JP2006011855A - User terminal machine and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide diversity in behavior when two-dimensional bar codes or other codes, which are recorded on a prescribed printing medium, are read. <P>SOLUTION: Two-dimensional bar codes, which are recorded on a printing medium and include function codes indicating functions to be started up, are read (S122). The function codes are extracted from the tow-dimensional bar codes (S123), and functions corresponding to the function codes are selected from a plurality of functions and then executed (S130). Version information is extracted from the two-dimensional bar codes thus read, and the version information thus extracted is compared with version information preliminarily stored in a prescribed storage means (S124). When the extracted version information is larger than the preliminarily stored version information, a program is downloaded via a network from a prescribed server and stored in the storage means (S126). The above technology can be applied to IC tag information and electronic watermark information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a user terminal and a program, and more particularly to a user terminal and a program for reading a two-dimensional barcode and other codes recorded on a predetermined print medium.

  Conventionally, when a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark) is printed on paper and the two-dimensional barcode printed on the paper is read, information on the Internet is acquired and displayed. There is a known one (see Patent Document 1).

  For example, advertisement information that introduces product functions and the like is registered in advance on a server on the Internet, and an advertisement medium printed with a two-dimensional barcode is distributed to general users. Here, the two-dimensional barcode is obtained by encoding a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for obtaining advertisement information registered in the server in a predetermined format. When a general user causes a mobile phone to read a two-dimensional barcode, the two-dimensional barcode is decoded by the mobile phone, and the result (URL) is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone. Here, when a general user performs an operation of permitting communication on the mobile phone, the mobile phone accesses the server using the URL displayed on the mobile phone screen, and the advertisement information downloaded from the server is displayed on the mobile phone screen. Is displayed.

By the way, photo prints with printed images taken by the user are fun to see, but if you can provide other ways of enjoying using the network as well as enjoyment of such images, it will be fun. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the development of industry by promoting the use of photographic prints and the use of communications.
JP 2002-118680 A

  In general, the behavior of a mobile phone when the user's mobile phone reads a two-dimensional barcode is constant.

  For example, a first two-dimensional barcode encoded with a URL for accessing the first site on the Internet is printed on one sheet, and the second site on the Internet is printed on another sheet. A second two-dimensional barcode obtained by encoding a URL for accessing is printed. Here, the mobile phone reads the first two-dimensional barcode and the mobile phone accesses the first site, and the mobile phone reads the second two-dimensional barcode and the mobile phone Although the different information is certainly displayed on the mobile phone when accessing the second site, it is the same in that the information provided by each site is displayed, that is, the behavior of the mobile phone is the same. Lacks diversity.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is intended to provide a user terminal capable of providing diversity in behavior when a code recorded on a predetermined print medium is read and a program thereof. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a function code indicating a function to be activated which is a code recorded on a predetermined print medium in a user terminal having a plurality of functions. A reading unit that reads the code, an extraction unit that extracts the function code from the read code, and an activation unit that selects and activates a function corresponding to the function code from the plurality of functions; It has become.

  Here, the code is, for example, a two-dimensional bar code or other bar code, a code recorded on an IC tag, or a code embedded in an image on the print medium with a digital watermark.

