JP2005208870A - Image output device, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print system capable of managing points without issuing a point card to each customer and capable of providing service to customers, managing customer data, and providing information to customers. <P>SOLUTION: A point management means for giving and managing points corresponding to the contents of a customer's order and a customer database for storing points of respective customers, customer ID and information or the like obtained from questionnaires to customers are provided in an image output device 3 or a center server 33. A customer service means 29 performs service such as discount, cash back, and presentation of free gifts corresponding to the accumulated number of points of each customer in the customer database. The installation person of the image output device 3 sets the rule of points to be given, a discount rate, the kinds of free gifts, etc. by a maintenance function 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing system capable of combining and editing an image photographed by a digital camera, an image read by a scanner, image data recorded on a recording medium brought by the user, an image stored in advance in an apparatus, and the like. It is.

  Conventionally, digital camera image data recorded on a recording medium brought in by a customer, an already printed photo, or image data editing or composition using frame images etc. There is an image printing system that can be installed in a relatively small space of a store such as a camera store.

In general, when digital camera image data brought to a camera store, etc. is requested from a camera store, etc. to be printed, a discount voucher for gifting a gift according to the number of prints or requesting the next print Or issue a ticket. On the other hand, as an image printing system installed at a store, a photo vending machine having a point card creation function and a photo vending machine for printing a lottery, fortune telling, a discount ticket, an advertisement, etc. on the back of a print output have been proposed (Patent Documents). 1 and 2).
JP 2002-208064 A JP 2002-245545 A

  However, in the case of a photo vending machine having the former point card creation function (see Patent Document 1), it is necessary to add a card issuing means and a means for recording points on a card to the photo vending machine, and the apparatus becomes large. There is a problem that the cost becomes high. In addition, recently, there are many stores that issue cards, and there is a problem that customers do not want to carry cards.

  On the other hand, in the case of a photo vending machine that prints lottery tickets, discount coupons, advertisements, etc. on the back of the print output (see Patent Document 2), the lottery etc. is printed for each print, so the installer of the photo vending machine will win the winning probability. It cannot be set, and there is a problem that the appeal of the service to customers is low.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the problem to be solved is to manage points without issuing point cards to customers, provide services to customers, and It is to provide an image printing system capable of management and providing information to customers.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input means for inputting image data, a printing means for printing image data, and a print request of the printing means for a customer who has requested printing of the image data. In accordance with the data stored in the customer data storage means, the point granting means for granting points according to the customer data storage means for storing the points granted by the point grant means as customer data. An image output apparatus characterized by receiving a predetermined service.

  In addition, a billing means for performing billing processing, a questionnaire including at least one of the customer's age, sex, occupation, address, e-mail address, reason for using the image output device, type of output, etc. The questionnaire means stored in the customer data storage means, the advertising means for automatically transmitting information such as advertisements by e-mail etc. to the customer stored in the customer data storage means, all the image data input by the image input means, It is preferable to further include a batch order means for printing the same number.

  Here, it is desirable that the customer data storage means is installed in either or both of the image output apparatus and the server connected to the image output apparatus via a communication network.

  The customer data preferably includes a customer name for identifying the customer and the cumulative number of points, and the print content that is the data for giving points is at least one of the number of prints, the print type, and the charge. Use one. The predetermined service is at least one of discounting of the charge amount corresponding to the point amount stored in the customer data storage means and gift giving.

  The image input means is at least one of a recording medium reading means for reading image data from a recording medium, an image reading means for scanning a document to obtain image data, and an imaging means for obtaining image data by imaging a subject. It is desirable that In addition, it is desirable that the billing unit can perform a billing calculation by discounting a predetermined amount when the billing amount is discounted and can change the printing fee according to the time zone.

  In the first invention, image data is input, the image data is printed, points are given according to the contents to be printed, and customer services such as discounts and gifts are given according to the accumulated points. Also, customer data is created by conducting a questionnaire, and information such as advertisements is automatically transmitted to a customer's e-mail address. In addition, when printing all the input image data by the same number, a simple ordering method is provided by a batch ordering unit.

