedded in the image identification information issued at the time of order preliminary processing from the customer and transmitted as integral data. It may be. In the above-described embodiment, the unit of image information for handling a multiple-image album has been described. However, the unit may be handled for each image, or the album and the unit for image may be mixed. Also good. What is necessary is just to comprise so that an image name may be input for every image when handling by an image unit.

  The configuration of each management record of image data and customer data and the association between fields shown in FIG. 4 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the system having the settlement function has been described. However, the settlement may be performed by individual transactions. In other words, when the order is entered at the order terminal, the final amount is known, so that payment is made at that time, that is, the order terminal is provided with a money slot, or money is paid at the cash register upon receipt of the print. May be.

Illustration of photo print order system Explanatory drawing of display screen of mobile terminal Illustration of photo print ordering terminal Illustration of customer information and image information stored in database flowchart flowchart flowchart flowchart

Explanation of symbols

1: Photo print order server (Web server)
2: Database server 3: Database 3A: Image database 3B: Customer database 4: Payment server 5: Reception terminal (photo print reception terminal)
6: Mobile phone 7: Personal computer 8: Digital camera with communication function 10: Network (Internet)

Claims (7)

An image database for managing image identification information and owner identification information linked to high-definition image information uploaded from a customer terminal, and managing the image database in response to access via a network from a customer mobile terminal A photo print order server capable of downloading thumbnail image information corresponding to stored high-definition image information together with the image identification information;
A portable terminal capable of outputting image identification information corresponding to thumbnail image information downloaded from the photo print order server;
A photo print ordering system comprising a photo print accepting terminal that inputs image identification information output from the portable terminal and downloads corresponding high-definition image information from the photo print order server.   2. The photo print ordering system according to claim 1, wherein the image identification information is a graphic code displayed on a display screen of the portable terminal, and the photo print receiving terminal comprises a graphic code reading means for reading the graphic code. .   The photograph according to claim 1, wherein the image identification information is output from a short-distance wireless transmitter provided in the portable terminal, and the photo print acceptance terminal includes a short-distance wireless receiver that receives the image identification information. Print order system.   2. The photo print ordering system according to claim 1, wherein an expiration date is set in the image identification information managed in the image database, and the portable terminal is configured to be downloadable from the photo print order server only within the expiration date.   An image database for managing image identification information and owner identification information linked to high-definition image information uploaded from a customer terminal, and managing the image database in response to access via a network from a customer mobile terminal A photo print order server comprising order information transmitting means for downloading thumbnail image information corresponding to stored high-definition image information together with the image identification information.   6. An image display means for displaying thumbnail image information downloaded by the order information transmitting means by accessing the photo print order server according to claim 5, and image identification information corresponding to the thumbnail image information in a photo print acceptance terminal. A portable terminal comprising image identification information output means for outputting.   An image identification information input means for inputting the image identification information output from the portable terminal according to claim 6 and a high definition corresponding to the input image identification information by accessing the photo print order server according to claim 5. A photo print reception terminal comprising image acquisition means for downloading image information.

Images