  With this configuration, for example, a two-dimensional bar code including a first function code corresponding to the first function is recorded on the first print medium, and a second print medium corresponding to the second function is recorded on the second print medium. By recording a two-dimensional barcode including two function codes, the first function corresponding to the first function code is activated when the two-dimensional barcode of the first print medium is read. Since the second function corresponding to the second function code is activated when the two-dimensional bar code of the second print medium is read, the behavior of the user terminal can be varied. In addition, the user can activate the desired function on the user terminal simply by having the user terminal read the two-dimensional barcode, which eliminates the need for redundant operations and is convenient.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first aspect includes a communication unit that communicates with a predetermined server via a network, and a reproduction unit that reproduces content downloaded from the server. The function code indicates a function for uploading content to the server, the second function code indicates a function for reproducing the content downloaded from the server, and the activation means includes the reading means that reads the first function code. A function corresponding to the second function code when the reading means reads a code including the second function code. Is selected and activated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a communication unit that communicates with a predetermined server via a network, a storage unit that stores content downloaded from the server, and the content is reproduced. And a first function code, when the content is not stored in the storage unit, the content is stored in the storage unit while the communication unit downloads and plays the content from the server. The second function code indicates a function for surely downloading and reproducing the content from the server by the communication means, and the activation means is configured so that the reading means has the function of reproducing the content. When the code including the first function code is read, the first The function corresponding to the function code is selected and activated, and when the reading unit reads the code including the second function code, the function corresponding to the second function code is selected and activated. ing.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the function code includes a function of downloading metadata associated with the content from a server, a function of uploading metadata to the server, and the meta data. It is configured to show one of a function for accessing a site on the network set in data, a function for accessing a predetermined site on the network, and a function for starting an e-mail program.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage means for storing the program and the version information of the program, the reading means for reading the code recorded on the predetermined print medium and including the version information, and the reading Whether the extraction means for extracting the version from the code, the version information extracted by the extraction means and the version information stored in the storage means, and whether a new program indicated by the extracted version information is necessary And a download unit that downloads a program from a predetermined server via a network based on a determination result of the determination unit and stores the program in the storage unit.

  Here, as described in claim 6, for example, the code is a two-dimensional bar code or other bar code, a code recorded on an IC tag, or embedded in an image on the print medium with a digital watermark. Sign.

  With this configuration, for example, when the latest version of the program is required, a two-dimensional barcode including version information indicating the latest version is recorded on the print medium, while when the latest version is not required. By recording a two-dimensional barcode containing version information indicating the oldest version corresponding to the minimum required functions on a print medium, while downloading the latest program when the latest version is required, If an older version is acceptable, unnecessary downloading of the program can be suppressed, and the behavior of the user terminal can be varied. In addition, the user only has to read the two-dimensional barcode on the user terminal, and it is not necessary to confirm how many versions of the current program are, which is convenient.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a program for causing a computer to execute a function selected from a plurality of functions, and includes a function code indicating a function to be activated, which is a code recorded on a predetermined print medium. A program for causing a computer to execute a step of reading a received code, a step of extracting the function code from the read code, and a step of selecting and executing a function corresponding to the function code from the plurality of functions .

  The invention according to claim 8 is a step of reading a code recorded on a predetermined print medium and including version information, a step of extracting the version information from the read code, and the extracted version Comparing the information with the version information stored in the predetermined storage means to determine whether a new program indicated by the extracted version information is necessary, and from the predetermined server to the network based on the determination result A program for causing a computer to execute a step of downloading a program through the storage and storing it in the storage means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to give diversity to the behavior of a user terminal when a code recorded on a predetermined print medium is read.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a service system including mobile phones with cameras (hereinafter simply referred to as “mobile phones”) 30 and 40 and a service server 10 to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a service server 10, a printer 20, mobile phones 30 and 40, a user's personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “PC”) 50, and a CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) server 60 are connected to a network 90. The service system is configured.

  The service server 10 communicates with the printer 20, the mobile phones 30 and 40, and the PC 50 through the network 90, print service for creating a photo print according to the user's order, registration information (digital content, hereinafter referred to as “print target image”) Registration service for storing the content for a predetermined period, and other various services.

  The printer 20 creates a photo print 26 as shown in FIG. 2 according to the instruction information of the service server 10. A two-dimensional barcode 27 called a QR code (registered trademark) is printed on the photographic print 26 together with an image 28 to be printed.

  The mobile phones 30 and 40 can shoot a subject. In addition, the mobile phones 30 and 40 capture and decode the two-dimensional barcode, and access the service server 10 through the network 90 based on the decoding result. In FIG. 1, only the first mobile phone 30, the second mobile phone 40, and the PC 50 are shown, but a large number of user terminals are actually connected to the network 90.

  The CTI server 60 is a server for providing a service in which an information processing function of a computer and a communication function of a telephone exchange are integrated. In the present embodiment, it is used to upload and download sound information (a type of content) using the call function of the mobile phones 30 and 40.

  It should be noted that uploading of contents from the mobile phones 30 and 40 and downloading of content to the mobile phones 30 and 40 are performed by the mobile phones 30 and 40 using the service server 10 as a destination, and the CTI server 60 as a destination. There is a mode to be performed.