  The second invention is an image input means for inputting image data, a printing means for printing image data, a counting means for counting the number of printed sheets by the printing means, and the number of printed sheets counted by the counting means is a predetermined number. Providing means for providing at least one content such as lottery, game, fortune telling, etc., and the customer receives a service according to the result of the content. is there. Further, it is desirable to further include a billing unit and a batch order unit.

  The service is at least one of discount of a charge amount according to the result of the content provided by the providing means, cashback, gift giving, and the like.

  In the second invention, image data is input, image data is printed, contents such as lottery, games, fortune-telling are performed according to the number of printed sheets, and a discount or cash amount is charged according to the content execution result. Provide back and gift presentation services. In addition, when printing all the input image data by the same number, a simple ordering method is provided by a batch ordering unit.

The third invention is a program that functions as the image output device of the first invention or the second invention.
A fourth invention is a storage medium recording a program that functions as the image output device of the first invention or the second invention.

  The above-mentioned program may be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention is capable of managing customer data such as customer points without issuing a point card to the customer by the customer data storage means and providing a predetermined service to the customer. Information can be provided to the customer based on the customer data stored in the storage means.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration of an image print system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image print system 1.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an image print system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image print system 1 is realized by an image output device 3 or the like.
The image output device 3 includes an image data reading / writing unit 5, an image editing / synthesizing unit 13, a material database 15, a printing unit 17, an order content input unit 21, a charging unit 23, a point management unit 25, a customer database A27, a customer service unit. 29, maintenance means 31 and the like.

The image data reading / writing means 5 images the subject 7 with an imaging device such as a digital camera, reads the document 9 with a document reading device such as a scanner device, or reads from a recording medium 11 on which image data has been recorded in advance. Thus, image data is acquired. The image data reading / writing means 5 can also record the image data created by the image output device 3 in the storage medium 11.
The recording medium 11 is, for example, smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, a CD-ROM, or the like.

  The image editing / synthesizing unit 13 combines or edits one or more input or selected image data such as graffiti, stamp-like processing, image clipping, scaling, and pasting a clipped image to another image. And the like, and interactive image processing means for interactively performing the above and an image processing program. Material image data, frame image data, etc. existing in the material database 15 can also be used as image data used for processing and composite editing.

  The printing means 17 is a high resolution color printer. Any method such as sublimation type or ink jet type may be used. The printed matter 19 is a printed photographed ID photograph, a photograph by a digital camera image, a sticker print, a postcard, or the like.

  The order content input means 21 allows the user to select the order content to be output as necessary. Items to be selected include print mode selection (designation of normal output of actual image data, index print output, postcard print, sticker print, ID photo print, etc.), and normal output of actual image data. , Display thumbnail images, specify which of the multiple frames of image data to print (display thumbnail images and select images when outputting digital camera images), specify number of prints and print size and so on. Note that the user can specify one or more image data to process and composite edit before outputting the image.

For the order content input means 21, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, or various points such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The billing unit 23 validates each function of the image output device 3 according to the amount of money that has been input in advance.

  The point management means 25 gives points according to the order contents of each customer, and stores and manages the accumulated point number for each customer in the customer database A27. The customer database A27 may be formed on the hard disk in the image output apparatus 3, for example. On the other hand, it is also possible to place the customer database B35 in the center server 33 connected to the image output device 3 through a communication line. In this case, a plurality of image output devices 3 are connected to the center server 33 via a communication line, and data such as points relating to customers of the plurality of image output devices 3 are stored. Only the customer database A27 or the customer database B35 may be provided, or both the customer database A27 and the customer database B35 may be provided.

  The customer service means reads the customer points stored in the customer database A27 or the customer database B35, and performs processing for discounting a fee, cashback, or gift giving according to the number of points. In the case of discounting the fee, the billing means 23 displays the discounted fee and receives the discounted fee. In the case of cash back, a predetermined amount is refunded. In the case of gift giving, for example, information indicating that a gift is presented on a receipt or the like is added to the receipt and printed.