  Further, for convenience of explanation, the first mobile phone 40 and the PC 50 are uploading user terminals that are owned by an ordering user of a print service or a registration service, and the second mobile phone 30 is It is assumed that this is a user terminal for downloading that is requested by the user to whom the photo print is distributed and that downloads content. This is done for the convenience of the following description. Actually, when the ordering user possesses a photo print, the ordering user's mobile phone 40 can receive the content download from the service server 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific internal configuration of the service server 10. In FIG. 3, the service server 10 mainly includes a communication unit 11 that communicates with the printer 20, the mobile phones 30 and 40, the PC 50, and the CTI server 60 through the network 90, a control unit 12 that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a registration. An information database 13, a metadata database 14, a charging information database 15, and a template database 16 are included. Each database 13 to 16 does not need to be built in the housing of the service server 10, and may be installed remotely from the service server 10 and connected to the service server 10 through the network 90 in FIG.

  The communication unit 11 communicates with a device connected to the network 90. The communication unit 11 can communicate with the mobile phones 30 and 40 and the PC 50 by HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

  The registration information database 13 manages sound information, moving images, still images, text information, vector graphics multimedia contents, and other contents to be downloaded to the mobile phone 30 as registration information. The image itself to be printed is also registered in the registration information database 13 as one piece of registration information. The registration information is uploaded and registered to the service server 10 from the ordering user's mobile phone 40 or PC 50 when ordering the print service, and the service server 10 from the ordering user's mobile phone 40 or PC 50 after ordering the print service. Uploaded and registered, and inputted and prepared on the server 10 side.

  In some cases, the call function of the mobile phone 40 may be used to upload and register from the mobile phone 40 to the CTI server 60.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific internal configuration of the mobile phones 30 and 40. In FIG. 3, mobile phones 30 and 40 mainly include a camera 341, a microphone 342, a speaker 343, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 344, an operation panel 345, a position detection unit 346, a wireless communication unit 347, a nonvolatile memory 348, and A control unit 349 is included.

  The camera 341 is used not only for photographing a subject but also for reading a two-dimensional barcode. The microphone 342 is used for inputting sound information, which is one of contents, in addition to being used for calls. The speaker 343 is used not only for calling but also for outputting sound information that is one of contents. The liquid crystal display 344 is used not only for displaying captured images, displaying e-mails, and displaying various operation screens, but also for outputting text information, moving image information, and other contents. The operation panel 345 is used for inputting telephone numbers and e-mail contents, and also for inputting text information that is one of the contents. The position detection unit 346 detects the current positions of the mobile phones 30 and 40 using GPS (Global Positioning System). The wireless communication unit 347 communicates with other mobile phones via a base station (not shown), and communicates with the service server 10, the CTI server 60, and other communication devices on the network 90.

  The nonvolatile memory 348 stores an application program that reads a two-dimensional barcode and activates a function corresponding to the two-dimensional barcode. Further, the nonvolatile memory 348 stores content and metadata received from the service server 10. The non-volatile memory 348 stores a version of the application program and a function code table shown in FIG.

  The control unit 349 executes a program and controls each unit of the mobile phones 30 and 40.

  In addition, the control unit 349 separates and extracts the identification information ID for identifying the content, the function code indicating the function to be activated, and the version of the application program from the read two-dimensional barcode.

  Further, the control unit 349 selects and activates a function corresponding to the function code from among a plurality of functions of the mobile phones 30 and 40. In addition, the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode is compared with the version stored in the nonvolatile memory 348, and it is determined whether a new application program indicated by the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode is necessary. Based on the determination result, the application program is downloaded from the service server 10 via the network 90 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 348.

  The reading means in the present invention is mainly configured by the camera 341 and the control unit 349, and the extraction means, activation means, and determination means in the present invention are mainly configured by the control unit 349, and the communication means in the present invention is mainly configured by the wireless communication unit 347. The reproducing means in the present invention is mainly composed of the speaker 343 and the LCD 344, the storing means in the present invention is mainly composed of the nonvolatile memory 348, and the downloading means in the present invention is mainly composed of the wireless communication unit 347 and the control unit 349. It is configured.

  Next, various functions of the mobile phones 30 and 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 5, first, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 301 for inputting content. Specifically, there are image capturing using the camera 341, sound information input using the microphone 342, text information input using the operation panel 345, and the like. Secondly, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 302 for uploading content to the service server 10. Thirdly, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 303 for downloading content from the service server 10. Fourth, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 304 for playing back content. Fifth, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 305 for uploading metadata related to each content to the service server 10. Sixth, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 306 for downloading metadata related to each content from the service server 10. The metadata includes, for example, reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of content (including the number of reproduction effective times, reproduction expiration date, and other reproduction condition information), and update control information for controlling the update of content (next update date and time, (Including other update condition information) and access methods to related sites. Seventh, the mobile phones 30 and 40 have a function 307 for accessing a predetermined site. Eighth, it has a function 308 for accessing a related site set in the metadata (specifically, a server (not shown) connected to the network 90 in FIG. 1). Ninth, an electronic mail function 309 is provided.

  The mobile phones 30 and 40 also have a function 311 for uploading sound information to the CTI server 60 and a function 312 for downloading sound information from the CTI server 60 using the call function.

  Note that the functions of the mobile phones 30 and 40 introduced using FIG. 5 are merely examples, and have various functions other than these. For example, there are a Web browser function, a bookmark management function, a telephone call function, a telephone directory management function, a schedule management function, a game function, and the like.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of original information encoded into a two-dimensional barcode. In FIG. 6, first, the original information 270 includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) 2701. For example, in the case of a function for accessing the service server 10 (for example, content upload 302 and download 303, metadata upload 305 and download 306), the identification information (http) of the communication protocol and the domain name of the service server 10 are URL include. Second, the original information 270 includes identification information ID. Here, the identification information ID identifies the content. Third, the original information 270 includes a function code 2703. Here, the function code 2703 identifies a function activated by the mobile phones 30 and 40 when the two-dimensional barcode is read into the mobile phones 30 and 40. Note that not only one function is activated by one function code 2703, but a series of functions may be activated successively by one function code 2703. For example, the content input function 301 and the content upload function 302 may be performed in succession. For example, the content download function 303 and the content playback function 304 may be performed in succession. Fourth, the original information 270 includes a version 2704. Here, the version 2704 corresponds to the version of the application program activated on the mobile phones 30 and 40. For example, if the version 2704 is “2.0”, it indicates that an application program with a version of “2.0” or higher is necessary.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a function code table 3480 stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 348. In FIG. 7, the function code “f1” indicates a “scratch pad priority content playback” function. That is, it shows a function of reproducing the content when the desired content is stored in the scratch pad, and downloading the content from the service server 10 when the content is not stored. The scratch pad is a storage area provided in the nonvolatile memory 348. The function code “f2” indicates a “playback-required content playback” function. In other words, this indicates a function of always downloading and playing back content from the service server 10 when playing back desired content. The function code “f3” indicates a “content update” function. That is, the function of uploading content to the service server 10 is shown. The function code “f4” indicates a “metadata acquisition” function. That is, it shows a function of downloading metadata managed in association with each content from the service server 10. The function code “f5” indicates a “metadata update” function. That is, it shows a function of uploading metadata to be managed in association with each content to the service server 10. The function code “f6” indicates a function for accessing a predetermined specific site. The function code “f7” indicates a function for accessing the related site set in the metadata. The function code “f8” indicates a function for starting the e-mail program.

  Next, the flow of service processing will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 8, the ordering user first takes a picture of the subject using the mobile phone 40 (S101).

  Note that the sound information input by the mobile phone 40 can be added to the still image to be printed, and the text information input by the mobile phone 40 can be added to the still image to be printed. It is also possible to extract a still image to be printed from a moving image with sound recorded by the mobile phone 40.

  Next, the ordering user performs a print service ordering operation using the mobile phone 40 (S102).

  Here, the print service is a service for creating a photo print in which an image is printed on a predetermined print medium. Specifically, a still image to be printed is selected from a plurality of still images obtained by photographing, and the size and number of photo prints are input as necessary. It also specifies the method for delivering photo prints. For example, when the print ordering user goes directly to a specific delivery location such as a photo shop and receives it, the delivery location is designated. For example, when a delivery destination is designated and delivery is requested by mail or courier, the delivery destination is designated. In this case, the photograph is packaged and delivered to a desired distribution destination. The postcard can also request that the postcard itself be delivered to a desired distribution destination.