  Also, the maintenance unit 31 enables the installer of the image print system 1 and the image output apparatus 3 to set and change the print fee, the method of giving points, the type and method of services provided to the customer, and the like. For example, when a maintenance button is pressed, a maintenance display screen is displayed, and various settings can be made through an interactive interface.

  Next, the external configuration of the image output apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image output apparatus 3.

  A monitor screen 41 such as a monitor with a touch panel is disposed in front of the upper part of the image output device 3. The monitor screen 41 displays operation guidance, operation status, read images, edited images, and the like, and functions as a display unit for billing amounts, points, discount amounts, service contents, and the like.

  Next to the screen of the monitor screen 41, a media insertion port 43 is installed. A scanner surface 47 that reads an image of a program product and converts it into digital data is installed in a horizontal portion that divides the upper portion and the lower portion. On the monitor screen 41, a lens window 45 for imaging a subject by an imaging device such as a digital camera is installed. The media insertion opening 43, the scanner surface 47, and the lens window 45 constitute a part of the image data reading / writing unit 5. In addition, a customer detection sensor 67 that detects that a customer stands in front of the image processing apparatus 3 may be installed on the screen of the monitor screen 41. The customer detection sensor 67 can detect a customer and automatically operate the image processing apparatus 3.

  Further, the main body of each reading / writing device is installed in the housing of the image output device 3 so as to correspond to the insertion port of each recording medium. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be taken out until data reading is completed.

  In the lower part of the image output device 3, there are a charge insertion slot (coin insertion slot 59, bill insertion slot 55), return lever 57, return slot 61, receipt outlet 51, printed matter outlet 53, speaker 49, maintenance key 63. A door opening / closing key 65 and the like are arranged.

The charge insertion slot (coin insertion slot 59, bill insertion slot 55), return lever 57, return slot 61, and receipt outlet 51 constitute a part of the charging means 23.
The customer pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 59 or inserting a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 55. If there is a change or cashback, the amount is released from the return slot 61, so the user receives it. When the order is canceled or when coins are jammed, the coin return lever 57 is turned to release the coins from the return port 61.
After collecting the fee, a receipt printed with the amount collected, the contents of the order, a gift gift ticket, etc. is released from the receipt outlet 51.

The printed matter outlet 53 constitutes a part of the printing means 17. The user receives the printed matter 19 discharged from the printed matter outlet 53 after instructing the execution of printing by touching the touch panel button or the like.
The speaker 49 reproduces voice information, BGM, sound effects, and the like during operation and standby.

  The maintenance key 63 is a key for switching between a normal operation mode for accepting customer processing and a management mode for the administrator to set and maintain the image print system.

  Although not clearly recognized from the appearance, the housing of the image output device 3 includes a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the image output device 3, a hard disk device constituting the customer database A27, A power supply box that performs voltage conversion, an uninterruptible power supply that prevents damage to the CPU and hard disk of the control unit in the event of a power failure, a communication interface that connects the center server 33 and the image output device 3, and the like are installed.

Next, a schematic configuration of the image output apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 3.

  The image output device 3 includes a control unit 89, a hard disk 93, an input / output unit 91 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), a digital camera 71, a scanner 73, various media reading / writing units 75 (1 to n), A shutter 77 (1 to n), a monitor 79 (with a touch panel), a coin mech 81, a bill burr 83, a receipt journal processing unit 85, a printer 87, a customer detection sensor 67, a communication interface 95, and the like are connected to the bus 101. The

  The control unit 89 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device connected via the bus 101 in accordance with a control program stored in a hard disk 93 as a large-capacity storage medium.

  The hard disk 93 is input as a part of the image editing / synthesizing means 13 in addition to a control program for driving and controlling each component, for example, a reading program corresponding to each storage medium 11, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging program, and the like. Alternatively, an image processing program for editing and processing the selected image, an interactive menu is displayed on the monitor screen 41 as part of the order content input means 21, print conditions are set for the print means 17, and printing is started. A program for instructing a customer's points as part of a point database 25, a material database 15 storing image data such as an instruction program, a frame used for image synthesis, a background image, a line drawing illustration image for coloring, and the like; Customer database A27 that stores customer points, according to points, etc. Rates of discounts and cash back, programs and the like in order to provide services such as the prize presentation is stored to perform.

  Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 89 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read to the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The input / output unit 91 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) upgrades the programs and information stored in the ROM and hard disk 93 of the control unit 89, or sets the operation settings and devices of the image print system It is used when setting, setting a point, setting a service providing method, etc., switch the main unit to the management mode with the maintenance key 63, insert a CD-ROM or the like for upgrading into the input / output unit 91, Rewrite data or enter setting data to set.

  The communication interface 95 controls communication with the center server 33 via the network 99. For example, when the customer database B 35 is provided in the hard disk 97 in the center server 33, the communication interface 95 receives a command for reading customer data from the point management program in the hard disk 93 of the image output apparatus 3 and the communication interface 95 passes through the network 99. The center server 33 is called to send the customer database data stored in the hard disk 97 in the center server 33. In addition, a maintenance program for upgrading can be stored in the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 and loaded into the image output apparatus 3 via the network 99 by the communication interface 95.

  The digital camera 71, scanner 73, and various media reading / writing units 75 (1 to n) correspond to the image data reading / writing means 5. The shutter 77 is provided at the storage medium insertion opening, opens and closes the recording medium insertion opening so that the recording medium cannot be removed during the reading process, or the recording medium cannot be removed until the data reading is completed. can do.

  By selecting and touching a touch panel button displayed on the monitor 79 in accordance with the operation guide displayed on the monitor 79, selection of a print mode, reading of actual image data, processing, composition editing processing, order setting, printed matter 19 A series of operations up to output can be performed.

The coin mech 81, the bill burr 83, and the receipt journal processing unit 85 correspond to the billing unit 23, and accept coin insertion, bill insertion, and issue a receipt.
The printer 87 corresponds to the printing unit 17 and performs image printout processing. The customer detection sensor 67 is a sensor configured by an infrared sensor or the like for detecting a customer, and detects that the customer is standing in front of the image output device 3.

  Next, the operation of the image output apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the image output apparatus 3.

  First, the image output apparatus 3 displays a menu screen showing service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like on the monitor 79, and allows the user to select a function (step 401). For example, a print mode selection screen is displayed, and the user selects from normal image normal output, index print output, postcard print, sticker print, ID photo print, or the like.

  Next, the image output device 3 acquires image data (step 402). The user inserts the recording medium 11 into the media insertion opening 43 and causes the image output device 3 to read the image data in the recording medium 11. In addition, the image data is read from the scanner 73, and the subject is imaged by the digital camera 71 installed in the image output device 3 to acquire the image data.

  Here, when image data for a plurality of frames is read from the recording medium 11, thumbnail images are displayed on the monitor 79, the user selects an image to be printed, and the image data is processed, edited, combined, and the like ( Step 403). Processing, editing, composition, and the like are performed by a user instructing according to an interactive layout instruction screen displayed on the monitor 79. For example, composition of input image data and frame image, color adjustment, character input, movement, enlargement / reduction, creation of postcard data, etc. can be performed.

  Next, the print order number designation screen is displayed on the monitor 79, and the user is designated the order number (step 404). Further, charges and points are calculated based on the order contents, the number of orders, etc., and the billing amount and the number of points are displayed on the monitor 79 to prompt the user to deposit money (step 405).

  At this time, the accumulated point number of the user stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output device 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 is read out, and the points according to the current order are added, and the accumulated point number If the value exceeds a certain value, services such as cash back, discounts, and free gifts are provided to the user. In the case of a new user, the number of points of the new user is stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output device 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33.

  When the user deposits the billing amount, the printing process is activated (step 406). The image output device 3 transfers the selected, processed, edited, and synthesized image data to the printer 87 in an output enabled state.