  Further, the ordering user performs an ordering operation for the registration service using the mobile phone 40 (S103).

  Here, the registration service registers an image to be printed or content related to the image (sound information, text information, moving image, still image, other registration information) in the registration information database 13 and stores it for a predetermined period. It is a service that performs. For example, when a still image obtained by photographing is a print target, it is possible to request registration of the still image and sound information and text information added to the still image. In addition, when a still image extracted from a moving image is a print target, the still image, a moving image from which the still image is extracted, sound information recorded at the same time as the moving image, and text input after shooting the moving image It is possible to request that information be registered as registration information. As will be described later, such registration information is downloaded to the mobile phone 30 of the user to whom the photo print is distributed. In addition to uploading and registering the registration information to the service server 10, the registration information is obtained by selecting desired template information from a plurality of template information registered in advance in the template database 16, and adding the selected template information. Only link information may be registered. For example, when vector graphics multimedia content such as Flash (trademark) created in advance is selected, link information to the selected multimedia content is registered.

  Further, the ordering user designates a function as required (S104).

  For example, a photo print that activates the content (registration information) playback function is created on the mobile phone 30 that has read the two-dimensional barcode, or the content (registration information) update function on the mobile phone 30 that has read the two-dimensional barcode Specifies whether to create a photo print that activates.

  The function specifying operation may be performed simultaneously with the print number specifying operation. For example, when creating a photo print for content playback and a photo print for content update, specify how many photo prints for content playback and how many photo prints for content update should be created. Let

  When the print ordering user performs a predetermined transmission operation on the mobile phone 40, order information is uploaded from the mobile phone 40 to the service server 10 via the network 90 (S105). Here, the order information includes an image to be printed, registration information (sound information, text information, moving image, etc.), function designation information, and photo print delivery information.

  Further, the case of uploading from the mobile phone 40 to the service server 10 has been described as an example, but the digital camera (not shown) is used for shooting (S101), and a recording medium on which the shot image is recorded is attached to the PC 50. The print service order operation (S102), the registration service order operation (S103), the function designation operation (S104), and the order information upload to the service server 10 (S105) may be performed by the PC 50.

  Note that the registration information can be uploaded after the image to be printed is uploaded, even if the image to be printed is not simultaneously uploaded.

  Upon receiving the order information upload, the service server 10 issues an identification information ID corresponding to each image to be printed (S111). This identification information ID is used for identifying an image to be printed and for identifying registration information (content) downloaded to the mobile phone 30 of the user to whom the photo print is distributed. This identification information may correspond to the content on a one-to-one basis, or may correspond to a plurality of contents in which one identification information is grouped.

  Next, the service server 10 generates access information necessary for the cellular phone 30 to which the photo print is distributed to acquire registration information from the service server 10 via the network 90 (S112).

  Here, the access information corresponds to the original information shown in FIG. 6. The URL 2701, the identification information ID 2702, the function code 2703, and the version 2704, which are components of the access information, are set based on the function designation information. Is done. For example, when the function code is “f1” (scratch pad priority content playback) shown in FIG. 7, it corresponds to the URL necessary to access the service server 10 that is the content distribution source and the content to be downloaded. The access information is composed of the identification information ID to be performed, the function code “f1”, and the version of the application program necessary for reproducing the content. Also, when the function code is “f2” (contents that must be downloaded) shown in FIG. 7, the URL necessary for accessing the service server 10 and the content to be downloaded are the same as in the case of “f1”. The access information is composed of the identification information ID corresponding to, the function code “f2”, and the version of the application program necessary for reproducing the content. When the function code is “f3” (content update) shown in FIG. 7, the URL necessary for accessing the service server 10 that is the upload destination of the content, the identification information ID corresponding to the content to be uploaded, and The access information is constituted by the function code “f3” and the version of the application program necessary for uploading the content. Further, when the function code is “f5” (specific site access) shown in FIG. 7, the URL necessary for accessing the specific site, the function code “f5”, and the specific site are accessed. The access information is configured according to the version of the application program required for the application. In “f5”, since the identification information ID is not necessary, it is set to null. When the function code is “f6” (related site access) shown in FIG. 7, the URL indicating the metadata acquisition method, the content identification information ID associated with the metadata, and the function code “ f6 "and the version of the application program necessary for accessing the related site constitute access information.

  By the way, in the function of reproducing the content such as “f1” and “f2”, a relatively large version of the application may be required depending on the content to be reproduced, but on the specific site like “f6”. A relatively small initial version of an application program is often sufficient for functions that are only accessed.

  Next, the service server 10 registers the order information such as registration information, function designation information, and delivery information uploaded from the mobile phone 40 or the PC 50 in the database in association with the identification information ID (S113). Here, the registration information is managed by the registration information database 13.

  Next, an image to be printed and access information are transmitted from the service server 10 to the printer 20 (S114), and a photographic print 26 is created by the printer 20 (S115). Here, the access information is printed as a two-dimensional barcode 27 on the same print medium together with the image 28 to be printed.

  Next, the service server 10 performs an accounting process (S116). The charging is classified into charging for a print service (a service for creating a photo print 26 on which an image to be printed is printed) and charging for a registration service (a service for storing registration information).

  For the ordering user who requested only the print service, only the print service billing process is performed. Specifically, the charge varies depending on the type of photo print (normal size, post card, etc.) and the number of copies, whether or not delivery is performed by mail or courier.

  For the ordering user who has requested the registration service together with the print service, a billing process for the registration service is performed in addition to the billing process for the print service. Specifically, the charge is different between the case where only the content reproduction photo print is created based on the function designation information and the case where the content update photo print is also created.

  Next, the flow of processing when the cellular phone reads the two-dimensional barcode on the photo print and activates the function corresponding to the two-dimensional barcode will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a photo print 26a (hereinafter simply referred to as “reproduction photo print”) 26a on which a two-dimensional barcode 27a for activating a content replay function that is essential for download will be described. When a predetermined application program is activated on the cellular phone 30 of the user to whom the reproduction photo print is distributed (S121) and the two-dimensional barcode 27a of the “photo reproduction for reproduction” 26a is read (S122), the portable The telephone 30 extracts the identification information ID, the function code “f2”, and the version from the read two-dimensional barcode 27a (S123). Next, version determination is performed (S124). Specifically, the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode 27a is compared with the version stored in the nonvolatile memory 348 of the mobile phone 30, and the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode 27a is stored in the nonvolatile memory 348. When the version is equal to or lower than the stored version (for example, when the extracted version is “1.0” and the stored version is “2.0”), it is determined that the version is appropriate. Next, a function corresponding to the function code “f2” extracted from the two-dimensional barcode 27a is determined based on the function code table 3480 of FIG. 7 (S130). Here, since the function code is “f2” (contents that must be downloaded), the content is requested from the service server 10 (S131), the content is received from the service server 10 (S132), and the content is reproduced. (S133).

  A photo print (hereinafter referred to as “update photo print”) 26b on which a two-dimensional barcode 27b for starting the content update function is printed will be described. A predetermined application program is activated on the mobile phone 40 of the user (in this case, the ordering user) who possesses the update photo print 26b (S151), and the two-dimensional barcode 27b of the “update photo print” 26b. Is read by the mobile phone 40 (S152), the mobile phone 40 extracts the identification information ID, the function code “f3”, and the version from the read two-dimensional barcode 27b (S153). Next, version determination is performed (S154). Here, when the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode 27b is equal to or lower than the version stored in the nonvolatile memory 348 (for example, the extracted version is “1.0” and the stored version is “2.0”). If it exists, it is determined that the version is appropriate, and then a function is determined (S160). Here, since the function code is “f3” (content update), when content is input through the mobile phone 40 (S162), the content is uploaded to the service server 10 (S163).

  Thereafter, a predetermined application program is started on the mobile phone 30 of the user to whom the “reproduction photo print” 26a is distributed (S171), and the two-dimensional barcode 27a of the “reproduction photo print” 26a is sent to the mobile phone 30. (S172), the mobile phone 30 extracts the identification information ID, the function code “f2”, and the version from the read two-dimensional barcode 27a (S173), and determines the version (S174). ), A function is determined (S180). Here, since the function code is “f2” (content download requiring download), the content is requested from the service server 10 (S181), and the updated content is received from the service server 10 (S182). The updated content is played back (S183).