  During printing by the printer 87, the image output apparatus 3 performs a questionnaire process for the user (step 407). A questionnaire screen is displayed on the monitor 79, and the user's age and sex, e-mail address, occupation, address, reason for using the image output apparatus 3, the contents of printing, etc. are input to the user. The input information is stored in the customer database in the hard disk 93 in the image output device 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 together with the number of points of the user.

  Thereafter, during printing by the printer 87, for example, information such as a discount amount based on the number of points, a type of premium based on the number of points, a service content and usage method of the image output apparatus 3, and an advertisement are provided (step 408). It is determined whether or not the print output by the printer 87 is finished (step 409). If the print output is not finished (No in step 409), information provision is continued (step 408). If the print output is finished (Yes), The process of the image output device 3 is terminated.

  Next, an example of the data format of customer data stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output apparatus 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of customer data.

  FIG. 5A is an example of a data format of customer data when the number of points of each customer is stored, and includes a customer ID 501 and a number of points 503. The customer ID 501 is input by the customer during the point management process (step 405 in FIG. 4) when the customer uses the image output device 3 for the first time. The customer ID 501 may be arbitrarily determined by the customer. An arbitrary character string (for example, “Suzuki Taro 1234”) that can be expressed by a combination of characters and numbers such as a name, a call name, a pen name, an e-mail address, a birthday, a telephone number, and a password. However, the content is not limited as long as the customer can be identified. In addition, the number of characters may be limited to 20 characters or less.

  The number of points 503 stores the accumulated number of points calculated during the point management process. In addition, when a service such as cashback, discount, gift giving, etc. is provided, the cumulative number of points obtained by subtracting the corresponding number of points is stored.

  Information acquired in the questionnaire process (step 407 in FIG. 4) may be included as customer data. FIG. 5B is an example of a data format of customer data acquired by questionnaire processing. After the customer ID 501 and the number of points 503, a data area for customer information 505 is provided. For example, an area corresponding to information collected by a questionnaire, such as an email address 507, a recent use date 509, an age 511, and a sex 513, is provided. The questionnaire items can be set and changed by the installer of the image output apparatus 3 using the maintenance means 31.

  These customer data are stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output apparatus 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 as a customer database. When the hard disk 93 in the image output device 3 does not have a sufficient capacity for storing questionnaire information, or when a plurality of image output devices 3 are connected to the center server 33 and managed, A customer database may be provided in the hard disk 97. Further, only the customer ID 501 and the number of points 503 may be stored in the image output device 3, and other questionnaire information may be stored in the hard disk 97 in the center server 33.

  Next, the flow of the point management / billing process (step 405 in FIG. 4) will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of point management / billing processing when a fee is discounted using accumulated points, and FIG. 7 is the flow of the point / billing processing flow when giving gifts using cumulative points. It is a flowchart which shows an example.

  As shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not the customer is a new customer (step 601). For example, an input area for the customer ID 501 and an area for selecting a new customer are displayed on the monitor 79, and the user inputs them. When the user starts to input the customer ID 501 using the keyboard / tablet displayed on the monitor 79, it is determined that the customer is not a new customer (No in step 601). Judgment is made (Yes in step 601).

  In the case of a new customer (Yes in Step 601), customer registration is performed (Step 602). That is, the user inputs an arbitrary customer ID 501 using a keyboard / tablet displayed on the monitor 79. The customer ID 501 entered by the user must be unique in the customer database. If the customer ID 501 entered by the user already exists in the customer database, a different arbitrary customer ID 501 is used. Ask the person to enter it again. When the customer ID 501 is determined, the accumulated point P is initialized (step 603). The initial value of the accumulated points P may be 0. For example, a predetermined number of points may be given as an initial value as a new registration bonus.

  If the user is not a new customer (No in step 601), the user is allowed to input a customer ID (step 604), and the accumulated point P corresponding to the customer ID is stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output apparatus 3 or Read from the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 (step 605).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the accumulated point P exceeds a predetermined set point Q for performing discount service (step 606). If not exceeded (No in Step 606), the discount amount B is 0 (Step 608). On the other hand, if the accumulated point P exceeds the set point Q (Yes in step 606), a discount amount B corresponding to the accumulated point P is calculated (step 607).