  Next, FIG. 10 shows a summary of the flow of processing by the application program in the mobile phones 30 and 40. Each step of this process is executed by the control unit 349 of the mobile phones 30 and 40 according to the application program.

  In FIG. 10, when the application program is activated (S121) and the two-dimensional barcode is read (S122), the identification information ID, the function code, and the version are separated and extracted from the read two-dimensional barcode. (S123).

  Next, the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode is compared with the version stored in the nonvolatile memory 348 of the mobile phones 30 and 40 (S124), and the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode is the nonvolatile memory 348. If the version is larger than the version stored in, the service server 10 is requested for an application program corresponding to the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode (S125), and an appropriate application program is received from the service server 10. The data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 348 of the mobile phones 30 and 40 (S126), and the application program is restarted (S127).

  On the other hand, if the version extracted from the two-dimensional barcode is equal to or lower than the version stored in the nonvolatile memory 348, it is determined that the version is appropriate, and then the function extracted from the two-dimensional barcode Based on the code and the function code table 3480 of FIG. 7, a function to be activated is selected (S130).

  When the function code is “f2” (content download requiring download), the service server 10 is requested for content and metadata corresponding to the identification information ID (S131), and the identification information ID is received from the service server 10. The content and metadata corresponding to are received and stored in the scratchpad of the nonvolatile memory 348 (S132), and the content is reproduced (S133).

  If the function code is “f1” (scratch pad priority content playback), it is determined whether or not the content corresponding to the identification information ID is stored in the scratch pad of the nonvolatile memory 348 (S141). If not stored, the content corresponding to the identification information ID is requested to the service server 10 (S131), and the content and metadata corresponding to the identification information ID are received from the service server 10 and are nonvolatile. The contents are stored in the scratch pad of the memory 348 (S132), and the content is reproduced (S133). On the other hand, if the content corresponding to the identification information ID is stored in the scratchpad of the nonvolatile memory 348, the content is reproduced without requesting the content to the service server 10 (S133).

  When the function code is “f3” (content update), a display prompting the input of content is performed (S161). When the content is input (S162), the input content is sent to the service server 10. To upload (S163).

  In addition, when the function code is other than “f1”, “f2”, and “f3”, a function corresponding to each function code based on the function code extracted from the two-dimensional barcode and the function code table 3480. Is executed (S190).

  In the above description, the case where one two-dimensional barcode 27 is printed on one photographic print 26 as shown in FIG. 2 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is shown in FIG. As described above, a plurality of two-dimensional barcodes 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d may be printed on one photo print 26.

  In FIG. 11, the first two-dimensional barcode 27a is read by the mobile phone when the sound information reproduction function is activated, and the second two-dimensional barcode 27b is activated when the sound information upload function is activated. To be read by the mobile phone, the third two-dimensional barcode 27c is to be read by the mobile phone when starting a function to access a specific site, and the fourth two-dimensional barcode 27d is When the function to access is activated, it is read by the mobile phone.

  When creating a photo print on which a plurality of types of two-dimensional barcodes are printed as shown in FIG. 11, for example, in the step of performing a service order operation (S102 to S104 in FIG. 8), the ordering user can A desired function is selected from the functions.

  For example, a sound information input / upload function and a sound information download / playback function are selected. As a result, a multi-function photo print capable of inputting and uploading sound information and downloading and reproducing sound information is created. Also, for example, a sound information download and playback function, a specific site access function, a related site access function, and a mailer function are selected. Then, although the sound information cannot be uploaded, a multi-function photo print capable of starting the download and reproduction of sound information, access to a specific site, access to related sites, and a mailer function is created.

  In the above description, the case where a two-dimensional barcode is recorded on the photographic print 26 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the original information 270 of FIG. 6 is written on the IC tag formed on the paper. A code may be recorded on the print medium. In this case, the printer 20 is provided with a wireless writing unit for wirelessly writing information on an IC tag (also referred to as RFID: Radio Frequency Identification). In addition, the mobile phone is provided with wireless reading means for reading information from the IC tag wirelessly. Further, it may be recorded by being embedded as digital watermark information in the image 28 of the photographic print 26. In this case, the mobile phone has a function of reading digital watermark information.