  Next, the actual charge amount is calculated, and the user is prompted to deposit money (step 609). That is, a charge amount (R−B) obtained by subtracting the discount amount B from the charge R obtained from the print contents and the order quantity is calculated and displayed. In accordance with this display, the user performs a deposit process (step 610). Thereafter, the new accumulated point P is calculated and stored in the customer database of the hard disk 93 in the image output apparatus 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33, and the point / billing process is terminated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when gifting a gift according to the number of points, it is first determined whether or not the customer is a new customer (step 701). In the case of a new customer (Yes in Step 701), customer registration is performed (Step 702), and the accumulated point P is initially set (Step 703). If the customer is not a new customer (No in step 701), the user is allowed to input a customer ID (step 704), and the number of points corresponding to the customer ID is stored in the hard disk 93 or the center server 33 in the image output device 3. It reads out from the customer database of the internal hard disk 97 (step 705).

  Next, a billing amount corresponding to the current print contents, the number of orders, etc. is calculated and displayed on the monitor 79 to prompt the user to deposit money (step 706). When the user performs a deposit process (step 707), points corresponding to the current print contents, the number of orders, etc. are added to the accumulated points P (step 708). Then, it is determined whether or not the accumulated point P has reached a predetermined set point that is the target of gift giving (step 709).

  If the accumulated point P is equal to or greater than the set point (Yes in Step 709), the accumulated point P, the name of the prize, a photograph of the prize, etc., and the target point number A of the prize are displayed (Step 710). Here, the user is judged whether to receive the gift giving service or to collect points (step 711). For example, the monitor 79 displays a selection type such as the type of prize, the number of points to be awarded for the prize, and the accumulation of points. When giving a free gift (Yes in Step 711), a free gift voucher describing the name of the free gift to be presented is printed out together with a receipt (Step 712). The user can receive a free gift by bringing the free gift voucher to the cash register of the store where the image output apparatus 3 is installed. The image output device 3 subtracts the point number A used in the gift presentation from the cumulative point number P to obtain a new cumulative point number P (step 713).

  The accumulated point number P is stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output apparatus 3 or the customer database of the hard disk 97 in the center server 33 (step 714), and the point / billing process is terminated. When the accumulated points are less than the set point for gift giving (No in Step 709), and when the user desires to accumulate points (No in Step 711), the accumulated points P calculated in Step 708 are used as the customer. The data is stored in the database (step 714), and the point / billing process is terminated.

  As described above, in addition to a method for providing a discount or free gift service by the user collecting points, a method for providing some service every time the image output apparatus 3 is used can be realized. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in the case of providing a service according to the order quantity, which is a second example of the operation of the image output apparatus 3.

  Similar to steps 401 to 404 in the first example of FIG. 4, menu screen display and selection (step 801), image acquisition (step 802), image data processing / editing / combination (step 803), ordering The number of sheets is designated (step 804).

  Next, billing processing is performed (step 805). That is, the billing amount is calculated from the print contents and the number of orders, and displayed on the monitor 79 to prompt the user to deposit, and the user performs a deposit process. When the user deposits the billing amount, the printing process is started and printing is started (step 806).

  In parallel with the printing process, first, the image output apparatus 3 determines whether or not the total order number M has reached a predetermined set number N for providing the service (step 807). If the order number M is equal to or greater than the set number N, the previously set content is provided (step 808). That is, the installer of the image output device 3 selects content from lottery, game, fortune-telling, etc. and provides it to the user. For example, in the case of lottery, a lottery ticket is displayed so that the user can select one lottery.

  When the user executes the content, the execution result is determined (step 809). For example, the determination is based on winning / losing the lottery, winning / losing the game, and fortune-telling. If the result is good (Yes in step 809), cash back, gift giving, etc. are performed (step 810), and the process is terminated. For example, in the case of cash back, a predetermined amount is discharged to the return slot 61, and in the case of gift giving, a gift voucher is printed on a receipt. If the order number M is less than the set number N (No in Step 807), and if the content implementation result is not good (No in Step 809), the process is terminated.