  Further, the user terminal is not limited to a mobile phone, but may use a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) or other communication terminal.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated in the drawings and the examples described as the embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention may be implemented with appropriate design changes and improvements according to the gist of the present invention.

Overall configuration diagram of a system including a mobile phone to which the present invention is applied Figure showing an example of a photo print Block diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the server The block diagram which shows the example of the specific internal structure of the mobile telephone to which this invention is applied. Explanatory drawing used to explain various functions of mobile phones Explanatory drawing used to explain an example of original information of a two-dimensional barcode The figure which shows the example of the function code table which manages the correspondence of the function code and the function to start 1st explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the whole flow of a service process Second explanatory diagram showing an outline of the overall flow of service processing A flowchart showing an outline of the flow of processing in a mobile phone Figure showing another example of photo print

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Service server, 11 ... Service server communication part, 12 ... Service server control part, 13 ... Registration information database, 14 ... Metadata database, 15 ... Billing information database, 16 ... Template database, 20 ... Printer, 26 ... Photo print, 27 ... 2D barcode, 28 ... Image to be printed, 30, 40 ... Mobile phone, 50 ... Personal computer (PC), 60 ... CTI server, 90 ... Network, 270 ... Original information of 2D barcode 341, a mobile phone camera, 342, a mobile phone microphone, 343, a mobile phone speaker, 344, a mobile phone liquid crystal display (LCD), 345, a mobile phone operation panel, 347, a mobile phone wireless communication unit, 348: Non-volatile memory of mobile phone, 349: Control of mobile phone Department, 3480 ... function code table

Claims (8)

In user terminals having multiple functions,
Reading means for reading a code recorded on a predetermined print medium and including a function code indicating a function to be activated;
Extraction means for extracting the function code from the read code;
An activation means for selecting and activating a function corresponding to the function code from the plurality of functions;
A user terminal comprising: A communication means for communicating with a predetermined server via a network;
Playback means for playing back the content downloaded from the server,
The first function code indicates a function of uploading content to the server, the second function code indicates a function of reproducing the content downloaded from the server,
The activation means selects and activates a function corresponding to the first function code when the reading means reads a code including the first function code, and the reading means activates the second function code. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein when a code including the code is read, a function corresponding to the second function code is selected and activated. A communication means for communicating with a predetermined server via a network;
Storage means for storing content downloaded from the server;
Playing means for playing the content,
When the content is not stored in the storage unit, the first function code is downloaded when the communication unit downloads the content from the server and plays it, while the content is stored in the storage unit. A function for reproducing content is indicated, and the second function code indicates a function for surely downloading and reproducing content from the server by the communication means,
The activation means selects and activates a function corresponding to the first function code when the reading means reads a code including the first function code, and the reading means activates the second function code. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein when a code including the code is read, a function corresponding to the second function code is selected and activated.   The function code includes a function for downloading metadata associated with the content from a server, a function for uploading metadata to the server, a function for accessing a site on the network set in the metadata, The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal has one of a function of accessing a predetermined site and a function of starting an e-mail program. Storage means for storing a program and version information of the program;
Reading means for reading a code recorded on a predetermined print medium and including version information;
Extraction means for extracting the version information from the read code;
A determination unit that compares the version information extracted by the extraction unit with the version information stored in the storage unit, and determines whether a new program indicated by the extracted version information is necessary;
A download unit that downloads a program from a predetermined server via a network based on a determination result of the determination unit and stores the program in the storage unit;
A user terminal comprising:   The code according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the code is a two-dimensional bar code or other bar code, a code recorded on an IC tag, or a code embedded in an image on the print medium with a digital watermark. User terminal. A program for causing a computer to execute a function selected from a plurality of functions,
Reading a code recorded on a predetermined print medium and including a function code indicating a function to be activated;
Extracting the function code from the read code;
Selecting and executing a function corresponding to the function code from the plurality of functions;
A program that causes a computer to execute. Reading a code recorded on a predetermined print medium and including version information;
Extracting the version information from the read code;
Comparing the extracted version information with the version information stored in a predetermined storage means to determine whether a new program indicated by the extracted version information is necessary;
Downloading a program from a predetermined server via a network based on the determination result and storing the program in the storage unit;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

Images