  In the image processing apparatus 3, the installer can set the fee setting, the point granting method, the discount method, the gift type and the presenting method, the content type, the questionnaire content type, the information content provided to the user, and the like. . FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting maintenance processing operation by the installer.

  The image processing apparatus 3 activates this processing program by, for example, pressing the maintenance key 63. This processing program is displayed on the monitor 79 and can be set, for example, interactively. First, the installer is asked whether or not to change the setting (step 901). When the setting is to be changed (Yes in step 901), a print fee setting screen is first displayed on the monitor 79 (step 902). The charge for each print content can be set, and if the print charge is not changed, the change can be selected. When the image output device 3 is installed in a store that is open 24 hours, it is also possible to set the fee to change according to the usage time of the image output device 3. For example, an L size print is set at 50 yen per sheet from 9 am to 5 pm, and 40 yen per sheet from 5 pm to 9 am.

  Next, a setting screen related to points is displayed on the monitor 79 (step 903). For example, the number of initial points at the time of registration and the way of giving points can be set. For example, the initial point is set to 30 points, 1 point for every 50 yen, and 1 point for each ordered sheet. Also, it is possible to select unchanged.

  Next, a discount method setting screen is displayed on the monitor 79 (step 904). For example, 100 points can be set to 100 yen. Further, a premium setting screen is displayed on the monitor 79 (step 905). For example, it is possible to set a ballpoint pen at 100 points, a mobile strap at 500 points, and a stuffed animal at 1000 points. Next, a setting change screen for the content to be provided is further displayed on the monitor 79 (step 906). A content program prepared in advance on a CD-ROM or the like is read into the image output device 3 via the input / output unit 91 so that the installer can select it. Also, the installer can set / change the winning probability such as a lottery and the contents of fortune-telling.

  In addition, a questionnaire content setting screen is displayed (step 907). Select from questionnaire contents prepared in advance. Further, the type and contents of campaign information, advertisement, usage method of the image output apparatus 3 to be provided to the user are selected and set (step 908). The information may be displayed on the monitor 79 of the image output apparatus 3, or may be transmitted to individual customers by e-mail or the like.

  When the setting is not changed in step 901 (No), and following step 908, it is selected whether or not to provide information using e-mail (step 909). When providing information by e-mail (Yes in step 909), the e-mail address registered by the customer is stored in the customer database stored in the hard disk 93 in the image output apparatus 3 or the hard disk 97 in the center server 33. The information set in step 908 is transmitted to this address, and the process ends. On the other hand, if information is not provided by e-mail (No in step 9090), the maintenance process is terminated.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the image output apparatus 3 normally selects a function from a menu screen (step 401), acquires an image (step 402), processes / edits / processes an image (step 403), and orders. Although the process of specifying the number of sheets (step 404), billing process (step 405), and printing (step 406) is performed, the procedure is complicated and time consuming for many users who want to print the same number of actual images of the digital camera as they are. It takes. A processing method for responding to such a request will be described next. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when batch printing is performed.

  First, the image output apparatus 3 detects that the user stands in front of the apparatus by the customer detection sensor 67 (step 1001). If detected (Yes in step 1001), a welcome screen (for example, greeting to the user such as “I welcome you”) is displayed on the monitor 79. In this display, a display for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform batch printing is performed (step 1002). In other words, the user selects whether he wants to print several pieces of image data captured by the digital camera or to process the other print modes.

  When it is desired to select another print mode instead of batch printing (No in step 1002), function selection (step 1005), image acquisition (step 1006), image data Processing of processing / editing / combining (step 1007) and order quantity designation (step 1008) is performed.

  On the other hand, when batch printing is performed (Yes in step 1002), an image in the storage medium is acquired (step 1003). That is, a user inserts a storage medium 11 such as a smart media or a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card) into the media insertion port 43 of the image output apparatus 3 and outputs image data in the storage medium 11 as an image. Capture to device 3.

Next, a screen for designating the number of prints is displayed on the monitor 79, and the user designates the number of prints (step 1004). For example, “This storage medium contains XX pieces of image data. All image data will be printed △ piece by piece.”
The screen is displayed so that the user can embed a number in the Δ part. The order input is thus completed, and billing processing is performed (step 1009). That is, a charge for the number of orders is charged and the user is charged. When the depositing process is completed, a printing process is performed (step 1010), and the process is terminated.

  By performing the process as described above, it is usually easier for the user to place an order than displaying thumbnail images, etc., and performing the order quantity for each image data or for each thumbnail image. Can be done.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible, and these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, a device capable of both discounting according to the number of points and gift giving, and a device having both batch printing and a point management function are possible.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to manage points without issuing a point card to a customer, provide a service to the customer, and further provide an image print system capable of managing customer data and providing information to the customer. Is possible. It is also possible to perform batch printing and provide services to customers according to the number of orders. As a result, it is possible for the user to realize an image output apparatus provided with a sales promotion function, which is advantageous to the user, while being provided to the installer.

Block diagram showing the configuration of the image print system 1 External perspective view of the image output device 3 Hardware configuration diagram of the image output device 3 Flow chart showing a first example of the operation of the image output apparatus 3 The figure which shows an example of the data format of customer data A flowchart showing an example of a flow of point management / billing processing when a fee is discounted based on accumulated points The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the point and charge process in the case of implementing gift giving by accumulated points A flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the image output apparatus 3 Flow chart showing an example of setting maintenance processing operation The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process in the case of performing batch printing

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ......... Image printing system 3 ......... Image processing apparatus 5 ......... Image data reading / writing means 13 ......... Image editing composition means 17 ......... Print means 21 ......... Order content input means 23 ......... Billing means 25 ......... Point management means 27, 35 ......... Customer database 29 ......... Customer service means 31 ......... Maintenance means

Claims (16)

Image input means for inputting image data;
Printing means for printing the image data;
Point granting means for granting points in accordance with the print contents of the printing means to a customer who has requested printing of the image data;
Customer data storage means for storing the points granted by the point grant means as customer data;
And the customer receives a predetermined service according to the data stored in the customer data storage means.   2. The image output according to claim 1, wherein the customer data storage unit is installed in either or both of the image output apparatus and a server connected to the image output apparatus via a communication network. apparatus.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined service is at least one of a discount of a charge amount according to a point amount stored in the customer data storage unit and a gift presentation.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the customer data includes a customer name for identifying a customer and a cumulative number of points.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print content is at least one of a print number, a print type, a fee, and the like.   A questionnaire containing at least one of customer age, gender, occupation, address, e-mail address, reason for using the image output device, type of output, etc., and storing it in the customer data storage means as customer data The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising advertisement means for automatically transmitting information such as advertisements to customers stored in the customer data storage means by e-mail or the like. Image input means for inputting image data;
Printing means for printing the image data;
Counting means for counting the number of printed sheets by the printing means;
Providing means for providing contents such as lottery, game, fortune telling when the number of printed sheets counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number;
And an image output device characterized in that the customer receives a service according to the content implementation result.   9. The image output according to claim 8, wherein the service is at least one of a discount on a billing amount according to an execution result of the content provided by the providing unit, cashback, gift giving, and the like. apparatus.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit that performs charging.   The image output apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the billing unit performs billing calculation by discounting a predetermined amount when a discount of the billing amount occurs.   The image output apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the charging unit changes a printing fee according to a time zone.   9. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a batch order unit for printing the same number of all the image data input by the image input unit.   The image input means is any one of a recording medium reading means for reading the image data from a recording medium, an original reading means for scanning the original to obtain the image data, and an imaging means for obtaining the image data by imaging a subject. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output apparatus is at least one.   A program causing a computer to function as the image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.   A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to function as the image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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